Are you trying to find out how to train a Border Collie? You've come to the right place!

Easily one of most intelligent dog breeds, Border Collies are the ultimate working dogs with extraordinary instincts. Like most working breeds, they need to have jobs. They seek purpose in life by doing work. Workless dogs will always try to find something to stimulate their bodies and minds and if you don't give them something productive, that might mean that they become rowdy and destructive.

Border Collies are very active dogs and they can work tirelessly. Apartment living is not suitable for them because they need wide spaces to run and chase. If you have them as pets and you leave in an urban location, you must give them their daily dose of physical and mental stimulation through training, play, and exercise like hanging out in parks playing fetch and Frisbee.

These dogs have strong herding instincts. They are supreme sheep herders. This herding instinct is actually a watered-down predatory instinct present in all canines. Wild canines, such as wolves, have these same instincts only the results are fatal because they are herding in order to kill and eat their prey in the end.

When Border Collies were developed, the killing part of the instinct was 'bred out'. But as owners, you must respect the origins of this trait. Old instincts may unfortunately come out and your dog may threaten your livestock. This is why training and socialization is important for this breed.

This herding instinct, if too strong, may become a threat to households with little children. Sadly, the kids will only be perceived by Border Collies as sheep. There is a risk that the dogs may act aggressively towards little kids. The only way to prevent this is to socialize them early with children and train the dogs to learn that the children are more dominant than them.

Border Collies tend to be very attached to their masters. They will try to please their masters as long as they see their masters as the pack leader. It is very important to be firm and consistent with Border Collies. Positive reinforcement has been proven to be very effective. Train them with praise and restrain from shouting because they are quite sensitive.

Border Collies may go through a phase where they constantly challenge their master's authority. During this phase, they may become stubborn and too willful, much like an adolescent human. Just stay consistent and protect your position as the pack leader.

They just love to chase. That is why it is always imperative to tell children not to run because Border Collies might 'herd' them. They tend to nip their owners to lead them. Some may consider this behavior aggressive but actually, it is just an instinct telling them to herd the running animals. Their nipping intentions are not to harm but to lead to a certain direction.

Border Collies are amazing escape artists. They will always find resourceful ways to get out of the fenced yard. With their innate strength and agility, they are able to jump over barriers with relative ease.

Overall, these dogs are perfect for people on farms especially those with livestock. If you train appropriately, they will be a huge help. Their companionship is worthwhile and they will do anything just to serve their masters.