Episode #16: Why is My Collie Like This? Understanding Reactivity

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 ownersCollies 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 #GemmaFisherBorder 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.