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Border Collies and Kids

by Kathy Bero

The often debated question of whether or not a border collie makes a good pet in a family with kids, can only be answered by how dog savvy the humans are in the family. There are countless examples of border collies living harmoniously and happily with children of all ages. However, because border collies are working dogs who move livestock by nipping at times, the risk is always present that your border collie could nip your child or a friend's child visiting your home.

Basically, the problem starts when the border collie is a puppy. If you allow your puppy to play wrestling games where its mouth is allowed to make contact with your skin, you have set up a very bad situation as your dog ages. What you are telling your pup is that teeth making contact with skin is “A O K.” So, as your pup gets older and begins to explore its herding skills, your children will likely become the target. If they don't move the way your pup thinks they should, they may get a little nip in the calf. Suddenly, your pup is told this is not “A O K.” So, which is it? Your pup wants to know.

If you adopt an older dog into your home, you will want to set the ground rules the moment the dog walks through the dog. However, benevolence will be the key to your success as the “leader of your pack (kids included).” Please follow the regimen outlined under “Bringing In A New Dog” in the Training Tips section of this website. If you do this, you will have an excellent chance of having a happy life with your newest family member.

Some things to remember about dogs and kids:

•  Your children should not be allowed to play tug-o-war with your pup/dog. If they do, they will likely lose the tug, which sets up dominance issues with your dog. Your dog will perceive itself as the stronger of the two and your child will be at risk of being bitten sometime in the future.

•  Have your children throw the ball, stick, squeaky toy or whatever your dog likes to catch.

•  A dog who has been allowed to perceive itself as above your child in the pack hierarchy can nip/bite when it believes your child needs to be corrected for a behavior it thinks is wrong.

•  Do not allow your children to play chase games with your dog until they are older and your child is the one doing the chase.

•  Very firmly reprimand your dog if you catch it with your children's toys or clothing. Then trade the clothing or toys with a dog appropriate toy.

•  Never allow your child under 10 years old to be alone with your dog. This rule should be enforced until your dog has proven itself to be respectful and obedient to all family members. Likewise, your child must prove him/herself respectful of your dog.

•  Do not allow your children to squeeze/hug your dog around the neck. In fact, until a very strong bond has been developed over a couple of years, your children should stay away from your dog's face all together.

•  Be sure to allow your children to practice obedience with your dog while you supervise. Children as young as 2 ½ years old can begin this as long as you are there to enforce it. Stand beside your child and have your child ask your dog to sit. Then reinforce it by firmly, but quietly asking your dog to sit. When it does, have your child give the dog a treat (a really yummy treat). Practice this as if you are training the dog all over again. Then gradually fall behind your child and only reinforce his/her command if the dog doesn't respond. You can do this with each command, but start with sit, then down, come and stay in that order. Do not move to the next command until the dog is doing what your child asks without you reinforcing it. It won't take long.

•  Allow your child to feed your dog. Some suggest you allow your child to spit in the dog's bowl to help build the bond. It's also a lot of fun for your child.

•  Allow your child to give your dog it's morning snack, but be sure the dog earns it. In other words, your dog only gets the treat if it sits or shakes or does some other trick.

•  NEVER allow your dog to sit on the couch or be in the bed with your child. Your dog should ALWAYS be below your children. This reinforces status and hierarchy in your “pack.”

•  Practice taking the food bowl, treats and toys away from your dog and then give it back with lots of praise and love. This is a great game to teach the dog patience and that every thing belongs to you. Once your dog looks at it as a game and thinks it's fun, you can allow your children to do this with you supervising and aiding the praise. This will be an excellent way to prevent your child from being bitten if he/she sticks her hand in the food bowl while your dog is eating.

•  NEVER tolerate your dog growling when you are near him/her while it is eating, enjoying a bone or any other wonderful toy/treat. This is a sign of dominance and your dog is scolding you. This is NOT “A O K!” If your dog does growl, you must swiftly and firmly correct that behavior. If this does not work, then it is best to seek help from a professional behaviorist. (CARE4BCs can direct you to someone in your area.) If your dog allows you to take the food away without a fuss, give it lots of love and praise followed by getting the food back. If you have a dog that growled at you, do not allow your child to practice.

•  Obviously, a nip/snap is never tolerated. Once again, the best way to correct your dog is to immediately grab its cheeks and while holding firm turn your dog on it's back. Stand over it and growl while looking in its eyes. Do not release your dog until it has turned away and relaxed. Your dog must know you are mad or it will only be confused. You must do this for your child if your dog snaps/nips at your child. Even if it doesn't make contact with the skin. DO NOT allow your children to correct your dog in this way.

•  Monitor the behavior of your children around your dog. You must not expect your dog to put up with whatever they dish out. Your children must learn to be respectful of your dog and how to play appropriately with it. Otherwise, there will come a day when your dog decides it has had enough. If your child is bitten, you will only have yourself to blame.

Finally, there are many cases of border collies, most often females, that have nipped a child. But with the proper corrections and training, they “change their ways” and become that perfect family dog you always wanted. But again, you must be willing to make time to properly train your dog and your children. Most importantly, do not blame your dog for bad behavior and don't dismiss it because it is situational. If you feel you need help in dealing with a behavior issue, don't delay. Get help from a professional and you will soon be living a stress-free life with your dog.

**We highly recommend you read one or both of these books if you have children with a border collie.

Child Proofing Your Dog , by Brian Kilcommons

Dogs Are From Neptune , by Jean Donaldson