Border Collies are a high-energy breed that may be prone to hyperactivity and overstimulation, but with proper care and attention, they can be trained to become well-behaved and loyal companions. Known for their innate skills in herding sheep, this breed requires a significant amount of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. In this article, we’ll explore what causes Border Collies to be hyper, and share some tips on how to calm them down.
What Causes Border Collies to Be So Hyper?
Border Collies are an extremely competent herding breed, bred specifically to work and herd sheep. Their strength, stamina, intelligence, and work ethic have been used in farmer’s fields for centuries. Although your Border Collie may not be herding any sheep in its free time, the inclination to do so still runs in its blood. You may find your pup nipping at your heels or bumping you to try and ‘herd’ you. Without proper physical and mental stimulation, your Border Collie will have no outlet for its high energy. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to suppress the hardwired working behaviors without providing an alternate outlet for this energy.
In addition, Border Collies are highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without proper training and socialization, they can become bored and anxious, leading to hyperactive behavior.
How Can I Calm My Border Collie?
Commit to Continuous Training
Training is an important and non-negotiable part of owning a Border Collie. This highly intelligent breed typically enjoys training, and many commands seem to come naturally to them. Training is a lifelong commitment that shouldn’t stop when your pup has learned the basic commands. It engages your dog’s mind, satisfies it, and trains it to be better behaved. Intelligent breeds, like Border Collies, can get bored very easily, so continuous training ensures you’re always challenging its body and mind.
Exercise Twice a Day
Exercising your Border Collie should be a no-brainer. But the amount and time you exercise are key factors. The best times to take your pup out for physical activity are first thing in the morning and again at night. Most collies wake up bursting with energy, so don’t make them wait hours to release that pent-up energy. Choose activities that allow your pup to use its strong herding instincts, like letting it run and play in an open space or playing fetch.
Set Up a Safe Space in Your Home
If you can’t be at home all day with your dog, you’ll need to set up a safe space to keep it when you’re away. Choose a smaller room of your home and put your pup’s bed, toys, and crate (if it uses one) inside. Having a secure space for it will allow your dog to explore and play without giving it free-run of your entire home. Put a few articles of unwashed clothing in the room if your dog is prone to separation anxiety. Your dirty clothes can provide a sense of calming and give your dog something to chew on if it gets bored.
Increase Socialization
Socialization is an important part of raising any dog and should be started when you bring your pet home. Proper socialization ensures your pet will be happy, well-adjusted, and get along with other animals and humans. Introduce your Border Collie to new people, places, and animals, and reward good behavior with plenty of praise and treats.
Final Thoughts
Border Collies are a high-energy breed that may not start slowing down until they’re four to seven years old. All prospective Border Collie owners should know this, as there is no way around it. This working breed needs to be exercised, trained, and socialized properly to live harmoniously with their human family members and other pets. But the good news is that the breed’s hyperactivity can be dampened with some time, exercise, and training. With patience and effort, you can help your hyper Border Collie become a happy and well-adjusted member of your family.
