Episode #28: Collie Reactivity 101: Cars, Shadows, and Underlying Causes

Does your Collie lunge at passing cars, chase shadows, or seem on constant alert during walks? You’re not alone. Car chasing and repetitive behaviours like shadow chasing are two of the most common (and stressful!) challenges Collie owners face. In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’ll unpack why these behaviours happen, and - most importantly - what you can do to help your dog feel calmer and more in control.I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie specialist and behaviour coach, here to guide you through the world of Collie reactivity. With years of experience working with hundreds of Collies and their owners, I’ve seen first-hand how overwhelming these behaviours can be - but also how much progress is possible with the right plan.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:00:00 Intro - Why Collies struggle with traffic and movement02:14 Understanding why single-track lanes are a “PhD-level” challenge for dogs05:12 Loose lead walking: why stride awareness is key to traffic confidence08:30 Training setups in safer spaces like supermarket car parks10:00 Shadow chasing: what it means and why underlying pain or gut issues may play a role13:20 The “traffic light touch” system for spotting discomfort in your dog15:00 Next steps & resources to start helping your Collie todayYou’ll also discover why some environments feel easier than others for your Collie, and how to create a “ladder” of training environments - from simple to advanced - so your dog can build confidence step by step.In this video, we’ll cover:Why Collies are more likely to struggle with traffic than other breedsThe role of physical health and pain in repetitive behaviours like shadow chasingHow to set up safe, effective practice sessions around carsSimple tools to track your dog’s progress and spot stress signals early👉 Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group for more resources, including my Car Chasing Ebook and Traffic Tracker Tool: https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtCSubscribe for upcoming Collie Conversations episodes, where we’ll dive into other reactivity challenges like barking, over-arousal, and reactivity to other dogs.--Border Collie expert Gemma Fisher helps owners transform worry into confidence with practical, positive training methods. Through Collie Conversations, Gemma shares real-life solutions for recall, reactivity, and all the quirks that make Collies both brilliant and challenging.#CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #DogBehaviour #CollieReactivity #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.