My Border Collie is obsessed with other dogs and I want it to stop

[Sam N]

Hi, I have a 5 month old Border Collie. He is strange little guy when it comes to Border Collies. He is obsessed with other dogs and has no interest in balls or frisbees. 

When he sees another dog in the park, he immediately runs to them and wants to play with them and doesnt stop when being called his name or to Come, Sit, or any command. He is like in another world.

He never showed any interest in fetch. Lately i have got some success in making it look like a job, and he is more inclined to run after the ball and bring it back, even if it is for a treat. But the moment he sees another dog, its over. All he wants to do is run to the dog and I have to stop the play, grab him by the leash before he runs off and pull him back home.

I want this behaviour to stop. It is dangerous, he runs off and I dont like him to get close to other dogs. God knows if that dog is well trained or even dangerous.

I really need some advice here. Thanks

[Bowser]

On 11/4/2020 at 3:37 PM, Sam N said:

Hi, I have a 5 month old Border Collie. He is strange little guy when it comes to Border Collies. He is obsessed with other dogs and has no interest in balls or frisbees. 

When he sees another dog in the park, he immediately runs to them and wants to play with them and doesnt stop when being called his name or to Come, Sit, or any command. He is like in another world.

He never showed any interest in fetch. Lately i have got some success in making it look like a job, and he is more inclined to run after the ball and bring it back, even if it is for a treat. But the moment he sees another dog, its over. All he wants to do is run to the dog and I have to stop the play, grab him by the leash before he runs off and pull him back home.

I want this behaviour to stop. It is dangerous, he runs off and I dont like him to get close to other dogs. God knows if that dog is well trained or even dangerous.

I really need some advice here. Thanks

I'd use a long training line, recall him when he goes to the other dogs, if he does not respond just reel him in with the line so the command is followed through, then if you think the dog is friendly you can release him to play.

[Michael Parkey]

This sounds like pretty typical 5 month old puppy behavior.  The long line is good advice.  His attitude toward balls and discs may change as he gets older.  Our BC Levi loves balls but thinks discs are less interesting than the average rock.  Our Aussie mix Buddy has no interest in toys unless they are stuffed with something tasty.  The only exception is his Nylabone.

[GentleLake]

@Sam N, you posted in a forum forum training questions related to training working livestock dogs. You'll get more responses if you repost in the General Border Collie Discussion.