Taming border collie

BobCat123

Hi, looking for some advice please for my border collie. Have him 6 months now so 8 months old, a great dog that has settled in well to his new home. Only problem I’m having with him is that he gets too excited when someone calls to the house that he doesn’t know which results in him aggressively jumping on them and it’s impossible to stop. Just wondering has anyone had any similar experiences and what is the best action to take? Thank you.

Oppee

I use the frozen food method. A trainer I had said cut towels into strips and place food inside and tie tightly and it entertains them for ages. I also use the Kong and freeze the doggy biscuits and again, entertained for hours when guest arrive. I allow my dog to say his hellos and then immediately direct him to the toys in his bed and you don't get a peep from him. Especially during the day when I'm at home and a few things to do, frozen toys, frozen treats and happy out. Along with some obedience training so he understands that his toys are just to distract him

BobCat123

That’s great advice, thank you. I’m not at that stage yet where I can even let him say hello to guests as he gets too excited with new people but they’re great ideas to keep him distracted. Thank you

Oppee

Have you thought about the lead training? That way when he's on the lead you can control where he goes, what he does etc and overtime he'll eventually understands your commands and knows when to get down or stay when someone enters. It took me a really long time to get my Collie to even entertain the idea of staying in bed with his toys so the patience is real! I also found that when I told people to turn their backs when my Collie became too hyper he eventually understood when to stop. Even now I turn my back if he starts getting overexcited and he will then sit to know that he will be answered if he asked polietly. Plenty of training and patience.

Oppee

Just to add my Collie is 9 months and still needs to be tamed and controlled on the best of days

BobCat123

Thanks very much for the advice and feedback. Think I might bring him on the lead around more parks etc to get him used to being around people. We're based in the countryside so it's quiet and he wouldn't have too many interactions with others.

sillysmiles

Have you tried training him to go to bed or a place on command, so that when someone comes in, that's where he is sent until he calms down.

He may also just need to get used to people until he realises they are boring, so sitting outside something busy and treat/reward the calm/desired behaviour.