The Border Collie receives more behaviour therapy than any other breed, new data from John Lewis Pet Insurance reveals.

Owners of the shepherding breed are the most likely to claim on their pet insurance for veterinary treatment and therapy for behavioural issues.

Cocker Spaniels, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Cockapoos and Border Terriers also made the top five, according to customer data from John Lewis Pet Insurance.

Behaviour therapy can be used to treat a range of common conditions including excessive barking, destructive behaviour, aggression towards people or other animals, separation anxiety and fear of people, places and noises.

It is also used by vets to treat more unusual behaviour issues including dogs which eat unusual non-food items or obsessive behaviours such as compulsive tail chasing and licking. 

Behaviour therapy typically includes a home consultation where experts investigate the reasons for the behaviour, including delving into their puppy years, environment and lifestyle. They then come up with a therapy treatment plan.This could include training exercises or even props such as CDs and downloads to treat noise phobias, or dog ‘play mats’ and puzzle toys to alleviate boredom in unruly pets.

Rebecca Cannon, a Veterinary Surgeon for RSA, which underwrites John Lewis Pet Insurance, says: "Working dogs such as Border Collies have been bred to have exceptional herding abilities and are highly intelligent and energetic.

"But, if they are not given a suitable outlet for these instinctive behaviours or not sufficiently stimulated with regular physical and mental exercise, they can become frustrated, bored or anxious. 

"However, we should be careful not to classify entire breeds as aggressive or hypersensitive because individual dogs can vary enormously, just as people do."

Dog trainer Jennifer Billot, of Bone Ball Bark, who has a masters degree in canine life sciences, said poor behaviour can stem from boredom - and recommends taking your pet for a swim, play dates with other dogs and hiding their food to keep them busy.

She says: "Working dogs such as Border Collies, Labradors and Spaniels are some of Britain’s best loved breeds and make incredible pets. But they require a lot of physical and mental exercise. 

"When training your dog, owners should remember things - positive reinforcement, consistency and a clear message’, she says. ‘Tell your dog what to do as opposed to what not to do.

"We can get into the habit of saying ‘no, no, no’ to a lot of their behaviours, without giving them an alternative. If you know they have a habit of getting in the way during dinner time, instead of shooing them away or telling them off, teach them a ‘go to bed’ or ‘stay’ on a mat or bed close to the table. They can still watch what is going on but you have given them a positive alternative that can be rewarded."

Source: Based on analysis of John Lewis Pet Insurance successful claims data for behavioural treatments, including therapy between 2016-2018. Vets advise that dogs with problem behaviour should first be assessed by a vet to rule out medical conditions including thyroid problems and itchy skin diseases. 

For more details of the behavioural treatments covered by John Lewis Pet Insurance please visit www.johnlewisfinance.com