19 Top Border Collie Commands
Are you struggling to train your Border Collie with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come?
Do you find yourself repeating commands over and over, with little progress? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone!
Many Border Collie owners struggle to train their dogs effectively, but with the right techniques and a little patience, you can turn your pup into a well-behaved and obedient companion.
In this blog post, we’ll share tips and tricks for mastering Border Collie commands and building a better relationship with your furry friend.
Border Collie Commands
Here are some basic and advanced border collie commands you should know:
1. Rollover
The entertaining skill of teaching your Border Collie to roll over also has practical applications for grooming and vet visits.
First, have your dog lie down. Next, softly slide a treat from in front of their nose to their shoulder while holding it there.
Their body should roll over naturally after the treats.
Say “roll over” and give them the goodie and lots of praise once they are on their back.
Continue this procedure a few times, progressively increasing the pressure required to cause them to roll over.
2. Go to bed
When it’s time for bed or you need your Border Collie to stay put, teaching them to go to their bed or crate will come in handy.
Put a reward on their bed or in their crate and say, “Go to bed,” to start.
Give them the treat and praise when they go to the bed or kennel.
Many times through this procedure, gradually widen your distance from the bed or box before issuing the instruction.
3. Heel
For walks and other activities, teaching your Border Collie to heel is helpful since it keeps them in check and focused.
The first step is to fasten a leash to your dog’s collar while holding the leash in your left hand.
Once you begin to move, keep your dog by your left side while holding a treat in your right hand.
Say “heel” and use the reward to nudge them back to your side when they start to pull or walk ahead of you.
While they are strolling gently with you, treat them and give them praise.
Continue this procedure numerous times, extending the walk’s duration and distance.
4. Quiet
Given that Border Collies are noisy by nature, educating them to remain quiet can be quite helpful.
Wait for your dog to bark before saying “Quiet” and pointing a reward in their direction.
Give them food and praise as soon as they stop barking.
By gradually extending the time between barks before issuing the command, repeat this practice numerous times.
While this command can take some time to master, be patient and consistent.
5. Leave it
It’s crucial to teach your Border Collie to “leave it” in order to keep them safe and stop them from ingesting anything poisonous or hazardous.
Put a treat in your closed hand to begin, then present it to your dog. Close your hand and say, “Leave it,” if they try to grab it.
When your dog quits attempting to grab the treat, wait a short while before rewarding them with alternative treats and lots of praise.
Continue this practice a few times, using various treats or objects to gradually raise the amount of temptation.
6. Off
For reasons of hygiene and safety, it’s crucial to teach your Border Collie to get off of furniture and other items.
Start by directing your dog off the item they are currently on while saying “off.”
As soon as they start moving, commend them and give them something tasty.
Be consistent in using the command each time you want your dog to get off anything by repeating this procedure a few times.
Eliminate treats gradually and put more of an emphasis on verbal commands and appreciation.
7. Wait
When you need your Border Collie to wait while you open a door or prepare their meal, or in other instances where you require them to remain motionless for a brief period of time, teaching them to wait is a beneficial command.
As soon as your dog is sitting or lying down, say “wait” while holding a goodie in front of their nose.
Reward your dog with the goodie if they remain in the same position when you step back.
Reward your dog each time they succeed while gradually extending the wait command’s range and time.
8. Stand
When you need your Border Collie to remain still for grooming, doctor appointments, or other situations, teaching him to stand is a handy command.
Your dog should first be sitting before you hold a reward in front of their nose and gradually move it away from them.
Your dog ought to naturally rise up as they follow the treat. Say “stand” as soon as they are up and then give them the treat.
Continue this technique a few times, phasing out the reward use and emphasizing the vocal instruction more each time.
9. Drop it
It’s crucial to teach your Border Collie to drop anything it has in its mouth, especially if they have a tendency to pick up and chew on inappropriate objects.
When your dog picks up the ball or toy during a game of fetch, hold a reward in front of their nose and command them to “drop it.”
Give them the goodie and lots of praise as soon as they drop the item.
Once your dog has mastered the command, repeat this process several times, and then progressively increase the level of distraction by introducing other toys or things.
10. Down
It’s comparable to teaching your Border Collie to sit to teach them to lie down.
Your dog should first be sitting before you hold a reward in front of their nose and gently lower it to the floor.
Your dog should naturally lower their body to the ground as they pursue the treat.
Say “down” and give them the treat as soon as they are lying down.
Continue this technique a few times, phasing out the reward use and emphasizing the vocal instruction more each time.
11. Come
It’s crucial to teach your Border Collie to come to you as a safety and convenience command.
Begin by enthusiastically calling your dog by name before saying “Come.” Give your dog a treat and lots of praise when they come to you.
As you call your dog to come, gradually widen the space between you and them.
Also, be sure to practice this command in both indoor and outdoor settings so that your Border Collie will hear you wherever you are.
12. Stay
The “stay” command can be practiced once your Border Collie has acquired the “sit” command.
Have your dog sit first, then extend your hand in front of them and command them to “stay.”
Step back, and if your dog is still sitting when you return, give them a treat.
Increase the distance between you and your dog and the period that the “stay” order is in effect gradually, praising them when they succeed.
Simply say “no” and nudge your dog back into a sitting position if they begin to stand up or move.
13. Sit
One of the easiest and most fundamental commands you can teach your Border Collie is to sit.
Hold a goodie in front of your dog’s nose and then raise it above their head to get them interested.
They should naturally lower their hindquarters to the ground as they pursue the treat with their heads.
Say the word “sit” and give them the treat as soon as they are seated.
Continue this technique a few times, phasing out the reward use and emphasizing the vocal instruction more each time.
With time and practice, your Border Collie should obey the command to “sit” without any goodie or incentives.
14. Touch
To encourage your Border Collie to touch its nose to a specific object, such as your hand or a target stick, you must use the “touch” command.
Start by bringing a reward close to your dog’s nose while holding it in your hand.
Say “touch” and give them the goodie as soon as they contact their nose to your palm.
Continue doing this until they comprehend what “touch” means and are able to touch on demand.
15. Crawl
To get your Border Collie to crawl on their tummy, use the command “crawl.”
Your dog should first lie down before you hold a goodie close to your dog’s nose and gradually move it toward its feet.
Say “crawl” as they begin to advance while rewarding and praising them.
Continue this technique until they comprehend what “crawl” implies and are able to do so on demand.
16. Shake
You may get your Border Collie to raise their paw and shake your hand by saying the command “shake.”
To begin, place a goodie close to your dog’s paw while holding it in your closed fist.
Say “shake” and give them the treat when they lift their paw during their attempt to obtain the treat.
Continue this technique until they are able to shake on demand and comprehend what “shake” means.
16. Take it
You may get your Border Collie to take something out of your hand, like a toy or treat, by saying the word “take it.”
Start by saying, “Take it,” while you extend the object to your dog while holding it in your hand.
As soon as they take the item, give them praise and a reward.
Continue this procedure until they comprehend what “take it” means and are able to take an item from your hand when directed.
17. Speak
Your Border Collie will bark when you give the command “speak.” To begin, place a goodie in front of your dog’s nose while yelling “speak.”
When they begin to bark, encourage and reward them. Continue doing this until they comprehend what “talk” implies and can bark at your command.
18. Spin
To get your Border Collie to spin in a circle, use the “spin” command.
To begin, move a treat in a circular motion while holding it in front of your dog’s nose.
Say “spin,” give them a reward, and compliment them as they spin after the treat.
Continue this movement until they are able to spin at will and comprehend what “spin” implies.
19. Find it
The “find it” command is used to get your Border Collie to search for a hidden object or treat.
Start by hiding a treat in a visible location, saying “find it” and encouraging your dog to search for it.
As they find the treat, reward and praise them.
Gradually increase the difficulty of the hiding spot and always reward and praise your dog for finding the hidden object.
Learn more about how to tire out a border collie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some basic commands that every Border Collie should know?
Border Collies are highly trainable so they can learn a wide range of commands.
Some basic commands that every Border Collie should know include sit, stay, come, heel, and down.
Can Border Collies learn more advanced commands?
Yes, Border Collies are very intelligent and can learn more advanced commands such as roll-over, speak, and shake.
What is the best way to train a Border Collie to follow commands?
Positive reinforcement is key when training a Border Collie. Use treats, praise, and playtime to reward good behavior and encourage obedience.
Learn more about border Collie behavior concerns.
How many commands can a Border Collie learn?
Border Collies can learn a large number of commands, but it is important not to overwhelm your dog with too many commands at once.
Start with basic commands and gradually introduce more advanced ones as your dog becomes proficient in following them.
Can Border Collies be trained for specific tasks?
Yes, Border Collies are often used for herding and can be trained to do specific tasks, such as rounding up livestock or finding lost objects.
How long does it typically take to train a Border Collie to follow commands?
The length of time it takes to train a Border Collie to follow commands can vary depending on the dog and the complexity of the commands being taught.
However, with consistent training and positive reinforcement, most Border Collies can learn basic commands within a few weeks to a few months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Border Collies are incredibly intelligent and trainable dogs, making them the perfect companions for those who are willing to put in the time and effort required to train them properly.
With consistent practice and patience, your Border Collie can learn a variety of commands to make your life easier and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
So if you’re considering welcoming a Border Collie into your home, know that with dedication and love, your furry companion can become a well-behaved and obedient member of your family.
Start working with your dog today and enjoy the rewards of a strong and loyal bond!
