Border Collies are one of the most popular breeds of dog around. They are adorable and can make for excellent companions. But it is imperative to make sure that they are properly trained, particularly at a younger age.

If you are looking for tips for Border Collie house training, then look no further. Here are some of the things you need to do—and to avoid—when it comes to training your Border Collie.

What are Some Border Collie Potty Training Problems?

There are a few potential issues to avoid when it comes to Border Collie house training. The first is mistaking their playfulness for being dominant or aggressive. It can be easy to confuse the two. Try to take the time to figure out whether they are indeed being playful or if they are barking or growling because they are trying to assert dominance.

On the other hand, since Border Collies were meant to be herding dogs, they will sometimes try to herd you. Simply direct them elsewhere as they are only following their natural instincts. Negative reinforcement is not necessary here.

Make sure that you are consistent. This is a good tip for any dog. Consistency is crucial when it comes to training your Border Collie. Some owners might forget to follow up or even come up with different rules, making it difficult for the dog to know when they should or shouldn’t be doing something. Stay consistent.

Finally, make sure that if you are going to scold your Border Collie, you do it in the moment. If they have made a mess in the house but you don’t get to it until hours after, they aren’t going to know why you are yelling at them. Try to catch it in the moment so they can associate the scolding with the act.

How to Potty Train a Border Collie?

The process of potty training a Border Collie depends on where you live. For those who have a house or access to outside easily, find a designated potty spot (more on that later). For apartment dwellers, using puppy pads may be the best route to go.

The goal is to create a designated spot for them to go. Even if you have a full yard, don’t let them go anywhere. Create a spot so that they can become associated with not only that spot, but the fact that they are supposed to go outside (or on the puppy pad). For some stubborn pups, a foldaway pen might be the best idea because it constricts them to a specific space.

You must also watch the signs. Being alert is necessary when training any dog, let alone a Border Collie. You can even try taking them out every 30 minutes or so and having them become familiar with where they will need to go.

Should you notice that they are lifting or cocking a leg, that is the most obvious sign. Consistent sniffing in an area can be a visible sign as well. But to be safe, take them out frequently in order to establish the connection with the outdoors.

How to Discipline a Border Collie?

It is important to remember that you need to treat your Border Collie with compassion. Don’t be harsh as it could ultimately have a negative impact on their behavior over the long run and cause more harm than good.

One of the best ways to discipline a Border Collie is to take on positive reinforcement. Pet parents should reinforce positive behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. Reward them consistently for their good behavior. Before long, they will not only associate that behavior with a positive response but will lean towards that action as well.

When they are behaving badly, try redirecting them. Instead of yelling, gently direct them somewhere else (in the case of potty behavior) or to another area. In the instance of biting, replacing your hand with a toy can be a great way to stop biting from a puppy.

For Border Collies, trying to remain calm is key. It can be all too easy to let your temper and frustration get the best of you, leading to a yelling match. But all this does is strain the relationship between owner and dog. Too much shouting can make them anxious, withdrawn, and less comfortable overall when in your presence. Try to use a calm demeanor when disciplining them.

Time outs can also be helpful, but don’t overdo them. Border Collies are both social and active, partially due to their herding instincts. They love to be around people, pets, toys, and just about anything that will keep them company.

Time outs can be used to iron out some of the bad behavior that they might be displaying. If anything, try to limit them and keep it to three to five minutes at the most. And as in the case of disciplining, try to get to them as soon as the infraction has happened. The more time between the act and the discipline, the lesser the association they will have with what you are trying to do.

There are plenty of ways in which to discipline your Border Collie. Finding that balance can be tough at first, but before long, you will be able to police them without becoming frightening or alienating.

Conclusion

As you can see, training your Border Collie doesn’t have to be the most complicated of endeavors. There are a few basic tips—as well as a few basic mistakes to avoid—that can help make the process smoother and easier.

Before long, your Border Collie will know what commands to follow and how to behave when in your home. From there, you can get down to enjoying your time with your pup knowing they are properly trained.