Top 10 Tricks Every Border Collie Owner Should Try at Least Once

Welcome to a world where you can strengthen your bond with your Border Collie through fun and engaging activities! Border Collies are known for their intelligence, energy, and herding instincts. These traits make them perfect candidates for learning new tricks. In this article, we will explore ten tricks that every Border Collie owner should try at least once. Each section will include detailed steps, highlight how Border Collies’ unique traits benefit from these activities, mention necessary training supplies, and provide tips for successful training sessions.

1. Fetch

The classic game of fetch is a great way to exercise your Border Collie’s mind and body. It also provides an opportunity for bonding between you and your dog.

• Steps:
  1. Start by getting your Border Collie excited about the toy. Toss it a short distance away and encourage them to retrieve it.
  2. Once they bring the toy back, praise them and offer a treat as a reward.
  3. Gradually increase the distance of the throw as your dog becomes more comfortable with the game.
• Border Collies’ Traits: Their natural herding instinct makes them eager to chase and retrieve objects.
• Necessary Supplies: A sturdy ball or toy that is appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing habits.
• Tips: Keep the sessions short and fun. If your Border Collie seems tired or disinterested, end the session and try again later.

2. Sit

This basic command is essential for any dog but especially beneficial for Border Collies who may have a tendency to be overly active.

• Steps:
  1. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly move it upwards towards their forehead, causing their head to follow the treat.
  2. As your dog looks up, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground. Say “sit” as their bottom touches the ground.
  3. Praise and give the treat when they sit.
• Border Collies’ Traits: They are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement.
• Necessary Supplies: Treats that your Border Collie enjoys.
• Tips: Practice in a quiet environment without distractions until your dog masters the command.

3. Shake Hands

This trick not only impresses guests but also strengthens the connection between you and your Border Collie.

• Steps:
  1. Ask your Border Collie to sit.
  2. Hold a treat in front of their nose and slowly move it towards their paw.
  3. As your dog lifts their paw, say “shake” and give them the treat.
  4. Repeat several times until your dog understands the command.
• Border Collies’ Traits: Their high level of intelligence helps them quickly learn new commands.
• Necessary Supplies: Treats and a quiet space free from distractions.
• Tips: Be patient and consistent with your commands. Praise your dog immediately after they successfully shake hands.

4. Spin

Teaching your Border Collie to spin can be both entertaining and mentally stimulating.

• Steps:
  1. Ask your Border Collie to sit.
  2. Show them a treat and move it in a circular motion above their head, encouraging them to follow the treat with their eyes and nose.
  3. As your dog turns around, say “spin” and give them the treat.
  4. Repeat until your dog associates the word “spin” with turning around.
• Border Collies’ Traits: Their playful nature makes them enjoy games like this one.
• Necessary Supplies: Treats and a quiet area.
• Tips: Use a high-value treat to maintain your dog’s interest during training.

5. Roll Over

This trick requires patience and persistence but can be very rewarding when mastered.

• Steps:
  1. Ask your Border Collie to lie down.
  2. Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it towards their shoulder, guiding them to roll onto their side.
  3. Continue moving the treat along their body until they are fully rolled over.
  4. Say “roll over” as they complete the action and give them the treat.
• Border Collies’ Traits: Their flexibility and willingness to please make them good candidates for this trick.
• Necessary Supplies: Treats and a soft surface for your dog to lie on.
• Tips: Break the process into smaller steps if needed. Reward each step of progress to keep your dog motivated.

6. Play Dead

This trick can add humor and excitement to your interactions with your Border Collie.

• Steps:
  1. Ask your Border Collie to lie down.
  2. Give them a treat and gently pat them on the chest, saying “play dead.”
  3. Wait a few seconds before praising and giving another treat.
  4. Practice until your dog remains still for longer periods when given the command.
• Border Collies’ Traits: Their ability to focus and follow commands allows them to perform this trick effectively.
• Necessary Supplies: Treats and a quiet space.
• Tips: Use a calm and gentle voice when giving the command. Avoid startling your dog.

7. High Five

This trick adds an element of fun and interaction between you and your Border Collie.

• Steps:
  1. Ask your Border Collie to sit.
  2. Hold a treat in your hand and raise it slightly above your dog’s head, prompting them to lift their paw.
  3. When your dog touches your hand with their paw, say “high five” and give them the treat.
  4. Repeat until your dog understands the command.
• Border Collies’ Traits: Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners.
• Necessary Supplies: Treats and a quiet area.
• Tips: Keep sessions short and positive. End on a successful note to reinforce the behavior.

8. Hide and Seek

This game taps into your Border Collie’s natural hunting instincts and provides mental stimulation.

• Steps:
  1. Choose a safe place to hide.
  2. Call your Border Collie’s name and encourage them to find you.
  3. Once they locate you, praise and reward them with a treat.
  4. Vary the hiding spots to keep the game interesting.
• Border Collies’ Traits: Their keen sense of smell and herding instincts make them excellent at finding hidden items.
• Necessary Supplies: Treats and a secure environment for hiding.
• Tips: Start with easy hiding spots and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog becomes better at the game.

9. Speak

This trick can be amusing and helps establish communication between you and your Border Collie.

• Steps:
  1. Wait for your Border Collie to bark naturally.
  2. As soon as they bark, say “speak” and give them a treat.
  3. Repeat this process until your dog associates the word “speak” with barking.
  4. Gradually reduce the treats while maintaining verbal praise.
• Border Collies’ Traits: Their vocalization abilities allow them to easily learn this trick.
• Necessary Supplies: Treats and a quiet space.
• Tips: Be patient and avoid scolding your dog if they don’t bark immediately. Positive reinforcement works best.

10. Jump Through Hoops

This trick showcases your Border Collie’s agility and can be a crowd-pleaser at dog shows or parties.

• Steps:
  1. Start by teaching your Border Collie to jump over low obstacles like a small stool.
  2. Once they are comfortable jumping over objects, introduce a hoop.
  3. Encourage your dog to walk through the hoop by holding a treat inside and guiding them through.
  4. Gradually raise the height of the hoop and teach your dog to jump through it.
• Border Collies’ Traits: Their athleticism and desire to please make them adept at this trick.
• Necessary Supplies: A hoop or similar object and treats.
• Tips: Use positive reinforcement and plenty of encouragement throughout the training process.

Remember, each Border Collie is unique, so adapt these suggestions based on your dog’s individual personality and needs. With time, patience, and consistency, you’ll see significant improvements in your Border Collie’s behavior and bond with them. Enjoy these activities together and celebrate every small victory along the way!