How to Stop Your Border Collie from Running Away: Effective Training Tips

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that require a lot of attention and training, and one of the most important aspects of training your Border Collie is teaching them not to run away from you.

This is crucial for their safety, the safety of others, as well as for your own peace of mind.

Border Collies have a strong instinct to herd and explore, so it may take some time and patience to train them effectively. Fortunately, with the right techniques and consistent training, you can teach your Border Collie to stay by your side and not run away.

In this article, we’ll be going over the question “how to stop your Border Collie from running away”. We’ll be going into the details and will try to give you tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible.   

Understanding Border Collies

Border Collies are highly intelligent dogs that were originally bred for herding. They are known for their high energy levels and strong herding instincts. Understanding these traits is crucial in training your Border Collie to not run away.

Their intelligence is what makes them great learners, but it also means they can become easily bored and need plenty of stimulation.

Their herding instinct is deeply ingrained, and they may try to herd anything that moves, including cars, bikes, and even children.

This can be extremely dangerous and can potentially lead to them running away and get lost so it’s important to redirect this instinct towards appropriate activities, like agility training or obedience competitions.

Since they have such high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and playtime. As a result, a lack of physical activity can lead to them running away too.

Also, in the case of males that are not neutered, their need to mate might have them run away from home by digging a hole in the backyard or breaking through a fence. This is known as roaming.   

The Basics of Training

Training your Border Collie to not run away requires patience, consistency, and a good understanding of basic obedience training.

One of the most effective ways to train your Border Collie is through positive reinforcement.

This means rewarding your dog for good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. Using a clicker can also be helpful in marking the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior.

When it comes to commands, start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Consistently use the same command word for each behavior and reward your dog when they perform the behavior correctly.

It’s important to remember that training takes time and patience. Don’t expect your dog to learn everything overnight!

Start with short training sessions and gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable with the training.

Overall, training your Border Collie to not run away requires a combination of basic obedience training, positive reinforcement, and providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

With patience and consistency, you can build a strong bond with your dog and prevent them from running away.

Preventing Runaways

Border Collies can be escape artists, and it can be challenging to keep them from running away. However, there are several things you can do to prevent this from happening.

• Firstly, ensure that your Border Collie is getting enough exercise. Border Collies are high-energy dogs and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Lack of exercise can lead to boredom and anxiety, which can cause your dog to try and escape.
• Secondly, make sure your yard is secure. Check for any gaps or holes in your fence and fix them immediately. You can also consider installing an invisible fence or using a tie-out to keep your Border Collie from wandering off.
• Thirdly, provide your Border Collie with plenty of mental stimulation. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior and attempts to escape. Consider using puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions to keep your dog mentally engaged.
• Lastly, if your Border Collie has a history of running away, consider using a GPS tracking device. This can help you locate your dog quickly if they do manage to escape.

By taking these preventative measures, you can reduce the likelihood of your Border Collie running away.

Establishing Boundaries

Establishing boundaries is a good way to keep your Border Collie from running away. Boundaries can be physical, such as a fence, or invisible, like an electronic boundary.

Regardless of the type of boundary, it is crucial to teach your dog to respect them.

Boundary training involves teaching your dog to stay within a specific area and not cross a designated boundary.

To begin, use a leash and stand near the boundary line.

When your pup approaches the boundary, use a command such as “stay” or “leave it” and reward them when they comply. Repeat this process until your dog learns to stay within the designated area.

Another useful tool for establishing boundaries is the use of flags.

Flags can be placed along the boundary line to help your dog understand where the boundary is. Start by placing the flags close together and gradually move them further apart as your dog becomes more comfortable with the boundary.

It’s also essential to manage your dog’s environment to prevent them from running away. Supervise your dog when they are outside and keep them on a leash or in a secure area.

If your dog has a history of running away, you can consider using an electronic boundary or fence to keep them within a designated area.

Obedience Training

Obedience training is essential for every dog, and Border Collies are no exception.

To start obedience training, it’s important to establish yourself as the leader. Border Collies are intelligent and independent dogs that require a confident and knowledgeable owner to take charge.

This is something that you’d probably have done in the early stages of the dog’s life, but if not, will take some time to establish.

Once you’ve established yourself as the leader, you can begin teaching your Border Collie basic obedience commands.

• Start with “sit” and “stay”, which are the foundation of all obedience training. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to encourage your dog to obey.
• Next, move on to “come” and “down” commands. These commands are essential for keeping your Border Collie safe when they’re off-leash. Practice these commands in a safe and secure environment, such as a fenced-in yard or a quiet park.

“Fetch” is another useful recall command that can help keep your Border Collie learn to come back to you after running away from you.

Of course, this command might not be as useful in the moment, but teaching your dog to fetch a ball or toy comes at no additional cost to you, and is a great tool to have at your disposal.

In the end, obedience training is an ongoing process that requires patience, consistency, and dedication. With time and practice, your Border Collie will learn to obey your commands and stay by your side.

Dealing With Distractions

Dogs get distracted all the time, and Border Collies are no exception.

They love to explore and chase after things that catch their attention, which can be a challenge when you’re trying to train them to stay close to you and not run away.

One of the best ways to train your Border Collie to ignore distractions is to start with basic obedience training from the previous section.

This includes teaching them to sit, stay, come, and heel.

Once they have mastered these commands, you can gradually introduce distractions, such as toys, food, or other dogs, while still expecting them to obey your commands.

It’s important to be patient and consistent when training your Border Collie.

If they become distracted, calmly redirect their attention back to you and reinforce the desired behavior with positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise.

Avoid punishing or scolding them, as this can cause them to become anxious, fearful and even depressed in the long run.

Another useful technique for dealing with distractions is to use a “stop” command.

This can be a verbal command or a hand signal that tells your Border Collie to stop what they’re doing and focus on you.

Practice using the stop command in a variety of situations, such as when they’re chasing a ball or playing with another dog.

Finally, make sure to keep your Collie busy and entertained.

A busy dog is less likely to become distracted and more likely to obey your commands. Take them for daily walks, play games with them, and provide them with interactive toys and puzzles to keep their minds engaged.

Leash and Off-Leash Training

When it comes to training your Border Collie to not run away, leash and off-leash training are both important.

Here are some tips for leash training your Border Collie:

• Use a sturdy leash or harness that is the appropriate length for your dog’s size.
• Start by walking your dog in a quiet, distraction-free area.
• Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior, such as sitting or walking calmly.
• Be consistent with your commands and don’t allow your dog to pull on the leash.
• Gradually increase the length and difficulty of your walks as your dog becomes more comfortable with the leash.

Off-leash training can be more challenging, but it is important for allowing your dog to exercise and explore safely.

We’ve created a separate article for off leash training, here, but some of the top tips for off-leash training your Border Collie include:

• Start by using a long lead or strong string to allow your dog some freedom while still maintaining control.
• Choose a safe, enclosed area for off-leash training, such as a fenced-in yard or dog park.
• Use positive reinforcement to reward your dog for staying close and coming when called.
• Practice recall training regularly to reinforce good behavior and keep your dog safe.

Remember, off-leash training should only be attempted once your dog has mastered basic commands and is comfortable with the leash.

Advanced Training Techniques

Once your Border Collie has mastered the basic commands, you can move on to more advanced training techniques to prevent them from running away. Here are some techniques you can use:

Agility Training

Agility training is a great way to keep your Border Collie physically and mentally stimulated.

It involves running through an obstacle course, which can include jumps, tunnels, and weave poles.

Not only does this help with obedience training, but it also helps build confidence and trust between you and your dog.

Water Training

If you live near a body of water, such as a lake or river, you can train your Border Collie to swim.

Swimming is a great form of exercise and can help build your dog’s endurance. It’s also a great way to cool off on hot summer days.

Flyball Training

Flyball is a high-energy sport that involves running, jumping, and retrieving a ball.

It’s a great way to keep your Border Collie physically and mentally stimulated.

It also helps with obedience training and can improve your dog’s agility and speed.

Obedience Trials

Obedience trials are competitions where dogs are judged on their ability to follow commands.

These competitions can be a fun way to challenge your Border Collie and improve their obedience skills.

They can also be a great way to socialize your dog and meet other dog owners.

Playing Fetch

Playing fetch is a great way to bond with your Border Collie and keep them physically active.

It’s important to use a ball or toy that is appropriate for your dog’s size and breed.

You can also use this as an opportunity to practice obedience commands, such as “sit” and “stay.”

By using these advanced training techniques, you can keep your Border Collie physically and mentally stimulated, which strengthens the bond between both of you and can prevent your Border Collie from running away.

Remember to always use positive reinforcement and to be patient.

Safety Measures

When training your Border Collie to not run away, it’s important to take safety measures to ensure their well-being. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always supervise your Border Collie when they are outside. This is especially important if you live in an area with coyotes or other wildlife that could pose a threat to your dog’s safety.

• Consider using a collar with identification tags on it. This will help ensure that your dog can be identified and returned to you if they do happen to run away.

• While some people may choose to use shock collars to train their dogs, it’s important to note that these devices can cause harm to your dog and should be used with caution. Instead, consider positive reinforcement techniques to train your Border Collie.

• Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings when outside with your Border Collie. This will help you identify any potential dangers and keep your dog safe.

By following these safety measures, you can help ensure that your Border Collie stays safe and secure while training them to not run away.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A well-exercised dog, that is sharp and focused, is less likely to wander off and get distracted with random things like cars, buses and other animals.

In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is equally important for Border Collies.

Mental stimulation helps to reduce stress and anxiety, improve behavior, and reduce hyperactivity. It also helps to create a calm and sensible collie.

Some of the top ways to provide your Border Collie with both physical and mental stimulation, which we’ve mentioned throughout this article are:

• Daily Walks: Take your Border Collie for daily walks or runs. This will help to burn off their excess energy and keep them physically fit. Having a steady routine, will also discourage running away.

• Agility Training: Agility training is an excellent way to provide your Border Collie with both physical and mental exercise. It involves teaching your dog to navigate through an obstacle course, which requires them to use their problem-solving skills.

• Fetch: Playing fetch is a great way to provide your Border Collie with both physical and mental exercise. It requires them to use their problem-solving skills to retrieve the ball or toy.

• Hide and Seek: Playing hide and seek is an excellent way to provide your Border Collie with mental stimulation. It involves hiding treats or toys around the house and encouraging your dog to find them.

• Brain Games: Brain games are another way to provide your Border Collie with mental stimulation. These games involve using specific toys and balls that require your dog to use their problem-solving skills.

• Socialization: Socialization is an essential aspect of mental stimulation for Border Collies. It involves exposing your dog to different people, dogs, and other animals, which helps to improve their social behavior.

By providing your Border Collie with both exercise and mental stimulation, you can help prevent them from running away and keep them physically and mentally healthy.

Using Training Apps

Training apps can also be a great tool to help you train your Border Collie to not do anything fishy or dodgy.

These apps offer a variety of features and can be used in combination with other training methods to help reinforce good behavior.

Here are a few tips for using training apps effectively:

• Choose the right app: There are many different training apps available, so it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and skill level. Look for apps that offer a variety of training exercises and look out for great reviews.

• Set realistic goals: Before you start using a training app, set realistic goals for what you want to achieve. For example, you may want to start by training your dog to come when called, and then move on to more advanced exercises like off-leash training.

• Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a key component of effective dog training, and many training apps incorporate this technique. Look for apps that use rewards like treats or praise to reinforce good behavior.

• Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to dog training, and this applies to using training apps as well. Make sure you use the app regularly and follow the training exercises as directed.

• Monitor your dog’s progress: Keep track of your dog’s progress using the app’s tracking features. This will help you identify areas where your dog is excelling and areas where they may need more work.

Overall, training apps can be a useful tool for training your Border Collie to not run away. By choosing the right app, setting realistic goals, using positive reinforcement, being consistent, and monitoring your dog’s progress, you can help ensure that your dog stays safe and well-behaved.

Conclusion

Training your Border Collie to not run away requires patience, consistency, and dedication and by following the tips outlined in this article, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays safe and by your side at all times.

Consistency is key when it comes to training your Border Collie. It’s an ongoing process.

Make sure that you are using the same commands and techniques every time, use positive reinforcement and reward your dog with treats, praise, and affection when they do something correctly. 

Remember that even after your dog has learned the necessary commands, it’s important to continue reinforcing these behaviors on a regular basis, just like with anything else.

Practice makes perfect!