Collie Conversations

Does your Border Collie struggle with distractions, triggers, recall, or over-arousal? Are walks unpredictable, stressful, or controlled by whatever your Collie sees first - a car, football, livestock, jogger or distant dog? If you’ve been wondering whether training could finally feel easier, calmer, and more connected… this Collie Conversations episode is perfectly timed. Because the Black Friday...

Does your Collie struggle to stay calm when the world around them gets noisy, busy, or overwhelming? You’re definitely not alone. In this episode of Collie Conversations , we look at three real-life Collie problems submitted by owners just like you - and break down simple, practical steps to help your dog feel calmer, safer, and more in control. I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie specialist and your...

Does your Collie ever bark at you for treats, struggle when you stop to chat to someone on a walk, or get confused between “loose lead walking time” and “exploring the world time”? You’re not alone! Many Border Collies show behaviours that seem puzzling on the surface - until you understand how they connect the dots. In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re exploring what I call The Dot-to-D...

Ever wondered why your Border Collie greets one dog politely but snaps, stares, or lunges at another? You’re not alone! In this episode of Collie Conversations, we dig into why Collies react so differently to certain dogs on walks - and how you can use that knowledge to make outings calmer and more enjoyable. I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie specialist, and in this episode I’ll walk you through two...

Does your Collie lunge at passing cars, chase shadows, or seem on constant alert during walks? You’re not alone. Car chasing and repetitive behaviours like shadow chasing are two of the most common (and stressful!) challenges Collie owners face. In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’ll unpack why these behaviours happen, and - most importantly - what you can do to help your dog feel calmer a...

Does your Border Collie bark at the doorbell, rush at visitors, or go wild every time you pick up the vacuum? You’re not alone!  In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re tackling real owner questions about barking, guest manners, noisy household tools, and even fear of busy roads - so you can swap frustration for calm, confident behaviour. I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie specialist and found...

Ever wondered why your Border Collie suddenly zooms around the garden, digs up half the lawn, or acts completely different at agility class? Or maybe you’re struggling with visitor nerves, stressy greetings, or the classic keep-away game? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Collie Conversations , where we dive into the real questions Collie owners face every week - live and unscripted. I’m Gemma...

Is your Border Collie bouncing off the walls when visitors arrive, struggling to settle around children, or just can’t seem to relax - no matter what you try? You’re definitely not alone! Welcome to Collie Conversations, the place where we answer real Collie owner questions, live and unscripted. I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie specialist and founder of Collie Culture. In this week’s episode, I tac...

Does your Border Collie bark at vacuums, lunge at cars, or get overwhelmed by the world around them? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Collie Conversations, where we tackle your biggest Collie behaviour questions - live and unscripted. I’m Gemma Fisher, your friendly Collie behaviour specialist. Every week, I sit down with Collie owners just like you to unravel the quirks, struggles, and joys...

Does your Border Collie struggle with frantic barking, stressful goodbyes, or seem desperate for a “job” to do? You’re in the right place! In this Collie Conversation Q&A Replay, I dive into real questions from Collie owners just like you - offering honest, practical advice you can use straight away. I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie expert and founder of Collie Culture, and each week I share pr...

Does your Collie bark at… everything? Whether it’s the doorbell, a passing squirrel, or just your neighbour putting the bins out - barking can feel relentless. But what if it’s not just noise? What if barking is communication, confusion, or even heartbreak? In this deeply personal episode of Collie Conversations , I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey with barking - from the early days of...

Does your Collie ever leave you wondering, “Are we ever going to get there?” You’re not alone! Whether it’s reactivity, lead pulling, chasing, or just a sense that your dog is too much, this episode of Collie Conversations is here to offer one powerful message: your Border Collie is not a lost cause - and change is absolutely possible. I'm Gemma Fisher, Border Collie specialist and behaviour...

Does your Collie’s progress fall apart the moment someone else gets involved - whether that’s a stranger on a walk or a well-meaning family member at home? You’re not alone. In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re tackling the awkward (but essential) topic of other people and how they can unintentionally make your Collie’s reactivity worse. I’m Gemma Fisher - Collie behaviour specialist and...

Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or isolated because of your reactive Collie’s behaviour? You're definitely not alone! In this episode of Collie Conversations, we're talking openly about the emotional impact living with a reactive Border Collie can have on owners, and most importantly, what you can do to manage your mental health and help your dog at the same time. I'm Gemma Fishe...

Does your Collie suddenly freeze, pancake to the ground, or lunge and bark when they see another dog, jogger, or unexpected trigger?  You’re not alone - and you’re definitely not failing.  In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re talking about how to handle reactivity in the moment, when things get messy, emotions run high, and you just want to disappear into the nearest hedge. I’m Gemma Fis...

Does your Collie react to every little distraction—whether it’s a passing jogger, another dog on the horizon, or even a stray tennis ball bouncing past? You’re not alone! Many Border Collies experience reactivity, and in this episode of Collie Conversations , we’re diving into the hidden reasons your Collie might be reacting—and, most importantly, what you can do to help them feel calmer and more...

Does your Border Collie suddenly explode with barking, lunging, or spinning at the sight of another dog, a jogger, or even a rustling bush? You’re not alone! Many Collie owners struggle with reactivity, wondering why their intelligent, sensitive dogs react so intensely—and more importantly, how to help them. In this episode of Collie Conversations , we’re diving deep into the why behind Collie rea...

Does your Border Collie bark at every movement in the garden? Stare at you intensely, waiting for something—anything—to happen? Chase cars, joggers, or even herd your other pets? If so, your Collie might be suffering from the "Unemployment Problem!" In this episode of Collie Conversations , we’re diving into why mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise—and how giving...

Is your Border Collie truly being stubborn, or is there a deeper reason behind their behaviour? In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re tackling one of the most common struggles Collie owners face—unclear rules and expectations. When Border Collies don’t have clear guidance, they often become frustrated, leading to behaviours like: 🐾 Growling or nipping when moved off the sofa 🐾 Demand ba...

Does your Collie struggle to feel safe in different environments? Do they freeze, panic, or react to every little change—whether at home, on walks, or in new places? In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re diving into how location, environment, and routine impact your Border Collie’s sense of security—and what you can do to help them feel calmer and more confident. I'm Gemma Fisher, Bo...

Is your Border Collie’s nipping, reactivity, or shadow chasing more than just “Collie quirks”? Pain and discomfort could be the hidden cause! In this episode of Collie Conversations , we’re diving into the fascinating connection between physical health and behaviour. I’m Gemma Fisher, your guide to understanding Collie behaviour and helping you create a stress-free life with your dog. Many behavio...

Does your Border Collie seem to be in constant motion, bouncing from one activity to the next with no off switch? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode of Collie Conversations , we’re unpacking why rest is not just a “nice-to-have” for your Collie but an absolute necessity for their well-being and trainability. I’m Gemma Fisher, your guide to transforming chaos into calm and helping you underst...

Are you giving your Border Collie the best foundation for a healthy, happy, and balanced life? In this episode of Collie Conversations , we’re uncovering the essential diet and exercise tips that can transform your Collie’s well-being and behavior. I’m Gemma Fisher, your go-to expert in all things Collie! With years of hands-on experience, I help owners navigate the unique needs of this incredible...

Are Border Collies Easy to Train? Let’s Talk! Are Border Collies as easy to train as they’re made out to be? With their intelligence and energy, training a Border Collie can feel either like a breeze or a total whirlwind. In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re unpacking the truth about training these brilliant dogs and helping you understand why some things may come naturally - while other...

🎄 Worried your Border Collie might turn into a whirlwind during Christmas? You’re not alone! The holidays can be a tricky time for Collie owners, with excited guests, unfamiliar noises, and constant activity putting your dog’s behaviour to the test. But don’t worry - this episode of Collie Conversations is here to help you enjoy Christmas cheer without the chaos!  I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie...