Border Collies were bred to gather, control and move livestock over long distances while responding to subtle handler cues. Their fulfilment comes from using their brain just as much as their body. What a Border Collie Needs to Feel Fulfilled 🧠 Problem Solving - Shaping exercises - Puzzle feeders - Advanced obedience - Learning new behaviours - Trick training 🐑 Herding & Control - Treibball - Herding (where available) - Controlled ball work - Directional exercises - Send-away drills 👃 Scent Work - Scent detection - Tracking - Find-it games - Hidden object searches 🎯 Precision Obedience - Heel work - Distance control - Position changes - Target training - Recall drills 🏃 Agility & Athletic Challenges - Agility - Cavaletti poles - Obstacle courses - Balance equipment - Parkour-style confidence work 🤝 Working With Their Handler - Engagement games - Structured tug - Retrieve to hand - Team challenges - Off-leash focus work 🌿 Exploration - Sniff walks - Environmental confidence - New locations - Controlled hiking - Natural terrain exploration - Things to Avoid - Endless ball throwing without structure. - Constant high-intensity exercise with no mental challenge. - Leaving them to create their own entertainment. - Repetitive games that increase obsession rather than engagement. A fulfilled Border Collie isn't simply a tired dog—it's a dog that has had the opportunity to think, problem-solve, work with its handler, control movement and use its natural instincts in a structured way. Remember: If you don't give a Border Collie a job, they'll often invent one themselves—and it may not be the job you'd choose!

With consistency, patience, and clear communication, this sweet girl has improved impeccably and come such a long way in just 5 short weeks — levelling up to Level 2! 🥳 From being nervous and shy, lacking confidence walking in, feeling unsure about having a lead placed over her head, and feeling anxious around other dogs, Sage has completely blossomed. She has gained so much confidence in her training, body touches, and everyday interactions. Now she walks in with her head held high, comes straight up to us waiting for her lead, and even jumps onto our laps for all the love and cuddles to say bye at sometime! 🥰 Watching her meet her new friends, build her confidence, and show such amazing engagement has been incredible. Everyone at the Unanderra store couldn’t be more proud of you Sage, and your amazing parents for all the dedication and consistency they’ve put in. We can’t wait to watch you continue to grow and achieve even more. We adore you, Sweet girl! ❤️ @Brittany Langlands

He is a little vid of the goodest boy Ollie @Julie Venturini You did amazing!! Handler engagement, Loose Leash Walking at it's best!

If the power of consistency and clear communication wasn’t preached enough by my co-workers and I, Rip’s progress is the prime example 🤩🙌🏼 This powerhouse has come incredibly far in the short 4 weeks he’s had with us at the Shelly store 🎉🥳 From dragging us through the door, refusing to engage and train, and showing signs of high anxiety and reactivity around other dogs… to today walking beautifully on the grass with zero leash pressure, disengaging with other dogs immediately when called, getting through whole training sessions with wonderful engagement and peacefully laying down several times throughout the school day 🥹 The girls and I could not be prouder of this big smiley boy and his lovely mum @Tenneal Taylor ❤️

Chili went on her first big girl walk with the academy today! 🤩🤩 We walked along the bike track, visited the beach and practiced our impulse control on the grass, all of which were surrounded by several other dogs and people. She behaved BEAUTIFULLY 🥹 no barking, no grumbles and consistent engagement 🩷 The cherry on top was a MAN telling her how beautiful she was as she laid quietly at our feet 🍒🥳 Well done Chilli and @Tamara Wassink, the consistency is paying off 👏👏