Episode #11: From Hyper to Happy: Why Rest is a Game-Changer for Collies

Does your Border Collie seem to be in constant motion, bouncing from one activity to the next with no off switch? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re unpacking why rest is not just a “nice-to-have” for your Collie but an absolute necessity for their well-being and trainability.

I’m Gemma Fisher, your guide to transforming chaos into calm and helping you understand your Border Collie’s unique needs. In this video, we’ll explore why these high-energy, intelligent dogs often struggle with downtime, what happens when they don’t rest enough, and how teaching relaxation can be the secret to a happy, well-balanced family dog.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ll cover in today’s episode:

00:00 Intro – From Hyper to Happy
01:08 Why Border Collies need rest more than other breeds
03:42 Signs your Collie may be overstimulated
06:15 Balancing activity and relaxation for a happier dog
09:30 Practical tips to teach your Collie to relax and settle
12:50 Creating a calm environment – tools and techniques

In this conversation, we’ll discuss the overlooked importance of rest and how it transforms everything from training success to your dog’s behavior at home. You’ll discover simple strategies to help your Collie wind down, including building a daily routine that balances activity with much-needed downtime. Plus, I’ll share tools, products, and training methods that have worked wonders for my dogs and clients!

In this episode, you'll discover:
✨ Why rest is critical for Border Collies’ mental and physical health
✨ How lack of relaxation can lead to problem behaviors like reactivity and barking
✨ The best ways to help your Collie learn to settle at home or on the go
✨ How a calm Collie makes life easier for the entire family

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for even more tips and a supportive community of Collie lovers. And make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes, including our next one, which dives into managing Collie reactivity around other dogs!

Subscribe now for all things Collie! Thanks for tuning in, and remember—progress, not perfection, makes all the difference for you and your dog.

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.