Training Border Collie Mix

[Myah]

I'm picking up a Border Collie/Sheltie mix from the Humane Society this weekend. She's two years old and is pretty playful but Susie looks like she might have a problem with focusing on something other than play. Can anyone offer me any training tips for her?

 

[Dagna]

Obedience classes. Border Collies are very active and energetic and VERY smart. Only way to really handle them is to train them and keep them thinking. Give them a job to do. Obendience classes are a good way to start, and walks/runs and play time every day. I would also recommend investing in a crate or baby gate if you work out of the home. Nothing better than to come home to your couch eaten because your dog got bored


Now, don't get me wrong, I love border collies, but they are so active, that's why many people get rid of them. They don't realize that these dogs were bred to herd and still maintain quite a bit of their instincts. After standard training, maybe you could do agility or flyball. Something to keep her and that little brain of hers working. Good luck!

 

[lucypevensie]

I wholeheartedly second the above advice.

Not only is obedience training very beneficial it's also tons of FUN!

 

[Myah]

Luckily, I have a huge fenced in yard and two shelties that she could play with, both of whom are extremely playful and good natured. And..a dog door, so she could go outside anytime she wants. The only problem is, the only place around here that does do obedience training does not allow the owner to be involved, and previous experience with training one of my dogs tells me that it's best that the owner do the actual handling.
Thanks for your advice!!!

 

[Dagna]

Well it's great that you have two other dogs, and with two shelties, I'm sure you're experienced with high-energy dogs. That's too bad that the trainer actually thinks a dog can be trained without the owner. Training seems to be more for the owner than for the dog sometimes! Is there a Petsmart near you? They have obedience classes, and while they aren't the best, they aren't the worst either.

 

[BeanMak]

I agree with you that the owner should be involved! My dog and I had a great time with classes. Our park district had classes, both puppy and dog training. Try the community college in your area, they might have classes.

 

[Myah]

The nearest Petsmart unfortunately is two hours away, and the community college doesn't offer any classes. I already checked. I went to the Humane Society and since I hadn't made any arrangements for them to hold her, she was adopted by what they tell me was a very nice family. My father went with me, and we found an absolute darling. She's pure mutt, but we think because of her fur and face that she has some Cocker Spaniel in her as well as maybe a collie breed. She's a sweetie. My other Shelties are still getting used to her and adjusting, but from the looks of it, everything is going well. Thanks for everyone's help!!

 

[lucypevensie]

Aw, that's too bad there's not a class nearby. maybe you could just get a few obedience training books and you could do the exercises on your own?

 

[Myah]

I've obedience trained dogs before, my mother used to train police dogs and I learned from her. I didn't know if Border Collies, since they are so known for being intelligent and active AND needing a job to do would have to be handled differently.

 

[lucypevensie]

I think all dogs have basic canine instincts including the pack mentality with its dominant members and its non-dominant members. I think you can establish that YOU are the leader of the pack with the basics of obedience training. Learning sit, stay, come, heel on leash, and off leash without running away. All dogs should master those basics. Beyond that the sky's the limit. Though I have no experience with it myself I think agility training looks like a lot of fun. Borders are excellent agility dogs.