Episode #4: Why Does My Collie Chase Cars? Understanding Reactivity to Traffic

Does your Collie lunge at every passing car, motorbike, or bicycle? You’re not alone! Many Border Collies struggle with traffic reactivity, making walks stressful and sometimes even dangerous. In this episode of *Collie Conversations*, we’re exploring why these intelligent, high-energy dogs are so drawn to chase moving vehicles—and, most importantly, how you can help them stay calm and focused. 

I'm Gemma Fisher, your go-to expert in Border Collie behavior. In this video, we’ll break down the instincts behind your Collie’s behavior, the triggers that can escalate their reactions, and practical solutions to help you regain control during walks. Whether your dog’s reactivity is mild or full-blown, this episode will guide you toward a calmer, more enjoyable experience for both you and your Collie. 

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode: 
00:00 Intro – Why Collies Chase Cars 
01:15 The instinctive drive behind reactivity 
04:10 How trigger stacking makes reactivity worse 
06:45 Why loose lead walking is the foundation of traffic training 
09:20 Building trust and focus: managing versus solving reactivity 
12:30 Practical tips for short, effective training sessions  

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• Why Collies are naturally wired to chase moving objects  
  
  
• How to manage reactivity while working toward long-term solutions  
  
  
• The importance of distance, duration, and distractions in training  
  
  
• Simple strategies to create a calm environment and reduce trigger exposure  
  
  

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC), where you’ll find more training tips, support from other Collie owners, and answers to your specific questions in my weekly Q&A sessions! 

🔔 Resources Mentioned in the Video 🔔 
Stay tuned for the next Collie Conversations episode, where we’ll dive deeper into loose lead walking and how to make it a stress-free experience.  

Thanks for watching, and remember—progress, not perfection!  

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.