It’s one of the most common questions I hear with the biggest split of answers. “Are Border Collies easy to train?” The short answer? 👉 Yes… and no. The longer (and much more helpful) answer is that Border Collies can be incredibly easy to train when you understand how their brain works, and extremely challenging when you don’t. If you’ve ever thought: “My Border Collie learns things scary fast… but only when it suits them” “They’re clever, but why do they ignore me outside?” “I thought clever meant easy so why does this feel so hard?” You’re not alone. Let’s unpack why Border Collies have this reputation, why it can feel misleading, and what actually makes training them successful. Why Border Collies Are Easy to Train Let’s start with the positives 😊 because there are many. 1. They are exceptionally intelligent Border Collies are famous for their intelligence, and for good reason. They are brilliant problem-solvers, fast learners, and highly observant. Many owners are amazed at how quickly their dog: * Picks up new cues * Learns patterns and routines * Anticipates what’s coming next You might teach a sit once and feel like your dog has already mastered it. That’s not your imagination they really are that quick. 2. They love learning (when it makes sense to them) Most Border Collies genuinely enjoy using their brain. In fact you could argue they need to use their brain. Training can feel like a game, a puzzle, or a job, all things they thrive on. When training is: * Clear * Rewarding * Engaging …Border Collies often light up. This is why they excel in activities like agility, obedience, trick training, scent work, and herding. 3. They’re highly tuned into their humans Border Collies are extremely sensitive to movement, tone, and body language. They notice tiny changes that other dogs might miss. This means: * You don’t need to shout * You don’t need force * You don’t need endless repetition but they are also capable of often more repetitions than other breeds When communication is clear, they get it quickly. 4. They thrive with consistency Border Collies are pattern spotters. If you’re consistent, they’ll connect the dots fast. This can make training feel smooth and almost effortless at times especially indoors or in low-distraction environments. So yes, in many ways, Border Collies are easy to train. But here’s where the story changes. Why Border Collies Aren’t Easy to Train This is the part no one warns you about. 1. Intelligence cuts both ways A clever dog doesn’t just learn what you want they learn what works. If your Border Collie discovers that: * Ignoring recall means more freedom * Chasing cars feels amazing * Barking gets attention * Herding joggers is self-rewarding They’ll repeat those behaviours… even if you’ve taught them “better”. This isn’t stubbornness. It’s learning. 2. They become bored easily Border Collies don’t respond well to repetitive, drill-based training unless it is progressing. Asking them to do the same thing over and over can lead to: * Switching off * Making up their own “games” * Refusing cues they definitely know What works brilliantly for some breeds can completely backfire with a Border Collie. 3. They struggle with overstimulation One of the biggest challenges Border Collie owners face isn’t teaching skills — it’s teaching calm. Many Border Collies: * Can’t switch off indoors * Struggle to settle after walks * Become reactive to cars, bikes, or movement * Get “stuck” in a heightened state of arousal A dog who is overstimulated can’t learn effectively. So even though they’re clever, training can feel impossible in the real world. 4. They don’t generalise well Your Border Collie might have perfect recall in the garden… …but zero recall at the park. That’s not disobedience. Border Collies learn in pictures. New environments, smells, and movement can make a cue feel brand new again. Without structured generalisation, owners often feel like: * “They’re choosing not to listen” * “They know it — why won’t they do it?” * “They’re only good when nothing’s happening” 5. They need the right kind of training Generic dog training advice often misses the mark with Border Collies. Too much: * Physical exercise without mental balance * High-arousal games * Pressure or frustration …can actually create more problems rather than solve them. This is why so many Border Collie owners feel confused and discouraged. They’ve been told their dog should be easy — yet they’re dealing with recall issues, reactivity, and exhaustion. So… Are Border Collies Easy to Train or Not? Here’s the honest answer: Border Collies are easy to train when you train the whole dog, not just the behaviour. They are not “plug and play” dogs. Their intelligence means they need: * Clear communication * Emotional regulation * Purposeful mental stimulation * Training that works with their instincts, not against them When those pieces are missing, training feels hard — no matter how clever the dog is. When those pieces are in place? Training becomes enjoyable, empowering, and deeply rewarding. Why Many Border Collie Owners Struggle (And It’s Not Your Fault) Most owners don’t struggle because they’re doing something wrong. They struggle because: * They were told intelligence = easy * They were given generic advice * They focused on commands instead of mindset * They tried to “exercise the problem away” Border Collies don’t need more stimulation — they need better balance. A Different Approach: Train the Brain First This is exactly why I created The Border Collie Academy Instead of overwhelming you with commands, this training helps you: * Understand *why* your Border Collie behaves the way they do * Reduce over-arousal and mental chaos * Build focus without force * Create calm alongside motivation * Lay the foundations for real-life training success Whether your Border Collie is: * Brilliant indoors but wild outside * Struggling with recall or reactivity * Unable to settle * Constantly “on edge” …this training will help you see them differently and train them more effectively. What You’ll Learn: * Work *with* your Border Collie’s instincts * Avoid common training mistakes that increase intensity * Build engagement without creating obsession * Help your dog switch off as well as switch on * Create training that actually transfers to real life No overwhelm. No judgement. No one-size-fits-all advice. Just Border Collie–specific support designed for dogs like yours. Final Thoughts Border Collies aren’t “easy” in the way people often mean. They’re sensitive, intense, and brilliant and they require understanding, not just instruction. If you meet their needs in the right way, they will give you: * Incredible partnership * Deep connection * A dog who wants to work with you And that? That’s worth learning how to do properly. 💙 If you’re ready to stop guessing and start understanding your Border Collie, join the breed specific membership - The Border Collie Academy It might just change how you see your dog — and how training feels — forever.

How Much Exercise Does a Border Collie Really Need? (And Why More Isn’t Always Better) Border Collies are famous for their energy. They’re often described as non-stop, always on, and needing hours and hours of exercise. So it’s no surprise that many owners feel pressure to keep adding more walks, more runs, more ball throwing — just to keep their dog “under control.” But here’s the uncomfortable truth: More physical exercise alone doesn’t usually solve Border Collie behaviour problems — and it can sometimes make them worse. Let’s talk about what Border Collies actually need, why mental stimulation matters just as much (if not more), and why over-tiredness and over-stimulation are often the hidden causes behind many struggles. The Athlete Trap: When Exercise Creates a Fitter Problem Border Collies are incredible athletes. If you increase their physical exercise, they don’t usually calm down… they adapt and get fitter.. and fitter. Longer walks, faster runs, endless ball throwing, all of this builds stamina. You’re not emptying the tank, you’re building a bigger engine. This is why so many owners say: * He gets two hours of exercise and still won’t settle. * She’s exhausted outside but wired at home. * If we skip a walk, everything falls apart. What’s happening is simple: Physical exercise without mental regulation creates a fitter, faster, more intense dog — not a steadier one. Exercise is important, yes. But when it’s the only tool being used, it often backfires. Mental Stimulation is The Missing Piece Border Collies were bred to think, problem-solve, and work closely with humans. Their brains are their biggest asset and their biggest challenge. Mental stimulation doesn’t just entertain them. It: * Teaches them how to pause * Builds emotional regulation * Encourages thinking over reacting * Creates a dog who can cope with the world, not just charge through it Mental exercise includes things like: * Learning how to settle and switch off * Pattern games and calm training * Thoughtful obedience, not drilling * Problem-solving tasks * Trick training * Controlled exposure to the world (without overwhelm) A mentally satisfied Border Collie is often: * Calmer indoors * Less reactive * Better able to listen * More resilient when plans change This is why mental training creates a steadier dog, not just a tired one. Over-Stimulation vs Over-Exercise (They’re Not the Same) Many Border Collies with behavioural issues are described as under-exercised. Some are even described as over-exercised. But in reality, a lot of them are actually over-stimulated. Think about how their day looks: * Busy walks with constant triggers * Ball throwing that spikes adrenaline * Training that’s fast, intense, and never-ending * Little to no time learning how to rest Over-stimulation floods the nervous system. And when that happens, you’ll often see: * Reactivity to cars, bikes, dogs, or people * Inability to settle indoors * Snappy behaviour or frustration * Hyper-focus and obsessive tendencies * “Zoomies” that don’t look joyful, just frantic These dogs aren’t asking for more. They’re asking for balance and guidance. If your Border Collie is struggling with behaviour, the answer is rarely: * Another long walk * A harder run * More high-intensity play Instead, ask: * Does my dog know how to relax? * Have they learned calm behaviours, especially in the presence of movement? * Are they constantly “on” with no off-switch? * Am I mistaking stimulation for enrichment? A dog who can settle, think, and regulate their emotions will always be easier to live with than one who can run for miles but can’t cope with everyday life. The Takeaway Border Collies don’t need to be exhausted to be good dogs. They need to be understood. When you stop trying to out-exercise them and start teaching them how to think, rest, and regulate, everything changes: * Walks feel easier * Behaviour improves * Home life becomes calmer * And your relationship deepens A steady Border Collie isn’t created by miles on the clock it’s created by balance, clarity, and mental fulfilment. And that’s where real progress begins. 🐾 Want help with training your Border Collie? Check out The Border Collie Academy which is a monthly membership to help you train your Border Collie to be the best behaved dog in the park.

Both breeds are intelligent, athletic, strikingly beautiful, and often described as “a lot of dog.” They’re frequently grouped together, recommended for similar homes, and admired for their working ability. But while they share a herding background and many overlapping traits, living with a Border Collie can feel very different from living with an Australian Shepherd. If you’re choosing between the two — or already live with one and are curious about the differences — this post will help you understand where they align, where they diverge, and why those differences matter in day-to-day life. At first glance, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds seem almost interchangeable to those who don't know. Medium-sized, energetic, clever, and bred to work closely with humans. Both are herding dogs, developed to move livestock efficiently and respond quickly to human direction. But their histories shaped them in slightly different ways. Border Collies were developed along the border regions of Scotland and England, bred almost exclusively for working ability. For generations, form followed function. The dogs that could read livestock, respond instantly to a handler’s cues, and work independently over large distances were the dogs bred forward. Appearance mattered very little. What mattered was: * Eye * Stamina * Trainability * Problem-solving ability * Responsiveness to pressure This intense selection for work is still very evident in modern Border Collies, even those bred primarily as pets. Despite the name, Australian Shepherds were actually developed in the United States, with ancestry linked to European herding dogs that worked alongside shepherds. Aussies were bred to be versatile all-rounders: * Herding livestock * Guarding property * Being adaptable farm companions * Working in closer proximity to people They needed to think independently but also remain socially flexible and resilient in busy environments. Let’s talk about intelligence because both breeds are extremely smart, but not in the same way. Border Collies are often described as the most intelligent dog breed but that intelligence can be intense. They: * Learn patterns extremely quickly * Anticipate what’s about to happen * Notice tiny changes in body language or routine * Can become mentally overstimulated just as easily as physically under-stimulated Many Border Collies don’t just learn behaviours — they analyse them. This is why they can appear almost psychic… and also why they can become anxious, reactive, or frustrated if their environment feels unpredictable or overwhelming. Australian Shepherds are also highly intelligent, but their intelligence is often more social, adaptable and less intense. They: * Learn quickly but are less likely to obsess over detail * Tend to cope better with change and novelty * Are often more forgiving of handler mistakes * Enjoy problem-solving, but don’t usually fixate on it This can make Aussies feel slightly easier for some households. Both breeds are energetic. Neither is a couch potato. But there’s a difference between high energy and relentless drive. Border Collies are driven. Not just active - driven. They don’t simply want to do something… they want to do something meaningful. They have a need to do and if you don't give them something to do they will find their own jobs, which you may not approve of. Without appropriate outlets, that drive often shows up as: * Obsessive ball fixation * Herding children, cars, or bikes * Inability to settle indoors * Reactivity on walks * Constant scanning of the environment Many owners assume the solution is more exercise, but physical activity alone rarely satisfies a Border Collie. They need clarity, predictability, and appropriate mental work. Australian Shepherds are energetic and athletic, but often have a slightly better off-switch. They: * Enjoy long walks, hikes, and activities * Tend to settle more easily once their needs are met * Often cope better with rest days * Are less likely to self-assign jobs out of frustration That doesn’t mean Aussies are low maintenance — far from it — but their energy can feel more balanced for many homes. Sensitivity and Emotional Processing is one of the biggest and most overlooked differences between the two breeds. Border Collies are incredibly sensitive dogs. They: * Read human emotion exceptionally well * Are deeply affected by tension, frustration, or inconsistency * Often struggle with harsh training methods * Can internalise pressure rather than bounce back from it This sensitivity is part of what makes them such incredible working partners but it also means they require thoughtful, emotionally aware handling. A stressed Border Collie doesn’t usually switch off… they spiral. Australian Shepherds are sensitive too, but often more emotionally resilient. They: * Tend to recover more quickly from mistakes * Are usually more tolerant of environmental pressure * Can cope better with busy households or social settings * Often show clearer external stress signals rather than internalising This doesn’t mean they don’t need kind, force-free training — they absolutely do — but they may cope better with the imperfections of everyday life. Herding Style and Behaviour Challenges are probably where the biggest differences lie. Because both are herding breeds, many owners experience similar challenges — but the style of those challenges can differ. Border Collies use 'eye' — an intense, fixed stare to control movement. In pet homes, this often translates to: * Fixating on moving objects (cars, runners, bikes) * Freezing or stalking behaviours * Sudden lunging after periods of stillness * Difficulty disengaging once focused These behaviours aren’t “bad habits” — they’re expressions of deeply ingrained instinct. Australian Shepherds tend to herd in a more upright, loose-eyed style. This can show up as: * Circling or chasing movement * Barking while herding * Body blocking rather than stalking * Less intense fixation, more active control Both breeds are highly trainable, but they thrive under different training approaches. Border Collies need: * Clear criteria * Consistent handling * Calm, precise communication * Thoughtful progression They can become stressed by: * Repetition without purpose * Over-arousal games * Inconsistent rules * High-pressure environments They love clarity and patterns and are great at repeating. Australian Shepherds often respond well to: * Variety * Play-based learning * Short, engaging sessions * A balance of structure and flexibility They like to think the training is led by them so using shaping so they think it is all their idea can be useful. They are less likely to want to repeat behaviours. Border Collies often: * Bond very closely to one or two people * Prefer familiar dogs and environments * Are selective about social interaction * Enjoy parallel play rather than chaotic group play They don’t need lots of dog friends — they need safe, predictable relationships. Australian Shepherds are often: * More socially confident * More tolerant of novelty * Happier greeting people and dogs * Better suited to busy homes or social settings Again, this varies by individual — but the trend is common. Choose a Border Collie if you: * Enjoy structure and routine * Love training and skill development * Are happy to adapt your environment to your dog * Appreciate sensitivity and depth Choose an Australian Shepherd if you: * Want a highly active but slightly more flexible companion * Have a busy or social household * Enjoy variety and play in training * Need a dog who can roll with change Final Thoughts Border Collies and Australian Shepherds may look similar on paper, but living with them can feel very different. Understanding those differences doesn’t just help you choose the right breed it helps you support the dog you already have in a way that truly meets their needs. Because when a herding dog feels understood, supported, and guided… that’s when they truly thrive 🐾 Thank you The Dog Sports Performance Coach, Kat Farrants for your picture on the right of Meme the Aussie next to my Border Collie Beau on the left.

The Short Answer Yes — and no. Border Collies are often called the easiest dogs to train because of their intelligence and eagerness to learn. But their brains don’t always come with an “off switch,” which means if you don’t guide that intelligence, they’ll start training themselves (and not always in ways you’d like!). Why Border Collies Learn Quickly Problem-Solvers : Collies naturally look for patterns and solutions, which makes them brilliant at obedience, sports, and tricks. They were after all bred to be independent thinkers and to react quickly when controlling a flock. Work Ethic : They were bred to work closely with humans, so they’re motivated to listen and engage. They are also known for repeating behaviours again and again so have a good work ethic. Food and Play Driven : Most Collies will happily work for treats, toys, or praise. But they also find movement incredibly rewarding The Challenges of Training a Border Collie Too Clever for Their Own Good : If you’re inconsistent, they’ll spot the gaps and make their own rules. An unemployed Border Collie will happily find his own jobs to do and will try to train you if you don’t train him. Easily Bored : Repetition without variety can lead to frustration and refusal. They don’t just need physical exercise but they also need mental training to be a happy and satisfied pet. Sensitive Souls : Harsh methods can damage their trust and confidence — they need positive, fair training but with clear boundaries. Herding Instinct : Ignore this to your peril. Most unwanted behaviour is linked to what the Border Collie was bred to do. Training the Border Collie without considering their natural instinct will not be as effective. Tips for Success Keep Sessions Short: 5–10 minutes often works better than long, drawn-out sessions. Mix It Up: Rotate between obedience, tricks, and games. Focus on Calmness: Don’t just teach high-energy tasks — balance it with settle training. Final Thoughts So, are Border Collies easy to train? They’re easy to train if you know how to train them. Their intelligence is a gift, but it’s also a responsibility. With consistency and creativity, they’ll thrive — and you’ll avoid the common pitfalls of frustration, over-arousal, or unwanted inappropriate herding behaviours. 👉 If you’d like breed-specific guidance (and a library of training videos to follow step by step), check out The Border Collie Academy . It’s designed to help you channel that incredible Collie brain in the right direction.

It’s one of the most common questions asked by new dog owners: “Are Border Collies good family pets?” The honest answer is: it depends on the family. Border Collies are intelligent, energetic, and deeply loyal — but those same traits can be both a joy and a challenge in a busy household. In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons so you can decide if a Border Collie is the right fit for your family. The Positive Traits of Border Collies in Families 1. Intelligent and Quick to Learn Border Collies are often described as the most intelligent dog breed. They thrive on mental stimulation and pick up new skills quickly. Families who enjoy training, teaching tricks, or giving their dog “jobs” will love this aspect. 2. Loyal Companions A well-socialised Border Collie can be incredibly affectionate and form strong bonds with children. They’re often happiest when they’re involved in everything the family is doing. 3. Great for Active Lifestyles If your family loves outdoor adventures, hikes, or playing in the garden, a Border Collie will happily keep up — and often outlast you! The Challenges Families Need to Know 1. High Energy Needs Border Collies aren’t a “walk around the block” type of dog. They need both physical exercise and mental stimulation every single day. Without it, you’re likely to see frustration behaviours like barking, chewing, or herding the kids. 2. Herding Instinct Many Border Collies will instinctively try to herd children, other pets, or even visitors. While this behaviour can be managed with training, it can surprise families who aren’t prepared. 3. Sensitivity Border Collies are very tuned-in to emotions and environments. A loud, chaotic household can sometimes overwhelm them. There will need their own space where they can fully rest and not be over stimulated all of the time. Is a Border Collie Right for Your Family? A Border Collie can be an amazing family pet if: You have time for daily training and play. You enjoy being active and outdoors. You’re willing to learn about the breed’s needs and work with them, not against them. They may not be the best choice if your family has a very busy lifestyle with little time for structured exercise and training. Final Thoughts So, are Border Collies good family pets? Yes — in the right family. If you’re prepared to invest time, patience, and energy into training, you’ll have a loyal, intelligent companion who brings so much joy to your home. 👉 Want more guidance? In The Border Collie Academy , I share breed-specific training and behaviour support to help families like yours get the very best out of their Collies.

The content of this blog may surprise some but read it all before you jump on me! Over the recent few years people have started to look more at what dogs were bred to do and there is a greater recommendation for looking into breed specific outlets for our dogs. But... For the last few years I have worked with just one breed, the Border Collie, and in doing so have seen problems arising from this suggestion. Yes that's right I've said it! Herding type activities will not solve all of your Border Collies training and behaviour woes. It is now common to see people on social media asking for help with the training or behavioural issues of their dogs. Unfortunately for Border Collies most of their unwanted behaviour IS related to their natural instinct BUT this is where the problem lies. Many will then say the Collie should only live on a farm or they need to be herding and given herding outlets to make them happy and relaxed. But this isn't true as it is just scratching the surface. Let's take the example of a Border Collie who reacts to cars and either lunges, barks, pulls or tries to chase. Taking him to work on sheep isn't going to change how he walks on a lead around cars. And, put him back in the same scenario of walking along the same road at the same time of day and he will likely still react to the cars, because he hasn't been taught what he should be doing instead. The same applies to Border Collies that are inappropriately herding their humans or those that are dog reactive that are reacting due to their sensitivity to movement rather than being scared. Some don't suggest sheep but instead some of the many herding type games now available such as The Herding Game, Trieball or herding balls to name just a few. But the fall out can be exactly the same. In fact it can actually make some behaviours worse. This is because is we have unwanted behaviour that is driven by the Border Collie's natural instinct and then we ignite that instinct further then we can increase the unwanted behaviour. Border Collies are bred to work repetitively for long periods of time and igniting this desire can make them want to do it even more. Instead we need to work on our Border Collie's basic training. Just like any farmer or shepherd would do with their dog BEFORE putting them on any livestock. Get the basic training right first. But even then we need to understand our Border Collies and what drives them to train them. Many use a ball and the Collie repetitively gets the ball, drops it near the persons feet, and then runs back out into herding mode so they can eye and watch for any movement. This again can create issues in the training where if recall hasn't been taught they may not want to be caught at the end of a walk or when needed as they have practiced staying away. There are many nuances in the Border Collie's training. If they are all taught first then herding type outlets can be fun and a rewarding thing to do with your Border Collie but get the training right first. There are also thousands of happy and well trained Border Collies that don't partake in specific herding type training. Instead they have their needs met for both physical and mental training by taking part in many of the different dog sports and activities. It is their natural abilities that make them good in dog sports as they like to work with their person, they enjoy repeating behaviours again and again and are incredibly intelligent. So before you think about herding type games think why does my dog need them? If it is because of unwanted behaviour then do you need to address your dogs impulsivity, movement sensitivity or frustration levels first? Or may be you need to teach them what you want them to do instead. If you want to learn more about understanding your Border Collie then follow our FB page and keep an eye out for our next free training https://www.facebook.com/sarahhedderlydingbattdogtraining Also check out my YouTube channel for a chat on this exact topic with fellow trainer Emma Lee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8yTa5Enyyw&t=13s

Just because I am a trainer doesn't make me bullet proof. It has been hard living with a dog that did not fit the constructs of the 'norm'. The last 2 years have taken its toll on me and a couple of weeks ago I felt broken and traumatised. I burst into tears daily at the smallest things and was not enjoying life with my dog. Sparkles was operated on 6 weeks ago for occult tethered cord. We finally had a diagnosis and a surgeon that understood so I thought my life would get easier rather than harder. How wrong was I! The fact is the accumulation of stress over the last 2 years of living with Sparkles, working with her behaviour and trying to get a diagnosis has left me empty. Sometimes when we are still pushing forward we can keep going, running on adrenalin and auto pilot but when that stops there is nothing left in the tank. I didn't need to push anymore and the exhaustion took over and emotions came out. Pets are more commonly known for having a positive effect on people but less is shared about the negative effects that can occur which is why I am uncomfortably sharing this blog. There are many not so positive parts to owning a dog. Even loving a dog hits hard when you lose them, the grief. For some the dog is not what they thought they were getting. The second dog didn't match up to the first dog, the disappointment. Owners of reactive dogs may feel their world getting smaller rather than bigger, the frustration. The disappointment of a dog not enjoying the same activities as you love doing. All these situations can affect how we feel just as much as a dog that is ill, unwell or injured. It isn't easy to stay strong all the time, regardless. And I just want to let others know who are going through the same thing that you aren't alone. Although I am beginning to build a little resilience again certain things are still triggering for me. I really appreciate when people find the time to ask how Sparkles is doing but I am finding answering hard as she is struggling again this week and showing signs of nerve pain. I was pre-warned this could happen at around this time post surgery thanks to others in the tethered cord group but now feel vigilant and stressed in another way. The future is uncertain and I like to have a clear plan. Clarity makes me feel safe. When well meaning people say that she is fixed or so much better I just want to scream - but my dog still isn't right! In reality I am still pleased she had the operation as she has improved welfare and quality of life but I feel desperately sad for both me and her that we are still going through this. Without tethered cord she would have been such a fun and talented dog but now all I want is a happy dog and less stressful life. We have both been living under so much stress for the last two years which has been her entire life that we have a lot of parallels. It has effected both of our sleep and ability to rest. We both get frustrated and grumpy and some days have a short temper. I hate feeling like this and then give myself a hard time for snapping or shouting. It's a vicious cycle for us both. It is a shame I let myself get to breaking point before I started to address it as I had been working all along trying to calm Sparkles nervous system so she could cope better with life. I always described her as needing a nervous system reset. What I am doing to help myself I've taken my foot off the gas. I have c ancelled obedience shows and training. This was hard to do as I love training but I need some time to heal even if only for a month or two. I chatted to my mindset coach who gave me permission to not have to fix myself straight away. By nature I am a fixer but this had made me put pressure on myself to feel better which was in fact making me feel worse. I have been doing some easy breathing exercises. These have helped me be more present and in the moment rather than worrying about what could or should happen. Mindfulness and trying to practice gratitude in the positive things around me. This is easier some days than others. Having friends who understand has also been a blessing. Thank you, you know who you are. If you are going through the same struggles then I hope this helps a little. I wish you more good days than bad so you can build some resilience and find a better way forward. Be kind to yourselves in the process. If any of you can relate and have a dog with big emotions and know that you effect each other then check out the new course being released Regulate to Relate - Nervous system regulation for dogs and their owners which will help you both learn to relax, recharge and relate to each other more clearly.

Sparkles story Sparkles has always been difficult to live with but the last 6 months have been even more challenging to say the least. November 2024 Sparkles went lame on her right hind and so saw the vet. We decided to do full X rays and to spay her at the same time so we only had to knock her out the once. All X rays came back clear and the spay healed well so in January I visited a rehab vet who treated Sparkles a couple of times with acupuncture, chiropractic and laser and she started to use the water treadmill. After 3 treatments the vet was not happy and suggested we needed further investigations and MRI. She suggested it could potentially be a condition called tethered cord. This shocked me as I had heard of this rare condition a few years ago when a friends spaniel was diagnosed but at that time he was only about the third dog in the country to have the diagnosis. As a side note Sparkles had been sound since those initial 2 days of lameness but was sore throughout her body. Many who saw her could see nothing wrong with her. Sparkles was booked in for a dynamic MRI and also ultrasound to see if we could get a diagnosis and this is where even more complications started. Sparkles found it difficult to squat to go for a wee for a couple of days post MRI. The findings were also a bit muddled and I had different conversations with the vets than what was written on the reports so we weren't really any further forward. They said they couldn't see tethered cord but that she had a transitional vertabrae at the thoracolumbar junction and a hyper mobile lumbar sacral joint with a protruding disc when in extension. They said she would not be able to do sport and so I needed to try and get her comfortable as a pet dog. On the stance analyser she only put 9% of her weight through her left hind and the rehab vet always felt her tail was slightly to the left. In the mean time I had been researching tethered cord. I had looked at scientific papers as well as joined a Facebook group for people with the condition as well as a separate one for dogs. It was info shared mostly in these group that helped me piece her case together. Links to papers are shared in a separate section at the bottom of this blog for those who are interested in reading more. I discovered in the human group there was a form of tethered cord that did not show on MRI and was referred to as Occult tethered cord. Parents spoke about a sacral dimple being visible on their children. Many also had issues with incontinence, UTI's as well as bowel issues such as constipation. There were also signs including nerve pain in legs and back with some toe walking. Sparkles had always had a dip which I now could recognise as a sacral dimple. I had never palpated this before despite spending over 20 years in Animal chiropractic so knew it was not normal but did not know what it was. She kicked out with her hind legs which I assumed was nerve pain. She had done this intermittently since being a young pup. She then started to be incontinent at night after long journeys in the van and had developed a UTI which we couldn't clear up despite being cultured so using the appropriate antibiotics. Many vets dismissed the sacral dimple as they hadn't seen it before. While a sacral dimple by itself is not necessarily something to be concerned about, when it is connected with other symptoms it is usually a sign of tethered cord or spina bifida. They also dismissed the kicking out of the hind legs as they never saw it and as one vet said she didn't have more severe neurological deficits. I found this response disappointing as didn't want to wait for her to progress to having more permanent damage if we could intervene sooner and prevent it. I already knew she was in pain. Sparkles hair pattern had also changed over time. She naturally had straight hair but it initially started to stand up over her pelvis and gradually progressed up her back to lots of waves and flicks. Sparkles has always been a 'difficult' dog. She couldn't lie down and settle in the day and was over reactive to life. In teaching her mat work she would yawn and show stress behaviours because lying down was uncomfortable. She had also been an aggressive puppy and we had a lead on her in the house from day one as she would run at you, bite and hang on. This was so much more than puppy biting. She didn't like being touched and handled, had span and tail chased when we brought her home. She took plaster off the walls in our house which I believe is also linked due to poor gut function. This was despite so much management being put in place. The barking was unbearable but I now see she was shouting for help as felt so bad. Her hair also changed and she developed hair patterns on her otherwise straight coat. The hair started to stand up over her pelvis and over time she also developed kinks all along her back showing underlying tension. Other signs were being sensitive to touch on some days and ducking away from touch along her back and not liking her front legs being touched. Her behaviour was extreme in all senses. She was a child genius and hugely talented but while her behaviour could be outstanding it could equally be horrendous. She counter surfed but this became a frantic seeking behaviour rather than just searching for crumbs or treasure. She spent her life on her back legs and I couldn't understand the findings of the disc protrusion when in extension because she always wanted to be in extension and not flexion which is why she didn't want to lie down. She could work around cars and dogs but when in pain would want to chase them and attack from hundreds of metres away even if she just heard them and couldn't even see them. On her worse days she was also getting a bit noise sensitive. All of these things went against her actual character. She is a very strong Border Collie but she actually likes dogs and can work in the presence of distractions when she is comfortable to do so. Sparkles had always has a sensitive gut. I had had consults with nutritionists to help this and it had taken a while to help settle her gut. Interestingly post op her tummy is a lot better and her poo much healthier so I now suspect this was involved too and was a symptom I hadn't linked. Due to what I was reading in the tethered cord groups I was sure this was what my dog had but many vets had looked at the MRI's and dismissed it. Eventually in my search I found a paper by a vet in the UK about Occult tethered cord. She had operated on a 5 month puppy due to incontinence. In the paper she discussed all the things I had questions about. The condition not showing on MRI, incontinence, sacral dimple, the intra and extradural operations. It spoke about the condition in both humans and dogs and linked to the people who I had found to be the go to people in the field for both humans and dogs. I asked my vets to refer me and they did straight away. My own vets, despite not having heard of tethered cord, were extremely supportive. I have a lot of respect for them in admitting they hadn't come across the condition. Sparkles case was looked at by many vets but was dismissed due to them not seeing it in a specific way on the MRI. None of them mentioned Occult tethered cord or seemed interested in the symptoms after they had looked at the imaging. One referral centre who had operated on a couple of tethered cord cases even said they thought she was behavioural rather than having a physical condition. How kicking out of legs and incontinence could be behavioural I do not know but it showed me they were not the right people to see and I needed to keep looking. When I had a phone consult with the vet who eventually operated on Sparkles I finally knew I had found someone who understood the condition. She answered all my questions with full understanding and I decided to take Sparkles to her in Essex for an in person consult and exam and to proceed with surgery if appropriate. Sparkles was operated on 25th June 2025. What is tethered cord and occult tethered cord The links I have shared below will give a much better description of what tethered cord actually is but in short it is a neurological condition where the spinal cord tethers or is abnormally attached inside the spinal column to surrounding tissue so can not smoothly and freely move as the dog moves. It can cause nerve pain in the legs and back, bladder issues and constipation/gut health issues. Nerves can become so damaged that even with surgery to detether there may still be permanent damage caused. Sadly there is also a chance of it retethering so while the op can provide great relief it is not always a total long term success. Occult tethered cord is not seen on MRI but is diagnosed on symptoms and confirmed through the operation. The most recent paper I have shared also found that some dogs are so damaged mentally from living in chronic pain that their behaviour never recovers despite training and for some behavioural meds too and these dogs have still been euthanised. Tethered cord can be present at birth or occur later due to injury or other factors. It is a progressive condition that will worsen over time if not treated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimise long term complications. While tethered cord may not yet be scientifically considered hereditary it does appear in family members and has also been found within litters. It is believed there could be a genetic component. Again I have shared a paper below discussing this. I have written this blog to help raise awareness of the condition as so little seems to be known about it. I have no question in my mind that many dogs are not being diagnosed after the experiences I went through on our journey to diagnosis. Many have said they wouldn't have done the research themselves and would have just accepted the vets saying that she didn't have the condition without considering Occult Tethered Cord. This isn't a dig at vets as they are only human and I do not expect them to know everything but hopefully by more cases being talked about awareness can be brought to more people and this horrible condition helped. How is Sparkles now At the time of writing this blog Sparkles is 6 weeks post surgery. The immediate change in her was huge. She could lie down and settle during the day almost like a 'normal' dog. She also looked more comfortable when going to the toilet and now goes more often then prior to the op. This suggests to me that it was uncomfortable to toilet and so she hung on until she had to go but she was not fully emptying her bladder hence the constant UTI's that we could not clear up. Initially post op there was more kicking of her hind legs but that has subsided as she is healing. She has started to see her rehab vet again for laser and acupuncture. Interestingly prior to the op she never reacted to any of the needles going in where as now she does feel them so the sensations in her back have changed. She has also now started back in the water treadmill and is slowly building back up her fitness. She is on lead for 8 weeks due to them drilling the bone in her spinal column to access her filum terminalle to detether her. She started with 10 minute lead walks but has increased by 5 mins each week. The rehab has been, and no doubt will continue to be, a bumpy road. In general it has been positive but she has odd rougher days. She has skipped on her right hind for a couple of steps the last couple of days and some days she appears more agitated and barks more again and is much more reactive. Over all I am pleased I did the surgery. She now has a better quality of life than she has ever had but only time will tell how much benefit she gets and whether it lasts or not. I am cautiously optimistic that as a pet dog she will have a better quality of life. Whether she will ever be able to be a sports dog is not yet known and I am less optimistic about this happening. I will continue to work with her rehab and her behavioural modification and see what the future has to offer us. She enjoys trick training so at the moment that is what we are doing so she can still work her busy brain and we can have fun together. Further Update 5 1/2 months post surgery Sparkles is doing really well and I would go as far as to say that she is almost at full fitness now. The last update was 6 weeks post op and we did have a flare up around that time but we then made more steady progress. I waited until 9 weeks to start any off lead exercise and started just with a minute or two. I only let her off lead when she was by herself to start with then introduced one of my steadier dogs before taking all 4 together. The last stage was to take just her and Beau as they will race. By 9 weeks she was wanting to train some obedience work again but we introduced slowly with just a minute or two to start with. She had been doing trick training throughout her rehab for mental stimulation and we have continued with that and started to add more physical tricks as well. She tires more quickly than pre op. I feel there are muscles that she likely hasn't used before. Her movement has also subtley changed. While she still points her toes in heel work she is not as extreme and part of me wonders if this is connected to when people toe walk with TC. Maybe that was her version of toe walking. Interestingly she is now shorter in height when stood next to the boys. I would say she is a good cm shorter in height. She has also got longer in the back and has gone up a coat size. I have waited until now to start to focus on her reactivity training as I wanted to be more confident that her body was in a good place first. There is a lot here to unpick from learned behaviour so it will take as long as it takes. There are no stress signals now when she does her mat work which is a positive. Also she is less sensitive to noise. We did have one blip last month for 24 hours after she had been in the van with me for a long day. She then struggled to get comfortable to toilet the following day. This was short lived and we increased her pain meds for 2 days and she recovered well. I don't yet know if she will ever be able to tolerate this and only time will tell. She has been doing well with her physio appointments and now only goes every 4 weeks. She loves the water treadmill and can do 15 mins split into 3 sections. One of the results of the operation that I didn't expect is that she is now a cuddly dog who loves to sit on your lap. She can be handled, brushed and towel tried, even down her front legs which we couldn't touch before. She isn't on any supplements for her gut now either and hasn't had any UTIs since her op. I am glad I went ahead and did the operation. Yes it was scary but my dog now has a quality of life that she didn't have before. Sparkles wasn't the dog I wanted and I wouldn't wish what we have been through on anyone. It has been extremely difficult to build a relationship with her but we are now getting there. I sometimes wonder why certain dogs come into my life. With Sparkles I think it was to help raise awareness of tethered cord and occult tethered cord. I have been blown away by the number of people who have contacted me since I first wrote this blog and who have gone on to get their dogs diagnosed and operated on as well. While this may still be seen as a rare condition it does make you wonder if it is only rare because of a lack of diagnosis. I will forever be grateful to Ane Uriate for giving Sparkles a chance at life when others had written her off. She very kindly joined me to talk about tethered cord which I have posted on Youtube. Here is the link https://youtu.be/aujKBTutzHg I have also interviewed the lovely Katrina Drake who set up the FB groups for dogs with tethered cord and you can view this video here https://youtu.be/qABPP9uv7Vk Links to info about tethered cord Here are some links to papers and information I used to help me understand the condition of Tethered Cord and Occult Tethered Cord. Breakthrough Surgical Procedure Relieves Dogs From Chronic Pain. This article is written about Dr Parsley who seems to be one of the most experienced people in this field. I later found out she had been an intern for Dr Uriate who was the surgeon who operated on Sparkles. https://vet.tufts.edu/news-events/news/breakthrough-surgical-procedure-relieves-dogs-chronic-pain Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome in the Canine. This paper was written by the surgeon who I used to operate on Sparkles. It was through this paper that I felt she was the person I needed to be referred to as she mentions so many of the symptoms here that I knew related to Occult tethered cord through my research but that other vets were dismissing due to not knowing enough about the condition. It also gave me even more confidence that her co author was related to Tufts University where Dr Parsley was based and also mentions Dr Klinge who seems to be the go to person in the human field https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221475192030164X#:~:text=The%20filum%20terminale%20is%20a%20band%20of%20fibrovascular%20and%20neuronal,and%20a%20sacral%20or%20caudal Tethered Cord Syndrome in Dogs. This is a blog from another trainer who's dog was diagnosed with tethered cord syndrome https://demarinisdogtraining.com/tethered-cord-syndrome-in-dogs/ Dynamic Lumbosacral Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Dog with Tethered Cord Syndrome One of the earlier papars written on tethered cord from 2017 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2017.00134/full Occult tethered cord syndrome: insights into clinical and MRI features, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes in 30 dogs with confirmed or presumptive diagnosis. The newest paper released on Occult tethered cord and Sparkles surgeon as one of the contributors. When she did Sparkles operation she mentioned this paper was about to be released. It highlights an important factor that some dogs do not recover mentally and behaviourally post op due to living in pain for so long before diagnosis. This is one of my concerns with Sparkles and only time will tell how much damage has been caused that is not able to be worked through with training. The operation does not guarantee a life there on with no problems as physical damage can also have been caused that is irrepairable. I have seen this in both human and canine cases and is one of my driving forces to help bring awareness of this cruel condition as the earlier in life it is diagnosed and treated the better long term prognosis. But even then some have permanent damage for life https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1588538/full Tethered Cord Syndrome A paper finding that tethered cord runs in some families which suggests it could have genetic links https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/tethered-cord-syndrome Facebook groups I joined to learn more about the subject This group was invaluable for me piecing together all the symptoms. It is for people rather than dogs Tethered Cord Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/133604640090762 This group have been really supportive and share stories of their dogs. But it has also been incredibly supportive for the humans involved too as the stress this has all caused me is beyond what I dreamt of. I may write a separate blog about the mental toll this has taken on me too. Dogs with tethered cord syndrome https://www.facebook.com/groups/970334601658738 If anyone in the UK thinks their dog may have this condition then I highly recommend Dr Ane Uriate from Southfield Vet Referrals in Essex Edited: Ane is no longer at Southfields but is available for online consults for Tethered cord via her own website www.neuronavet.com and can also be contacted via email at accounts@neuronavet.com

If your answer is yes! You are not alone. There can be different reasons for this but it is usually when they have seen something coming such as a car or another dog. They stare at the trigger intently and often when it gets level they may jump up and lunge. These dogs could be nervous or they could be anticipating a chase, lowering themselves to the ground so they aren't so visible while they watch the approach and decide their next move. These Collies are often referred to as clappers. I am often asked what to do when a Collie goes splat on the floor. Usually the owner says the dog can't respond to them and are too strong to be moved. This is because they have got stuck in eyeing mode. To work through this problem I teach a 'Let's Go' cue. It means I am changing direction so come with me. I first teach the dog the understanding away from any triggers using the following steps. Say 'Let's Go' and place a treat in front of the dogs nose. Change direction and give the dog the treat Say 'Let's Go' change direction and when the dog turns with you give the dog a treat. If your dog is slow to turn then run for the first 1-2 steps to encourage a speedier turn to you. You can use a toy instead of treats if that is more rewarding for your dog. Make sure the cue is cheery and sharp so it is a clear attention cue. Once your dog is responding well you can introduce the cue in the presence of triggers. Start at a distance you know your dog can respond. It is important to cue your dog before they go into the down so they can still respond so if you see them start to stare or lower their head use the cue to keep them on their feet and moving. With repetition you will be able to reduce the distance to the trigger. And finally be able to walk your dog without them going splat onto the floor. If you want to learn more about Border Collies then check out our course Understand Your Border Collie If you would like help with training then sign up to the waitlist to be notified when our online membership the Border Collie Academy opens again