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New Collie Puppy

608 views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  ForTheLoveOfDogs 
My Border Collie puppy did this. It's based on fear and stress.. and while definitely not "good" does not mean that your Border Collie will end up an aggressive dog.

Border Collies are quirky, weird and go through very intense fear periods, especially if not well bred and socialized correctly. Even if they are.. just expect oddness. The best piece of advice I can give (which I wish I had when mine was a puppy) is to take everything slooooow. I ended up separating with an exercise pen and letting them "meet" through there for a couple days before she was finally more confident to meet my older dog (who was very friendly). Some Border Collies don't like forwardness and have space issues. Be very careful when introducing to other dogs. In fact, you are better to only let them "see" other dogs and only "meet" very chill/indifferent dogs. My Border Collie actually ended up really getting along well with other Border Collies... they all kind of understood each other. Sporting breeds on the other hand were just so rambunctious and something to "tell off".

All socialization should be done carefully, slowly, from a distance if needed. Take them around stuff, but don't make them interact if they are uncomfortable.. but most importantly: do not push an issue. If they are afraid of something, do not try to keep working on that issue. Take a break for a few weeks and come back to it. These are sensitive dogs, and they are very easy to mess up. Mine is still a bit whack from some puppyhood trauma from bad socialization on my part. But still overall a pretty good dog. She gets along fine with my older dog for the most part, despite being snappy in the beginning. And she can safely be around other dogs as long as they don't bounce obnoxiously into her space.

Edit - Just realized this says Collie, not Border Collie. Weird for a Collie. But puppies are puppies, and the same can be true with any puppy. Especially quirky herding breeds.
 
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