You might be surprised to learn that Bearded Collies are one of the oldest known dog breeds in Britain. The breed, affectionately known as “Beardies”, have a history nearly as fascinating as their long, silky coats and boundless energy. Speaking of energy, did you know that these dogs were originally bred to work? That’s right! Working as herd dogs in the rugged mountains of Scotland, Bearded Collies have centuries of hard work and intelligent thinking hardwired into their genes.
But enough about their vibrant history for now. Let’s delve into the crux matter at hand. How easy is it exactly to train a Bearded Collie?
You see, unlike many other breeds, Bearded Collies are known for their intense energy and quick wit. Combine that with their independent spirit, and you’ve got a dog that has a mind of its own. So then, would training a Bearded Collie be as breezy as a walk in the park or somewhat more akin to managing a whirlwind? Keep reading to find out!
Bearded Collies, much like their close relatives – the Border Collies, are exceptionally intelligent. This quality, which served them well on the rugged highlands in a bygone era, translates into their ability to comprehend and learn commands fairly quickly. Hence, if your Beardie training sessions are not going as smoothly as you envisioned, it may be time to point the finger at the trainer rather than the trainee.
However, their intelligence comes with a kind of free spirit independence that might make training these dogs a bit challenging especially for first-time dog owners. Don’t panic just yet though. Challenging definitely does not equate to impossible; and, with the right approach, patience, and persistence, you’ll have your Beardie fetching your slippers and newspaper in no time.
For starters, Beardies respond best to positive reinforcement. A strict or harsh training approach won’t work on these dogs. Instead, a belly scratch, a pat on the head, or a treat works best, especially when combined with a lot of praises. “Good boy!” or “Good girl!” goes a long way.
Next, ensure that your training sessions are also fun and engaging. Beardies are notorious for their quick boredom threshold and love for fun. An entertaining trick, a game of fetch or chase could go a long way in keeping your Beardie captivated during your training sessions.
Another important point to consider is that Beardies need early socialization. Beardies are lovely and friendly with family, but can be reserved towards strangers and unfamiliar environments. Consider enrolling your Beardie in puppy kindergarten classes or scheduling play dates with neighbor’s dogs.
Let’s not forget obedience training. Because Beardies are intelligent and independent, they can be a bit headstrong at times. Start obedience training from a young age to establish you as the leader of the pack.
Remember to also manage your own expectations. Training is a process that requires patience, time, and consistency. Don’t expect your Beardie to pickup new commands at the snap of your fingers. A step-by-step approach works best with these dogs.
Finally, remember that every Beardie is unique. What works for one Bearded Collie might not work for another. Be flexible in your training methods and adjust according to your Beardie’s response to different techniques.
So to answer the question, “Is a Bearded Collie easy to train?” – well, it largely depends on the approach. With their intelligence, energy, and zest for life training a Beardie can be both a challenging and rewarding experience that helps strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. With patience, consistency, positivity and a willingness to keep it fun, you can transform your whirlwind into a well-trained companion – and embark on many rewarding adventures together!
Now that we’ve answered one big question, how about another? Ready to try some new tricks with your faithful, furry conundrum? Train on, brave Beardie Wranglers! Train on!
