When a Baby Arrives: Protecting Your Collie and Your Child

Every week, we receive emails from families asking us to rehome their collie because the dog has become reactive or even snapped at a baby or young child. It’s heartbreaking — not because the dog has changed, but because the situation around them has.

Border Collies are sensitive, intelligent, and observant. They thrive on routine, clear communication, and predictability. When a new baby arrives, the entire household changes — new smells, new sounds, sleepless nights, crying, visitors, and parents who are exhausted and distracted. For a collie, this can be overwhelming.

Prevention is everything

The time to prepare your dog is before the baby arrives, not after problems begin.

  • Use management tools early – baby gates, pens, and crates aren’t punishment; they are safety zones. A collie needs a place where it can retreat, rest, and feel safe from unpredictable movement.
  • Establish clear boundaries – never allow the dog and baby to share the same space unsupervised, not even for a second.
  • Keep routines consistent – feeding, walks, and quiet time should remain as predictable as possible. Routine helps reduce stress.

Crawling babies and curious toddlers

The most dangerous stage begins when a baby starts crawling or walking. A toddler’s sudden movements, high-pitched sounds, and unpredictable behaviour can easily trigger a collie’s herding instinct or startle response. No matter how gentle your dog is, it should never be left alone with a crawling or walking child.

A tired parent cannot divide attention between a baby and a dog. Accidents happen in seconds — and once a dog has bitten, there is no way back. It will be the dog who pays the highest price for a human mistake.

Help your collie succeed

  • Prepare early – introduce your collie to the people who will help once the baby arrives — family, friends, neighbours, or your dog walker. Build those relationships now so your dog feels comfortable when they step in later.
  • Create positive associations – play recordings of baby sounds quietly while offering calm rewards. Use baby lotion or powder on your hands so your collie gets used to the scent.
  • Keep their world predictable – walk, feed, and rest at the exact times each day. If you need to change walk times, start adjusting gradually before the baby arrives.
  • Take practice walks with the pram – go out with the empty pram before the baby is born so your collie learns how to walk calmly beside it.
  • Watch the world go by – stand quietly with your collie near a playground or school gate at a safe distance. Let your dog observe children running, shouting, and playing while remaining relaxed.
  • Provide structured downtime – give chews or stuffed Kongs in the crate or pen while you care for the baby. This helps your collie learn that baby time means relaxation time.
  • Reward calm behaviour at a distance – notice and praise when your dog chooses to settle quietly instead of investigating.
  • Call for help early – if you see growling, avoidance, pacing, or agitation, contact a qualified behaviourist. These are communication signs, not bad behaviour.

Love them both — but protect them equally

Your collie doesn’t need to “get used to” the baby by being constantly exposed to it. What your dog needs most is safety, structure, and your calm leadership.

Protect your baby by always supervising, and protect your collie by setting them up to feel secure.

Because once a bite happens, it’s too late — and it’s never the dog’s fault.

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FAQ

  • When should I start classes after adoption?
    After decompression and basic communication (often 2–4 weeks), plus a couple of 1:1s if needed.

  • Trainer or behaviourist—how do I choose?
    Trainer for life skills; behaviourist for aggression/anxiety/complex histories.

  • What if my Collie barks in class?
    Normal. Classes teach focus/impulse control with distance, calm handling, and rewards.

  • Are agility/hoopers OK for older dogs?
    Yes—start low-impact (hoopers), warm up well, and progress gradually.

  • How do I know my dog is ready for busier places?
    Pass the at-home impulse control check first, then step up environments.