Border Collies are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world. They are also one of the most active and energetic breeds. This can be a blessing and a curse, especially when it comes to chewing. Border
Collies love to chew on things, which can lead to destruction if left unchecked. In this article, we will discuss some ways to deal with this behavior and keep your home intact!
What Causes Your Border Collie To Chew Destructively?
There can be a few different reasons why your Border Collie is chewing destructively. It could be due to boredom, teething, or even stress. If your dog is bored, it may start to chew on things out of frustration.
This is especially common if they do not have enough toys or if they are not getting enough exercise. Teething can also cause chewing, as puppies will often chew on things to relieve the pain from their growing teeth. Stress can also lead to destructive chewing, as dogs may turn to comfort items like blankets or stuffed animals when they are feeling anxious.
Anxiety Can Cause Chewing
If your dog is chewing on things out of anxiety, it is important to try to figure out the root of the problem. Dogs can become anxious for a variety of reasons, including separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or even just boredom. The anxiety can also be caused by changes in the home, such as a new baby or pet.
Why Does Your Border Collie Chew Furniture?
Dogs who are left alone for long periods of time are especially prone to this type of behavior. You can stop your dog from chewing on furniture by providing them with plenty of toys and chewing bones to keep them occupied.
When Do Border Collies Start Teething?
Puppies start to have teeth around twelve weeks old and the whole process of teething can last up to two months. During this time, your puppy may be more prone to chewing on furniture as their gums are sore. You can help to soothe your puppy’s gums by giving them cool water to drink and chew toys that are designed for teething puppies.
When Do Border Collies Stop Teething?
Most Border Collies will stop teething by the time they are six months old. However, some dogs may continue to chew on furniture or other objects even after their teeth have come in.
Why Do Collies Chew Rocks And How To Prevent This Behavior?
Border Collies Chew rocks due to compulsive chewing, if your border collie is exhibiting this behavior it is best to take them to the vet as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
If your border collie continues to nibble down on rocks then it could have an impact on his teeth. If the rocks are big enough, they could crack or chip teeth. Chewing on hard objects can also wear down the enamel on your dog’s teeth, which over time can lead to tooth decay.
To stop border collie from chewing rocks you can try a number of things such as:
Remove Access To Rocks:
If your dog has access to rocks, chances are he will chew on them. So, it’s important to remove any rocks from your yard and keep an eye on him when he’s outside to make sure he doesn’t pick any up rocks.
Provide distractions to your Border Collie:
You can also prevent this behavior by, providing him with plenty of toys and chewable objects to keep his mind occupied.
They May Be Mentally Understimulated
If non of the above work, it’s possible your border collie needs mental stimulation just like humans do, and if they’re not getting it they can become destructive.
Why Does Your Border Collie Chew On Your Clothes?
There can be many reasons why your border collie chews on your clothes, some of the most common ones are:
They Chew Because They Are Bored:
If your border collie is left alone for long periods of time, it can become bored which can lead to chewing.
They Chew Because They Are Attention Seeking:
Chewing can also be a way for your border collie to get your attention. If you have been scolding them for chewing, they may think that any type of attention is better than no attention.
They Chew Due To Separation Anxiety:
Another common reason why border collies chew on clothes is due to separation anxiety. This can be caused by a number of things such as being left alone for long periods of time, moving house, or a change in family circumstances.
How To Stop Your Collie From Destructive Chewing?
There are a lot of different ways that you can stop your border collie from destructive chewing which include:
Give Them Chew Toys:
One of the best ways to stop your border collie from chewing on clothes is to give them chew toys. This will help to redirect their attention away from your clothes and onto something that is more appropriate for them to chew on.
Hard Surface Chewers
Give your border collie a hard surface to chew on such as a bone or antler. This will help to keep their teeth healthy and also provide them with something to chew on.
Rubber Chewers:
If your border collie likes to chew on rubber, you can give them a rubber chew toy to help redirect their chewing.
Soft Toy Chewers:
If your border collie likes to chew on soft toys, you can give them a stuffed animal to chew on. This will help to keep their teeth clean and also provide them with something to cuddle with.
Give Them Lots Of Mental Stimulation
Border collies are very intelligent dogs and need a lot of mental stimulation. You can keep your border collie’s mind active by giving them puzzle toys to play with, and even teaching them new tricks.
Give Them More Exercise
If your border collie is chewing because they are bored, you can try giving them more exercise. This can be in the form of walks, runs, or even playing fetch.
Conclusion:
We would like to conclude by saying that chewing is normal behavior for border collies, but it can become a problem if they are not given enough mental and physical stimulation. If you find that your border collie is chewing more than usual, try some of the solutions we’ve listed above.