Tricks to Teach My Border Collie

Border collies are considered to be one of the smartest and most teachable breeds of dogs. They originate from the border of England and Scotland, hence the name, and were bred to herd livestock. In addition to being intelligent, they are also quick and agile. They are considered a working breed of dog, which means if they don't have something to do they can become bored and destructive. Teach your border collie a few tricks that can help him burn off some of that energy, and will help keep him from becoming destructive.

  1. Fetching a Flying Disc

    • Prepare a soft flying disc that you can throw to your dog. Take your border collie to a wide area where he is permitted to run freely without any hassle. Make your dog sit in front of you. Allow him to smell the disc, but do not allow him to have it. As soon as you have caught the border collie's interest, give the command "fetch" in a firm tone and then throw the disc into the air. When your border collie fetches the disc, praise him and then encourage him to bring it back to you. Give him a treat and more praise when he brings it back to you. Repeat this several times until he understands how to play disc catch with you.

    Kisses

    • Put a small portion of wet dog food on your cheek and then sit in front of your border collie. Allow your collie to lick your cheek while you say the command "kiss." Praise your collie and do it several more times. Then try it again without the wet dog food on your cheek. Praise him and give him a treat when he follows your order.

    Jumping Through a Hoop

    • Before you teach your collie to jump through a hoop, let him first familiarize himself with it by smelling it. Take the collie with you to a playground and give the hoop to somebody and have them hold it for you. The hoop should not be elevated while the collie is still learning. Guide your dog through the hoop, and when he goes through, praise him and give him a treat. Repeat this several times. Hold the hoop a little bit higher and then guide the collie through it again. Repeat the process while increasing the elevation of the hoop. Reward the collie with a treat for a job well done.

    Playing Hide and Seek

    • Teach your border collie to play hide and seek by letting him sit while you hide somewhere close by. Call your dog by his name and see if he can locate you. If he is able to find you, praise him and give him a treat. Repeat the process several times until he understands the game, then hide in a place that is a little farther away. Call for your collie to locate you. If he is having a difficult time finding you, use your voice to guide him. Give him a treat when he is able to find you.