Last updated on January 15th, 2026 at 09:55 am
Border Collies are famous for being smart and full of energy. But can they live peacefully with cats, rabbits, or other dogs?
Yes, but it requires management. Bred to control movement, Border Collies can disrupt multi-pet households by attempting to herd cats or pester older dogs.This guide will teach you how to manage herding instincts, introduce new friends safely, and stop your dog from pestering your other pets.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Border Collie’s Instincts
Before you can fix a behavior, you must understand why it happens. Your dog isn’t trying to be naughty. They are just doing what they were born to do.
It’s Not Being Mean, It’s a Job
Border Collies are working dogs. For hundreds of years, farmers bred them to gather and move sheep.
Expand on why the eye exists using Carol Price’s research.
Breed expert Carol Price, author of Collie Psychology: Inside the Border Collie Mind and Border Collies: A Breed Apart, explains that ‘The Eye’ is rooted in the Border Collie’s predatory sequence. This instinct, a truncated form of the wolf’s stalking behavior, creates psychological pressure that can be stressful for other pets.
According to canine behaviorist Barbara Sykes, Border Collies embody the ideal working dog—intelligent, driven, and loyal. However, she emphasizes that they are not submissive by nature. They are proud of their heritage and demand respect and understanding from their owners.”
This means your dog needs a leader who understands them, not just punishment.
Herding vs. Prey Drive: What’s the Difference?
Distinguishing between herding instinct and prey drive is crucial for assessing the safety of your other pets.
Herding: This is the desire to control where* an animal goes. Behaviors include staring, stalking, crouching, and nipping at heels. * Prey Drive: This is the desire to catch, grab, and kill. Behaviors include grabbing, shaking toys violently, and chasing to capture.
Why it matters: Herding is safer but can still be annoying or stressful for other pets. High prey drive is dangerous for small pets like rabbits or hamsters. To learn more about common misunderstandings, check out our guide on Border Collie myths.
Do Border Collies Get Along with Other Dogs?
Border Collies can be great friends with other dogs. However, their high energy can be too much for some breeds.
Choosing the Best Companion Dog
If you are adding a second dog, think about energy levels. A lazy Basset Hound might get annoyed if a Border Collie keeps jumping on them.
The best companions are usually breeds that can handle high energy. Labrador Retrievers or other herding breeds are often good matches. They enjoy playing and running just as much as your Border Collie does.
The “Fun Police” Problem
Introduce the behavioral term “Splitting.”
Behaviorist Turid Rugaas describes ‘splitting’ as a behavior where dogs intervene in chaotic or conflict-heavy situations. For example, a Border Collie might ‘split’ two dogs playing roughly by inserting themselves between them. This isn’t an attempt to ruin the fun – it’s an instinct to restore order, much like herding sheep. Owners can manage this behavior by redirecting their dog to a toy or training command before they intervene.”
Dr. Patricia McConnell, an expert in animal behavior, explains that arousal and barking are highly contagious among dogs. Just as one dog’s barking can trigger others to join in, excitement and arousal can spread rapidly through a group. This phenomenon is why managing arousal levels is so important in multi-dog households.
You need to watch your dog carefully. If you see them getting too stiff or staring hard while other dogs play, step in. Call your Border Collie to you before a fight starts.
How to Stop Nipping Heels
Does your Border Collie nip at the ankles of other dogs (or humans)? This is a classic herding trait. They do this to move stubborn cows or sheep.
To sHere’s your list formatted as a clear, actionable bullet list:
Don’t run. Running triggers their chase instinct and makes the behavior worse.
Redirect. Offer a toy to bite instead of ankles or heels.
Time-out. If nipping continues, calmly remove your Border Collie from the play area for a few minutes to reset.top this:
Border Collies and Cats: Can They Be Friends?
Many Border Collies live happily with cats. However, the introduction must be slow and safe.
Why Dogs Chase Cats
Rapid movement triggers a Border Collie’s reactive instincts. When a cat runs, the dog feels a nearly automatic urge to give chase.
The danger is real. A cornered cat can scratch a dog’s eye. A large dog can accidentally hurt a cat by grabbing it too hard.
Creating “Cat-Only” Zones
Management is key. Your cat needs a safe place where the dog cannot go. * Use baby gates to block off rooms. * Buy tall cat trees so the cat can sit up high. * Never force the cat to be near the dog.
Signs Your Dog is Fixating
You must stop the chase before it happens. Watch your dog for “fixation.”
Signs to watch for: * Freezing still. * Unblinking staring at the cat. * Trembling or shaking.
If you see this, interrupt your dog immediately. Call their name or ask them to sit. Reward them when they look away from the cat.
Safety with Small Animals (Chickens, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs)
Small animals require extra caution. To a dog, a rabbit might look just like a squeaky toy.
The Risk of “Squeaky Toy” Syndrome
Border Collies are smart, but they are still predators. Some have a very high prey drive.
Hard Truth: You should never leave a Border Collie alone with loose rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters. The risk is too high. Even if the dog just wants to “play,” they can accidentally hurt a small animal very quickly.
Managing Herding Instincts with Chickens
Many people keep chickens today. A Border Collie may try to “round up” the chickens.
Border Collies are naturally “headers”—they instinctually run to the front of the stock to stop them. Unlike sheep, which flock together, chickens scatter when confronted. This mismatch in instinct often leads to chaos, feathers flying, and high-arousal mistakes.
Safety Tips for Chickens:
- Use a drag line: A long leash (10–15 ft) lets your Collie explore while you maintain control.
- Train an emergency recall: Practice calling your dog away from chickens with a high-value reward (e.g., steak or cheese).
- Supervise always: Even well-trained dogs can revert to instinct in high-arousal moments.
For more on managing multiple types of pets, ASPCApro offers great resources on household safety. You can also explore Dr. Sophia Yin’s training methods at CattleDog Publishing.
How to Introduce a Border Collie to New Pets
A good introduction sets the tone for the future. Don’t rush it.
The Scent Swap Method
Before the pets meet face-to-face, let them smell each other. 1. Rub a towel on the new pet. 2. Let your Border Collie smell the towel. 3. Give them a treat while they smell it. This creates a positive association with the new scent.
The Slow Introduction
When they finally meet, follow these steps:
- Keep your Border Collie on a leash. This gives you control.
- Use a baby gate. They can see each other but cannot touch.
- Reward calm behavior. If your dog sits quietly and looks at you, give them high-value treats (like chicken or cheese).
Proper socialization takes time. It might take days or weeks before they can be in the same room without a leash.
Training Tools: Teaching Impulse Control
The most important skill for a Border Collie is impulse control. This means teaching the dog to control their own emotions.
Teaching “Leave It” and “Look at Me”
Dr. Sophia Yin, a renowned veterinarian and behaviorist, emphasized the importance of teaching dogs impulse control. She explained that dogs should learn to think before they act, and that they can get what they want—but only by first looking to their owner for guidance.
You can read more about her methods at CattleDog Publishing.
Try this:
- Hold a treat in your hand but close your fist.
- Let the dog sniff or lick your hand. Do not open it.
- Wait until they pull their head back or look at you.
- Immediately say “Yes!” and give them the treat.
More Impulse Control Games:
- “Wait” at doorways: Teach your Collie to pause before exiting doors or gates.
- “Drop It” for toys: Trade a toy for a treat to prevent possessive behavior.
- “Stay” during meals: Have your dog stay while you place their food bowl down.
The “Place” Command
Teach your dog to go to a specific mat or bed and stay there. This is very helpful when the cat is walking around or the kids are playing. It gives the dog a job: “Stay on the mat.”
Give Them a Job (Enrichment)
If you don’t give a Border Collie a job, they will invent one. Usually, that job is chasing the cat.
Border Collies are mental athletes—they need daily brain workouts to stay happy and balanced. Without enough stimulation, they’ll invent their own ‘jobs,’ like herding the cat or digging up your garden. Try these brain-boosting activities:
- Puzzle toys (e.g., Kong Wobblers, snuffle mats).
- Agility training (set up a mini course in your backyard).
- Nose work (hide treats around the house or yard).
- Obedience training (teach new tricks or commands daily). Pro Tip: Rotate toys and activities weekly to keep your Collie engaged and prevent boredom!
When to Ask for Help
Sometimes, training isn’t enough. You need to know when a situation is unsafe.
Recognizing Aggression vs. Herding
Herding includes staring and nipping. Aggression looks different.
Watch for:
Resource guarding (protecting food or toys aggressively)
Growling deep in the chest
Snapping with intent to bite
If you see sudden aggression, simple training tips won’t work. You need safety protocols immediately.
Hard Truth: Border Collies should never be left unsupervised with small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters. Even a playful chase can turn deadly in seconds. If your Collie shows fixation (staring, trembling, or whining) around small animals, permanent separation is the safest option. Use secure enclosures, baby gates, or separate rooms to prevent accidents.
Troubleshooting Common Border Collie Behaviors with Other Pets
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Staring intensely at cats | Herding instinct (“The Eye“) | Redirect with a toy; teach “Watch Me” for focus on you. |
| Nipping at other dogs | Herding behavior | Stop moving; redirect to a toy; use time-outs if needed. |
| Chasing small pets | Prey drive triggered | Use a leash or baby gate; train “Leave It” with high-value rewards. |
| Barking at new pets | Overstimulation or frustration | Increase distance; reward calm behavior with treats. |
| Ignoring other pets | Fear or lack of interest | Go slower; use treats to build positive associations. |
Finding a Professional
If your home feels unsafe, do not wait. Contact a certified professional trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. Institutions like the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center have specialists who understand complex behaviors.
FAQ
Can Border Collies live peacefully with cats?
Yes, but it depends on the cat’s confidence and your training. Border Collies may stare or circle cats due to their herding instinct. To help:
Provide cat-only zones (tall trees, shelves).
Supervise all interactions until you’re confident.
Reward calm behavior with treats.
Never force interactions – let the cat set the pace.
How do I stop my Border Collie from herding my other dogs?
Border Collies often try to “control” other dogs’ movements, which can frustrate or stress them. Try these steps:
Redirect the behavior with a toy or training command (e.g., “Leave It”).
Encourage parallel play (running side-by-side) instead of chasing.
Teach impulse control with games like “Watch Me” or “Place” (staying on a mat).
Use a leash or baby gate during introductions to prevent unwanted herding.
Are Border Collies safe with small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs?
Use extreme caution. Border Collies have a strong prey drive, and small, fast-moving animals can trigger their chase instinct. To keep everyone safe:
Never leave them unsupervised with small pets.
Use secure enclosures (e.g., glass tanks for hamsters, tall pens for rabbits).
Train a solid “Leave It” command and reward heavily for ignoring small animals.
Consider separate living spaces if your Collie shows fixation (staring, trembling, or whining).
How do I introduce my Border Collie to a new pet?
Slow and steady wins the race. Follow these steps:
Scent swap: Rub a towel on the new pet and let your Collie sniff it while rewarding calm behavior.
Use a baby gate or leash for the first face-to-face meeting.
Reward calm behavior with high-value treats (e.g., chicken or cheese).
Keep initial sessions short (5 – 10 minutes) and gradually increase time together.
Supervise all interactions until you’re confident they’re safe.
My Border Collie nips at my other dog’s heels. How can I stop this?
Heel-nipping is a herding instinct, not aggression. To curb it:
Don’t run or move quickly—this triggers the chase response.
Redirect to a toy (e.g., a tug toy or ball) the moment they nip.
Use time-outs: If nipping continues, calmly remove your Collie from the play area for a few minutes.
Teach alternative behaviors, like “Sit” or “Watch Me,” to replace the nipping.
Pro Tip: Border Collies need mental and physical exercise – ensure they’re getting enough stimulation to reduce frustration.
Key Takeaways for a Peaceful Multi-Pet Home
- Understand the instinct: Border Collies “control movement”—they’re not aggressive, just doing their “job.”
- Start slow: Use scent swaps and baby gates for safe introductions.
- Manage small pets: Never leave them unsupervised; use secure enclosures.
- Train impulse control: “Leave It,” “Place,” and “Wait” are lifesavers.
- Exercise their brain: Puzzle toys, agility, and nose work prevent boredom.
- Know when to ask for help: Aggression or extreme fixation needs professional intervention.
Conclusion
Border Collies are intense, loyal, and brilliant dogs. They can be wonderful family members in a home with other pets, but they need guidance.
Remember the key takeaway: Management plus training. Use baby gates to keep everyone safe, and use training to teach your dog impulse control. Respect their instincts, but teach them the house rules. With patience, your Border Collie can learn to relax and live happily with the rest of your zoo.
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