Borders are one of the smartest breed’s hands-down and they learn very quickly. These dogs are very difficult for the average person to train. Their intelligence is not the issue the dog trainer is the issue.

Before training can be successful, you the dog owner need to have the right mindset. First, realize that you are the leader. This sounds simple but for some the cute puppy that makes a funny face is hard to get past.

These dogs are so intelligent that they can actually manipulate you to do what they want you to do. Some can be very willful and dominant – the Alpha dog – it takes an owner and dog trainer that understands the concept of “Being the Leader” in your dog’s life to make dog obedience training successful.

Dog training is an art one that requires some discipline from the dog owner to accomplish and can be realized by any owner. Obedience training is not something that you can do occasionally for a couple of days then pick back up in a month, but rather needs to be consistent to be successful.

Although you may have several family members in your household, there can be only one leader for your dog. All too often, everyone in the family wants to put in their time and become involved in the dog obedience training process. This will only confuse and frustrate the dog. After a lesson has been thoroughly learned it is perfectly acceptable for family members to put the dog through the paces.

Border collie’s are very sensitive dogs and a harsh correction may make them freeze and shut down – for instance, he/she may roll over on their back or pay close attention to something else besides you. On the other hand, they may also get even more anxious and speed up, which will cause more miscues. You need to be firm and consistent with them because they will try to get away with as much as they can while dog training.

Being Firm does not imply harshness. As your dog’s primary goal is to please you, firmness means simply that when a command is given and understood, obedience is the expected result. There must be no dallying or hesitation on the part of the trainer, no “he almost got it” or compromises. As the best reward method is your affection, your dog must learn there will be no reward if he shirks his obedience but rather a firm talking to instead.

A frequently misunderstood method of reward for a successful dog obedience-training lesson is giving your dog a small treat for successfully completing a command. It is fine to give your dog a treat for a job well done but it should never be the primary method. Food works when your dog is hungry and wants a treat but if your dog loses his appetite or decides the treat is no longer of interest then there is no reason to execute a command.

The most frustrating part about obedience training for a Border is their hypersensitivity to the slightest sound or movement you make. They try to anticipate what you want them to do and guess at what comes next. Trying to get them to actually stand still and wait for the actual command is challenging to say the least. The best type of dog obedience training for the Borders is motivational with lots of affection and playtime.

One note worth considering…Border’s respond well to a clicker. A clicker is a small hand held devise that well…clicks. During obedience training as you, say a command use the clicker at the same time. The sound will get your dogs attention helping to reinforce the lesson. As each lesson becomes firmly understood and obeyed, you can stop using the clicker.

In addition, another love of Border Collies is tricks. They love learning new things and can be taught some great stunts like playing dead or rolling over – anything so they can show off. It appeals to the clown in them. By understanding the breed and exercising some patience’s, dog obedience training for Border’s will make you aware of the true meaning of “Man’s Best Friend.”