Training your border collie to come when called is an essential skill for any responsible dog owner. Border collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that need regular exercise and stimulation to be happy and healthy. A well-trained recall is not only important for your dog’s safety but also allows you to enjoy off-leash activities with your furry friend. However, teaching your border collie to come when called requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
In this article, we will provide some helpful tips and techniques to help you train your border collie to come when called, so you can both enjoy your time together off-leash.
Note: For a complete training, we highly recommend this SpiritDog Online Training Course “Coming When Called”.
1. Start with a Strong Foundation
Before you begin training your border collie to come when called, it’s crucial to establish a strong bond with your pet. Spend time playing with your dog, engaging in activities they enjoy, and providing positive reinforcement through praise and treats. Building trust and a strong connection with your border collie will make them more likely to respond positively to your commands.
2. Choose a Distinct Command Word
Select a specific word or phrase for the recall command, such as “come” or “here.” Ensure that the command is distinct from other commands you use and that all family members use the same word consistently. Consistency is critical to avoid confusing your border collie and ensuring that they understand what you expect from them.
3. Begin Training Your Border Collie in a Controlled Environment
Start training your border collie to come when called in a controlled, distraction-free environment like your home or a fenced yard. In the early stages of training, it’s essential to minimize distractions to help your dog focus on learning the new command. As your dog becomes more reliable in responding to the recall command, gradually introduce distractions and practice in various environments.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement with Your Border Collie
When training your border collie to come when called, always use positive reinforcement techniques. Reward your pup with praise, treats, or playtime when they respond to your recall command. This will help create a positive association with the command and motivate your dog to respond consistently. Remember to be patient and consistent in your training, as it may take time for your dog to master the recall command.
If you’re using treats, these are currently the most popular training treats on Amazon.
5. Gradually Increase Distance and Distractions
As your border collie becomes more reliable in responding to the recall command in a controlled environment, begin to increase the distance between you and your dog during training sessions. Practice calling your dog from various distances and gradually introduce distractions, such as other dogs, people, or toys. This will help your dog learn to respond to the command even in challenging situations.
Related: Looking for the fastest way to train your border collie to come when called? Try this video course.
6. Make Yourself Interesting and Rewarding to Your Border Collie
To encourage your border collie to come when called, make yourself more appealing and rewarding to your dog. Use an enthusiastic, high-pitched voice when calling your dog, and reward them with a treat or praise when they respond. You can also try running away from your dog when calling them, as this can entice your dog to chase after you and respond to the recall command.
7. Never Punish Your Border Collie for Coming When Called
It’s essential to avoid punishing your border collie if they do not immediately respond to the recall command or if they come to you slowly. Punishing your dog can create a negative association with the command and make them less likely to respond in the future. Instead, be patient and continue to practice and reinforce the command using positive reinforcement techniques.
8. Practice the Recall Command Regularly with Your Border Collie
Consistent practice is crucial for training your border collie to come when called. Incorporate recall training into your dog’s daily routine, and practice the command in various environments and situations. This will help reinforce the behavior and make it more reliable over time.
9. Use a Long Training Leash on Your Border Collie
When transitioning from a controlled environment to a more open space, consider using a long training leash to maintain control over your border collie while they learn to respond to the recall command. This will help you avoid losing control of your dog and provide a safety measure as you gradually increase the distance and distractions during training sessions.
This is the most popular long training leash on Amazon.
10. Be Patient and Persistent with Your Border Collie
Training your border collie to come when called takes time, patience, and persistence. Some dogs may learn the command quickly, while others may require more time and consistent practice. Be patient with your dog and maintain a positive attitude during training sessions. Remember that every dog is unique, and the key to success is consistent practice and positive reinforcement.
11. Use a Professional Online Border Collie Training Course
While this article provides many helpful tips for training your border collie, you can increase your chances of success by enlisting the help of a professional online dog trainer. We love the SpiritDog online courses, since its includes unlimited questions with a real dog trainer.
You can check out their Teach Your Border Collie to Come Online Course Here
In conclusion, training your border collie to come when called is an essential skill that requires time, patience, and consistency. By using positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding your dog with treats and praise, you can effectively teach your border collie to come back to you when called. Remember to practice regularly and in a controlled environment, gradually increasing the distractions and distance as your dog improves. With the right training and practice, you can enjoy the freedom of off-leash activities with your border collie while ensuring their safety and happiness. So, start training your border collie today and enjoy the benefits of a well-trained recall!
More Frequently Asked Questions For Training Your Border Collie
Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Training your border collie is essential to help them develop good behavior and manners. However, as a responsible owner, you may have some questions regarding the training process. In this article, we will address the three most frequently asked questions about training your border collie.
1. How Do I Stop My Border Collie From Herding Other Dogs?
Border Collies are bred to herd and can exhibit this behavior towards other dogs, which can lead to aggression and conflict. To prevent this behavior, it is essential to socialize your border collie from an early age. Socialization involves introducing your border collie to other dogs and teaching them appropriate behavior around other animals.
Training your border collie to focus on you and not on other dogs is also crucial. You can achieve this by using positive reinforcement training, such as rewarding your dog with treats and praise when they follow your commands. Teaching your border collie to come when called is also essential in preventing them from herding other dogs. A well-trained recall allows you to call your dog back to you when they start to exhibit herding behavior.
If your border collie continues to exhibit herding behavior towards other dogs despite training and socialization, it is essential to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help identify the root cause of the behavior and develop a training plan to address it.
2. How Do I Teach My Border Collie To Walk On A Leash Without Pulling?
Teaching your border collie to walk on a leash without pulling requires consistency and patience. The first step is to use a properly fitting collar or harness and leash. A front-clip harness or a head halter can also be helpful in preventing your dog from pulling.
Start by teaching your border collie to walk beside you without pulling. Use positive reinforcement training, such as rewarding your dog with treats and praise when they walk beside you without pulling. If your dog starts to pull, stop walking and wait for them to return to your side before continuing.
Gradually increase the duration and distance of your walks, always rewarding your dog for good behavior. If your dog starts to pull, stop and wait for them to return to your side before continuing. Consistency is key in teaching your border collie to walk on a leash without pulling.
3. How Do I Stop My Border Collie From Barking Excessively?
Border Collies are intelligent and vocal dogs that can bark excessively if they are not properly trained. Excessive barking can be caused by boredom, anxiety, or territorial behavior. To prevent excessive barking, it is essential to identify the root cause of the behavior.
If your border collie barks excessively due to boredom, providing them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help. Interactive toys, such as puzzle toys and balls, can keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated.
If your border collie barks excessively due to anxiety or territorial behavior, it is essential to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help identify the root cause of the behavior and develop a training plan to address it.
Using positive reinforcement training, such as rewarding your dog with treats and praise when they stop barking, can also be helpful in preventing excessive barking. Consistency and patience are key in training your border collie to stop barking excessively.
4. What’s the best online course for teaching a border collie to come when called? At iHeartDogs, we recommend the SpiritDog online course “Coming When Called.” The course includes unlimited questions with a real dog trainer.
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