ASKDQ: My Border Collie is three years old and has suddenly started herding my children; he’s circling them, nipping at their heels, and staring intensely. The kids are getting upset. What’s going on, and how do we stop it?

A: What you’re seeing is your Border Collie doing what Border Collies are, at a very deep genetic level, built to do. Herding is not a behavioural problem in the traditional sense; it’s an instinct that has been selectively refined over centuries, and in the right context (a farm, a flock, a skilled handler) it’s an extraordinary thing to witness. In a family home with small children, however, it can become genuinely problematic, and the nipping in particular isn’t something to leave unaddressed.

The key insight here is that this behaviour is typically driven by arousal and frustration – your Collie has an outlet need that isn’t being met, and the children (who perhaps move unpredictably, squeal, and run) are inadvertently triggering the herding sequence. The more the children react, the more reinforcing it becomes for the dog.

The first step is management: when the children are running around, and excitement is high, your Collie needs to be in a separate space. This isn’t punishment; it’s just removing the trigger while you work on things properly. The second, and arguably more important step, is channelling that instinct constructively. Border Collies thrive with purpose – structured training, scent work, agility, or even formal herding lessons with a trainer can make a remarkable difference to a dog whose brain isn’t being sufficiently stretched.

Because the nipping is involved and children are affected, we’d really encourage you to get support from a qualified behaviourist who has experience with working breeds. Your vet is also a great first port of call to discuss the behaviour and get a referral if needed – please do reach out to them sooner rather than later.