Episode #27: Barking, Visitors & Vacuums: Real Collie Q&A Solutions

Does your Border Collie bark at the doorbell, rush at visitors, or go wild every time you pick up the vacuum? You’re not alone! In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re tackling real owner questions about barking, guest manners, noisy household tools, and even fear of busy roads - so you can swap frustration for calm, confident behaviour.I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie specialist and founder of Collie Culture. Each week, I answer your questions live from our Facebook community, sharing practical, positive solutions that work in the real world.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why barking happens - and how to work out if it’s excitement, worry, or a mix of both.How to change your Collie’s emotional response to the sounds that set them off, from the click of a gate to the ring of a doorbell.Why noticing what your dog notices can reduce repetitive barking.Meet & Greet protocols to help your Collie greet politely - especially useful if you’ve got guests who aren’t dog people.How to use background noise, settle training, and permissions to make visitor arrivals calmer.Vacuum, broom, or rake mayhem? Discover why young Collies find these movements irresistible (or even worrying) and how to break the habit without endless “no!” commands.The importance of age and self-control development - why four-month-old puppies need a different approach than adults.How to break big triggers into tiny, achievable training steps for lasting results.Lead reactivity & traffic fears: why a “watch me” cue isn’t always the answer, and how to build confidence around people and moving vehicles without forcing interactions.The “Treat & Retreat” protocol for nervous or reactive dogs, so they feel safe and in control while meeting strangers.Whether your Collie is an excitable adolescent, a nervous rescue, or somewhere in between, you’ll find reassurance and step-by-step strategies to help them cope better with life’s everyday challenges - at home, in the garden, and out on walks.👉 Got a Collie question? Join our free Facebook group to submit yours, connect with other Collie owners, and access extra resources: https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtCDon’t forget to subscribe for new Collie Conversations every week - packed with practical tips, relatable stories, and encouragement to help you and your dog thrive.Thanks for watching! Remember: progress, not perfection - every calm moment is a win.#CollieConversations #BorderCollie #DogTraining #CollieCulture #GemmaFisher #DogBehaviourBorder 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.