Border Collies are known for their intense stare, a behaviour deeply rooted in their history as working dogs. In my latest podcast episode, I explore whether it’s a good idea to allow your Border Collie to stare and what it means for their mental and physical health.
Many pet and sport dog owners, especially those without working farms or livestock, may wonder if their dog’s natural staring instinct should be encouraged or managed. After years of owning and training Border Collies, both as pets and working dogs, I’ve formed an opinion based on my experiences and the challenges faced by others in similar situations.
Border Collies are bred to use their eyes to control sheep. It’s part of their instinct, and when they’re allowed to express this ability, it can contribute to their mental and physical well-being. Just like with humans, a dog’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. For a working-bred dog like the Border Collie, mental health involves being able to fulfill their natural tendencies. Suppressing these instincts can lead to stress, anxiety, and even behavioral problems.
But, while staring is an important part of a Border Collie’s toolkit, it can sometimes lead to issues if it becomes obsessive or uncontrolled. This is especially true when they start fixating on inappropriate things, like other dogs or moving objects that pose a danger to them. For instance, if a Border Collie stares at every dog they meet on a walk, it can create tension and lead to undesirable interactions. In those situations, it’s important to maintain control and redirect the behavior.
On the flip side, in controlled environments, such as group play with other dogs, staring can be a normal and even healthy part of their interaction. In my own experience, my Border Collies often stare at each other during play, especially when one has a toy. In this context, it’s harmless, and because I know I can control the behaviour when needed, I allow it.
When it comes to livestock, the natural inclination of a Border Collie is to stare and control their movements. However, if you don’t have a working farm and your dog fixates on livestock during a walk or while gazing at them from your yard, it can create stress for the animals. It’s crucial in these moments to manage their behaviour and teach them when it’s appropriate to use their natural instincts.
Ultimately, there’s no simple yes or no answer to the question of whether it’s good to let your Border Collie stare. It depends on your lifestyle, the context of the behaviour, and your ability to manage and control it. In this episode, I share my thoughts on balancing their instincts with everyday life and offer practical advice for keeping your Border Collie happy, healthy, and well-behaved.
If you want to learn more, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode!
