I've heard you

Hey everyone,

I hope you're all doing well. I've been getting a lot of feedback lately—many of you mentioned how frustrating it was not to have access to the last part of our emails each week, and that your had to pay for it. I hear you, and I'm excited to say that starting today, our newsletter is going to be 100% free!

I can't thank you enough for all your support and the kind messages you send me every week about how much you enjoy the newsletter. Today, we're diving into how to relax your Border Collie. I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for being such an important part of this journey with me.

In this issue:

• 🐶 Helping your Border Collie find their off-switch

• 🌿 Simple techniques to encourage relaxation and downtime

• 🏡 Creating a calm environment for a more balanced, happy pup

— Jei Meininger

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who submits photos of their amazing pups for the Dog of the Week. It genuinely brightens my day to see all the wonderful pictures of your furry friends in action.

Every week, choosing just one pup to spotlight is incredibly challenging—there are just too many adorable and talented collies to pick from! While only one dog gets selected each week, please know that every single submission is cherished, and if your pup isn't chosen, they're still absolutely wonderful in my eyes.

Keep those photos coming, and thank you for sharing the joy of your Border Collies with our community! And now, without further ado, the Border Collie of the Week is…… Aidan!

“This is Aidan, my 13-year-old Border Collie taking an afternoon nap with his head resting on the arm of the porch glider.” - Rick C.

If you’ve been blessed (and, let’s be honest, at times overwhelmed) with a Border Collie’s boundless enthusiasm, you already know that relaxation doesn’t come naturally to them. Yet teaching our dogs to settle down and truly rest is essential—not just for their health and happiness, but for ours, too. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple steps toward relaxation can bring greater harmony into your home.

Understanding Border Collies’ Energy Levels

A lot of that near-buzzing energy stems from their working background. Historically bred to herd sheep, Border Collies are wired to stay alert. They thrive on having a job—whether that job is chasing a Frisbee or following you from room to room to make sure you’re “supervised.”

Common signs of restlessness often show up as pacing around the house, intense focus on toys or windows, and sometimes even agitated barking at the slightest sound. It’s not that they’re being difficult; they’re simply being true to their heritage. But that drive can be channeled in healthy ways so that your dog can switch off and rest when it’s time to wind down.

Benefits of Relaxation Training

Teaching your Border Collie to relax isn’t about zapping their energy; it’s about giving them an “off” switch. When they learn to settle on command or in a comfy spot:

• Improved Mental Well-Being: Just like humans, dogs need downtime for their minds to recharge.

• Calmer Home Environment: Fewer zoomies inside means fewer things knocked over (and fewer frantic apologies to your neighbors).

• Enhanced Responsiveness to Commands: A dog that can remain calm is typically more focused and eager to learn new cues.

Key Principles of Relaxation

From all my experiences with Willow, the biggest lesson I learned was to be consistent yet patient. If you’re about to start relaxation training, here are some guiding principles:

1. Consistency: Set aside specific times and spots for your dog to relax. Use the same tone and cues each time.

2. Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior, no matter how small the progress seems.

3. Soothing Environment: Pick a calm spot in your home for relaxation sessions—somewhere away from loud TVs or foot traffic.

Step-by-Step Relaxation Techniques

Establish a Calm Space

Think of this as your dog’s personal retreat—like a cozy reading nook for humans. Pick a corner or a spot under a window with a comfy dog bed or blanket. Keep it free of chew toys or squeakers that might tempt them to jump back into play mode. When Willow was young, I placed her bed in a quiet part of the living room, where she could still see me but not be in the middle of all the action.

Introduce Soothing Commands

I use the cue “Settle” with Willow. Some people prefer “Relax” or “Calm.” Whichever word you choose, keep it short and sweet. Practice by guiding your Collie onto their bed, saying the cue softly, and rewarding them the moment they lie down or even pause their fidgeting. Over time, they’ll start associating that spot and cue with relaxation.

Use Calming Tools

Sometimes, a little ambiance helps. Gentle music or white noise can soothe an anxious pup—same goes for lavender-scented sprays (just be sure it’s dog-safe). I discovered Willow responded well to the soft hum of a fan, which helped drown out distracting noises from the neighborhood.

Massage and Touch

Massages aren’t just for humans! Slowly run your hand from the base of their skull down their spine, using gentle pressure. Pay attention to any tense spots—ears, shoulders, and hips are common areas where stress can build up. This close contact helps your dog associate human touch with tranquility rather than constant play or commands.

Practice Short Intervals

At first, aim for just a few seconds of calm. Gradually extend the duration, always praising (or offering a treat) when they succeed. Don’t worry if your Border Collie pops right back up—you’re teaching a skill that goes against their natural instincts. With practice and patience, those “Settle” sessions will get longer.

Incorporating Play & Exercise

One of the biggest secrets to a relaxed Border Collie is making sure their daily exercise needs are met. A game of fetch, a brisk walk, or puzzle toys that engage their mind can work wonders. After a solid workout, they’re far more open to the idea of winding down. It’s all about balance: high-energy activities paired with intentional periods of rest.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

• Overexcitement or Lack of Focus: If your dog can’t sit still long enough to even notice you have treats, it might be time for a quick play session first. Burn off some energy before attempting relaxation training again.

• Anxiety in New Environments: Border Collies can be extra vigilant in unfamiliar settings. Bring along a familiar blanket or toy to remind them of home. Reassure them gently but avoid babying them too much—confident, calm guidance is key.

• Excitement Escalation: If your dog starts zooming around again during a training session, pause for a moment. Guide them back to their designated space, use a calm voice, and reward any sign of settling.

Living with a Border Collie often feels like a thrilling adventure—but remember, even the most adventurous souls need rest. By consistently teaching and reinforcing relaxation, you’ll give your Collie a safe way to slow down and recharge. With patience, plenty of praise, and a whole lot of love, you’ll watch your dog transform from a whirlwind of energy into a balanced companion who can happily snuggle beside you on the couch.

Don’t worry about aiming for perfection. Every dog learns at their own pace, and celebrating each small victory strengthens the bond you share. Before you know it, you’ll realize that you’ve not only taught your Border Collie to relax—you’ve found a sense of calm and confidence in yourself, too.

Best wishes,
Jei Meininger

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