Why herding dogs are often so sensitive to noise
At least half of my herding dog clients struggle with this…
If you’ve got a herding-breed dog — think a border collie, Australian shepherd, or similar type — you may have noticed they don’t just hear sounds… they feel them. That rustle of plastic, the beep of a truck backing up, even a distant whoosh of wind can get their attention — and sometimes set them up for anxiety or over-reaction. I want to walk you through why this happens, what’s going on behind the scenes, and how you can help your pup live a calmer life.
What’s actually going on?
Studies show that many dogs experience what’s called noise sensitivity — essentially a heightened fearful or anxious reaction to certain sounds.
That means your herding-breed friend isn’t just being dramatic. There’s solid science behind this.
Why herding breeds in particular tend to be more… “reactive”
Here’s where the breed history helps explain the behavior:
Herding dogs were selected for alertness and responsiveness. Their job was to monitor livestock, react quickly to movement or sound, and respond to tiny changes in the environment. That means their nervous systems are wired a little more sensitively when it comes to cues — including sounds.
One study of three herding breeds (border collies, Australian shepherds, German shepherds) found that sound reactivity was clearly present, tended to run in family lines, and varied by breed. karenoverall.com
Genetics matter. Research shows that noise sensitivity in dogs has measurable heritability, and some genomic regions appear to influence it. PubMed Central+1
Because these dogs are so tuned in to their environment, they’re more likely to interpret ambiguous noises as relevant cues — triggering their “I should pay attention” system instead of letting things slide.
In plain language: your herding dog was built to notice and act. So when everyday sounds come up, they might interpret them as something that demands attention — even if to us it seems minor.
How the brain amplifies it
It’s not just about the breed background. There are some neurological and physiological reasons why noise sensitivity becomes a challenge.
A sudden sound triggers the startle response — ancient brain circuits tell the body: “Something changed!” For dogs predisposed to react, this response can be faster, stronger, or harder to settle.
Sensory processing: Dogs hear different frequencies than we do, and their threshold for detecting changes may be lower. Research suggests that it’s not just the loudness of the sound, but how the dog’s nervous system interprets it. Frontiers
Learning and sensitisation: If a dog has had stressful or scary experiences around noise (fireworks, storms, loud machines), they may become sensitised — meaning the next similar sound triggers a stronger reaction. Over time, more sounds may “join the club” of triggers.
Everyday noises that often set off herding dogs
Here are typical culprits:
Plastic bags rustling, squeaky floors, shrieks of tires — small unpredictable sounds.
Sudden loud events: thunder, fireworks, alarms. These are obvious.
Unusual or high-pitched machinery: vacuum cleaners, leaf blowers, even drones.
Because herding dogs are particularly alert, they may react not only to typical triggers, but to things we assume are “safe.” If you’ve ever felt your dog “jumped for no reason,” maybe the noise they heard was below your radar.
What you can do — simple steps with real impact
Okay, so your sensitive herding-breed pup isn’t “just dramatic” — but you can help them become more comfortable.
Check for pain or discomfort. If your dog suddenly becomes more reactive, first ask your vet whether there might be pain, hearing loss, or other medical issues. Studies show dogs with musculoskeletal pain often show noise sensitivity later. Frontiers
Desensitisation + counter-conditioning. This means exposing your dog to the trigger sounds at a very low intensity and pairing with something they love (treats, play, comfort). Over time you increase the intensity slowly. This helps them learn: “That sound = good things happen, not scary.”
Predictability and environment. Her feelings of safety improve when there’s predictability. Use things like white noise, close windows during storms, create safe zones (bed, crate with blanket) where they feel secure.
Train coping behaviours. Teach your dog cues or behaviors they can do when anxious (go to mat, touch nose to hand, settle on floor). These become default responses that help calm their nervous system.
Know when to get professional help. If reactions are severe (hiding, trembling, destructive, avoiding entire rooms, self-injury), a certified behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist can help guide a tailored plan.
Lifestyle matters too. Herding breeds typically want physical + mental engagement. A dog who’s worked, exercised, and mentally stimulated is often calmer overall — making it easier for them to handle noise triggers.
Final thought
Having a herding-breed dog means you’ve got a smart, alert, eager-to-work companion. Their sensitivity is part of their magic — but sometimes, that sensitivity needs a little help to live in a world full of sounds. With understanding, structure, and kind training, your dog can learn to stay confident, curious and calm, even when the crinkly bag or the leaf-blower come along.
Book your free intro consultation to and learn how we can work together!
