Border Collie Nibbling – 5 Ways to Stop It

Border collies are notorious for biting. They love to bite anything that moves, be it other animals, people, or children. They will even try to bite the tires of moving cars. It comes with the territory for a sheepdog. Border Collies will try to herd anything that moves and if the person, animal or moving object does not comply, they will bite. Of course, this is not ideal behavior. A pinch can equal a bite, and with a bite comes serious trouble. If your dog bites someone, you can be sued and held liable for injuries and damages. Therefore, your best option is to stop biting your Border Collie as soon as possible.

Although you can’t eliminate the herding instinct in your Border Collie, you can certainly do something to prevent biting from occurring. Your Border Collie’s herding instinct is in full swing when he is left to run when he has excess energy. It also becomes extreme when he is mowed down and bored for a few hours, but then left free to roam and play. If there is nothing else to occupy your mind and you are full of energy, then your dog wants to “work”, hence herding. This is why it is so important to give your Border Collie mental exercise as well as physical. They are an extremely intelligent breed of dog and like to have something to do.

Here are five top tips to prevent your dog from biting:

1. Plenty of Exercise – Make sure your dog walks, runs, and generally has a chance to be active for about two hours a day.

2. Lots of Play: Dog training games and tricks keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated.

3. Tell your puppy “no” when he bites you. If you have a young pup, make a whimper of pain when he bites you, this sends him a signal that biting is not okay. You can also say a firm “no” when he does this.

4. Have your family say “no” so your pup knows certain things, like boys, are not appropriate for the pack. Make sure the “no” is firm and not just said jokingly like it’s part of a game.

5. Be consistent, otherwise your dog will get confused: It’s critical that you be consistent with your dog because they can’t understand your words, so you need to be consistent to get the message across. Consistency means a faster result.

If your dog persists in chewing despite your best efforts, you may need to consult a knowledgeable dog trainer. The sooner you root it out, the better. After all, if your dog is allowed to continue to bite family and friends, you may end up in a very difficult situation where he is responsible for a dog bite. Even though his border collie only intends to herd, he doesn’t understand that he shouldn’t cross the line to bite.

Border Collies bring fun to many people and many families, are an incredibly intelligent and loyal pet, and are full of personality. Therefore, the sooner you address the pinching problem, the better. By doing so, you can fully enjoy your Border Collie and build a close and enjoyable relationship with your dog.