9 Common Border Collie Behavior Problems & Tips

As cute as border collies are they still have issues you will have to deal with, so let’s discuss border collie behavior problems you should know.

Border collies are known as one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs, but they can also turn around to hurt you.

So, this post is not to discourage you from getting a border collie, but to give you an insight on things you should expect with a border collie.

So keep reading…

Border Collie Behavior Problems

Here are some of the most common border collie behavior problems you should know:

1. Digging

This is one of the major border collie behavior problems you have to deal with.

Digging for border collies is a natural thing, however, they could dig for different reasons which include:

1. Anxiety
2. Stress
3. Loneliness
4. Herding instinct
5. Lack of mental stimulation
6. Boredom
7. To cool off
8. Excessive energy.

You must determine the cause of your border collie’s excessive digging and take immediate action.

Maintain constant engagement with your border collie and avoid leaving him outside for long periods of time.

For a variety of reasons, none of which are cruel, Border Collies have a natural inclination to dig.

If your border collie falls in love with your flower or plant beds and begins digging in them while you’re out walking, don’t get angry or yell at him.

Simply remove your border from these circumstances multiple times till he realizes his actions are inappropriate.

How to control digging in border collies

• Make every attempt to connect digging to unacceptable behavior.
• Make a list of tasks that will keep your border collie’s mind active.
• Distract the border collie’s attention away from their bad behavior of digging.
• Make the locations where your border collie is digging unpleasant and uncomfortable.
• Make the digging area unappealing with things your border collie will not like.
• Make yourself and your border collie a daily routine and stick to it.
• Your border collie should be given more chewing toys.
• Allow for constant entertainment for your border collie.
• At all costs, separation anxiety should be avoided.

2. Chasing things

Border collies are good at chasing things because they were selectively bred to herd sheep, this can become a problem if you don’t avoid any activity that leads to unnecessary chasing.

Border collies’ excitement drive includes pursuing other animals, humans, and automobiles, as well as chasing moving objects.

Allowing your border collie to pursue people, birds, or other dogs may be fatal if not properly controlled.

Chasing may be an issue if border collies aren’t properly trained because they were developed with a predatory nature.

Border collies like playing tag with other dogs, and it’s typically a good time until the pursuit occurs on a busy road, in which case it can become one of those dangerous canine behaviors.

How to control chasing in border collies

• To keep your border collie from chasing after distractions, keep them on a leash or in a fenced-in yard.
• While out on a walk, don’t let your border collie off the leash, especially in a strange environment.
• Work with your border collie on impulse control and teach them to come to you when you call.
• Socialization at an early age is good and will help your border collie stay calm.
• Teach your border collie to be calm around other dogs, cats, and other pets.
• Always give your border collie a treat if he doesn’t chase anything when you are walking.
• When you call your border collie, reward them for stopping pursuing to answer your call.
• When teaching your border collie, use clicker training.
• During any chase, distract and reward.

3. Barking

Barking is one of the most common border collie behavior problems that are very easy to address.

Border collies are a naturally non-aggressive dog breed that has never been known to hurt other dogs or children since they were developed to herd sheep.

A border collie can bark excessively, and one of the best strategies to decrease excessive barking is to properly socialize your border collie as soon as possible.

Barking is another way for them to communicate, which may be annoying to their owners.

Border Collies can become talkative for a variety of reasons, including:

• Emotional distress
• Fear
• Strangers around
• Anxiety
• Attention seeking
• Play aggression
• Signs of hunger
• Welcoming you back home
• Signs of pain

How to control excessive barking in border collies

• Ignore any barking that isn’t absolutely necessary.
• Make an effort to develop a training regimen for your border collie.
• Teach your border collie to ignore them to distract him.
• Ascertain that your border collie lives in a stress-free environment.
• Provide your border collie with a bark collar.
• When your border collie is a puppy, begin socializing him or her.
• Desensitize your border collie to any possible fear triggers.
• Pay greater attention to your border collie’s necessities.
• Anxiety and concern in your border collie should be avoided at all costs.

4. Destructive chewing

Chewing things is one of the most common border collie behavior problems that you have to deal with.

Chewing is a normal behavior in all dogs, but if your border collie chews on things that aren’t meant to be eaten, such as shoes, furniture, or electrical wires, chewing may quickly become an issue.

Provide plenty of toys and chews to keep your border collie occupied and encourage healthy chewing.

Objects you don’t want to be chewed can be removed or sprayed with Bitter Apple, a substance that gives them a terrible taste.

How to control border collie chewing

1. Never let your border collie alone for an extended period of time.
2. To keep your border collie occupied, buy a lot of chewing toys.
3. To keep your border collie from nibbling on your precious furniture, spray it.
4. Give your border collie additional cerebral stimulation.
5. Give your border collie extra opportunities to exercise.
6. Make your home puppy-proof.
7. Avoid your border collie’s separation anxiety.

5. Separation anxiety

Border collie separation anxiety is a behavioral disorder that occurs when a border collie is left alone for a prolonged amount of time.

Separation anxiety can lead to biting, excessive barking, and hostility if not treated.

Separation anxiety in border collies manifests itself in biting, nipping, barking, self-isolation, destructive chewing, and other behaviors.

When a border collie is left alone at home, separation anxiety can develop, which can be reduced by having a buddy or employing effective crate training.

How to control separation anxiety in border collies

• Obtain an anti-anxiety or drug with your veterinarian’s authorization.
• To keep your border collie entertained, make sure he has plenty of soft and intriguing toys.
• Allow lots of time for your border to rest, relax, and exercise.
• Begin a new, appropriate crate training program for your border collie.
• Make an appointment with a behaviorist for your border collie.
• Teach them to leave you alone at home and to keep a safe distance from you.
• Exercise your border collie before you go to burn off any surplus energy.
• Allow a view of the outer world through a window.
• To create a relaxed and stress-free environment, play soothing music.

Separation anxiety is one of the major border collie behavior problems you should avoid as they can destroy your furniture if left unchecked.

6. Clingy behavior

While some people find it inconvenient that their border collie follows them about the home, others find it entertaining.

Border collies are no exception when it comes to barking, biting, or nipping to get attention.

If you don’t want a loving dog who needs regular care, a border collie is not for you.

Border Collies are lovely companion dogs that spend their days with their owners; yet, if they are not properly trained, they may become a serious problem.

How to control clingy behavior in border collies

• Training in obedience should be prioritized.
• Teach your border collie the commands “sit” and “stay.”
• Allow plenty of time to properly crate train your border collie.
• Provide a diverse selection of fun and interesting toys.
• Provide puzzles and other cognitively engaging exercises.
• Give your border collie a job to perform at all times.
• Make a daily schedule for yourself and follow it.
• Make sure there are certain ground rules in place.

7. Leaping and jumping on things

Border Collies are notorious for leaping and jumping on their owners to welcome you home and express their joy.

While leaping is fun, it is not always appropriate, and this might rapidly become a significant problem.

Border Collies are known for greeting their owners and visitors by jumping up and down.

Teaching your border collie to regulate their enthusiasm is one of the most basic ways for keeping them from leaping on you or another person.

How to control leaping and jumping behavior in border collies

While your border collie is on a leash, have someone approach him.

Before the visitor approaches your border, toss a few treats on the floor.

Allow your border collie to contact and greet you when he or she is eating from the floor.

Before they finish eating, ask the person to move away from your border collie.

Repeat the gestures above after a few repetitions, but this time extend the welcome by laying treats on the floor.

Before placing the first reward on the ground, let your border collie meet the person once all four feet are on the ground.

As your border collie learns the rules, you may gradually reduce the number of treats you offer him until the greeting is the only thing he gets.

8. Nipping

One of the most well-known types of border collie behavior problems is nipping or biting when playing.

Border Collies exhibit their play aggression by nipping, snarling, lunging, and biting.

It’s quite common among border collies since their owners always tolerate or encourage it because it’s the right thing to do.

Border Collie’s nipping behavior grows over time and, if unchecked, may cause major difficulties for both your children and your dog.

How to control nipping behavior in border collies

• Learn and start playing with your border collie softly.
• Learn how to educate your border collie to keep his or her exuberance under control.
• Socialization for your border collie should begin at a young age.
• Make arrangements to play with other pups and well-behaved adult dogs who can teach your puppy proper manners.
• By neutering or spaying your border collie, you can reduce his hormone-driven animosity.
• Praise your border collie when he or she engages in joyful play and not nipping.
• Include a toy in the equation, and when a line is crossed, divert your border collie to keep him from continuing to play.
• Teach compliance strategies and expectations.
• The only way to improve is through positive reinforcement.

9. Being shy with strangers

Border Collies are also prone to becoming shy. It is necessary to examine the dog’s ears in order to determine whether it is shy.

When a timid border collie is among strangers, his ears will tilt back toward his skull. This is why border collies are said to bark at strangers.

Dogs pant heavily and their pupils dilate when they are near new humans. Both of these are symptoms of anxiety.

You must first persuade your border collie that there is nothing to be afraid of before he can overcome his shyness.

How to control shyness in border collies

• Introduce your border collie to other dogs and people at dog parks.
• Allow your border collie to be exposed to loud noises or music.
• Seek out the help of other dog owners.
• Bring your border collie to the mall.
• Take your border collie to a dog show.
• Take your border collie camping.
• Bring your border to work and introduce him to everyone.
• With your border collie, pay a visit to your buddies.
• Take walks along your street in the evening.
• Begin socializing your border collie at an early age.

I hope with the information provided on this page you now have an insight into border collie behavior problems!