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 guide to understanding the “why” behind your Collie’s behaviour. In this 15-minute Q&A, we dive into three common challenges:

Roadside stress, anxiety around children and baby noises, and a classic puppy conundrum - chewing up clumps of mud on long-line adventures. Each one might look different on the surface, but they all connect to the same thing: how your Collie processes the world.

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

00:00 – Intro: Teaching Calm in a Chaotic World
00:46 – Why roadside walks are so overwhelming for many Collies
03:25 – Counterconditioning vs. desensitisation (and where most owners go wrong)
08:56 – Why baby and child noises trigger strong reactions
12:00 – The mud-chewing puppy stage: harmless curiosity or red flag?
14:20 – Final thoughts & how to submit your own question

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

🌱 How to reduce roadside stress using controlled-distance setups that help your Collie actually learn, not panic
🎧 Why desensitising with home sound recordings often fails—and what does make a difference
🧠 The emotional and sensory reasons children overwhelm many Collies
🐾 Why puppies explore the world with their mouths, and how to prevent obsession without making the problem worse
💡 How to recognise when your Collie’s system is “running hot” and what you can do to cool everything down

If you’re a Collie owner who wants calmer walks, fewer meltdowns, and a deeper understanding of your dog’s behaviour, this episode will give you clear next steps you can use straight away.

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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.