What are the behavioral issues of a Border Collie?

What are the behavioral issues of a Border Collie?

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

What are the behavioral issues of a Border Collie?

Border Collies are excessively intelligent and full of energy. They have a strong herding instinct, but they develop a long list of behavioral problems unless their needs are fulfilled. This article will discuss the common ones associated with Border Collies.

Destructive Behaviour

Cause:

Border Collies are hyperactive, and if they don’t get enough exercise or mental activity, they get bored and frustrated, which usually manifests in destructive behavior.

Behavior:

Chewing furniture, digging holes, tearing down whatever they can, and other possible destruction.

Management:

Engage them in adequate physical activities and mental stimulation through puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive play

Over-Barking

Cause:

Border Collies are alert and reactive, often barking for excitement, warning others of potential threats, or due to boredom and frustration. Herding instincts may also trigger barking when they feel they have to be in control of their environment.

Behavior:

Barking nonstop at noises, other animals, and people to get attention.

Management:

Teach them “quiet” commands, give them enough exercise, and reduce boredom by keeping them mentally and physically engaged to control excessive barking

Nipping and Herding

Cause:

This breed is highly instinctive towards controlling the movement of animals because it comes from a herding background; in the house, this may manifest in nipping at children’s heels or the heels of other pets, or even adults, as they attempt to “herd.”

Behavior:

Nipping at people’s legs or ankles, chasing children or pets, or attempting to herd them.

Management:

Socialization and redirection of the herding instinct into the proper channels, such as agility training or herding trials, can go a long way in reducing this problem.

Separation Anxiety

Causes:

This breed is highly people-oriented and bonds firmly with its owner. It is not unusual for them to get frantic and distraught when left alone for more than a few hours.

Behavior:

Destruction of property, barking, whining, and pacing, to even an attempt to escape.

Management:

Gradual desensitization for being left alone, utilization of interactive toys, and a calm and safe environment to reduce separation anxiety

Hyperactivity

Cause:

Border Collies are very energetic dogs and become hyper if they do not have something to utilize this energy. This constant urge for action and stimulation makes them seem agitated or uncontrollable.

Behavior:

Chronic pacing, inability to calm down, jumping up on people, and generally an inability to relax.

Management:

Structured exercises like running, agility, obedience, and mentally challenging activities will help harness the child’s energy constructively.

Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors

Cause:

Border Collies’ high intelligence and imperative need for mental stimulation can become obsessive-compulsive behaviors if they do not receive enough of it.

Behavior:

This behavior can include obsessive circling that ends with their tail being snapped, snapping at pictures, or light and shadow.

Management:

Increase mental and physical stimulation, redirect attention to problem-solving games or tasks, and call a behaviorist if the problem continues.

Fearfulness or Anxiety

Cause:

Border Collies are sensitive dogs that might become anxious due to inconsistent training, loud noises, or unfamiliar surroundings.

Behavior:

Trembling, hiding, whining, or being overtly submissive in situations of stress. They can, however, develop fear-based aggression if not well-managed

Management:

Gradual desensitization, safe space, and using confidence-based positive reinforcement help the Border Collie deal with fears and anxiety.

Separation Anxiety

Cause:

Some Border Collies may have a possessive character about food, toys, or other valued objects that they may develop because of their anxiety or insecurity.

Behavior:

Growling, snapping, or biting when approached by another concerning their food, toys, and other valuable things.

Management:

Early socialization and desensitization techniques, along with well-defined training, can help them understand that sharing and releasing things isn’t a threat that can avoid such guarding.

Chasing

Cause:

Border Collies are an energetic breed with an off-the-charts chase drive due to their natural herding instincts. They could chase moving objects, other animals, or even cars.

Behavior:

Chasing bikes, joggers, other animals, or cars.

Management:

Teach recall commands and play with them in controlled areas—fenced off from cars and other forms of traffic – off-leash. This way, the instinct won’t prove lethal.

Overexcitability

Cause:

Border Collies are easy to excite, especially in stimulating environments. This characteristic makes them very exciting but turns them into dogs that are hard to cool off.

Behavior:

Jumping, barking, and frantic running when excited or introduced to novel stimuli.

Management:

Their excitement can be controlled if they are trained to be calm, have scheduled playtimes, and exercise regularly.

Summary

A good part of the issues Border Collies will have and express can be attributed to their intellect, energy, and herding instinct. Most of those behaviors can be damped or even eradicated if handled correctly and consistently and if the physical and mental needs are met. Border Collies thrive on being provided with tasks and challenges to accomplish, and if they are deprived of that, they may display some undesirable behaviors. With the proper approach, though, Border Collies can be just about the best-behaved, loyal, and loving companion you’ll ever have had.