Border collie

[aquamarine2]

we have recently taken on a border collie aged 4 because one of our other dogs died and we wanted company for the other.

When we went to see him he growled a little and we were told that he sometimes did that to strangers but didn't bite. We walked him with our dog and he seemed lovely, they played together and he was good on the lead.

Now we have got him home, he can be fine one minute and then for no apparent reason starts growling, which will intensify if you don't stop whatever it is you are doing. This includes stroking him, talking to him, looking at him. Even offering him a treat.

Just as quickly it can change back again and he is all over you.

He has only been with us a week. Does anyone have any advice to offer?

Try reposting this in The Doghouse section of PETS as you may get more help.

He feels overwhelmed by the attention and doesn't want you to continue. Try not giving eye contact, and try sitting sideways on when he's like this. Let him come to you to instigate affection.
Border collies are known to be 'weird' and it's usually down to nervousness or anxiety.

Plus you've only had him a week, he needs to trust you and build a bond.

Borders really arent for the faint hearted. Please don't punish growl is a dogs way of communicating you train them not to growl it progresses to bites. If your new to the breed I'd recommend you track down a behaviourist that has collies themselves. Alot get bounced around homes because their just not pets

I've had collies for years. They're not really like 'normal' dogs as they're so clever but with this can come a lot of neurotic 'flighty' behaviour.

My advice would be to give him plenty of space, let him come to you and don't let him feel cornered. Collies will defend themselves vocally at first and bite as a last resort normally out of fear if they can't get away, or if they are trying to control a situation (think herding sheep). They also hate loud noises.

Give him lots of exercise and access to being outside when he wants. I adore Collies as a breed, but they do require sensitive handling.