Do Border Collies Have Separation Anxiety? Understanding This Common Behavior in the Breed

Border Collies are known for their high intelligence and energetic nature, making them a popular breed for pet owners.

However, with their attachment being so strong, one main question arises. Do Border Collies have separation anxiety? How would you recognize its signs? Is it severe? What do I do about my dog’s anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a condition where dogs exhibit signs of distress when separated from their owners or left alone for extended periods.

It can manifest in various ways, such as excessive barking, destructive behavior, and even self-harm so it’s essential to identify the signs of separation anxiety in your Border Collie and take steps to prevent it.

While some Border Collies may be more prone to separation anxiety than others, it’s a treatable condition that requires mostly patience and understanding from it’s owners.

In this article, we’ll be looking at answering some of these key questions, we’ll be exploring the causes, signs, and prevention of separation anxiety in Border Collies, providing you with the knowledge to help your furry friend cope with being alone.

Understanding Border Collies

Border Collies are one of the most intelligent and active dog breeds.

They are known for their high energy levels, social nature, and herding instincts and this section will provide an overview of the key characteristics that make your dog so unique.

Intelligence and Activity Levels

Border Collies are considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds on the planet.

They have a natural ability to learn and are quick to pick up new commands and tricks. This intelligence also means they’re high maintenance dogs, needing plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.

Collies have a lot of energy and their natural herding instincts almost “demand” them to be ready to go at any given time.

And so, they need plenty of exercise and space to stay healthy and happy.

Social Nature and Bonding

Border Collies are also social animals and enjoy spending time with their owners and other dogs.

They are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, and they form strong bonds with their human companions.

So as a result, they don’t do too well alone for too many hours at a time.

They can become anxious and stressed when left alone for long periods of time, which can lead to separation anxiety causing destructive behavior and other negative symptoms.

Leaving their physical and psychological needs unchecked for prolonged periods of time can lead to depression in Border Collies. They might stop eating, become irritable and aggressive, which is something no owner wants.

Herding Instinct

As we briefly went over before, Border Collies are herding dogs and have a natural instinct to control the movement of other animals. 

Even if there aren’t sheep around, your dog will find something to herd…

They may try to herd other pets or even children. While this behavior is usually harmless, if it’s not kept under check or attained for, it will spill over into other parts of your dog’s life (where it probably doesn’t belong).

Signs of Separation Anxiety in Border Collies

Separation anxiety is characterized by extreme distress in dogs, when they’re left alone, and it can manifest in various ways.

Here are some signs that your Border Collie may be experiencing separation anxiety:

• Destructive behavior: Collies may chew, scratch, or dig excessively, especially near doors and windows. They may also destroy furniture, carpets, or other objects in the house.
• Pacing and whining: Some Border Collies may pace back and forth, whine, or bark excessively when left alone. They may also try to escape from the house or the crate.
• Symptoms of anxiety: They may exhibit other symptoms of anxiety, such as panting, trembling, sweating, or dilated pupils.
• Clinginess: Some Border Collies may follow their owners around the house, or refuse to leave their side. They may also become overly attached to certain objects, such as toys or blankets.
• Excessive salivation: Excessive drooling may also happen. They may also lick their lips or swallow frequently. This is not a very common sign though, and might be related to something different.

If you notice any of these signs in your Border Collie, it’s pretty important to try to fix them as soon as possible.

In the next section, we will discuss some strategies for preventing and treating separation anxiety in Border Collies.

Causes of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety in dogs is a common behavioral disorder that affects many breeds, including Border Collies.

The causes of separation anxiety can vary, but some of the most common ones are:

• Changes in routine: Border Collies like most dogs, are creatures of habit, and any significant changes in their daily routine can cause stress and anxiety. This includes changes in feeding schedules, exercise routines, and even changes in the owner’s work schedule.

• Triggers: Some dogs may have specific triggers that cause anxiety when they are left alone. These triggers can include loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, or even the sound of the owner’s car leaving the driveway.

• Hereditary: Separation anxiety can also be hereditary. If a dog’s parents or siblings have a history of separation anxiety, this might be something that manifests. This depends also on the environment, so it’s not solely genetics involved.

• Abandonment and neglect: Dogs that have been abandoned or neglected in the past may be more prone to separation anxiety. These dogs may have a fear of being left alone again, causing them to become anxious and distressed when their owner leaves.

• Lack of mental stimulation activities: Dogs that do not receive enough mental stimulation, such as toys, puzzles, or training, may become anxious and restless when left alone.

• Constantly changing of environment: Dogs that are exposed to constantly changing environments, such as frequent moves or trips, may become anxious and stressed when left alone.

• Prolonged absence of the owner: Dogs that have a strong attachment to their owners may become anxious and distressed when their owners are away for extended periods.

In conclusion, separation anxiety in Border Collies can have several causes, and it’s important to identify the root cause to find the most effective treatment.

By understanding the causes of separation anxiety, owners can take steps to prevent or manage this condition, ensuring that their furry friends are happy and healthy.

Most of these causes are behavioral, some are phycological and some might be caused by something else completely, so make sure to keep an eye out and check with a veterinarian, just in case.

Dealing with Border Collie’s Separation Anxiety

Dealing with a Border Collie’s separation anxiety can be challenging, but there are several strategies that you can use to help your furry friend feel more calm and comfortable when left alone.

Here are some tips to help you address your Border Collie’s separation anxiety:

Establish a Routine

Border collies thrive on routine and structure, so creating a consistent daily schedule can help your dog feel more secure and less anxious.

Try to stick to a regular feeding, exercise, and playtime schedule, and make sure that your dog has plenty of opportunities for mental and physical stimulation throughout the day.

Crate Training

Crate training can be an extremely effective way to help your Border Collie feel safe and secure when you’re not home.

Make sure that your dog’s crate is a comfortable and inviting space, and use positive reinforcement techniques to help your dog learn to associate the crate with positive experiences.

Check out our article on the best crates for Border Collies, for more specific information on our recommended crates. 

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

As you might have figured out by now, Border Collies are active dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Make sure that your dog gets plenty of opportunities for physical exercise throughout the day, such as daily walks or runs, and provide plenty of puzzle toys and treat dispensers to keep your dog’s mind engaged.

Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning

Desensitization and counter-conditioning are techniques that can help your dog learn to associate being alone with positive experiences.

It’s not necessarily something that’s easy to do, but it can help…

Here’s how it goes:

• Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods of time.
• Gradually increasing the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.
• Provide plenty of positive reinforcement throughout the process, such as treats and praise, to help your dog learn to associate being alone with positive experiences.

By keeping track of the time in between sessions, and by frequently adding onto that time, you can get your dog to get better at being alone.

You can also reward them positively once you come back from to end your day, as well as before you leave them.

Essentially, you want them to know that you’ll be back and that they shouldn’t worry.

Consider CBD Oil

Another less common option, is to use CBD oil is a natural supplement that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs.

Talk to your vet about whether CBD oil might be a good option for your border collie.

Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s separation anxiety is severe or persistent, consider working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

These experts can help you develop a customized plan to address your dog’s specific needs and help your dog feel more calm and comfortable when left alone.

By following these tips and strategies, you can help your Border Collie feel more calm and comfortable when left alone, reducing the risk of damage to your home.

Preventing Separation Anxiety in Border Collies

As the saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure’, and the case of preventing separation anxiety in Border Collies, is no different. 

Here are some tips that can help you prevent separation anxiety in your Border Collie:

Socialization and Training

Border Collies that are well-socialized from a young age are less likely to develop separation anxiety.

Socialization helps your Border Collie feel comfortable around people and other dogs, which reduces their anxiety when you leave them alone.

Training your Border Collie to be independent and comfortable when left alone is a great way to keep the anxiety at bay.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is an effective way to prevent separation anxiety in Border Collies.

Reward your Border Collie with treats and praise when they exhibit calm and independent behavior.

Consistent positive reinforcement can help your Border Collie learn to associate being alone with positive experiences.

Changes in Routine and Triggers

Changes in routine can trigger separation anxiety in Border Collies so try to keep your Border Collie’s schedule as consistent as possible.

If you need to make changes, do so gradually and with care.

Identify triggers that cause your Border Collie’s anxiety and work to desensitize them.

Consult a Vet or Dog Trainer

If your Border Collie is exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, consult a veterinarian.

They can help you identify the underlying causes of your collie’s separation anxiety and develop a plan to deal with it.

They may also recommend behavioral therapy, medication, or other treatments to help your Border Collie cope with their anxiety.

By following these tips, you can help prevent separation anxiety in your Border Collie and ensure they remain healthy and happy.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your Border Collie is exhibiting severe separation anxiety symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help.

Here are some signs that it may be time to involve a vet or dog trainer:

• Persistent Symptoms: If your dog continues to exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety despite your best efforts to help them overcome it.

• Physical Symptoms: If your dog is experiencing physical symptoms such as excessive salivation, crying, or destructive behavior.

• Behavioral Issues: If your dog is exhibiting other behavioral issues in addition to separation anxiety, such as depression or aggression.

When seeking professional help, it is important to find a qualified and experienced professional who can provide effective treatment.

• A vet can rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the anxiety.
• A dog trainer can provide behavior modification techniques to help your furry friend feel more comfortable and confident when you’re away from home.

In some cases, medication may also be necessary to help manage your Border Collie’s separation anxiety.

However, it is important to work closely with your vet to determine the best course of treatment for your pet, as medication should only be used as a last resort.

Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of failure as a pet owner. It’s a proactive step towards helping your Border Collie live a happy and healthy life.