How to Train Border Collies to Herd Without Sheep

Border Collies are great herding dogs when trained properly. Before you begin training there are a few things you need to do. Most importantly, you need to gain the dog's respect. He's not going to listen to you if he does not respect you. Also, make sure you understand all of the command words and know when to use them. Make sure you have plenty of time to put aside for the training, and you're ready to begin. If you don't have any sheep yet, you can use ducks to begin the basic training.

Things You'll Need

  • Five ducks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce the dog to the ducks by letting him loose in the field. Stand near the ducks to make sure he is aware that you are there with him, as a team. Encourage him to run around outside the group of ducks, not through the middle. Say "walk up" every time you want him to approach the ducks. Repeat this process once a week until he appears to be calmed down and used to the ducks.

    • 2

      Speak the words "no" or "get back out" every time he gets too close to the ducks, or pushes them into you. If he starts to nip at the ducks, scold him immediately by yelling "no." Tell him to "sit" and "lie down" to get him to stop. Continue until he follows every command.

    • 3

      Walk towards the ducks to make them change direction. Say "come by me" to tell him to go clockwise around the ducks. Speak "away to me" to tell him to herd the ducks clockwise. Say "steady" when he appears to be herding the ducks in the correct direction at a good pace.

    • 4

      Let a duck or two loose behind him. Speak "Look Back" to train him to look behind him for more ducks. When he rounds that duck up and gets it back into the group, say "That'll do" which should always signal that you are done. Offer treats at the end of every training session.