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This information
was developed to aid dog owners, adopters, foster homes, and others who share
their lives with a Border Collie. The
idea of developing a place for such information came about after several BCRT
volunteers sought help for their own dogs.
In the process of learning more about the best ways of helping our dogs,
we became interested in learning more about canine behavior and the use of
positive training techniques to effect behavioral changes.
It has been our experience that most Border Collies thrive when given
structure, appropriate stimulation, benevolent leadership and positive
reinforcement for desired behaviors. We
have also observed that dogs who are left to their own devices can become bored
and destructive, and that harsh treatment often makes behavior problems worse.
We believe that it is in the best interests of all who own or care for a
Border Collie to begin using these kinder, gentler methods, both to prevent and
to resolve problem behaviors.
We would like to
acknowledge the contributions of Lore Haug, DVM, Veterinary Behaviorist at the
College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University, who has generously
shared her handouts concerning canine behavior.
Dr. Haug has also helped us with our own dogs’ issues and it was
through her example that some of us became inspired to further our knowledge of
canine behavior.
Please enjoy the following
training aids, but remember that nothing you read here should replace an
in-person medical and/or behavioral evaluation. We can not evaluate your
situation and all information is given to help you try new ideas. Additionally,
these training tips are not self-teaching but require practice and patience.
Picking and choosing only some portions of this may not give the desired
results. We encourage those of you with serious problems to read this for ideas
and to seek professional help. If you choose to try any of these programs,
please do so by using the entire program over an extended period of time.
Handouts for
specific behaviors:
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Recommended
reading list:
 Summary:
Humane, user-friendly and dog-friendly training
methods! Tools to help you teach; housetraining; basic manners; behavior
problems, and an excellent resource section. |
 Summary:
Walk
away from punishment-based training
methods and learn how you can reward
your dog to obtain and reinforce the
behaviors you could only dream about
achieving! |
 Summary:
Get
rid of your dogs-are-like-humans
thinking and learn to appreciate the
TRUE strengths and abilities of your
canine companions. Find out what
really makes a dog tick, what
motivates him and how to get the
behavior you are looking for! |
 Summary:
By
understanding what makes your dog
tick, and by using the proven
techniques described in this book,
you'll learn how to socialize and
train your dog to be the companion
that you want.
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 Summary:
These
off-leash, lure-reward techniques
work on puppies and adult dogs
alike. Witty, humane, reliable and
FUN! Revised.
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 Summary:
How
to manage, relate to, and educate
your puppy. Emphasizes puppy needs
and feelings, and how to show and
teach them to be good companions,
using gentle, puppy-friendly
methods.
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 Summary:
Candid
answers to urgent questions about
aggression and other aspects of dog
behavior! Positive reinforcement
methods include clickers, food,
praise. From the author of the best
seller, Culture Clash (DTB464). |
 Summary:
Use
behavioral training on people, dogs
and other animals to make changes!
End undesirable behavior; learn
"affection training". Our
best selling book!
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 Summary:
Use lure/reward techniques to get a great start
towards the perfect family dog! The basics for beginners whether you're in class
or working alone, and a good hand-out for instructors or breeders!
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 Summary:
An
introduction to clicker training -positive
reinforcement training system based on
operant conditioning.
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 Summary:
How to
help dogs conquer their fears with
desensitization and counter
conditioning. Step by step method
can be used for any problem behavior
that is motivated by fear - even for
people! |
 Summary:
Help for
those whose dog suffers badly from
Separation Anxiety, help in
preventing it from developing, and
tips on how to raise a dog with good
"house manners." |
 Summary:
Maximize
the joy of living in a multi-dog
household by using Ethology and
Positive Reinforcement to teach your
dogs to be patient and polite! |
 Summary:
When humans communicate with dogs, a
lot can get lost in the translation.
Focusing on human behavior, Dr.
McConnell teaches readers how to
retrain themselves to speak
consistently in a language dogs
understand and avoid sending
conflicting and confusing messages. |
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Helpful links and resources:
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