border collie problems

[trev75]

hi all im completely new to these forums, im also sorry to say im pretty new to dogs to, so this post maybe kinda long as i explain whats what.

ok we recently got a border collie from the sspca his name is max and is about 2-3 years old. overall he is a good chap and very lovable, however he seems to have a few problems for example
he follows me/us as i have a partner about the house, (he is laying down outside the computer room as i write this!)

like most dogs he hates being left alone and although he doesnt bark he does howl!

earlier on tonight he got away from me as my partner was leaving for work and took us half an hour to get him back, so letting him off the lead while out is impossible at the moment.

he wont sit while out, inside is no bother, but at roadsides he doesnt want to know. he will wait, just not sit down.

we have only had him since friday the 17th, so i know it will take him awhile to settle in. although my partner has had 2 dogs previously i never and since my partner works shifts as a nurse, its left to me to look after him and walk him as im out of work at the moment.

i guess some tips would be great. and if someone can tell me if the following around and howling is something that should ignore or take steps to deal with?

thank you for taking your time to read this

[divadexie]

Hi, I''m new too
Firstly- you have to remember that dogs are pack animals so they do like to follow us humans about. Some dogs grow out of it, some don't.

You also have a seperation anxiety issue there. He is stressed when you leave him and this is why he howls. It is very common in dogs especially those who spent all or most of their time with their humans when they are home.
You need to gradually build up the time he isleft to stop this- ignoring it wont work, all that will hapen is you will have irratte neighbours at you door! Lol

Get a baby gate and have his bed in the next room. Start off by leaving in in the next room for brief periods of time while you are in.
Ignore any noise or attemt to get your attention, and calmly praise him for being quiet.
He needs to have a place he can settle in a room you don't use all the time so he gets used to not being with you all the time, and when you can have him comfortable staying in another room while you are in, start going out the house for a short time.
Never go to him when he howls. At first, go to him as soon as he is quiet and reward him. Then gradually build up the time he is quiet before you reward him.


With the sitting and the recall- work on this inside the house, the garden etc, a dogs recal won't be any good unless you practice it in loads of different places.

[nick_j007]

Consider placing your dog on the Nature Diet brand of food as this is a perfect consistency for stuffing a Kong with. Leave his with a stuffed Kong each time you leave him in his own room. Aim for about half a dozen 20-30 minute periods whereby he's alone in the house with his stuffed kong. Feed him only Nature Diet through the Kong for now...no food through his bowl nor treats (unless it's some ND you put aside).

Place him on a long line when out (about 20m) and feed him the ND for coming back and then release him again. Repeat lots outside and inside the home as already mentioned yes.

Dorwest Herbs Ltd - Herbal Medicines and Dietary Supplements Since 1948 Scullcap & Valerian may well help him too.

Good luck.