Why Do Border Collies Bite: 9 Bite Causes & Tips

Why do border collies bite is a question that is not common among most border collie owners because they are not known for biting!

This doesn’t mean they don’t bite, I will be discussing some potential reasons why border collies may bite and how to avoid or prevent it.

I will do my best to keep things as simple as possible so keep reading…

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Why Do Border Collies Bite

Border Collies bite during teething, although they are not renowned for grinding as adults. They may bite to protect themselves due to inadequate socialization or to nip out of excitement.

Let me break things down so that you understand better!!!

Border Collies bite for a number of reasons, including the following:

1. Lack of socialization

During socialization, your border collie learns that biting is bad behavior from your actions, training, or correction.

So when your border collie lacks complete socialization he can bite anything thinking is good behavior including other pets.

Biting is not acceptable in a well-socialized border collie since it is a learned border collie behavior issue.

Border Collies bites are caused by a lack of socialization and are associated with fear and self-defense.

Helpful tips

Ways to socialize a border collie:

Enrollment in puppy classes.
Visiting dog parks.
Inviting other dog owners.
Introduce your border collie to loud sounds.
Visiting other well-trained dogs.
Take your border collie for an evening walk.
Take your border collie to dog shows.
Good obedience training sessions.

2. They’re defending themselves

Border Collies, like other dogs, are not aggressive and do not bite unnecessarily, yet they may bite to protect or defend themselves.

Although some dogs bite more frequently than others, every dog may bite to defend itself or its owners.

Remember that border collies were selectively bred to be herding dogs, although they are now used as pets, they can bite to defend themselves when they feel threatened.

3. Frustration

Another factor that may lead to border collie biting behavior is when they are upset or disturbed.

If they are caught in an uncomfortable or unpleasant setting, Border Collies may bite out of anger or frustration.

Borders may grow annoyed if they are unable to obtain what they desire owing to the presence of an owner or a leash.

A redirecting or redirected bite occurs when a border collie turns and bites at something or someone who is keeping them back.

This form of bite is more likely if your border collie hasn’t been socialized.

4. Traumatic experiences

A traumatic experience is one of the reasons border collies become aggressive, and it will eventually result in unnecessary biting.

One of the most common ways you punish your border collie without realizing it is by starving him, this can leave your border collie with a traumatic experience.

Another kind of abuse includes slapping or throwing items at your border collie, as well as yelling at him.

All of this will make your border collie angry and unbalanced, which will lead to unnecessary biting.

5. Fear

Fear is one of the most prevalent reasons for a border collie’s bite; if he feels threatened, he may bite.

Fear motivates Border Collies to engage in ineffective behaviors such as whining, barking, and biting aggression.

The majority of the time, a border collie bites in response to antagonism, fear, or threat, or when danger approaches.

Keep your border collie away from anything that makes him afraid, or better yet, socialize him with his fear.

6. Startling them

Border collies can bite if startled, especially if they’ve been resting, sleeping, or relaxing.

A fearful border collie may become disoriented and confused about its surroundings, biting as a result.

This is especially common in older border collies, who may have impaired eyesight or hearing and get bewildered when startled awake.

Always be careful not to wake a sleeping border collie, and discourage your kids from climbing into their beds.

7. Anxiety or depression

Biting, whining, and nipping are all undesirable border collie behaviors that may be changed.

When a border collie is separated from its owner, it might grow agitated and bite.

The wrath is generally more intense and lasts longer, with the majority of the time spent biting.

Consult your veterinarian or get a second pet to keep your border collie company to help with border collie separation anxiety.

Although stress may lead a border collie to get agitated and attack anyone in their area, any sources of tension must be removed.

8. Instincts of possession

Most Border Collies develop a strong attachment to their toys, food, or owners. The breed has a natural desire to form deep bonds with a single individual.

Your border collie may bite if he or she has something precious that he or she does not want to share, such as toys, food, or chews.

In resource protection, biting to safeguard goods is a common occurrence.

Most dogs, regardless of breed, have strong guarding instincts and may attack if they sense their house or a family member is in danger.

9. Illnesses or pain

Border Collies are not violent, but they can be exceedingly agitated, frightened, and unpleasant when they are sick or injured.

Border collies, even the most tolerant, can bite if they are hurt or in pain, as an unwell border collie can become aggressive.

If your border collie is hurt, bear in mind that if he is handled, he may bite, so be careful while lifting or moving him.

If your border collie’s behavior suddenly changes, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and a local positive reinforcement trainer.

Read more about 13 Hacks on How To Discipline a Border Collie.

How to stop border collies from biting

Here are some common ways to stop your border collie from biting:

Educate your border collie to accept hands towards his mouth.
Identify the cause of biting and eliminate it.
Don’t encourage pounce play with your border collie.
Provide more chew toys as an alternative to biting you.
Train your border collie to ignore distractions that can lead to unnecessary biting.
Teach your border collie the “Stop” and “Leave It“ commands.
Socialize your border collie as early as possible.
Put your border collie on a 60sec time-out if he bites unnecessarily.
Desensitize your border collie with his objects of fear.
Reinforce only behaviors you desire in your border collie.
Invest time in obedience training sessions.
Prevent all actions that lead to aggression.