FluffyWA
Book

Positive training · From eight weeks

Border Collie Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Border Collie: pair precise cue work with deliberate settling and off-switch practice.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Watercolour illustration of a Border Collie puppy holding a down position on grass beside an orange training cone
Border Collie: pair precise cue work with deliberate settling and off-switch practice.

Breed profile

Training group
Herding and cattle dogs
Origin
The Border Collie was developed along the England–Scotland border to control sheep at a distance.
Male height at shoulder
48–56 cm
Female height at shoulder
46–53 cm
Common weight range
14–20 kg
Coat
Double coat; rough-coated and smooth-coated types
Coat care
Routine brushing
Drive keywords
Eye · Stalk · Chase
Handling practice
Brushing · Hair dryer—off, then on at a distance

General reference ranges only; individual dogs vary substantially

Quality, choice and recovery

Socialisation, done safely

Socialisation does not mean “see as much as possible.” It means creating pleasant or neutral associations at low intensity. One intense fright can undermine multiple good experiences.

Three golden rules

  1. Distance is the volume control Begin far enough away that the puppy can still eat.
  2. Choice remains with the puppy The puppy may approach or move away; never block the exit route.
  3. Appetite, body language and recovery show intensity together Food acceptance, soft body language and prompt recovery together suggest the level may be manageable. Refusing food means lower the intensity immediately.
Watercolour socialisation wheel showing six categories of puppy experiences
The socialisation wheel covers PEOPLE, DOGS, SOUNDS, SURFACES, GROOMING and VET VISITS.

The 60-item socialisation checklist

Complete each item at the puppy’s pace; blank fields are for the first date, reaction score and notes
ItemFirst dateReaction score 1–5Notes
People · 10 items
Sounds · 10 items
Surfaces & environments · 10 items
Objects & movement · 10 items
Animals · 10 items
These rows are management prompts, not invitations to test pursuit on live animals. Keep every specified barrier, lead and distance in place. If the breed profile requires professional cat or small-animal compatibility assessment, keep those animals securely separated and leave the row untested and unscored until the qualified professional directs the plan.
Handling & situations · 10 items
3seconds
Watercolour diagram showing a three-second petting consent test
PET 3 SECONDS = touch gently for three seconds; PAUSE = remove the hand; MORE PLEASE = the puppy chooses to return for more.

Training with FluffyWA

Day school, board & train and private sessions are quoted after a chat, and boarding or daycare can be booked online with live prices.

Book a staySee live prices