5 Best Border Collie Training Dvds For Experienced Handlers

You’ve got a good dog with a solid foundation, but you’ve hit a plateau in your training. The dog works, but the finesse isn’t there, the communication feels clunky, and you know there’s another level of partnership you haven’t unlocked. This is where stepping back and learning from a master through a well-structured training program becomes essential.

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Advanced Stockdog Training: Why DVDs Still Matter

In an age of endless YouTube clips, the idea of a DVD can feel dated. But for the experienced handler, the long-form, systematic approach of a training DVD offers something a short video can’t: a complete philosophy. You’re not just learning a single command; you’re learning an entire system of thought from a master handler.

These programs show you the process, not just the polished result. You see the mistakes, the corrections, and the slow, deliberate steps it takes to solve a problem. This is where the real learning happens. It’s one thing to see a perfect outrun, but it’s far more valuable to see a handler fix a dog that’s crossing over or running too tight.

A physical DVD also encourages focused study. You can pause, rewind, and analyze a specific head movement or a subtle shift in pressure without being distracted by the next suggested video. For complex topics like training a cross-drive or refining a shed, this deliberate, repeatable viewing is invaluable.

Geri Brown’s "The Natural Way" for Finesse

Geri Brown’s training is all about feel. If you’re looking to move beyond mechanical, command-based handling and develop a deeper, more intuitive partnership with your dog, this is your starting point. Her approach is built on understanding stock, reading your dog, and using pressure and release to guide the dog into making the right choices.

This isn’t a step-by-step guide for teaching a flank command. It’s a masterclass in nuance. Brown excels at showing you how to build a dog’s confidence and encourage it to think for itself. The goal is a dog that understands the job, not just one that obeys commands.

This DVD is for you if your dog knows the basics but lacks confidence or seems overly dependent on your commands. It’s about developing a dog that can read a situation and react appropriately, whether you’re there to micromanage it or not. It’s the bridge from being a dog trainer to becoming a true stockman.

Scrimgeour’s "Art & Science of Shepherding"

Derek Scrimgeour’s series is the textbook you wish you had when you started. It is dense, detailed, and analytical, breaking down the work into geometric principles. He explains the why behind the what, showing you the lines, angles, and points of balance that govern how stock moves.

The "science" is in understanding these mechanics of pressure. The "art" is in the timing and application. Scrimgeour’s instruction is incredibly precise, making it perfect for the handler who wants to deconstruct their own work and rebuild it with a stronger theoretical foundation. He leaves very little to guesswork.

If you find yourself frustrated by inconsistent results and want a logical framework to diagnose problems, this series is a goldmine. It’s less about intuitive "feel" and more about a deep, technical understanding of the craft. For many handlers, this analytical approach is the key that unlocks the next level of precision in their work.

H. Glyn Jones’ "A Way of Life": Classic Skills

Watching H. Glyn Jones is like getting a direct lesson from the heart of Welsh shepherding. This isn’t about modern trial trends; it’s about the timeless, practical skills needed to run a farm. His methods are straightforward, no-nonsense, and proven over generations.

This DVD series covers the entire spectrum, from starting a pup on its first sheep to advanced farm tasks like shedding and single-ing. Jones has a quiet, calm demeanor that builds immense confidence in his dogs. He creates a dog that is a reliable, indispensable partner for daily chores.

For the hobby farmer, this is perhaps the most practical resource on the list. If your primary goal is to have a dog that can calmly and efficiently help you manage your flock, Glyn Jones provides the blueprint. It’s a masterclass in creating a useful, thinking farm dog.

Scott Glen’s "The Handler’s Guide" for Trials

If your ambitions extend to the trial field, Scott Glen’s DVDs are required viewing. His focus is squarely on the precision, control, and stamina required for top-level competition. This is about taking a good working dog and polishing it into a world-class trial dog.

Glen dives deep into the specific skills needed to excel in a trial setting. He covers long-distance outruns, international shedding, and maintaining absolute control from hundreds of yards away. The level of detail on whistle commands and handling at a distance is second to none.

This is not the place to start for a beginner or someone who just needs to move sheep between pastures. This is advanced material for the handler who already has a solid dog and wants to compete. Glen’s methods are demanding, but they produce the kind of precision that wins championships.

Faansie Basson’s "Working with Sheepdogs"

Faansie Basson, a South African handler, brings a unique and powerful perspective focused on calmness and control. His philosophy centers on teaching the dog to be a stock manager, capable of handling large flocks with quiet confidence and minimal handler input. He is a master of teaching the dog to rate its stock and apply the perfect amount of pressure.

His training emphasizes a slow, deliberate pace, which builds a tremendous amount of trust and understanding between dog and stock. The goal is a dog that can think through a problem and solve it, rather than waiting for a command for every step. This approach is particularly effective for working flighty or sensitive stock.

This DVD is ideal for the handler who wants a partner, not just a tool. If you value a dog that can work independently and calmly, whether on a small holding or a larger pasture, Basson’s methods will resonate deeply. It’s a beautiful bridge between practical farm work and high-level finesse.

Choosing the Right DVD for Your Training Goals

The "best" DVD is the one that addresses your specific challenges and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and many top handlers have learned something from all of these masters. Think of it as building your own personal masterclass.

Use this as your guide:

• For better partnership and feel: Geri Brown’s "The Natural Way"
• For a deep, technical understanding: Derek Scrimgeour’s "The Art & Science of Shepherding"
• For a classic, practical farm dog: H. Glyn Jones’ "A Way of Life"
• For competitive trial success: Scott Glen’s "The Handler’s Guide"
• For a calm, thinking flock manager: Faansie Basson’s "Working with Sheepdogs"

Don’t be afraid to mix and match. You might use Scrimgeour’s principles to fix your dog’s outrun, then apply Brown’s concepts to smooth out your lift. The goal is to collect tools for your toolbox, not to follow a single dogma. Your dog, your stock, and your land will tell you which tool you need on any given day.

Applying DVD Lessons to Your Flock Management

Watching a master handler work on a DVD is inspiring. The real challenge is translating those lessons to your own five-acre pasture with your handful of stubborn ewes. The key is to adapt the principle, not just mimic the exact action.

For example, you might see Glyn Jones perform a perfect shed in a large field. On your smallholding, the setup is different, the pressure is higher, and the sheep have nowhere to go. Don’t try to replicate the scene exactly. Instead, focus on the principle: how he used his dog’s position and pressure to create a natural split in the flock. Apply that idea to your own unique situation.

Remember that these DVDs are a source of knowledge, not a replacement for time spent in the field. Watch a segment, then go out and try to apply one concept. It will probably fail. Go back, re-watch it, and try to understand why. This cycle of watching, doing, and analyzing is how you truly integrate these advanced skills into your own handling.

Ultimately, these DVDs are not about teaching your dog tricks; they’re about teaching you to see the work differently. They provide the framework and the language to help you refine your instincts, deepen your partnership, and become the handler your talented dog deserves.