If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t my Border Collie just chill out?” – this is a common struggle – many others get it. These brilliant, busy dogs are famous for their brains and boundless energy. But, when the chaos gets a little too real, it’s time to teach your Border Collie to settle. In this post, you’ll learn why your Collie struggles to relax, why rest matters, and how you can create a calmer home life for both of you.
Border Collies are born to work – herding, running, problem-solving. This “on switch” is amazing for farm life, but without an off switch, in a modern home it can mean constant movement, barking, and even destructive behaviour. Many owners find their Collie can’t seem to turn off.
That’s why it’s so important to teach your Border Collie to settle as a core life skill, just like recall or walking nicely on lead.
Benefits of teaching your Border Collie to settle:
Less chaos at home
Reduced barking and reactivity
More focus and better learning
A happier, healthier, less stressed dog
Stronger relationship with your Collie
Border Collies aren’t lazy by nature. In fact, they’re genetically programmed to seek activity! But here’s what many owners miss:
Without enough rest, your Border Collie can’t process new information, becomes more irritable, and is prone to overreacting to small things – like noises outside, visitors, or even family members moving around the house.
Signs your Collie needs help learning to settle:
Can’t stay still, paces or follows you everywhere
Hypervigilant to noises or movement
Overreacts to triggers, even after a good walk when they should be tired
Barks, chews, or acts out when “left to relax”
Most owners try to tire their Collie out with more and more exercise – long walks, endless ball games, high-energy play. Unfortunately, too much adrenaline keeps your dog’s body in “go mode,” making it harder to switch off.
Other common mistakes:
Letting your Collie have free run of the house all day
Skipping calm downtime in favour of non-stop action
Accidentally rewarding busy behaviour with attention, instead of calm
Ready to take back your home? Here’s how to teach your Border Collie to settle and create a routine for rest:
Give your Collie a safe, comfy place for rest – like a single room, a crate, or a playpen. This helps them switch off and avoids “patrolling” the whole house.
Chewing and licking naturally calm dogs by releasing endorphins. Offer a chew or a filled lick mat when you get home from a walk to encourage your Collie to settle down.
Not all rest means sleep! Swap out a stressful walk for a scentwork game or a food puzzle. These activities satisfy your Collie’s brain without ramping up adrenaline. Always have a clear start and finish, so your dog learns when it’s time to switch off.
Have background noise in the form of a radio or Alexa device, use calming scents like Adaptil or Pet Remedy, or offer a bedtime treat with soothing ingredients like chamomile. These cues help your Border Collie recognise when it’s time to relax.
Catch your Collie doing nothing! When your dog is resting, quietly reward them with gentle praise, a soft stroke, or a treat. This teaches them that calm behaviour – not chaos – gets attention.
Routine helps Collies relax, but don’t let it become rigid. If life changes (weekends, holidays, visitors), a bit of flexibility keeps your Collie adaptable and less likely to stress.
One of my clients, Karen, struggled for years with her Collie, Bob, who couldn’t settle when family visited. By focusing on teaching Bob to settle – using a dedicated calm space, chews, and lots of praise for quiet behaviour – Karen was able to welcome her grandchildren for the first time without chaos. The difference? A Collie who finally knew how to relax, and a home that felt peaceful again.
Q: How do I teach my Border Collie to settle at home?
A: Create a calm zone, use chews or lick mats, try gentle brain games, develop a calm routine, and reward quiet behaviour. Be patient and consistent – Collies can learn to settle with the right support!
Q: Why is my Border Collie always busy and never rests?
A: Border Collies are bred to work and often find it hard to switch off. Without enough downtime, they can become overstimulated and anxious. Teaching them to settle is essential for a balanced life.
Q: Can I use a crate or pen to help my Border Collie relax?
A: Yes! Many Collies feel safer with clear boundaries. If used positively, a crate or pen can be a powerful tool for teaching your Border Collie to settle. Just make sure there is room for them to get up/ turn around and stretch out and they’re not consistently left in crates for longer than 2 hours.
Q: How much rest does a Border Collie need?
A: Collies need 16-20 hours of rest per day – so if they’re jumping up and barking at the slightest sound outside, they’re definitely not getting this! Exploring herbal supplements to help soothe their nervous system along with working out effective management strategies is the key to helping your settle training succeed.
It’s not always easy to teach a Border Collie to settle, especially when their energy feels endless. But with the right approach, you can transform chaos into calm, giving your Collie (and your family) the peaceful home life you all deserve.
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