Collie Conversations

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 frustration, shame, and overwhelm… to a completely new understanding of what our dogs are really trying to say.

I'm Gemma Fisher, Border Collie specialist, trainer, and lifelong student of these incredible dogs. And today, I’m sharing my honest reflections on the dogs who shaped me - the ones who barked because I hadn’t yet learned how to listen.

Here’s a look at what you’ll discover in this episode:

00:00 Intro – The real story behind barking
 03:15 Lucy, Toby, and those early judgements
 08:46 Kai barking at my wedding (yes, really!)
 12:01 Barking in agility: Ella’s FOMO and my turning point
 18:50 What I wish I’d done differently - and what I now teach
 24:10 When barking becomes a conversation, not a battle
 28:40 Seeing the dog behind the noise: grief, growth, and gratitude
 34:05 Practical takeaways for helping your own Collie feel heard

This episode isn’t just about barking. It’s about forgiveness - of your dog and yourself. It’s about recognising that behaviour is communication. And it’s about the profound transformation that happens when your Collie knows you truly see them.

Whether you’re struggling with barking at home, on walks, or during training… or you’ve ever felt like a bad dog owner because you just can’t seem to stop it - this conversation is for you.

👥 Want more help and support with your Border Collie?
 Join my free Facebook group here: https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC

❤️ Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss the next episode.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning into Collie Conversations.

 Let’s keep learning, keep growing, and keep listening - one bark at a time.

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.

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 coach, and in this episode, I’m sharing uplifting stories of real-life Collies and their owners who faced major challenges - and came out the other side stronger, calmer, and more connected. From sound-sensitive rescues to leash-pulling whirlwind puppies, I’ve worked with every type of Collie personality, and I’ve seen firsthand how a few key shifts can completely transform life with your dog.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ll cover in today’s episode:

00:00 Welcome to Collie Conversations
00:37 What to do when your Collie feels like too much
02:10 Real client stories: from anxious and reactive to calm and connected
08:34 Why physical health and gut issues matter more than you think
11:48 What most trainers miss when working with Collies
14:55 Three practical steps to move forward with your Collie today

In this episode, here's just a few of my students you'll hear about:

✔️ Steve & Orla - a first-time Collie owner building real trust and loose lead success
✔️ Sue & Kea - from rally ring meltdowns to calm qualifications
✔️ Jacqui & Monty - a sound-sensitive Collie who slept through fireworks
✔️ Deborah & Merlin - reactivity progress through patient, layered training
✔️ Colin & Poppy - trauma recovery and the power of emotional safety

You’ll also get three practical steps you can take right now:

Find what works for YOUR dog - forget one-size-fits-all.

Celebrate every small win - even one check-in matters.

Stay consistent - patience builds the real magic.

🎧 Listen, take notes, and let yourself feel hopeful. Your Collie is capable of incredible things - sometimes all they need is someone willing to try something new.

💬 Join our free Facebook group: https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC
🎯 Subscribe for more weekly episodes packed with Collie-specific training advice!

#CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #DogBehaviour #GemmaFisher #ReactiveDogSupport #CollieRecall #LooseLeadWalking #DogTrainingSuccess #CollieHelp

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.

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 your go-to for building better communication with your dog. In this episode, I’ll help you work out how to handle those moments when your calm, focused walk suddenly turns stressful… because someone’s let their off-lead dog rush yours, or your partner’s yelling “SIT!” with zero follow-through.

We'll talk about how to advocate for your dog in public without causing drama, and how to deal with family dynamics that impact your training. Whether it’s beach walkers shouting “He’s friendly!” or a household member accidentally reinforcing your dog’s bad habits - we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ll cover in today’s episode:

00:00 Intro - The people problem behind reactivity
02:41 Why “friendly” dogs rushing over can cause long-term issues
06:12 What to say (and do!) when someone’s dog is making things worse
09:38 How to protect your dog’s space calmly and confidently
13:45 Dealing with inconsistency at home: family members and mixed signals
17:24 Practical training tip: teaching your dog to lie down while you handle the situation
23:10 Mindset shifts that make your role clearer and your dog’s walk more relaxed

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔ How to set boundaries with other dog owners - without sounding rude
✔ What your dog is really learning when people don’t follow your lead
✔ Why “consistency” isn’t everything — and what actually works better
✔ A simple positioning exercise that helps your dog feel safe on walks

💬 Join our free Facebook group for extra tips, support, and conversation: https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC
🧡 Subscribe for more practical Collie advice, from reactivity to recall!

Gemma Fisher is a Border Collie expert helping overwhelmed owners go from chaos to calm using positive, thoughtful training. Her “Collie Conversations” podcast offers real-life solutions and community support for dedicated Collie guardians.

#CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #DogReactivity #CollieBehaviour #GemmaFisher #DogTrainingSupport #CollieTips

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.

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 Fisher, and after years of helping reactive Collies and their humans, I've seen firsthand how deeply our dogs' behaviours can affect our emotional well-being. Reactive Collies can turn what should be relaxing walks into tense experiences, making even a stroll around the block feel overwhelming. Owners often find themselves constantly vigilant, worried about their dog’s unpredictable reactions. This ongoing stress doesn't just affect your walks - it can seep into everyday life, leaving you feeling isolated and withdrawn from the social activities you once enjoyed.

But here's the good news: there is hope, and things absolutely can get better!

In today’s video, we'll dive into the reasons behind your Collie's reactions, why your emotional state matters, and practical strategies that can significantly improve life for both you and your dog. We'll explore research-backed insights on how stress affects decision-making - for both humans and Collies - and why practicing specific, calm responses can become your best tool during challenging moments.

Here's a snapshot of what you'll find in today's Collie Conversation:

00:00 Intro – Reactivity & Your Mental Health
01:23 Understanding the emotional toll of owning a reactive Collie
03:50 Why your dog’s reactivity often feels unpredictable (and how to find patterns!)
06:10 Overcoming isolation: Reclaiming your social life with a reactive dog
08:25 Why “just relax” never works, and what you can do instead
10:40 Habits and routines: your secret weapon for stressful situations
12:55 Three actionable steps to build confidence and reduce anxiety

You'll come away from this episode with clear, actionable strategies, including choosing one helpful habit to practice regularly, keeping a simple journal to spot triggers and successes, and connecting with supportive communities like our Collie Culture Club.

Join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) to find more resources, connect with fellow reactive Collie owners, and access personalised advice.

Thanks for watching Collie Conversations! Don’t forget to subscribe, and remember - you’re not alone, and progress is always possible!

#CollieConversations #ReactiveDog #BorderCollieTraining #DogOwnerMentalHealth #GemmaFisher

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.

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 Fisher, Border Collie specialist and your guide through the wild world of reactivity. 

Whether your Collie barks, growls, snaps, or just completely shuts down when overwhelmed, this episode will give you the confidence and tools to handle those tricky encounters - without shame, panic, or feeling judged by others.

We’ll break down what actually helps in the heat of the moment, from managing lead tension to reading your dog’s body language and learning how to exit gracefully (even when you’re both rattled). 

Plus, we’ll cover the emotional side of reactivity - the part nobody talks about - like how to deal with people who don’t get it and how to stop second-guessing yourself after every meltdown.

Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:

00:00 Intro – “Oh No, Not Again!” Moments
01:15 Why reactivity feels so personal
03:48 What to do when your Collie freezes or fixates
06:25 My step-by-step for safely exiting reactive situations
10:18 How to handle judgment from others on walks
14:07 Muzzle training – how it builds safety AND confidence
17:45 What to reflect on after a reactive event

You’ll also learn how tools like “This Way” turn cues, fitted harnesses, and well-trained muzzles can play a huge role in helping you and your dog feel more in control - without ever needing to correct or punish your Collie.

Join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) to get support, share your stories, and feel understood by people who actually get it. 

And don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes on everything from reactivity recovery to building bombproof recall.

🔔 Resources Mentioned: The Muzzle Up Project – https://muzzleupproject.com/
The Muzzle Shop – https://www.themuzzleshop.com/

Thanks for tuning in to Collie Conversations - where progress matters more than perfection.

#CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #ReactivityHelp #DogBehaviour #GemmaFisher

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.

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 in control.

I'm Gemma Fisher, your guide to understanding Collie behavior and helping you build a happier, more harmonious life with your dog. In this video, we’ll explore why reactivity isn’t just about training—it’s about understanding the bigger picture. From stress and sleep quality to pain, health issues, and overstimulation, we’ll break down how these factors impact your Collie’s behaviour.

You might have heard that reactive dogs just need more training, but what if that’s not the full story? Reactivity often stems from unmet physical and emotional needs rather than simple disobedience. Whether your Collie’s outbursts happen on walks, in the garden, or around other dogs, I’ll show you how to dig deeper into the root causes and set up practical strategies to manage and reduce their reactions.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ll cover in today’s episode:

00:00 Intro – Why Collies React and What It Really Means
 01:20 Stress and Sleep: How Poor Rest Affects Behaviour
 04:10 Pain and Health Issues: The Hidden Triggers of Reactivity
 07:30 Overstimulation: Why Too Much Excitement Can Backfire
 10:45 Practical Strategies: Reset Days, Calming Activities & More
 14:15 Real-Life Case Study: How Sarah Helped Max Calm Down

You’ll also hear about Sarah and her reactive Collie, Max. At home, Max is a dream—relaxed, affectionate, and eager to please. But the moment they step outside, it’s like a switch flips. We’ll unpack why training alone wasn’t enough for Max, and how addressing his stress levels and physical comfort made a world of difference.

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for more tips, a supportive community, and personalised advice for your Collie! And make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes, where we’ll dive even deeper into managing Collie reactivity and building a confident, calm dog.

🔔 Resources Mentioned in the Video:
 Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where we tackle in-the-moment strategies to handle Collie reactions when they happen—so you’re never caught off guard!

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.

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 reactivity. I’m Gemma Fisher, your guide to understanding and transforming your Collie’s behavior. With years of experience working exclusively with Border Collies and their unique quirks, I’ll help you decode your dog’s reactivity so you can build confidence, trust, and a calmer companion.

📌 What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:
✅ The real reasons Border Collies are prone to reactivity
✅ How genetics, past experiences, and overstimulation play a role
✅ Why “just ignore it” doesn’t work—and what does!
✅ Key strategies to help your Collie stay calm in tricky situations

⏳ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro – Why is my Collie like this?
01:15 The science of reactivity – it’s not just ‘bad behavior’
03:45 How frustration, fear, and genetics affect reactions
07:10 Why traditional training methods often make it worse
10:22 Practical strategies to reduce reactivity
14:05 Real-life success stories from Collie owners

Collies are wired to react quickly—it’s part of what makes them brilliant workers, but it can also make daily walks stressful! If your dog struggles with reactivity, don’t worry. There is a way to help them feel more in control, and I’ll walk you through the exact steps in this episode.

🌟 Want more support? Join my free Facebook group! 🌟
Come and connect with other Collie owners, get expert advice, and learn proven strategies to help your dog succeed. Join here → https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC

🎥 Subscribe for more episodes – We cover everything from recall struggles to chasing obsessions, so hit that 🔔 to stay updated!

🐾 About Your Host:
I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie expert and founder of Collie Culture. My mission? Helping you build a rock-solid relationship with your Collie—so you can enjoy stress-free walks, reliable recall, and a happy, confident dog.

#CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #DogReactivity #CollieBehaviour #GemmaFisher

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.

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 your Collie a job can transform their behavior.

I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie specialist and your guide to understanding these brilliant but often misunderstood dogs. Today, we’ll explore how Collies who lack structured work often create their own jobs—like barking at everything, obsessing over balls, or rearranging your furniture! But the good news? With the right activities, you can redirect that energy into something productive and enjoyable for both of you.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

⏳ 00:00 Intro – Why your Collie needs a job
🐕 01:20 Common signs of Collie "unemployment" (barking, chasing, staring, chewing)
🧠 03:45 Why mental stimulation is key to preventing problem behaviors
🎾 06:30 Practical "jobs" you can give your Collie – from toy games to real-life tasks
💡 10:15 Easy ways to build engagement and make training part of everyday life
✅ 12:40 How structured mental exercise strengthens your bond and improves focus

You’ll also get real-life training ideas you can start today, including fun trick training, scent work, and interactive problem-solving games. Plus, I’ll show you how to use lifestyle jobs (like structured greetings or waiting calmly) to build everyday obedience naturally.

Want to dive deeper?
📌 Sign up for my trick training course: Circus Dog Central (30+ lessons to challenge your Collie’s brain!)
📌 Grab “Playtime for Your Dog” by Christina Sondermann – packed with enrichment ideas
📌 Join my free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for more training tips & community support

A gainfully employed Collie is a happy, well-balanced Collie. Let’s shift from chaos to calm—one training game at a time!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert tips on recall, reactivity, and life with a high-energy Collie.

#CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #DogBehavior #MentalStimulation #GemmaFisher

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.

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 barking when their routine is disrupted
🐾 Ignoring cues they definitely know
🐾 Being pushy or insistent about doing things their own way

Hi, I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie training specialist, and in this episode, we’ll explore why structure and clarity are essential for a happy, well-behaved Collie. You’ll learn:

⏳ Common mistakes owners make that send mixed signals
🎯 Why "stubbornness" is often confusion, not defiance
🧠 How improving your own clarity leads to better behavior
📖 Real success stories from Collie owners who transformed their dog’s training
💡 Practical steps to set clearer expectations today

Your Collie wants to work with you—it’s in their DNA! But if they don’t understand what’s expected, it can cause frustration for both of you. I’ll help you develop the skills needed to communicate clearly, set fair boundaries, and build a stronger, more trusting relationship with your dog.

🔹 Watch now to find out if your Collie is really stubborn—or just needs clearer guidance!

🎥 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Is Your Collie Stubborn or Confused?
01:42 – Signs Your Collie is Struggling with Unclear Boundaries
04:10 – Common Mistakes Owners Make (and How to Fix Them!)
07:35 – Real-Life Training Wins: Collies Who Thrived with Structure
10:20 – How to Set Clearer Expectations Today
12:45 – The Power of Confidence: How It Affects Training Success
15:30 – Final Thoughts: Why Clear is Kind

👇 Join our free Facebook group for more Collie training tips & support: [https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC]

🔔 Subscribe for more Collie Conversations on recall, reactivity, and everyday training struggles!

#CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #DogBehaviour #CollieRecall #GemmaFisher

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.

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, Border Collie training & behaviour specialist, and I’ve worked with hundreds of owners just like you who want their Collies to enjoy life without constant stress or over-alertness. Whether your Collie is struggling with sound sensitivity, busy environments, or general anxiety in new places, this episode will give you practical strategies to make a difference.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🔹 Why Border Collies are naturally more alert—and how their environment affects them
🔹 The connection between location and behaviour—why your dog may act differently at home vs. outside
🔹 How to create a "safe zone" where your Collie can truly relax
🔹 Signs that your dog is struggling with their environment—and when to step in
🔹 Simple changes that can make a huge impact—from managing sensory input to building confidence in new places

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Intro – Why location matters for your Collie
02:15 How the environment affects your Collie’s stress levels
05:48 Recognising signs of discomfort in different locations
08:30 Practical steps to help your Collie feel safer at home
12:20 How to support your Collie on walks & in new environments
16:05 The power of routine & familiar places in building confidence

If your Collie struggles with certain places, this episode will help you create an environment where they feel secure—without avoiding everything that makes them nervous.

Join our free Collie Culture Facebook group (👉 https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for more training tips, expert advice, and a community of owners who truly understand life with a Border Collie!

📌 Make sure to subscribe for more episodes on recall, reactivity, and confidence-building strategies.

Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher has dedicated her career to empowering collie owners with the skills they need for a reliable recall and a joyful partnership with their dogs. Gemma’s hands-on experience and commitment to positive methods shine in each Collie Conversation. Her podcast brings practical, inspiring advice for every Collie owner, from recall training to managing reactivity. Join her Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and community support.