Quote:
Originally Posted by billyboysmammy
Teething toys
Stuffed kongs
damp frozen knotted tea towels
raw carrots (you can freeze first too)
ice cubes (flavoured with stock or plain)
As for the herding, well it is his natural behaviour - can you do some form of excercise with him that exploits his intelligence? It could be obedience training, agility, flyball, heelwork to music etc. Games at home could be - find the food, putting his toys away (learning them by name), target training etc. Target training is a nice thing to do with a collie. They can help you load the washing machine, close doors, retrieve post, turn telly on etc!
I would echo the advice about a crate, and also add that it sounds like he has hit the teenage kevin age. He will be challenging his position in the pack both with you as his leader and his doggy friend.
IMHO he needs tough love now and to be taught he cannot get away with the behaviour. If he is agressive or just downright naughty, split him up and then make you and your other dog turn your backs on him and ignore him (baby gates are good to seperate), i wouldnt put him in his crate when you are doing this as the crate is his den and shouldnt be a punishment. Make him aware that his behaviour is not accetable. Other things I have been told to re-inforce ack positions are to feed yourself first, then the next down dog (your older one) and then him last. This should only last a little while, they do grow out of being kevins eventually.
I just want to say though, I am still a novice dog keeper, and I am sure someone with more experience will be along to help... xxx
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I agree with all of the above.
Behaviourists are great but don't KNOW the dog like you do.
I might be wrong but it sounds like a bit of an over reaction to a stage of puppyhood but i am not an expert either.
Oscar is 4 months and has started barking at me for attention and nipping my legs if i walk away.
The trainer we go to (who is very "old school" in his approach but gentle) recommended isolating him until he calms down (not in his crate as Billy Boys Mum said). When he has settled and is calm let him out tell him calmly good boy and if he starts the behaviour again do it again.
This teached him that this behaviour gets him no where.
I too would suggest finding a class to channel his natural instinct and intelligence.