Breed-specific training tips

Bred on the Scottish-English borders for herding sheep across vast, challenging terrain. That required dogs capable of working independently for hours, making split-second decisions about livestock movement, and maintaining intense focus regardless of weather or distraction. The famous "eye" — that intense, unblinking stare — was bred specifically for controlling sheep through pressure and movement.

Two distinct types exist: working lines (bred from active farm dogs, extremely high drive, relentless stamina) and show lines (bred for appearance, somewhat calmer but still high energy). Working-bred Border Collies are among the most demanding dogs to own — they weren't designed as pets and many struggle in non-working homes without appropriate outlets.

Widely considered the most intelligent dog breed, but that intelligence was engineered for independent problem-solving with livestock, not obedience or companionship. They're thinking dogs who need convincing reasons to cooperate and can become destructive, obsessive, or reactive when under-stimulated.

Built for all-day work covering enormous distances. A gentle walk around the block is effectively meaningless to a Border Collie's exercise needs.

Brilliant, tireless, and intense. That intelligence becomes a problem when there's no job to channel it into. Border Collies are not beginner dogs — they're working athletes requiring experienced, committed handling.

Adolescence (six to eighteen months): Herding behaviours often intensify — chasing cars, bicycles, joggers, children. Recall deteriorates around movement. Reactivity toward dogs or people may emerge. Obsessive behaviours can develop — ball fixation, shadow chasing, light chasing. Noise sensitivity often increases.

Exercise requirements: Working lines often need 3+ hours daily combining physical work and mental challenge. Show lines need 2–3 hours minimum. For most Border Collies, this isn't really negotiable — under-exercised dogs are at high risk of developing serious behavioural problems. Running, agility, herding, scent work, and advanced training provide appropriate outlets. Walks alone are insufficient.

Mental stimulation essential: They need jobs. Without structured work, they'll create their own — usually obsessive behaviours like herding shadows, chasing reflections, or fixating on balls. Trick training, puzzle toys, and scent games provide some mental work but can't replace proper physical exercise.

Herding instinct management: Chasing moving objects is genetic. Children running, cars passing, cyclists riding all trigger herding drive. Management and training from puppyhood reduces but doesn't eliminate this behaviour. Some Border Collies cannot live safely with young children due to herding intensity.

Noise sensitivity: Relatively common in this breed. Thunder, fireworks, sirens, and household noises can cause significant anxiety. Early, positive exposure helps but doesn't guarantee immunity.

Separation anxiety: Not breed-defining but relatively common, particularly in dogs who've had constant company or insufficient independence training. Prevention must start day one.

Obsessive behaviours: Ball obsession, shadow chasing, light chasing, and tail chasing can develop in under-stimulated or over-aroused Border Collies. Prevention through appropriate exercise and avoiding repetitive ball throwing is easier than treatment.

Socialisation critical: Without early, positive exposure to dogs, people, and environments, Border Collies can become fearful, reactive, or defensive. Their intensity and focus make socialisation particularly important.

Grooming: Moderate. Regular brushing required, particularly during seasonal shedding. Working dogs may need more frequent maintenance.

My approach: Foundation training during eight to twenty weeks helps channel hereditary herding drive into appropriate outlets and significantly reduces the risk of obsessive patterns and reactivity before they establish. I use their intelligence and work ethic through play-based problem-solving and impulse control games. For teenage Border Collies showing regression, my Terrible Teens programme addresses recall, arousal management, and herding behaviour redirection. Book a free fifteen-minute call to discuss honestly whether a Border Collie suits your lifestyle — most families significantly underestimate their needs.