Border Terrier Training - Next Level Dog Training

The Border Terrier is a small, sturdy dog known for its friendly and energetic personality.

Originally bred to help with hunting foxes and other small game, Border Terriers are hardy, intelligent, and highly driven. While their affectionate nature makes them excellent companions, their strong prey drive and high energy levels can sometimes present challenges during training. With the right approach, Border Terriers can become well-mannered, loyal companions.

Common Challenges with Border Terriers

Training a Border Terrier can be rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Due to their hunting background, these dogs are both independent and tenacious, which means they require consistent, structured training.

Their high energy levels also make it essential to provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.

Understanding these traits and addressing them through positive, consistent training is key to raising a well-behaved Border Terrier.

High Energy & Stimulation Needs

Border Terriers are full of energy, thanks to their working background. If not given enough exercise or mental challenges, they can become restless or even destructive. Daily walks alone may not be enough. They need activities such as agility, fetch, or puzzle toys to keep them engaged. Structured playtime and regular exercise will help manage their energy and prevent boredom.

Strong Prey Drive

As a breed originally used for hunting, Border Terriers have a strong prey drive. This can lead to distractions during walks or training sessions, as they may try to chase smaller animals like squirrels or birds. Recall training is essential to ensure they listen and return to you, even when something catches their eye. Using positive reinforcement techniques and practicing recall in controlled environments will help manage this behaviour.

Stubbornness & Independence

Border Terriers are intelligent but can be independent and sometimes stubborn. They may understand commands but choose not to follow them, especially if they find something more interesting. This independent streak can make training challenging, especially for first-time dog owners. Using consistent training methods and rewards can help overcome their stubborn tendencies.

Barking and Alertness

This breed is known for being alert and vocal, traits that served them well in their original role as working dogs. However, in a domestic setting, this can lead to excessive barking, especially when they are bored or anxious. Training them to control their barking and respond to quiet commands is crucial to ensure they don’t disturb the household or neighbours. Regular mental stimulation and training can help reduce unnecessary barking.

Our Approach to Border Terrier Training

We understand the unique challenges that come with training a Border Terrier. Our training programmes are designed to address their specific needs, focusing on their high energy, prey drive, and independent nature.

Obedience and Recall Training

Given their strong prey drive and tendency to become distracted, we focus on recall training and basic obedience. We teach Border Terriers to respond to commands in various environments, helping them stay focused even when there are distractions.

Physical & Mental Stimulation

To manage their high energy levels, we incorporate activities that challenge them physically and mentally. This includes games like fetch, scent work, and agility exercises, all of which tap into their natural instincts while providing an outlet for their energy.

Managing Barking and Vocalisation

Since Border Terriers can be quite vocal, we focus on teaching them when it's appropriate to bark and when to stay quiet. By using redirection techniques and rewarding quiet behaviour, we help reduce excessive barking. This ensures your dog remains well-behaved, both at home and in public.

Socialisation & Confidence Building

Border Terriers benefit from early socialisation to ensure they are comfortable in a variety of environments. Our programmes expose your dog to different situations, people, and other dogs, helping them develop confidence and good manners. This reduces fear-based behaviours and ensures your dog is well-behaved.

Border TerrierTraining