Episode #8: Christmas Cheer Without the Chaos for Collie Owners

🎄 Worried your Border Collie might turn into a whirlwind during Christmas? You’re not alone! The holidays can be a tricky time for Collie owners, with excited guests, unfamiliar noises, and constant activity putting your dog’s behaviour to the test. But don’t worry - this episode of Collie Conversations is here to help you enjoy Christmas cheer without the chaos!  I’m Gemma Fisher, Border Collie training and behaviour specialist, and I know firsthand how overwhelming the festive season can be for our highly intelligent, sensitive dogs. In this episode, we’ll explore practical, effective strategies for navigating the holidays with your Collie, so you can keep everyone calm, happy, and safe - including those extra-special little visitors like children.  ✨ Here’s what we’ll dive into today:  00:00 Intro – Christmas challenges for Collie owners  01:22 Understanding your Collie’s triggers during the holidays  03:47 Teaching solid settles for a calm, peaceful environment  06:10 Managing your Collie’s energy during high-stress moments  09:15 Strategies for child-dog interactions that keep everyone safe  12:34 Proactive planning to set your Collie (and you!) up for holiday success  This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you handle your dog’s energy, prevent overwhelm, and prepare for situations like visitors arriving, children wanting to play, or sudden changes in the household routine. I’ll also share how to teach and reinforce calm behaviours using my Solid Settles method, so your Collie feels secure and focused even amidst holiday hustle and bustle.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  ✅ How to anticipate and prevent overexcitement around guests.  ✅ Ways to balance holiday fun with your Collie’s need for routine and structure.  ✅ Tools to create safe, positive child-dog interactions.  🐾 Need more support? Join my free Facebook group for additional tips, tricks, and a welcoming community of Collie lovers like you! (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC)  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated on all things Border Collie behaviour. #CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #ChristmasWithCollies #DogBehavior #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.