It is a popular belief that a spaying or neutering procedure helps dogs calm down. Owners of dogs that tend to be hyperactive – and border collies are a prime example – may wonder if fixing their pet will have an impact on their pet’s energy level.
Spayed or neutering is beneficial for many reasons but behavioral regulation is not one of them. Your border collie will not calm down but the procedure can reduce some behavioral issues associated with hormonal fluctuations during heat cycles in some dogs. Training, exercising, and giving your border collie things to do at home are the ways to help with behavioral and energy regulation.
So, how does spaying or neutering affect dogs and their behavior, in general?
Spaying/Neutering And Dogs’ Behaviors
Spaying and neutering can reduce some cyclical behavioral issues in some dogs. Depending on the dog, it could mean less aggressiveness, restlessness, or hyperactivity caused by hormonal fluctuations during the heat cycles.
If your dog is highly reactive to other dogs, you could see a change in the dog’s behavior around other animals. Some fixed dogs are more neutral around other dogs. Some dogs, however, do not experience any changes at all.
Either way, your border collie is not likely to experience a major and permanent change in his or her behavior and energy levels.
Border Collie As A Herding Dog: Typical Characteristics
Border collies are ideal companions for owners and families who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors. These dogs are naturally vigilant, dynamic, vocal, and prone to chasing other animals and people due to their amazing sense of smell and herding background.
In particular, the following behaviors are typical for herders and may often be viewed as nuisance behaviors:
- Hyperactive, needing something to do at all times
- Highly reactive to any noise and movement
- Barking and other vocal behaviors are common
- Some are aggressive to strange dogs or people, especially in the territory of their home
The Smartest Breed And How That Affects The Dog’s Behavior
According to Stanley Coren, a renowned canine psychologist, border collies are the number one smartest breed of dogs.
Dogs as smart as border collies are often relatively high-maintenance due to their intelligence and high energy levels. More docile and less intellectual breeds are happy with far less stimulation. They just do not get bored that easily. Border collies are definitely neither docile nor happy to be idle!
Most herding breeds require ample stimulation for their minds and a variety of physical activities. Otherwise, these dogs could experience heightened anxiety and restlessness.
How To Keep Your Dog Happy And (Relatively) Calm
Regardless of your pup’s breed, the following tips could help your pet regulate his or her energy level and behavior:
- Provide Mental And Physical Stimulation: important for all dogs, mental and physical stimulation is particularly vital to smart, high-energy dogs. Keeping them engaged physically and mentally helps minimize any behavioral problems and anxiety. And, quite frankly, a tired dog is a calmer dog!
- Train Your Dog: training teaches your border collie to be reserved and well-behaved, but it also reduces anxiety which is so common for dogs of this breed. Many dogs calm down when they have consistent commands coming from their owner. Being told what to do eliminates uncertainty and any need for vigilance.
- Toys And Playtime: this goes along with the idea of keeping your border collie occupied. Rotate the toys for intelligent dogs to prevent habituation. Puzzles for smart dogs are great, they can keep a dog busy for hours. If you offer your pet a puzzle that includes treats, be mindful of how much your border collie consumes that way!
- Other Fellow Pets At Home: if this option is available to you, most well-trained border collies do very well with other friendly dogs and cats. Having animal companions at home is a solution to many problems, including boredom and isolation.
Related Question:
Do Border Collies Need A Big Yard?
Border collies do not need a big yard, although it is nice to have one as an amenity for your likely active pet. Dogs of this breed are known for their high energy levels and curious minds. A large yard, however, does not replace walks, hikes, games, and other activities these dogs need to stay healthy and happy.
