Next Level Dog Training

Border Terrier
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.
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Border Terrier
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Common Border Terrier Training Challenges

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 various environments. Our training expose your dog to different situations, people, and other dogs, helping them develop confidence and good manners. This reduces fear-based reactivity and ensures good behaviour. 
Common Questions
Below, you'll find expert insights to help guide you through your Border Terrier training journey and set your dog up for success.

With the right socialisation, Border Terriers can live happily with other dogs. However, due to their strong prey drive and bold nature, they may be assertive or excitable around unfamiliar dogs. Introducing them to other dogs in a controlled setting is key, and structured Border Terrier training helps improve their manners in social environments.

Despite their small size, Border Terriers are energetic and need at least an hour of physical exercise per day, along with mental stimulation. Walks, playtime, scent games, and recall practice are great ways to keep them engaged. Without enough activity, they may become bored and resort to digging, barking, or chasing behaviours.

Border Terriers tend to have healthy appetites and do well on high-quality, balanced dog food. A diet rich in lean protein and healthy fats supports their energy needs, while limiting treats and table scraps can help prevent weight gain. Some Border Terriers may be prone to allergies, so it’s worth monitoring for sensitivities and adjusting their diet as needed.

Border Terriers have a wiry, weather-resistant coat that’s relatively low maintenance. They require hand-stripping a few times a year to maintain coat texture and prevent matting. Weekly brushing helps keep the coat in good condition, and occasional baths are fine when they get muddy. Regular grooming also helps you check for ticks or skin issues, especially after country walks.

Contact Us.
Let us help you turn your energetic dog into a well-trained, balanced companion. Contact us today to learn more about our Border Terrier training programmes and how we can support you on your training journey.

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