When Do Border Collies Calm Down? A Guide to Managing Hyperactivity

Border Collies are notorious for their boundless energy and hyperactivity, which can be overwhelming for their owners. They have an average of 2-3 hours of high-energy periods per day.

Border Collies are bred to herd sheep, which requires intense focus and physical activity. This breed-specific trait makes them naturally inclined to be active and alert.

Their high energy levels are a result of their genetic makeup, with a mix of high-drive and high-energy breeds in their ancestry. This genetic combination creates a perfect storm of activity and alertness.

Border Collies typically reach their full energy potential between 12-18 months of age, after which their energy levels may start to decline slightly.

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Border Collies are naturally active, high-energy dogs, and this trait is a breed characteristic. They were bred to herd sheep, which requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation.

Their high energy and athleticism are due to their emphasis on speed, agility, and endurance. In fact, most Border Collies you'll encounter will be hyperactive, especially if they're not getting enough physical and mental stimulation.

Proper training and exercise are essential to reduce behavioral problems in Border Collies. Engaging them in activities like agility training, playing with other dogs, or playing fetch can help burn off their energy and calm them down.

Age, weight, and health status can also affect a Border Collie's energy level. Puppies, for example, are more hyperactive than adult dogs, especially in the beginning.

Here are some factors that contribute to a Border Collie's energy level:

Not all Border Collies are the same, and their energy levels can fluctuate based on these factors.

Engaging your Border Collie in vigorous exercise for several hours a day is the best method to calm them down.

A Border Collie's massive stores of energy need to be burned off, and activities like long walks, runs, hikes, or bike rides can help.

Agility training is a fantastic way to calm down a Border Collie by giving them something to learn and master.

The American Kennel Club recommends engaging your Border Collie in vigorous exercise for several hours a day to calm them down.

Playing with other dogs at an off-leash dog park or playing tug-of-war can also help burn off excess energy.

You can try the following activities to burn off your Border Collie's energy:

Without proper physical and mental stimulation, your Border Collie will have no outlet for its high energy.

A responsible Border Collie owner will involve their dog in agility courses, obedience training, or herding to provide an alternate outlet for their energy.

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Neutering or spaying your Border Collie might not have the calming effect you're hoping for. In fact, many veterinarians argue that it won't change your dog's behavior or calm them down.

Spaying a female Border Collie might reduce some issues connected to their heat cycle, but it won't turn a hyperactive Border into a calm dog. This is because the procedure won't address the underlying causes of their hyperactivity.

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Neutering a male Border Collie might make them less aggressive and domineering, but it's not a guarantee. Some dogs may still retain their high energy levels and hyperactive tendencies.

Border Collies that are neutered or spayed will typically experience a decrease in energy level due to the absence of sex hormones. This is a common observation in many pet owners who have undergone this procedure.

While neutering or spaying can contribute to a more mellow temperament for some dogs, it's not a universal outcome. Some Border Collies may still remain high-energy and hyperactive even after the procedure.

Border Collies tend to calm down anywhere between 1-3 years old, but this can vary greatly from dog to dog.

Their activity and playfulness may decrease as they get older, becoming more interested in lying around and observing their surroundings.

Some dogs remain active until they reach old age, while others become more mellow around this time.

Early adulthood is the peak of a Border Collie's hyperactivity, so many of them should calm down in the second phase of their lifespan – in their sixth or seventh year.

A dog's level of training and daily exercise greatly influences when they calm down, and some may even calm down sooner than expected.

Without sufficient stimulation, a Border Collie may remain hyperactive throughout their senior years, making it essential to provide them with a job, regular exercise, and something to keep them occupied and entertained.

Border Collies are high-energy dogs who need a lot of attention, patience, and exercise to be happy at home. If you're willing to work with them, they can be great dogs.

To calm your Border Collie, try giving them plenty of exercise, such as walking at a very slow pace. This will tire them out more quickly than regular walking.

Games can help your BC sleep better at night as well as allow you to bond with them. When your BC becomes calmer, they will act less aggressively and appear happier.

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Some games that can help keep your Border Collie calm include hide and seek, hide and seek with treats, puzzles, and food dispensing toys. These games may also double as obedience training or a way to bond with your dog.

Here are some specific games you can try with your BC:

Teaching your BC to do certain tricks, such as how to shake or play dead, can also help calm them down.

Border Collies need a lot of exercises, so take your dog for frequent long walks, bike rides, or jogs many times throughout the week. This will help them calm down and prevent destructive behaviors.

Exercise should be a daily routine, with at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity, and ideally 2 hours of exercise and mental stimulation combined per day. This can be achieved through running, walking, throwing a ball or Frisbee, trekking, and swimming.

Big spaces are a haven for Collies who love to run around, so a huge backyard or garden is perfect for them. Very intelligent dogs get bored easily, so it's not just exercise that they need but also mental stimulation.

Basic commands such as sit, stay, or roll over are not enough for Border Collies, they need more complex tricks and training. Using interactive or puzzle toys is also a great way to challenge your dog and keep them engaged.

Doing the same things at the same time each day will help with border collie anxiety, and setting up an agility course in your backyard is a perfect way to expend the energy and train the mind of your Border Collie.

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