behavorial

Question
I took in a stray dog, some say he could be part border collie mix? Very good dog well behaved, minds good and plays well with the kids and my female puppy.  The problem is the dog whines, groans, paces and demands all of your attention as if he is jealous of kids and puppy. The pacing and moaning is mostly at night but the jealousy is cont. no biting or growling ever noticed.  Im concearned that he needs or wants something when he does this and Im just not sure what it could be.  We all love on him non stop, praise him, play etc. We have had him for only one week and everyday more of his personality comes out but the whining and pacing grunting whimpering has only gotten worse each day.  Is it because he was a stray and he wants to run?  Or is he jealous and this should be of concearn with my one year old.  This evening my daughter woke up crying, i let her cry for a moment and the dog was outside i guess heard her began barking whining moaning very loudly, I let him in so he could see she was ok and all he wanted me to do was love on him and the whole time he cried very loudly.  What do I do? I just feel like he wants something.  I hope this all makes since and any response would be nice. Thank you for your time. Holly  

Answer
Border Collies are herding dogs and need A LOT of exercise!  They were bred to work and herd cattle/sheep and often were used for hours and hours upon hours of work out of the day.  This need to work still exists in house dogs.  A fenced in yard with lots of toys and an agility course would certainly help burn off some energy....taking him for very long walk or hike too...having him go to a dog play group, etc.  He also may have a bit of separation anxiety on top of things, which is common in shelter dogs.  I would suggest adding RESCUE REMEDY to his water dish on a daily basis.  There are other flower essences that may help as well...

Hyperactivity: Impatiens is helpful for the animal which is clearly nervous. Vervain is for over-enthusiasm (the dog which must chase every car, or bark at every stranger).

Jealousy: Holly is the ideal remedy.

Possessiveness: Chicory is recommended. This can also help with separation anxiety.

Worrying: No, I don't think that animals worry the way we do, but constant pacing or crying can indicate mental distress, which can be helped by White Chestnut. First, though, make sure that all is well in environment; this behavior can also be a warning of danger.


Also, get D.A.P. diffusers in the house to help ease some of his anxiety as well.  If that doesn't help, then he may need anti-anxiety medication.

GOOD LUCK!