Episode #12: Shadow Chasing, Nipping, Reactivity – Is Your Collie in Pain?

Is your Border Collie’s nipping, reactivity, or shadow chasing more than just “Collie quirks”? Pain and discomfort could be the hidden cause! In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re diving into the fascinating connection between physical health and behaviour.

I’m Gemma Fisher, your guide to understanding Collie behaviour and helping you create a stress-free life with your dog. Many behaviour issues—like excessive nipping, sudden aggression, or obsessive behaviours—stem from underlying physical discomfort that often goes unnoticed. Border Collies are tough, and adrenaline can mask pain, making it tricky to spot!

Today, we’ll discuss how to recognise subtle signs of discomfort and what you can do to help.

Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s episode:

⏳ 00:00 Intro – Could pain be affecting your Collie’s behaviour?
🩹 01:10 Why Border Collies don’t always show pain
📹 03:25 Slow-motion video: A game-changer for spotting movement issues
🐶 06:00 Signs your Collie might be uncomfortable (nipping, reactivity & more)
🦴 09:15 Subtle gait changes that indicate musculoskeletal problems
🛑 12:45 Shadow chasing & obsessive behaviours—what’s really going on?
👩‍⚕️ 16:30 Vet checks, physiotherapy, and holistic care options
✅ 20:10 Practical steps to support your Collie’s physical well-being

Pain-related behaviour issues can be misinterpreted as stubbornness or training failures. But by addressing physical health, we can help our dogs feel better and behave better!

In this episode, you'll discover:
✔️ Why reactivity and grumpiness often have a physical cause
✔️ How pain from teething, gut issues, or muscle tightness affects behavior
✔️ What to check before assuming it’s just a “training issue”
✔️ Simple exercises to improve body awareness and movement

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group for even more expert tips, training guides, and a supportive community: https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC

🔔 Subscribe for more Collie training advice and stay tuned for our next episode on creating safe training environments for 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.