Use a long line for training so non-compliance is not an option- call her name in an excited voice, reel her in, then praise/treat her as a reward. Don't expect her to come for no reward, not yet.

And don't call if you don't think she'll come. Sounds obvious, but people do it all the time! It just teaches her that she can blow you off (sounds like she's already learned that.) Reward her every time she comes to you of her own will. Don't let her off-leash in unfenced areas. When you have to collect her for something unpleasant, go an get her, don't call her to you. But don't chase her! That will make her think it's a game.

Sounds like you could use a basic obedience class as well- Border Collies are smart, and it sounds like you two just need some help communicating with each other. A class can help with that.

Bruno answered on 1/28/12. Helpful? / 0