Does your Collie ignore your calls when they’re fixated on something exciting—like a squirrel, a jogger, or even another dog? You’re not alone! Recall is one of the most important skills every Border Collie owner needs, and in this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re unlocking The Collie Recall Training Blueprint to help you build a reliable recall, no matter the distraction.

I’m Gemma Fisher, your go-to expert on all things Collie. As a trainer specialising in these brilliant (and sometimes seemingly stubborn!) dogs, I’m here to help you understand how to communicate effectively with your Collie and turn recall training into a fun, successful journey for both of you.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

Why a reliable recall is more than just a cue—it’s a lifestyle shift.
How to structure recall training with back-chaining for success.
Why your choice of rewards (food, toys, or activities) matters so much.
The surprising connection between loose lead walking and recall reliability.
How to troubleshoot common mistakes and avoid overusing recall cues.
You’ll also discover the secret to teaching cues like “This Way,” which not only improve recall but also build focus and teamwork with your dog. By the end of this video, you’ll have a clear plan to tackle recall challenges with confidence.

💡 What’s Next?
Don’t forget to join my free Facebook group for more recall training tips, Q&A sessions, and step-by-step guides tailored to Border Collie owners. It’s packed with resources to help you succeed!

🌟 About Collie Culture Club:
This episode is sponsored by Collie Culture Club, my membership program designed to support Collie owners in achieving their training goals. Whether you’re struggling with reactivity, overexcitement, or recall, you’ll find the guidance you need to turn challenges into wins.

👉 What’s your biggest recall struggle? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to help!

🔔 Stay Tuned!
Next episode, we’re focusing on teaching your Collie to relax at home—a must-watch for anyone managing a high-energy dog.

Remember: progress, not perfection! Celebrate every small win, and let’s build the ultimate partnership with your Collie. 🐾

#CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #DogRecallTraining #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.

Struggling with your Collie pulling on the lead or feeling like walks are a battle instead of a bonding moment? You're not alone! In this episode of *Collie Conversations*, we’re tackling one of the most common challenges for Border Collie owners: loose lead walking. 

I’m Gemma Fisher, your go-to expert for all things Border Collie. In this video, I’ll walk you through step-by-step strategies to transform your Collie’s pulling into calm, controlled walking—so you can enjoy stress-free strolls together. 

We’ll cover everything from choosing the right gear to teaching your Collie to value staying by your side. You’ll also learn how to help your dog handle distractions, regulate their pace, and respond to key verbal cues like "Close" and "Side." 

Here’s what you can expect in today’s episode: 

*00:00 Intro – Turning loose lead walking struggles into strengths* 
*01:10 Essential walking gear – harnesses, leads, and setup tips* 
*03:45 Teaching calm behavior while getting ready for walks* 
*06:20 Building value for walking by your side—on both the left and right* 
*08:50 How to practice loose lead walking in different environments* 
*11:30 Managing distractions with distance, duration, and difficulty* 
*15:00 Homework locations – from garden centers to train stations* 

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you and your Collie conquer loose lead walking, no matter their age or experience level. From practical training exercises to mindset tips for both you and your dog, you’ll walk away with the tools you need to make progress today. 

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for exclusive resources, training guides, and a supportive community of Collie owners. Plus, I answer your burning questions in weekly live Q&A sessions! 

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll dive into the holy grail of Collie training: reliable recall. 

🔔 *Resources Mentioned in This Episode:*  
Join Collie Culture Club for step-by-step training guidance, live Q&A sessions, and personalised advice tailored to your dog: [Learn more here].  

Thanks for watching *Collie Conversations*! Remember - progress, not perfection, and every small win counts!  

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 lunge at every passing car, motorbike, or bicycle? You’re not alone! Many Border Collies struggle with traffic reactivity, making walks stressful and sometimes even dangerous. In this episode of *Collie Conversations*, we’re exploring why these intelligent, high-energy dogs are so drawn to chase moving vehicles—and, most importantly, how you can help them stay calm and focused. 

I'm Gemma Fisher, your go-to expert in Border Collie behavior. In this video, we’ll break down the instincts behind your Collie’s behavior, the triggers that can escalate their reactions, and practical solutions to help you regain control during walks. Whether your dog’s reactivity is mild or full-blown, this episode will guide you toward a calmer, more enjoyable experience for both you and your Collie. 

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode: 
00:00 Intro – Why Collies Chase Cars 
01:15 The instinctive drive behind reactivity 
04:10 How trigger stacking makes reactivity worse 
06:45 Why loose lead walking is the foundation of traffic training 
09:20 Building trust and focus: managing versus solving reactivity 
12:30 Practical tips for short, effective training sessions  

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• Why Collies are naturally wired to chase moving objects  
  
  
• How to manage reactivity while working toward long-term solutions  
  
  
• The importance of distance, duration, and distractions in training  
  
  
• Simple strategies to create a calm environment and reduce trigger exposure  
  
  

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC), where you’ll find more training tips, support from other Collie owners, and answers to your specific questions in my weekly Q&A sessions! 

🔔 Resources Mentioned in the Video 🔔 
Stay tuned for the next Collie Conversations episode, where we’ll dive deeper into loose lead walking and how to make it a stress-free experience.  

Thanks for watching, and remember—progress, not perfection!  

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 intense focus or drive sometimes seem puzzling or even overwhelming? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode of Collie Conversations, titled Understanding Collies: Why Instinct Matters, we’re taking a deep dive into the unique traits of Border Collies that make them such incredible—and occasionally challenging—companions. Discover why instinct is at the core of everything your Collie does, from their laser-sharp focus to their quick reactions and endless energy.

I’m Gemma Fisher, your guide to Collie behaviour and training. With years of experience working exclusively with Border Collies, I’m here to help you understand what makes these dogs so unique—and how you can tap into their instincts to bring out the best in them. In this video, we’ll explore the original purpose of Border Collies, designed for intense work in rugged environments, and why understanding their working heritage is key to meeting their needs today.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what we’ll cover:

00:00 Intro – Collie Instincts Explained
01:32 The Collie’s Heritage – From Shepherd’s Field to Today’s Homes
04:10 Understanding the Prey Drive Sequence – Search, Stalk, Chase
07:20 Breed-Specific Temperament Traits – Tenacity, Intelligence, and Sensitivity
09:54 Balancing Arousal Levels – Helping Collies Manage Their Energy
13:15 Practical Tips for Channeling Instincts in Positive Ways

In this episode, you’ll learn why Collies are naturally keen and alert, and how their instincts can sometimes lead to challenges if they’re not given the right outlets. We’ll cover the unique “dimmer switch” concept to help you regulate your dog’s energy and teach them to calm down after exciting activities. With practical tips on creating mental stimulation and tasks that suit their heritage, this episode is packed with insights to deepen your connection with your Collie.

🎬 Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for more tips, advice, and a community of fellow Collie owners. And be sure to subscribe to Collie Conversations for upcoming episodes on reactivity, recall, and other common Collie challenges!

What you’ll gain in this episode:

A deeper understanding of why Border Collies behave the way they do
Insight into Collie-specific traits and how to work with them
Practical techniques for managing energy and excitement levels
🔔 Next episode, we’re talking about Collie reactivity and social dynamics with other dogs—don’t miss it!

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 lunge, bark, or react intensely when another dog walks by? Many Collies show "big feelings" when they encounter other dogs or unfamiliar situations. In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re uncovering why these intelligent, sensitive dogs react so strongly and what you can do to help your Collie navigate these feelings with confidence.

I’m Gemma Fisher, your Border Collie expert and dedicated guide in all things Collie! In today’s video, we’ll dive deep into reactivity: what it is, why it happens, and—most importantly—how you can manage and reduce it to make life more enjoyable for both you and your Collie.

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

00:00 Intro – Reactivity in Border Collies: Why it Matters
01:15 Breaking Down Reactivity – Fear, Frustration, or Big Emotions?
03:20 The Spectrum of Sociability – Understanding Your Collie’s Needs
05:40 Recognising and Managing Triggers – From Home to Walks
09:30 Practical Tools – Training and Calming Techniques
13:00 Developing a Plan – Building Positive Experiences with Other Dogs

Together, we’ll explore everything from the types of reactivity Collies may display to the influence of their genetics, physiology, and unique personalities. You’ll learn how to spot your dog’s specific triggers and what to do when these "big feelings" arise. We’ll also discuss key techniques like desensitisation, creating positive associations, and how to support your Collie’s natural needs so they feel safer and more comfortable.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How to identify what’s driving your Collie’s reactions
Why different dogs bring out different responses
Practical tips to help reduce reactivity over time
The importance of reading body language to predict and prevent reactions
Make sure to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC), where you’ll find more resources, connect with a community of Collie owners, and get personalised advice to support your journey. And subscribe for more episodes on all things Collie—from recall to reactivity.

🔔 Don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll explore more on Collie reactivity and other essential training tips. Thanks for tuning in to Collie Conversations—and remember, every small win is a step towards success!

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 noise, from thunderstorms to the hum of household appliances? You’re not alone! Many Border Collies experience sound sensitivity, and in this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re diving into why these intelligent, alert dogs respond so intensely to certain sounds—and, more importantly, what you can do to help them.

I'm Gemma Fisher, your guide to understanding Collie behavior and helping you make life smoother for you and your dog. In this video, we’ll explore the fascinating reasons behind sound sensitivity in Border Collies, rooted in both their genetics and physiology. Learn why a sudden bang or even changes in barometric pressure can trigger strong reactions, and how factors like pain or even diet may contribute to your dog’s sound responses.

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

00:00 Intro – Collies & Sound Sensitivity
01:04 Understanding sound sensitivity spectrum – from calm to distressed
02:56 Science of sound – why some noises bother Collies more than others
05:20 Physical factors affecting sound sensitivity, including sinus pressure and health
08:12 Strategies for easing sound sensitivity – from desensitisation to medical solutions
11:42 Tools and techniques for creating a calm environment

In this episode, we’ll also dive into practical solutions, including gradual desensitisation, positive association-building, and medical interventions that can help. I’ll also share a few calming products and exercises, like Tellington Touch and scent-based relaxation tools, that I recommend to my clients for noise-sensitive dogs.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Border Collies may naturally be more sound-sensitive
The connection between physical health and noise reactivity
How to start a desensitization program that actually works
Tips for recognizing and tracking progress in your Collie’s reactions

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC), where you’ll find more tips, a supportive community, and even some personalised advice for your Collie! And make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes, where we’ll talk about Collie reactivity and other common challenges.

🔔 Resources Mentioned in the Video:
Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where we tackle Collie reactivity with other dogs. Thanks for watching Collie Conversations, and remember—progress, not perfection!

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.