The Border Collie Geek Podcast

In this episode I tackle one of the most common myths in dog training, the idea that calm equals focused. If you have been teaching your Border Collie to lie down, rewarding stillness, and building a foundation of doing nothing, hoping it would fix their focus outside, this episode explains why it might not be working. I talk about what focus actually looks like in a Border Collie, why it is roote...

In this episode I talk about why your Border Collie chases everything: bikes, joggers, other dogs, cars. And why the usual fixes so many owners try just don't get to the root of it. We cover why prey drive can actually develop and get stronger over time, why your dog isn't being stubborn when they ignore you outside, and why tiring them out or using high value treats misses the point entirely. Mos...

In this episode we are going to talk about everything you need to know to keep your border collie safe and active in summer. We will cover acclimatisation, heat stroke, hot pavements, water safety, and what to watch out for if you are travelling to a hotter country with your dog. Book a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals: https://calendly.com/...

One of the most common questions I get asked is:  "Who is the pack leader after you?"  — and my answer is that there is no pack leader, because we are not a pack. In this episode I break down what a pack actually is, why it doesn't apply to dogs living in a human household, and what the relationship between us and our dogs really looks like. We cover: The scientific definition of a p...

In this episode I will be chatting to you about how I'm managing resting Kes, my 6 months old Border Collie while on a 3 long week rest! I'm also running a workshop to show you exactly how to teach these exercises I'm talking about! https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/live-class/productive-rest-mental-activity-static-training-for-the-active-dog-on-a-break/register Get in touch: ⁠⁠htt...

Border Collies are often described as “high-energy dogs”, but in reality their behaviour is usually shaped by something much deeper: whether their core needs are being met. In this episode, I talk about the five needs that I believe are essential for Border Collies to feel balanced and fulfilled. These include their need to use their brain, their need to run and move freely, their need to properly...

n this episode, Martina speaks with Anna Herzog about FCI obedience and why it’s growing in the UK. They discuss: What FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) is How FCI obedience differs from KC obedience Why the sport suits more than just Border Collies The balance between motivation, precision and handling Why you compete against the round, not just other handlers How beginner-friendly UK i...

In this first episode of 2026, Martina shares a short update on welcoming an unexpected litter and keeping one of the puppies, Kestrel (Kes). From there, the episode focuses on a key training concept: the difference between life skills and training skills . Martina explains why behaviours like recall, loose lead walking and settling often look easy in puppies but fall apart as dogs grow, and why t...

In this episode, Martina dives into the fascinating and sometimes frustrating topic of water obsession in Border Collies . From playful splashing to full-on fixation, she explains what this behaviour looks like, where it may come from, and how to work through it with empathy and structure. What You’ll Hear: What water obsession looks like: Digging, biting, drinking, or fixating on moving water — a...

In this episode, Martina shares her personal opinions and experiences regarding spaying and neutering dogs. She discusses the reasons behind her decisions, and the behavioural impacts of neutering. Martina emphasises the importance of considering each dog's individual needs and consulting with professionals before making decisions about their reproductive health. She also touches on managing h...

In this episode, Martina Miradoli discusses the importance of mental stimulation for Border Collies, focusing on effective ways to entertain them at home. She emphasizes the need for engaging activities that keep dogs occupied while their owners attend to other tasks. The conversation covers various options for chewing and licking, the role of puzzles, and the significance of training as a form of...

Does your dog struggle to focus on you, constantly distracted by the world around them? In this episode, I dive into the truth about dog focus and engagement — and why it’s not as simple as teaching eye contact or a sit-stay. You’ll learn: Why focus is a decision your dog makes, not just a behaviour How engagement keeps your dog paying attention even with distractions The real role of motivation a...

In this episode of Border Collie Geek , Martina explores the realities of recall training when prey drive enters the picture. While many owners succeed with recalls in calm environments, things often fall apart the moment a dog spots a rabbit, jogger, or even a blowing leaf. Martina explains why this happens, how the prey sequence (staring, stalking, chasing) impacts Border Collies in particular,...

Tali is officially one! In this special episode, I reflect on our first year together, from early bonding to breakthroughs in training, sensitivity challenges, sheepdog beginnings, and everything in between. This isn’t just a personal story, it’s a deep dive into the three pillars I believe are essential in a young Border Collie’s first year: Relationship – how connection lays the foundation for a...

In this episode, I dig into a training cue that's taught in nearly every puppy class, but often at the wrong time. We’re talking about “stay” and why I don’t teach it to young puppies. Instead of pushing for stillness, I believe in building motivation, engagement, and joy in training first. I share my personal experiences with my own Border Collies and explain how I teach duration and impulse...

In this episode, Martina Miradoli discusses the concepts of enrichment and fulfillment in the context of dog training. She explores what constitutes enrichment for dogs, the importance of their environment, and how to balance enrichment with fulfillment. Join me live or get the recording for this special opening to the Collie Club live to non members! https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/live-web...

In this episode, I chat with Clara Hewson about how muzzles can be a game-changer not just for safety, but for a dog’s quality of life. Clara shares her journey from dog rescue to designing colorful, welfare-first muzzles that help shift public perception. We dive into why proper muzzle training matters, especially for herding breeds, and how muzzles can support behaviour work, vet visits, and dai...

Have you wanted to try flyball but you have a lot questions? I ask them for you to Gemma! You can find more about Gemma's training and reach her out to learn more about flyball on her Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557027566977 Want to join my sport obedience workshop: https://thatlldoacademy.thrivecart.com/sport-obedience-workshop/ I'm excited to be able to offer...

In this episode, Martina dives into the complex relationship between dogs, especially Border Collies and household cats. Drawing from personal experiences with her own dogs, she explores the different ways obsession with cats can show up and how training and management can help shift those behaviours. Key Takeaways: Managing dogs and cats together can be challenging without understanding their dyn...

: In this episode, I’m diving deep into my personal journey working through reactivity with my young Border Collie, Tali. From her early signs of discomfort around other dogs to a pivotal (and humbling) moment during a rushed introduction, I share the ups and downs of managing and improving her reactivity. I’ll talk about the challenges, the mistakes I made, and the key takeaways that have helped...

What are my 5 favourite skills to teach my dogs? 🐾I'll list them here but I into details in the episode so it's worth a listen: 1. Recall 2. Focus 3. Lie Down 4. Confidence 5. Sociability Here are some links as I promised in the episode! My workshops for 2025 My Recall Online Course Book a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals: https://calendly.com/...

Something about Anja: - Involved in dogs in some capacity for the last 10+ years - Started training other people’s dogs in 2021; I now focus on helping people better understand and live more harmoniously with their “big feelings”, high energy dogs. - She doesn't really “specialise” in border collies but most of my clientele happen to be BC owners and that’s the breed I have most experience with. F...

This is the recording of the live video I have done on Facebook last week! You are still in time to grab a Black Friday discount on the 3 month membership, you will find the link under the live video on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bordercolliegeekcommunity Book a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals: https://calendly.com/martina-thatll...

Today's episode is about your dog behaviour and how to recognise if it's just a behaviour and training problem or if there is something else underlying and if a dog trainer is really the professional you need? Book a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals: https://calendly.com/martina-thatlldoacademy/discovery-calls Get in touch: ⁠⁠https://thatlldoaca...

In this conversation, we discuss the critical role of arousal in dog training with Helen. We emphasise the importance of understanding both the dog’s and handler’s arousal levels to achieve optimal performance in dog sports. We talk about the complexities of canine behaviour, particularly focusing on the concept of over-arousal in dogs, especially working breeds like Border Collies. We explain how...