Medium breed · Popularity #30
Border Collie Training
The Border Collie is widely considered the most intelligent dog breed, a workaholic herder that lives to think and move. It learns cues faster than almost any other dog and excels at agility, obedience, herding, and complex trick chains. That brilliance demands enormous physical and mental work—hours daily—or the Border Collie becomes obsessive, reactive, and destructive, fixating on shadows, movement, or chasing. It is a sensitive breed that thrives on reward-based training and a close working partnership. Not a casual pet, but for a dedicated, active owner, the Border Collie is an extraordinary, endlessly capable, and devoted companion.
Trainability
Energy
Barking
- daily exercise
- ~120 min
- size
- Medium
- guides
- 30
Temperament
BrilliantEnergeticTenaciousResponsive
Common training challenges
Obsessive herdingOver-arousalReactivityDestructive boredom
8 guides
Obedience
How to Leash Train a Border CollieTeaching calm, polite walking without pulling on the leash.BeginnerHow to Train a Border Collie to Come When CalledA reliable recall is the most important safety skill you can teach.IntermediateHow to Teach a Border Collie to SitThe foundational obedience cue every dog should learn first.BeginnerHow to Teach a Border Collie to StayBuilding duration, distance, and distraction control with the stay cue.BeginnerHow to Teach a Border Collie to Leave ItImpulse control around food, objects, and hazards.IntermediateHow to Teach a Border Collie to HeelPrecision loose-leash walking in the heel position.IntermediateHow to Teach a Border Collie to Lie DownThe down cue as a building block for settle and impulse control.BeginnerHow to Teach a Border Collie the Place CommandSending your dog to a mat or bed and holding a relaxed stay.Intermediate
6 guides
Puppy
How to Potty Train a Border Collie PuppyA step-by-step house-training routine for reliable results.BeginnerHow to Crate Train a Border CollieMaking the crate a safe, calm den your dog chooses willingly.BeginnerHow to Stop a Border Collie Puppy From BitingCurbing nipping and teaching gentle bite inhibition.BeginnerHow to Socialize a Border Collie PuppyBuilding confidence during the critical socialization window.BeginnerHow to Stop a Border Collie Puppy From Crying at NightSettling a new puppy for peaceful, uninterrupted nights.BeginnerThe Ideal Training Schedule for a Border Collie PuppyA daily routine balancing training, play, rest, and potty breaks.Beginner
10 guides
Behavior
How to Stop a Border Collie From BarkingIdentifying triggers and reducing excessive or nuisance barking.IntermediateHow to Treat Separation Anxiety in a Border CollieA gradual desensitization plan for dogs that panic when left alone.AdvancedHow to Stop a Border Collie From Chewing EverythingManaging destructive chewing and teaching appropriate outlets.BeginnerHow to Stop a Border Collie From Jumping on PeopleTeaching polite greetings instead of jumping up.BeginnerHow to Handle Aggression in a Border CollieUnderstanding and safely managing aggressive behavior.AdvancedHow to Fix Leash Reactivity in a Border CollieReducing lunging and barking at dogs or people on walks.AdvancedHow to Stop a Border Collie From DiggingRedirecting the urge to dig into acceptable outlets.IntermediateHow to Stop Resource Guarding in a Border CollieSafely resolving guarding of food, toys, and spaces.AdvancedHow to Help a Border Collie Overcome Fear of StrangersBuilding confidence in a shy or fearful dog around new people.AdvancedHow to Stop a Border Collie From Counter SurfingKeeping paws off counters and food off the menu.Intermediate
6 guides
Advanced
How to Train a Border Collie to Be Off LeashDeveloping the reliability needed for safe off-leash freedom.AdvancedHow to Clicker Train a Border CollieUsing marker-based training for fast, precise communication.IntermediateHow to Teach a Border Collie TricksFun trick training from shake and roll over to advanced chains.IntermediateHow to Start Agility Training With a Border CollieIntroducing your dog to agility equipment and courses.AdvancedHow to Prepare a Border Collie for the Canine Good Citizen TestPassing the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, step by step.IntermediateAdvanced Obedience Training for a Border CollieProofing advanced obedience under real-world distractions.Advanced