Training Your Collie
A Kind Approach
Understanding the Collie's History
While the exact origins of the Collie remain unclear, the breed was developed in the Highlands of Scotland and Northern England as a droving dog tasked with herding sheep, moving large flocks to market, and guarding livestock. Harsh conditions and limited resources meant Scottish stockmen often relied on a single, versatile dog who could do it all, and thus, the Collie was created.
With the expansion of the railroad, Collies gained exposure beyond the farms and into the public eye, eventually making their way into the show ring. Early breeders sought to maintain the breed’s working ability while also producing a dog of exceptional beauty. These early show Collies were still also being used on sheep and cattle ranches, demonstrating that function and form could coexist. The show ring helped refine conformation without sacrificing the breed’s working ability and versatility.
The Collie’s reputation as a loyal family companion grew thanks to Albert Payson Terhune’s novels and the Lassie franchise, solidifying its place in pop culture. Understanding the Collie’s rich history helps us better appreciate and train the Collie of today.
There has never been a show/working line split in the Collie breed, even to this day.
A Kind Approach
Because Collies were developed to perform a wide range of tasks throughout history, they possess a remarkable, almost human-like intelligence paired with a deep emotional sensitivity that sets them apart from other breeds. The Collie's working heritage makes them eager to work and quick to learn. However, they can become bored with repetitive tasks, so training should remain engaging, diverse, and rewarding.
A Collie's performance often reflects the skill and mindset of their handler. If a Collie is struggling, the handler should first examine their own approach. Collies are highly attuned to human emotions, and any frustration or inconsistency from the handler can confuse or stress the dog. This emotional responsiveness means that handlers must stay calm, patient, and clear in their communication.
Heavy-handed methods, compulsion-based training, and aversive tools like e-collars are particularly damaging to this breed. These approaches can break a Collie’s trust and spirit. Instead, Collies thrive under patient, consistent guidance that instills confidence rather than fear. At the heart of successful Collie training is partnership. A Collie thrives not under control, but through connection with their handler.
Many Collies do not reach full mental, physical and emotional maturity until three to five years of age. Rushing through training or introducing too much at once can overwhelm a Collie. For long-term success, the training process should always be thoughtfully paced, ensuring each session is a positive and rewarding experience for dog and handler.
Many potential Collie owners raise concerns over the breed's inclination to vocalize more than other breeds. The instinct to bark comes from their origins of guarding livestock. This instinct remains strong today: some Collies seem to bark purely to hear the sound of their own voice, while others "talk" when they want or need something or to alert of passersby. While early training can help manage vocal behavior, it's unrealistic to expect complete silence. Collies need outlets to express themselves, and encouraging vocal play during appropriate times (like games or tricks) can help redirect this natural behavior in a manageable way. The same principle applies to many other inherited traits — rather than suppressing them, the goal should be to channel them productively.
Ultimately, partnership is the foundation of all successful Collie training. When approached with patience, creativity, and empathy, Collies blossom into incredibly loyal, capable, and joyful companions.