Border collies may employ a variety of herding styles to control a flock of sheep. As mentioned, they tend to work mostly along the sides and at the front. They may therefore go to the front of the flock to turn or stop the sheep's movement and they may also gather the sheep into a group so to move them towards the shepherd.

A Border Collie has not been bred to herd, but rather to not inflict death. Even with great breeding and training, an overexcited Border Collie can be known to kill one of the sheep he is meant to protect.