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Basic Training Skills

  • Mar 26
  • 3 min read


Colorado Mountain Dogs are guardian‑driven, not obedience‑driven. This means they think independently, prioritize livestock safety, and make decisions without waiting for human commands. However, they still need a foundation of basic training so you can handle them safely, move them when needed, and intervene during emergencies.

This section outlines the essential skills every CMDR should learn — taught in a way that supports their guardian instincts rather than suppressing them.


Training Philosophy for CMDRs

LGDs learn differently than pet dogs.

LGDs Learn Best Through:

  • Calm repetition

  • Short sessions

  • Clear boundaries

  • Natural consequences

  • Positive reinforcement

  • Livestock‑centered routines

LGDs Learn Poorly Through:

  • Harsh punishment

  • Long obedience sessions

  • High‑energy play

  • Treat‑heavy training

  • Emotional reactions

  • Confusing commands

Your CMDR is not learning tricks — they are learning functional skills that support their guardian role.


Core Skills Every CMDR Should Learn

These skills are not about obedience for obedience’s sake. They are about safety, management, and emergency handling.


“Come”

This is the most important command for safety.

How to Teach It

  1. Stand inside the bonding pen.

  2. Say the puppy’s name once.

  3. Say “Come” in a calm, neutral tone.

  4. When the puppy approaches, offer gentle praise.

  5. Repeat 2–3 times per session.

Avoid

  • Repeating the command over and over

  • Using treats excessively

  • Calling the puppy away from livestock too often

  • Calling the puppy only for unpleasant tasks (medication, restraint, etc.)

Goal

A CMDR should come when called most of the time, but not abandon livestock during a threat.


“Stay”

CMDRs do not need a long, formal stay — they need a calm pause.

How to Teach It

  1. Ask puppy to “Sit” or stand calmly.

  2. Say “Stay” while holding your hand up.

  3. Step back one or two steps.

  4. Return and praise calm behavior.

Goal

The puppy learns to pause long enough for you to open gates, check livestock, or redirect behavior.


“Leave It”

This command prevents inappropriate livestock interactions.

How to Teach It

  1. When puppy shows interest in something inappropriate (wool, ear, feed bucket), say “Leave it.”

  2. Step between puppy and object.

  3. Redirect puppy to a calm position.

  4. Praise calm behavior.

Goal

The puppy learns to disengage from temptation.


“No”

This is your interrupt command.

How to Teach It

Use “No” only for behaviors that must stop immediately:

  • Chasing

  • Rough play

  • Jumping on livestock

  • Excessive licking of newborns

Say “No” firmly, once, without emotion.

Then redirect.

Goal

The puppy learns that “No” means stop and reset.


“Boundary” 

Establishment of a perimeter you don’t want puppy to cross. 

How to Teach It 

  1. Let puppy explore. 

  2. When they are near the edge of their perimeter, calmly say “boundary”. 

  3. Call the puppy away from a fence line or gate.

  4. When the puppy approaches, offer gentle praise.

Goal

Even if there is a breach in the perimeter, your CMDR knows where their boundary is.


“Load Up”

This command is essential for veterinary visits, emergencies, and farm management.

How to Teach It

  1. Stand near the vehicle or trailer.

  2. Tap the open door or ramp.

  3. Say “Load up.”

  4. Guide puppy gently inside.

  5. Praise calm behavior.

Goal

The puppy loads willingly and calmly when needed.

“Kennel”

This command teaches the puppy to enter a crate or small pen calmly.

How to Teach It

  1. Open kennel door.

  2. Say “Kennel.”

  3. Guide puppy inside.

  4. Close door calmly.

  5. Release after a short period.

Goal

The puppy accepts temporary confinement without stress.


Recall Games

Recall games build responsiveness without creating pet‑like dependency.

Recommended Games

Two‑person recall:  

  • Two people stand inside the bonding pen and call the puppy back and forth.

Livestock recall:  

  • Call the puppy while livestock move, teaching the puppy to respond even during mild distraction.

Boundary recall:  

  • Call the puppy away from a fence line or gate.

Avoid

  • High‑energy games

  • Fetch

  • Tug

  • Chase‑based play

These create pet behavior and increase prey drive.


Why Positive Reinforcement Works Better Than Punishment

Research from Texas A&M AgriLife consistently shows that LGDs trained with positive reinforcement:

  • Mature faster

  • Show fewer behavioral issues

  • Bond more strongly to livestock

  • Show less fear and anxiety

  • Make better independent decisions

  • Are safer around children and visitors

  • Are more reliable during emergencies

Punishment Damages Guardian Development

Harsh punishment can cause:

  • Fear of livestock

  • Fear of humans

  • Reduced confidence

  • Increased aggression

  • Avoidance behavior

  • Unpredictable reactions

  • Loss of guardian reliability

CMDRs must trust their owners deeply.

Positive reinforcement builds that trust.


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