How To Stop A Border Collie Chewing
One of the most important things to understand about Border Collies is that they are very intelligent and energetic dogs. They love to keep moving, running around in pastures and working out puzzles. They are aware of every movement made around them. So, understandably if there energetic nature is suppressed they will look for the closest outlet. Unfortunately it will probably be with you brand new pair of shoes or your sofa. Border Collie’s need to be both mentally and physically stimulated and when that does not occur they may become destructive when there is not a task to be done, they are bred herders after all. Border Collie’s were bred to assist ranchers in herding in the flock. For this energetic breed running two miles is just the warm up.
The first thing that you want to do is remove everything that your Border Collie will chew up, major house keeping is required. Anything left on the floor is free game and a potential chew toy. However this does not by any means, mean that you should lock your Border Collie in a room or completely isolated, this is the worst thing possible for a Border Collie. This means actually picking up everything that could be harmful to your Border Collie, such as any electrical wires, chemical bottles, etc. Replace these items with approved chew toys, you will want to make sure that it is really durable rubber preferably that way it can’t chew it up and possibly ingest something harmful to your Border Collie.
If your dog becomes partial to a shoe or a rug there are ways to correctly discourage this behavior. Start with a stern NO! When you see it chewing and only when you catch it, you will only manage to confuse it otherwise. Never scold or hit any dog, but especially a Border Collie, because they are so intelligent they will learn not to trust you and even fear you and that could lead to aggression issues. Also when you see your Border Collie chewing on something it is not suppose to you can remove it when you say “no” and replace it with its toy. After you see your Border Collie choosing the appropriate chew toy reward it with attention and eventually you Border Collie will learn that by chewing only on its chew toys that it will be loved on and played with.
Your Border Collie is very intelligent and therefore bored easily. So, chewing is one way to stem the boredom. Border Collie’s will also chew as puppies when they are teething. When that occurs you can take one of it’s toys and put it in the freezer for a little bit and then give it to you puppy that will help break the teeth through as well as, sooth the pain from teething. No matter what you choose just remember never, ever hit or smack your dog. It will not understand and will frighten your Border Collie, and that should not be that desire for any dog owner.