Border Collie Training - Controlling Separation Anxiety

Perhaps one thing most Border Collie owners have in common is being dealt with the reality that experiencing separation anxiety is something that comes quite naturally to their dogs. Some dogs will quietly sit in a corner once left behind. Others, such as Chihuahuas, will quietly return to their safe areas and bury themselves under blankets until their master returns. Well, this is certainly not the case for most Border Collies.

The characteristics of separation anxiety include excessive barking, having untimely 揳ccidents?such as pooing and peeing, and even destructive behavior such as chewing on furniture or digging in unwanted places in the yard. Whenever you leave your Border Collie, they can抰 help but feel abandoned. This in turn, makes them very anxious.

They key to solving this problem is understanding your Border Collie抯 background and of course, proper Border Collie training. Border Collies are naturally active dogs. As part of Border Collie training, it will definitely help to establish an exercise routine for your Collie. Making sure that they get the exercise that they need helps them release all that pent up energy. As a result, they should feel a bit more relaxed whenever they are left alone. Just think how going to the gym helps people relax their bodies and minds.

As is the rule for any other dog training method, regardless of breed, it is always good to start as early as possible. At an early age, gradually get your Collie used to being on its own. You can start by leaving it on its own for short periods of time. Gradually increase the amount of time you are away until it finally feels comfortable being left alone for long periods of time. Just have patience and this aspect of your Border Collie training plan will definitely pay off.

Try not to make a big deal out of leaving. When it is time for you to go, just go. Try not to linger around your Border Collie whenever it starts acting up. To a certain extent, this reinforces their undesired behavior.

Be creative when it comes to distracting your Border Collie while you are out. Other people leave their radios or television sets on. The sound that this produces can be oddly comforting to Border Collies. Somehow, it gives them a sense that people are still around. You can also make sure that it is occupied by providing it with toys. Stuffed Kongs are popular among Collies. Just the act of working to get the treat hidden in the toy is enough to keep them occupied for a while.

With ample Border Collie training, fixing your Border Collie抯 problems with separation anxiety shouldn抰 be a problem.