..I haven't posted here for so long, but I had to reply to this because I've grown up with border collies and we have two boys now Our oldest, a 5 y/o rescue, has extreme prey/herding drive and we have gone through a lot to direct that energy elsewhere, cos it's seriously a lost cause to try to discourage an intense, high drive dog to just stop.

I think it's awesome, first off, that you've socialized your dog. This little problem could've been a lot worse if he wasn't desensitized from the start. It's not too uncommon for instinct and drive to start coming out at 3 yrs, or even older. BC's are notoriously slow to mature. It isn't good to have an extremely territorial dog (not to say that your boy is)... either way, some training classes and NILIF (nothing in life is free) would help to establish his rank in the pack. Also, is your dog neutered? If he isn't, doing so would probably improve his behavior a lot. The problem, to me, sounds like your boy is just being protective of his home. My BC Archie is really well socialized and is a total doll to everyone he meets outside of the house, but when people are coming in the house and he does not know them, he's definately aprehensive. What usually works is just putting him in a down and letting him get used to the 'intruders', then eventually letting him greet them. You shouldn't expect your dog to warm up immediately to strangers that are invading their home, even though nipping or loud growling shouldn't be tolerated. If your dog does nip or growl threateningly at guests, he should definately be put on time-out (either in his crate, a room, or the yard).


Then... the nipping could also be triggered by herding instinct. That's definately a whole different topic, and from what you've said I don't think much of your dogs behavior has a lot to do with prey drive. What I do want to tell you, though, is to definately watch your dog around large groups of running children, cars, and any other fast-moving objects. All herding breeds have natural prey drive (some dogs more than others), and generally have the instinct to chase and attempt to herd anything that catches their eye (including children, cars, bikers, runners, animals). So just keep an eye on him for herding behavior (crouching, eyeing, chasing, nipping, circling), and try to keep him on a leash at all time near busy roads and activity. I think that's about it... good luck with your dog and definately try to get him into training and enforce NILIF (left a link below explaining).. border collies and all herding breeds in general are awesome, but sometimes do take extra effort (it's all totally worth it!). A few other activities that you can do with your dog to both improve his obedience and wear away his energy include Obedience trials (BC's rock at this), Flyball, Agility, and you're already doing frisbee with him, which is great. You might want to even consider joining you city's disc team (if you have one) or learning some tricks to do with your dog and his frisbee.




NILIF Training Tips