Max the Border Collie with Departure Frustration and Bite history

We’ve been back to Gateshead to see the lovely Max and his gang. Max is a lovely dog with some serious issues.

When we first went to see Max, he was biting and nipping his owners whenever they tried to leave a room. This is a variation of separation anxiety, but it’s quite typical of a herding breed - they aren’t anxious or fearful of being by themselves, but they do feel the need to keep everyone together and get frustrated when they can’t.

We have now stopped this completely.

This was a “band aid on a broken bone” type fix. We essentially boosted Max’s current obedience levels and were able to cue a stay while people exited the room.

This certainly isn’t a permanent fix.

We have started working on Max’s impulse control and teaching him that people coming and going is nothing special. We have also give him a game called “SheepBalls” which allows him to channel his herding instinct and innate need in an appropriate way, herding tennis balls.

Max and co have done great so far and will have the bandaid ripped off and the broken bone heel sorted in no time!

Well done guys!

If this case sounds like your dog and you are having a similar issue, or a different issue entirely, book a FREE assessment call with us by clicking HERE.