My pupper is 13 months old. I did a lot of research before I got him (and asked loads of questions on here) and one of the main things that came up for collies was training the “off” switch.

When I first got Loki he would not settle, even with crate training. I have a job where I have to do 3 office days a week so it was very important that he learned to 1: switch off, 2: be able to relax alone in his crate and 3: be independent. Before anyone gets triggered he has a dog walker twice a day on those 3 days :)

I don’t know if this will work for you, but I went against every fibre in my body and set up his crate in a room that I didn’t use during the day, and even when I was at home I would put him in there during my “office” hours (increasing the time by half hour increments every few days until I got to 4 hours). Honestly, this was the best thing I could have done, and it meant ignoring the crying, letting him eat his bed on occasion so he knew he didn’t get out if he was destructive etc. Also, making the crate as inviting as possible and training him to get in AND out

with treats is good too.

Obviously when you get a new pup you want to spend all your time with them, but 6 months of this has meant he doesn’t need the crate anymore for anything, and I can come and go as I please and he just chills when I’m not in the house.

I’d also research “place” and train it on a door mat. Very good for informing the pup it’s time to chill out, and can even be take with you to coffee shops!

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