Hi,

My 6 month old (male) Border Collie was doing well with basic commands
to start with but recently (say the last 6 weeks) totally ignores
them. I know he knows what I mean because on occasions where I give a
command with a treat in my hand he obeys! Without one it's like he is
saying to me " Nope, I don't want to so I won't". When doing initial
training I only gave treats occasionally so it's not like I've stopped
them and he's protesting.

I've heard about adolesence in dogs and understand I may have to start
again with training as he approaches this age but he goes mad when I
get out the training lead, nipping (hard) and playing up. In fact any
sign of him thinking he may have to obey a command or be taught one
results in a tantrum. For example telling him "out for a wee" used to
result in him skipping out to the garden - now he just goes
conveniently deaf and on occasions he has to be carried out in my
desperation (I know, not good at all!!).

As a Border Collie, I try and keep his mind active too, attempting to
teach him tricks, but he even appears to hate that, as if he is clever
enough to sense I am trying to get him to do something and why should
he!

I assume I've got a fairly normal puppy and I'm well aware the problem
is going to be down to me not knowing how to handle it a but where do
I start? I am gettig so frustrated. How can I make things fun for him
and get him to obey me too?

Also, can anyone offer advice please on the stay command. How do I get
him to understand what stay means? It's not like a sit where when or
as he sits I can praise him and he knows what he's done.

He's a great dog in other ways, very calm, no chewing, housetrained
etc, I just want him to be obedient. And he just wants to do as he
likes

Many thanks,

Lynda