Hyper and destructive pet!?

Question

We have a 8mo old female Border collie. It is hyper, chews everything, and is unmanageable. Would spaying our pet calm it down? How long does this stage generally last? The dog is loving, but just too destructive!

Answer 1

Border Collies, and all herding breeds for that matter, have been bred for centuries to be energetic, workaholic dogs so this trend will continue indefinitely with your dog unless you give him daily vigorous exercise(a minimum of 2 miles a day for herding puppies and twice that for adults). In addition you should also give these dogs another hour or so of play(fetch, frisbee, sprints, anything that will stimulate your dog mentally and physically). Also make sure to buy some good safe, durable toys for her as this will keep her occupied while your gone. Remember that these dogs are not lap dogs(thank goodness) and must be respected as such. If you follow all three steps(exercise, play/attention,toys) mentioned above , you'll se a big difference in destructive behavior in a week. I own a wonderful 10 month old Australian Cattle Dog so I know exactly what you're going through. Good luck.

Answer 2

My dog didn't calm down at all when she got spayed. She is also hyper and was one of the hardest dogs that I have ever trained. You have to be persistent and train your dog to do what you want or she may always stay destructive. Make sure she is getting at least 2 walks a day that are more than a half hour long. Also make sure you are spending enough time with her. I agree with other people and I think training by a professional would be good for you and your dog. Don't just send her away though because you need to learn the training methods too not just the dog.

Answer 3

Spaying does sometimes calm them down a bit, and is certainly healthier for the dog and much less headache for the owner. However, you have chosen a working breed with a lot of energy, she will need a lot of exercise, and mental stimulation- if you don't give her a "job" to do, she will make up her own, and as you can see, it probably will not be acceptable. Basic obedience training is a great place to start, and these guys also do really well in fly ball, agility, frisbee....You should be taking her for a good LONG walk every morning, and again in the evening, add in training time, use her crate when you are not able to monitor her....you will have a much happier, less destructive dog, and you will be much happier owners....

Answer 4

I don't know too much about dogs, but I believe I have heard that destruction and chewing are behaviors that indicate the dog is either understimulated, or you aren't spending enough time with the dog. Does the dog have a place to live outdoors, for example? A border collie isn't exactly an indoor dog... I think a good thing to do is to call your vet and ask this question, then follow the vet's advice.

Answer 5

You need to first make sure that she is getting enough exercise. You need to keep her challenged as well. Get her a kong and fill it with a treat (i.e. peanut butter and freeze it, cream cheese and some kibble or try a recipe on kong company website). Get her some interactive toys or you can play a form of hide and seek with her by taking treats and hide them around the house and help her find them.

When you are not able to watch the pup, make sure that you have her crate trained to have her in there when you cannot watch her. The crate will become her den and she will enjoy being in there and want to sleep in there for her naps.

If you catch her chewing on something she's not supposed to sternly tell her "no" and replace whatever she is chewing on with a toy or bone.

Spaying doesn't necessary calm the pup down, but you should have her spayed to avoid unplanned puppies as well as reducing the risks of cancer by spaying her before her first heat cycle.

She will probably be in the puppy stage until 2 years old, but will start to calm down a lot by 1 year.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

We have a boxer. As a puppy he did have lots of energy. He's 2 now and has calmed down a lot. He still loves to play but is pretty relaxed most of the time. He's a great cuddler and thinks he's a lap dog. We have a 5 year old little girl and he's great with her and loves all kids actually. He's never been destructive, not even as a puppy. I think a boxer is a great choice for you. Just be sure to get him enough exercise as a puppy and get him training. They tend to jump around alot.

Answer 7

Border collies are very intelligent, high energy, are are bred as WORKING dogs. They simply need a job to do, as this is what is expected of them in the fields. In the breed that you have chosen this is not a "stage" - this is a trait that is inherent. The sooner you can understand that your dog has a NEED to work, the happier your relationship can be.

As I'm sure you've noticed - BCs are not lap, or nap dogs. In order to protect your assets, your dog needs adequate exercise as well as mental stimulation. Daily walks may not be enough - your pup will require off-leash time where she can utilize her herding skills chasing balls, frisbees, you,.. or something. When home alone, offer her puzzles to keep her thinking - like stuffed kongs or puzzle balls to keep her mind busy. Try getting involved in some doggie activities, like agility or flyball; things that will expend all that wonderful BC energy and get you up and active too!

A good rule of thumb is good dog = tired dog.

If she is destroying the house when you are gone, consider using a crate or x-pen to confne her to an area where she can be safe and have activities to occupy her.

In the end - her destructiveness is not her fault. You need to manage her environment in order to keep her stimulated and safe.

Answer 8

You're dog needs more exercise, and maybe even some kind of job to do. Border Collie's are a working/herding breed. Your dog's is being hyper and destructive because he/she doesn't have enough to do.
These types of dogs need AT LEAST an hour of walking time per day. (it doesn't have to be all at once). And maybe you should think about getting a dog backpack and have him/her carry something on the walks.

Answer 9

Border Collies are extremely intelligent dogs, and need a lot of exercise. Her descructive behavior may be just that she is bored.

Spaying will help somewhat with the attitude, and I would highly recommend doing this. It will also make her a lot less susceptible to many types of infections and other health risks that in-tact female dogs can get.

A basic obedience class will also help both you and the dog, and give the dog the exercise and mental stimulation they need while allowing you to spend quality time with her. Check out your local shelters, kennels, or community college if they offer classes.

Answer 10

A border collie is bred for working all day long covering many many miles so excpecting this breed of dog just to lay around the house all day is wrong.
Shes to young for agility but get your name registered now for when she is a year old in the mean time,work on her obedience,Give her little jobs to.
This stage could last for a while if not dealt with now
As for spaying her this isnt always the answer to behavouir problems but if she isnt breeding standard by all means het her spayed.
there are great books out there by a carol price ones called understanding the border collie.
good luck & please deal with this problem asap there are to many B/C in shelters whos owners just give up on then.