Teaching Your Border Collie to 'Help' with Holiday Chores

Border collies love having a job! Channel their work ethic into helpful household tasks this holiday season.

Picking Up Toys

Step-by-Step Training

Phase 1: Name the basket

1. Place toy basket in consistent location
2. Point to basket and say "basket"
3. Reward when they look at it
4. Repeat until they understand the word

Phase 2: Drop in basket

1. With toy in mouth, lure to basket
2. Say "drop" over the basket
3. Huge reward when toy goes in!
4. Gradually reduce luring

Phase 3: Full sequence

1. Say "tidy up" or "clean up"
2. Point to toys on floor
3. Guide to basket if needed
4. Celebrate success!

Fetching Items

Teaching "Get the [Item]"

1. Start with naming one item (e.g., "slippers")
2. Hold item, say name, let them take it
3. Reward the hold
4. Add "bring" command
5. Practice retrieving from floor
6. Gradually add distance
7. Name additional items

Popular items to teach:

• Slippers
• Remote control
• Newspaper/mail
• Specific toys by name
• Keys (attach to plush for easy carrying)

Closing Doors

Training Steps:

1. Put sticky note or target on door
2. Reward nose touch to target
3. Add "close" command
4. Reward harder pushes
5. Remove target gradually
6. Practice from distance

Carrying Light Items

Border collies can learn to carry:

• Small grocery bags
• Mail
• Lightweight packages
• Their own leash

Training tip: Start with items they already like carrying!

Benefits of Task Training

✓ Mental stimulation ✓ Strengthens bond ✓ Satisfies work drive ✓ Reduces problem behaviors ✓ Impressive party trick!

Remember: Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) and always end on success!