Do Border Collies tend to bark a lot?

Do Border Collies tend to bark a lot?

Last updated Oct. 08, 2024 – Written by M Hasnain Ashraf

Do Border Collies tend to bark a lot?

Border Collies bark more, but the volume does depend on a myriad of factors such as environment, training, and levels of stimulation. Here is why Border Collies might bark so much and how that can be managed:

High Alertness

Border Collies are naturally alert, very watchful, and responsive to their surroundings. They tend to bark at unusual situations that may pose them a threat or else change things in their environment in one way or another, and this includes unfamiliar people, animals, and noises. Being very sensitive, they do make great watchdogs.

Management:

Train to know what to bark at and when to bark by educating them on the “quiet” command, which may help minimize unnecessary barking. Socialization can also make them feel comfortable about lots of stimuli.

Herding Instinct

Why They Bark: Border Collies were bred to drive livestock, often using barking to control the movement of animals. In the home environment, their instinct to move animals may manifest in barking when they feel they need to move or “herd” other animals, children, or adults.

Management:

Channeling them into appropriate, acceptable herding activities, such as agility, fetch, or herding trials, can mitigate instinct-related barking.

Boredom and Frustration

Why They Bark: Border Collies are incredibly intelligent and energetic. If they are not getting enough physical exercise or mental exercise, they will get bored, and barking then is a way to relieve boredom.

Management:

If you ensure they have enough exercise to keep them active for most of the day, at least 1-2 hours of active play, and provide them with mental stimulation in a puzzle toy or training session, you can avoid boredom barking.

Attention-Seeking

Why They Bark: Border Collies are extremely attached to their owners and may bark for attention if they are either neglected or left alone for too long. Border Collies are a social breed and tend to thrive on activity.

Management:

Consistent engagement, training, and attention along with ignoring “in-effective” barking will help dampen this behavior.

Separation Anxiety

Why They Bark: Some Border Collies become separated from their owners for extended periods. Separation anxiety, barking is a noise that the separated dog makes to show distress or frustration.

Management:

Desensitize to and countercondition being alone. Crate train. Keep the dog occupied with a variety of distractions, such as chew toys, so that the noise and crying that accompany separation anxiety are decreased.

Excitement

Why They Bark: Border Collies may bark with excitement over playing, a car ride, or just enjoying activities – like fetching or agility.

Management:

Anticipatory excitement barking is also minimized by teaching the dogs to remain calm prior to exciting events. Rewards for quiet and practicing impulse control exercises can be useful techniques.

Summary

Although Border Collies may bark much more than some breeds due to their intellect, energy, and herding instinct, their excessive barking can usually be controlled through the proper training, exercise, and other mental stimulus. Most Border Collies will learn to bark only when necessary if trained early enough and their needs are met.