How To Train A Collie

The key in answering the question of how to train a Collie needs to include the words “positive reinforcement training”.

Any trainer, breeder or owner that has worked with Collies in the past knows that reinforcing what the dog does right is the fastest way to get your Collie on board with your training program.

Any trainer or so called dog expert that indicates any type of reactive or punishment based training methods when you ask how to train a Collie needs to be ignored as they simply don’t know the breed.

How To Train A Collie Using Positive Training Techniques

Positive reinforcement training is similar to how you teach children or adults and focuses on the correct behaviors. In other words this type of training gives praise and a tangible reward, usually attention or small food treats, when the dog does the right thing.

The reason this is so effective in how to train a Collie is because of the breed’s inherent desire for human interaction. Even though they can be independent and somewhat stubborn at times, they crave your attention, praise and interaction.

Capitalizing on this with training methods that work with the temperament of the breed ensure a happy, well socialized, trusting and well behaved dog.

There are some differences in how to train a Collie using positive reinforcement techniques based on what your dog enjoys. Generally all Collies love verbal praise and pat on the head or a rub behind the ears for a job well done.

Other Collies respond ecstatically to a squeaky toy or a small food treat, so the first step is to find out what motivates your dog the most. This is not your choice; it is what the dog finds as the strongest reward. Most Collies will find a combination of a good rub and a bit of food a terrific reward.

Rewards As Positive Reinforcer

With the reward ready, which acts as the reinforcer, call your dog or puppy over and give the desired command. Immediately when he or she responds give the “Good dog” praise and then as quickly as possible provide the reward.

Always pair the reward with verbal praise, that way your dog knows the second you speak that he or she is on the right track. If the dog loves a toy, provide time to play, maybe toss it for the dog or interact with the dog with the toy for a minute or two.

Repeat the command and the reward as the dog does the right thing. Keep in mind when deciding how to train a Collie using positive rewards that repetition of the same command is not going to be effective. Break up the time between giving the command to prevent the dog from becoming bored or tuning you out.

Always use the same language, tone of voice and cues with the dog when you are training using positive reinforcement. This allows the dog to clearly understand what you are asking and be able to perform the correct action.

In deciding what commands to use it is less about the actual words in how to train a Collie and more about being consistent. If other people are involved in training they also have to use the same words and provide the same immediate verbal and physical reinforcement.

Prepared For More Advanced Commands

Once the Collie is consistently doing the correct action with the specific command you don’t have to always provide the tangible reward. Start phasing out the physical reinforcement such as the treat, pat or toy but continue with the verbal praise.

In learning how to train a Collie experienced trainers indicate that verbal recognition for a job well done is essential to this very sensitive breed. This is also true for much more advanced commands that will build on the simple behaviors of come, sit, down, stay and stand.