Hi Tonksmom!
I and my friend are also newbies with young border collie pups. We started lessons a month or so ago. My border collie responds much quicker to corrections (or guidance) where needed, but if being stubborn we may need to step up the correction. He does not shut down at all but keeps working. My friend's border collie is softer though. If he is corrected too harshly or doesn't understand something, he releases his own pressure by eating poop and turning away. or trying to scatter the sheep so he can chase them (self rewarding). He will work enthusiastically, but needs a softer hand during instruction. Your trainer should see that. Read the book Herding Dogs: Progressive Training by Virgil Holland. It will give you insight into the game of training.
