Are Border Collies Aggressive? Tips To Stop Aggressiveness?

Border Collies are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world. They are known for their intelligence and obedience. They are often used as working dogs on farms and in other settings. 

However, some people believe that Border Collies can be aggressive. In this guide, we will explore the truth about Border Collie aggression and provide tips on how to deal with any potential issues.

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The Border Collie was developed in the Scottish Borders region for herding sheep. The breed is known for its high energy level and intense stare, which is used to control flocks of sheep.

So, are Border Collies aggressive? Then, let’s find out the truth about Border Collie’s aggression.

Are Border Collies Aggressive?

Border collies are not naturally aggressive dogs. However, they may become fearful if they are not properly socialized or trained.

They are also extremely loyal and responsive to their owners, which makes them great companions. While Border Collies may have a strong work ethic, they are not naturally aggressive. They are typically quite gentle and loving with their families.

Border Collies are widely considered one of the smartest breeds of dogs. They are also incredibly active and athletic, making them excellent candidates for various sports and working roles.

Despite their reputation for being high-energy, Border Collies are actually quite adaptable. They can do well in a wide range of environments.

So if you’re looking for an intelligent and active dog who will also be a devoted friend, a Border Collie may be the perfect breed for you.

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What causes Border Collie aggression?

Generally, aggressive traits are not typical of Border Collies. However, there are a number of reasons why your Border Collie might exhibit aggression.

The reason behind your pooch’s growling, barking, or biting can differ greatly.

It’s essential to get to the root of the problem so you can take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. The possible causes are:

1. Lack of proper socialization:

If your Border Collie wasn’t properly socialized as a puppy, it might be more prone to aggression later in life. Socialization is key to helping your pup feel comfortable around other people and animals. 

Without it, your Border Collie may become fearful or anxious in new situations, which can lead to aggression.

To socialize your Border Collie, expose them to as many different people, animals, and environments as possible. Take them on walks around the neighborhood, to the dog park, and on playdates with other pups. The more they’re exposed to, the more comfortable they’ll feel.

If you didn’t socialize with your Border Collie as a puppy, it’s not too late. You can still socialize with it as adults, but it may take more time and patience.

2. Anxiety And Fear:

Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from anxiety and fear. And just like humans, when a dog is anxious or afraid, it might lash out in aggression. Border Collies are particularly prone to this because they’re high-strung, energetic dogs.

If a Border Collie isn’t getting enough exercise or stimulation, they might start to feel anxious, which can lead to aggressive behavior.

Fear is another common cause of aggression in Border Collies. If a Border Collie has had a bad experience with another dog, for example, they might be afraid of all dogs and become aggressive when they see one.

3. Dominance:

Border Collies are also known for being very dominant dogs. After all, they were bred to be herders, so it’s only natural that they would want to take charge.

This instinct can sometimes manifest itself in aggression towards other dogs or people. Suppose a Border Collie feels like someone or something is challenging their authority. In that case, it might become aggressive to assert dominance.

Of course, not all Border Collies are aggressive because of dominance – it’s just one of the possible causes.

Read Also: What Does A Border Collie Tail Look Like? (Docking & Grooming)

4. Illness Or Injury:

Sometimes, aggression in Border Collies is caused by an underlying medical condition. If a Border Collie is in pain because of an injury or illness, they might become aggressive out of frustration or confusion.

As a responsible owner, it’s important to be aware of this possibility and check his condition if your Border Collie starts to act out of character and if you’re not unknowingly causing him more pain.

5. Poor Training:

As with any dog breed, proper training is essential for managing Border Collie aggression. Without training, Border Collies can easily get out of control – and when they do, their herding instincts might take over and lead them to start chasing (and nipping at) people or animals.

That’s why it’s so important to enroll your Border Collie in obedience classes as early as possible; not only will this help it learn basic commands like sit and stay, but it will also teach it how to properly interact with other people and animals – both vital skills for preventing aggression.

6. Resource Guarding:

Resource guarding is another common form of Border Collie aggression. Dogs that guard their food, toys, or other possessions often become aggressive when they feel these items are threatened.

This type of aggression is often seen in dogs with little experience sharing resources with others, such as puppies that have not yet been introduced to other dogs.

In addition, resource guarding can also be caused by insecurity, as dogs may feel the need to protect their belongings to survive.

7. Food Aggression:

Another common cause of Border Collie aggression is food aggression. This occurs when a dog feels he needs to protect his food from other animals or people. This aggression is often seen in dogs who were not taught how to share food.

Dogs with food aggression may growl, snap, or even bite if they feel like their food is threatened. While food aggression can be a serious problem, it is often manageable with proper training and behavior modification.

To sum up, a Border Collie might be aggressive for a few different reasons. It’s important to remember that not all Border Collies are aggressive and that a combination of factors often causes aggression.

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Signs of aggressive behavior in Border Collies

Border Collies are usually very even-tempered dogs, but you should be aware of a few signs of aggressive behavior. One is if your Border Collie starts:

1. Growling or baring its teeth: This is a warning sign that your Border Collie is feeling threatened and might become aggressive.

2. Snapping or biting: This is an act of aggression and should be taken seriously.

3. Chasing: If your Border Collie starts chasing people or animals, it’s a sign that he is feeling aggressive and might try to bite.

4. Excessive low-range barking: Border Collies are known for barking, but if your dog is excessively barking at people or animals, it might be a sign of aggression.

5. Staring: If your Border Collie is staring at you or another animal in a threatening way, it’s a sign that they’re feeling aggressive.

6. Standing tall: If your Border Collie stands tall with their hackles raised, it’s a sign that they’re feeling aggressive and might attack.

7. Holding ears erect; and/or carrying tail high: These are signs of aggression in Border Collies. You should be especially wary if your dog does both things simultaneously and moves stiffly from side to side.

Crucial Tips To Prevent Aggression From Developing In Border Collies

Border Collies are exceedingly loyal and loving companions. They provide us with security, protection, and unconditional love. It is for these reasons that it’s so important to ensure that our furry friends don’t become aggressive.

Here are six crucial tips to help prevent aggression from developing in your pet:

1. Socialization is key. Puppies must have positive experiences with a variety of people, places, and other animals. If a dog isn’t properly socialized, it may become fearful or anxious around new stimuli, which can lead to aggression.

2. Avoid using harsh discipline. Yelling, hitting, or punishing dogs will make them more fearful and resentful. Rather than resorting to violence, use positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards to teach your dog what you expect from them.

3. Don’t neglect their exercise needs. A tired dog is a happy dog. Making sure your furry friend gets plenty of exercises will help him stay calm and relaxed, preventing aggression from developing.

4. Know their triggers. All dogs have things that trigger their aggression – it could be another animal, a certain type of person, or even a particular noise or smell. If you know what sets your dog off, you can avoid these triggers and help to keep them calm and safe.

5. Take Them To Vet For Medical Checkups: If you have tried all of the above tips and your dog is still exhibiting aggressive behavior, it’s important to take him to the vet and animal behaviorist for a checkup.

There might be an underlying medical or health condition that’s causing the aggression, or your dog may need medication to help them cope with anxiety or fear.

6. Keep your dog on a strong leash: It is vital to keep your dog on a strong leash while out walking. This will help you control him if he becomes aggressive and prevent them from chasing other animals or people.

How does Socialization Effects Aggression & Aloofness In Collies?

Socialization is the process of learning to interact with other people and animals. It is an integral part of Collie’s development, as it helps them to learn how to behave in a variety of situations.

Socialization can strongly affect Collie’s personality, shaping whether they are aggressive or aloof. Poorly socialized dogs may be more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors, such as growling or biting. On the other hand, well-socialized dogs may be more likely to be friendly and outgoing.

Aloofness is another common trait of Collies that can be influenced by socialization. Collies that are not properly socialized may be shy and hesitant around new people and animals.

However, Collies that are socialized early on may be more confident and outgoing. Socialization is an important part of Collie’s development, and it can have a significant impact on their personality.

Are Border Collies Aggressive Toward Other People And Children?

The answer to this question is complex, as it depends on several factors, including the individual dog’s personality and training.

In general, however, border collies are not naturally aggressive toward people or children. They can be gentle and loving family pets with proper socialization and training.

However, it is important to remember that all dogs have the potential to bite, so it is always best to use caution when introducing a new dog to a home with children.

We also advise you to seek help from professional dog trainers if you do not have experience in training dogs. They will be able to help you socialize and train your border collie so that they can be a well-behaved member of the family.

Are Border Collies Dangerous?

No, border collies are not dangerous. While any dog has the potential to attack and bite, border collies are generally considered a safe breed and are not truly vicious.

They are not known for being aggressive and are often used as therapy dogs or service animals because of their gentle nature. Border collies typically only pose a threat if they feel threatened or are not adequately trained.

However, their high energy level may not be the best fit for every home. Families with very little kids or other smaller pets may want to consider a different breed that falls under couch potatoes.

Overall, border collies are considered to be gentle and safe, but like all dogs, they have the potential to bite if provoked.

Are Border Collies Aggressive towards Other Dogs?

Generally, these breeds are not considered to be aggressive towards other dogs.

However, while Border Collies are generally considered to be friendly and even-tempered dogs, there are some instances in which they may exhibit aggression towards other dogs.

This is most likely to happen if the Border Collie feels that its territory is threatened or perceives another dog as a threat to its pack.

It all boils down to how they were socialized and trained. A well-socialized Border Collie is less likely to be aggressive towards other dogs. At the same time, one that has not been properly socialized may be more likely to exhibit aggression.

Suppose you are concerned that your Border Collie may be too aggressive towards other dogs. In that case, we advise you to consult with a professional dog trainer. 

They will be able to help you socialize and train your dog so that they can be a well-behaved member of the family.

Are Border Collies aggressive chewers?

Some Border Collies can be aggressive chewers. While all dogs need to chew to help keep their teeth clean and their gums healthy, some Border Collies may chew more than others.

Chewing is typical in most dogs; however, it becomes a problem when it’s excessive. If your dog is chewing on electrical cords, furniture, clothes, shoes, plants, or other items not meant to be chewed on, then you need to take action.

This issue of chewing can be due to a variety of factors, including boredom, stress, or Separation Anxiety. If your Border Collie is an aggressive chewer, it is crucial to provide him with plenty of chew toys and bones to gnaw on.

You should also avoid scolding or punishing your dog for chewing, as this may worsen the problem.

Conclusion: Are Border Collies Aggressive? 

Border collies are a gentle and loving breed, but like all dogs, they have the potential to be aggressive.

However, they can be protective of their family and home and may bark or act aggressively if they feel someone is threatening their territory or in pain.

The key to having a well-behaved border collie is proper socialization and training.

Please share this article with your friends and family if you find it helpful. And if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or send us a direct message. We’ll be happy to help.