We all know that puppies go through the process of teething as they transition from their baby teeth to adult teeth. But for many, this stage involves more than just gnawing on furniture, mouthing hands and feet, or bouts of restlessness. Teething can significantly impact a puppy’s behaviour, sometimes in surprising ways.
Think about it—have you ever dealt with toothache, wisdom teeth coming through, or gum problems? The discomfort is all-consuming, often leading to headaches, throat pain, and even issues with your ears or eyes. Now imagine how challenging that could be for a sensitive puppy who doesn’t understand what’s happening to them. While some pups breeze through teething with little issue, others, particularly the more sensitive ones, may struggle.
Border Collie Puppies and Their Mouthy Nature
For Border Collie puppies—known for their intelligence and high energy—teething can be especially challenging. These pups are naturally predisposed to using their mouths, whether herding, playing, or exploring their world. During teething, this instinct can become exaggerated. They might chew excessively to soothe their sore gums, nip more frequently, or seek out hands, feet, or inappropriate items to relieve the discomfort.
In addition, teething can amplify sensitivity in other areas. Take Tali, my 5-month-old Border Collie puppy, as an example. She’s currently going through this stage, and the changes in her behaviour have been significant.
Tali’s Teething Journey
Since Tali started losing her baby teeth and growing her adult teeth, I’ve noticed a range of new behaviours that weren’t there before. These include:
- Increased sensitivity to noises.
- A general unease around pressure or other dogs growling.
- Barking at unfamiliar objects or sounds.
- Fearfulness towards unknown dogs.
- Needing more sleep than usual.
Tali is naturally a sensitive dog, but the sudden intensification of these behaviours doesn’t align with her usual temperament. I believe the underlying cause is pain—those “pesky” teeth coming through. It’s important to remember that pain can often be a trigger for changes in behaviour, especially in young puppies.
Supporting a Teething Puppy
While some might suggest introducing a training plan to address these behaviours, I’ve decided to take a different approach. For now, I’m avoiding exposing Tali to situations that make her uncomfortable or exacerbate her sensitivities. There’s no point in forcing her to confront stressors when she’s already dealing with physical discomfort. Instead, I’m giving her time to adjust and prioritising her well-being.
Once her adult teeth are fully in place, and the discomfort subsides, I’ll reassess. If her sensitivities persist, I’ll create a tailored training plan, knowing she’ll be more mature and better equipped to cope.
Have You Noticed Similar Changes?
Have you experienced your young Border Collie—or any puppy, for that matter—becoming more reactive or displaying fear behaviours around five months old? You’re not alone! Many owners see these changes during the teething phase, but they don’t always connect them to the physical discomfort their pups are experiencing.
Teething is a temporary stage, but it can be a tough one for both puppies and their humans. Understanding what’s happening and responding with patience, compassion, and support can make all the difference.
So, next time your puppy chews on your favourite shoe or seems more unsettled than usual, remember: those growing adult teeth might be to blame!
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