3 Common Border Collie Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Border Collies are brilliant, devoted dogs who were born to work. Give them a job and clear direction, and they'll become the most impressive, loyal companions you could ask for.

Where Do Border Collies Come From?

The Border Collie emerged along the rugged borderlands of Scotland and England. For generations, shepherds selectively bred dogs that could handle vast flocks, challenging terrain, and complex commands with minimal direction.

This created one of the most intelligent and responsive breeds ever known.

What were they bred to do?

Border Collies had a very specific job:

• Herd sheep with an intense, quiet style
• Use eye contact, crouching movement, and natural balance to control livestock
• Work independently yet remain in tune with their handler's whistles and gestures
• Think and anticipate movement
• Read subtle cues from both sheep and handler

They were thinkers as much as workers.

Key breeding traits:

Collies are extraordinarily intelligent, athletic, and sensitive to motion and sound. Their herding instinct is deeply ingrained, often surfacing in play or household behaviour (like herding children or chasing bikes).

Their focus and stamina make them unmatched workers but demanding companions without consistent outlets for their energy and mind.

Why Do Border Collies Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Border Collie isn't misbehaving. In today's world, Border Collies dominate dog sports, obedience competitions, and service work requiring problem-solving. They thrive in homes that can challenge them mentally and physically.

Without a job, their intelligence can morph into anxiety or hyperfocus. Brilliance without direction can be overwhelming, even for them.

Their intense eye-stalk-chase herding sequence, bred for laser focus on moving sheep, misfires in pet homes onto shadows, lights, or moving objects. Their brains are wired to track and predict movement patterns.

Problem 1: Obsessive Behaviours & Fixations

What's happening: Your Border Collie fixates on shadows, lights, reflections, or moving objects. They stare intensely and can't seem to let go of the focus.

Why it happens: Their intense herding sequence was bred for laser focus on moving sheep. Without sheep, this misfires onto anything that moves. The same genetics that made them brilliant herders make them obsessive without appropriate outlets.

The fix: Rotate items that you play with to prevent over-fixation. When fixation begins, immediately interrupt by calmly taking them by the collar (keep a short lead on indoors) and holding them in a steady, calm hold - not rough, just firm pressure preventing the behaviour until their entire body relaxes (could take 2-5 minutes). Release without speaking. If they immediately return to fixation, repeat the hold for twice as long.

Collies LOVE TO WORK. You need to provide sufficient mental stimulation - this is mandatory for owning a Collie, not a behavioural solution.

Teach a specific "that'll do" or "all done" cue that ends play time sequences. This means they can be fully focused and then relax. Rotate items and give them plenty of room to run. Find a safe area and let them chase.

Struggling with obsessive behaviours? Fixations can be difficult to interrupt once they start. Join our free Skool community to learn mental stimulation activities specifically for Border Collies and get advice on breaking fixation patterns during weekly Q&As.

Problem 2: Nipping At Heels (Children, Other Pets)

What's happening: Your Border Collie nips at the heels of running children, other pets, or anything that moves quickly.

Why it happens: Heeling livestock is their primary job. They're genetically programmed to nip at the heels of anything that moves to control its direction. Fast-moving children and other pets trigger this hardwired herding response involuntarily. It's not aggression - it's their breeding doing exactly what it was designed to do. This mainly happens as a puppy because they think this is their job.

The fix: When nipping occurs, immediately take them calmly by the collar (use a house lead attached when children are present), say absolutely nothing, and place them in a separate room for 5-10 minutes every single time without exception.

If you have small children, involve them in dog ownership (where safe and proper to do so) and never allow children to run away from a Border Collie. This makes it clear they don't need to be herded.

Under no circumstances should you begin chasing them. You'll turn this into a game. If your dog really exhibits this characteristic, use a short line to give you more space to catch them.

After 16 weeks old, make sure there's a clear consequence for this. Practice mat work: have them lie on a designated mat whilst children play at distance (start 10 feet away for 10 seconds), rewarding heavily for holding position whilst movement happens. Gradually build duration and intensity.

Finding heel nipping hard to stop? This instinct is deeply ingrained and needs consistent work. Our Skool community has detailed mat work progressions and you can troubleshoot specific situations with trainers who understand herding breeds.

Problem 3: Excessive Barking & Arousal

What's happening: Your Border Collie barks excessively, seems easily aroused, and goes from calm to intense in seconds.

Why it happens: Border Collies were bred to communicate with shepherds across vast distances using barking and to alert to changes in the flock. They use vocalisation as a working tool. Their arousal threshold is extremely low because they needed to spring into intense action instantly on command, going from resting to full-speed herding in seconds.

The fix: Establish two-part acknowledgment: when they bark, calmly go toward what they're alerting to for 2 seconds, then turn your back and walk away without speaking. If barking continues after your acknowledgment, immediately place them in a separate quiet space without a word. Release only after complete silence for at least 30 seconds. Do not release during any noise - you must wait for silence.

Do not shout. If you shout in response to barking, you're just reinforcing the behaviour. Everyone must be on the same page. The way you respond to barking must be the same across the whole household. Be calm and have a designated consequence.

Know what excessive barking is. A lot of owners think all barking is excessive. It's not. Excessive barking is unnecessary demand barking. They're a dog - they will still bark sometimes.

Excessive barking driving you mad? Consistency across the household is crucial but hard to maintain. Join our Skool community to get everyone on the same page with our household training guides and troubleshoot during live weekly webinars.

Is a Border Collie Right for a New Owner?

A Border Collie might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

The most intelligent, trainable dog - Border Collies are considered one of the smartest dog breeds. They learn incredibly fast and excel at complex tasks, making them outstanding for obedience and dog sports.

An athletic companion for very active lifestyles - These dogs need 2+ hours of daily exercise (mental and physical). They're perfect for runners, hikers, and people who love outdoor adventures.

A dog that excels at dog sports - If you're interested in agility, flyball, frisbee, or herding trials, Border Collies dominate these activities. They live for the challenge and thrive on competition.

A problem-solving partner - Border Collies don't just follow commands - they think. They anticipate your needs and love learning new things. If you enjoy teaching and training, they're ideal.

A devoted, sensitive companion - These dogs form deep bonds with their people and are incredibly in tune with your emotions and body language. They want to be part of everything you do.

If you're ready for a dog that needs constant mental stimulation, can provide 2+ hours of daily exercise, and want a brilliant working partner, a Border Collie will be the most impressive dog you'll ever own.

Get the Full Support System for Your Border Collie

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Border Collie is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Border Collie and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other Border Collie owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Border Collie.