Breed Specific Outlets for Border Collies: Engaging Their Natural Instincts Through Herding Games
- Ellen Greenwood-Sole
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Border Collies are one of the most intelligent and high-energy dog breeds, known for their incredible herding abilities. But what if your Collie doesn’t have a flock of sheep to work with? That’s where Predatory Play comes in—a structured way to channel their instincts into fun, rewarding games that provide both mental and physical stimulation.
What is Predatory Play & Herding Games?
Predatory Play is a training approach designed specifically for herding breeds, particularly Border Collies. It mimics the predatory sequence—a natural behavior pattern in dogs that includes stalking, chasing, and capturing. Herding itself is a modified form of this sequence, where Collies have been bred to control and move livestock rather than hunt.
Through structured games, Predatory Play allows Collies to express their natural instincts in a healthy, controlled way, preventing frustration and unwanted behaviors like chasing cars, bikes, or other animals.
Why Do Collies Need a Herding-Specific Outlet?
Collies aren’t just energetic—they have an innate drive to herd. Without the right outlet, that drive can lead to:
❌ Chasing & Reactivity – Without an appropriate outlet, Collies may chase moving objects, including cars, bikes, or even people.
❌ Obsessive Behaviors – Many Collies develop fixations on lights, shadows, or repetitive motions when their natural instincts aren’t fulfilled.
❌ Frustration & Anxiety – A bored or unfulfilled Collie can develop stress-related behaviors, such as barking, spinning, or destructive chewing.
By engaging them in herding-based games, you’re giving them a productive way to use their instincts while improving their focus, responsiveness, and overall well-being.
How Can Predatory Play & Herding Games Help Your Collie?
Predatory Play isn’t just about fun—it provides real benefits for both you and your dog:
✔ Fulfills Natural Instincts – Gives your Collie a purpose, helping to prevent frustration-driven behaviors.
✔ Encourages Self-Control – Helps teach impulse control, so your dog learns to listen even when highly aroused.
✔ Provides Mental & Physical Exercise – Keeps their body active and their mind engaged, reducing restlessness.
✔ Strengthens Your Bond – Creates a deeper connection between you and your dog through rewarding, interactive play.
✔ Uses Play as Training – Transforms natural instincts into a tool for reinforcing obedience and focus.
✔ Usable reward strategies- Being able to tap into their herding insticts can be game changing in other areas of their training, by creating motivation and drive to work with you. You can then use this in other areas of your training.
Introducing the Predatory Play Training Box 🐾
If you’re looking for an easy way to get started with Predatory Play, our brand-new Predatory Play Training Box is designed specifically for herding breeds like Border Collies!
Each box includes:
✅ Toys & Equipment – Carefully selected to enhance herding-style play.
✅ Training Guide – A step-by-step booklet to help you introduce and structure Predatory Play.
✅ Exclusive Training Vault Access – Video tutorials to ensure you and your Collie get the most out of the training.
✅ Trainer Feedback Option – Send in videos to receive personalized advice from a specialist Collie trainer!
Give your Collie the outlet they were born for and turn their natural instincts into an engaging, rewarding training experience!
🛒 Order your Predatory Play Training Box today at