What's best

[Mewmew Butler]

My brother has a wonderful dog he rescued from the pound.She is a border collie,Breeze,and she is about 18 months old.He has had her for about nine months.The only problem is that if she jerks the leash out of his hand while they are walking she runs and runs and runs.She won't come back or stop or anything.My brother is a big guy about 6"4 and he has a hard time walking her because she lunges and runs and circles.He has spoken about shock collars and obidience training because he says it's in her breed to run and round everything in site.Any suggestions?

[Mary Plummer]

I'd definitely recommend obedience training. Our vets recommended several trainers/training clubs in our area, so maybe your brother could ask there.

[k9Karen]

I agree with the obedience training idea. He might be able to do it himself by rewarding good behavior and totally ignoring bad behavior. If your brother is reacting at all to the bad behavior, he may be inadvertently encouraging it - attention is attention. Dogs are just like human children - they want attention, good or bad. The dog needs to learn that there are unpleasant (i.e.: I will be ignored) conseqences for bad behavior, but treats are plentiful for good behavior. Dogs can usually be bribed with food!

This dog may need more activity - have him try playing fetch or frisbee, or something, in the yard before the walk - maybe then the dog won't have so much pent-up energy. Border collies are also one of the herding breeds that 'needs a job'. If you don't give them one, they will find one for themselves. They are known for being very active.

[Traci]

I second Mary....obedience training, it's never too late to start her out.

And yep, border collies are spirited, but yet gentle, loyal and devoted, they need stimulation and a great deal of exercise to keep them happy and entertained.

[Guest]

As a border collie owner for many years, I`d like to make a suggestion. The dogs know when they can be the winner. And this game of taking off could be dangerous. While doing obedience training, try this idea. Hook up the dog like in skijoring. Use a strong belt with a large ring hooked into it - about three inches diameter. Then use a safety release snap to attach the leash to the ring. Walks can continue as normal, but the dog cannot bolt away. Use a strong leash and buckle collar. Of course, in muddy terain you can picture the person "skijoring" along.

[momPaws]

I agree with the others about training. My BC mix is exhuberant to say the least and could always pull me across the yard to chase a squirrel. I discovered if I walked her with a harness on - she did MUCH better on leash. Just a thought.

(PS- the harness is on the dog, not me...just wanted to make that clear-
L O L !)

[Guest]

My brother has a wonderful dog he rescued from the pound.She is a border collie,Breeze,and she is about 18 months old.He has had her for about nine months.The only problem is that if she jerks the leash out of his hand while they are walking she runs and runs and runs.She won't come back or stop or anything.My brother is a big guy about 6"4 and he has a hard time walking her because she lunges and runs and circles.He has spoken about shock collars and obidience training because he says it's in her breed to run and round everything in site.Any suggestions?

It's not true that border collies were bred to run around everything in sight! They were bred to work in conjunction with a shepherd to systematically control stock, so really your brother is just making excuses for her bad behaviour and lack of training. I'm all of 115 lbs and I can walk several border collies at once without them jerking the leashes out of my hand. In fact, most of them don't have to be on leash at all.

I can also control my border collies at 100 yards when they are behind sheep, so there is no excuse for what's happening with your brother and his dog except that he isn't holding the leash tightly enough and he's not teaching the dog anything. He needs to teach her to walk nicely, mind his rules and watch him for commands.

A shock collar will shut his dog down in no time. Obedience training is a must. If you are a good leader to your border collie, your border collie will mind you. I think he needs some professional help.

Shepherd