Episode #17: Why is My Collie Like This? Understanding Reactivity

Does your Collie react to every little distraction—whether it’s a passing jogger, another dog on the horizon, or even a stray tennis ball bouncing past? You’re not alone! Many Border Collies experience reactivity, and in this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re diving into the hidden reasons your Collie might be reacting—and, most importantly, what you can do to help them feel calmer and more in control.

I'm Gemma Fisher, your guide to understanding Collie behavior and helping you build a happier, more harmonious life with your dog. In this video, we’ll explore why reactivity isn’t just about training—it’s about understanding the bigger picture. From stress and sleep quality to pain, health issues, and overstimulation, we’ll break down how these factors impact your Collie’s behaviour.

You might have heard that reactive dogs just need more training, but what if that’s not the full story? Reactivity often stems from unmet physical and emotional needs rather than simple disobedience. Whether your Collie’s outbursts happen on walks, in the garden, or around other dogs, I’ll show you how to dig deeper into the root causes and set up practical strategies to manage and reduce their reactions.

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

00:00 Intro – Why Collies React and What It Really Means
 01:20 Stress and Sleep: How Poor Rest Affects Behaviour
 04:10 Pain and Health Issues: The Hidden Triggers of Reactivity
 07:30 Overstimulation: Why Too Much Excitement Can Backfire
 10:45 Practical Strategies: Reset Days, Calming Activities & More
 14:15 Real-Life Case Study: How Sarah Helped Max Calm Down

You’ll also hear about Sarah and her reactive Collie, Max. At home, Max is a dream—relaxed, affectionate, and eager to please. But the moment they step outside, it’s like a switch flips. We’ll unpack why training alone wasn’t enough for Max, and how addressing his stress levels and physical comfort made a world of difference.

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for more tips, a supportive community, and personalised advice for your Collie! And make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes, where we’ll dive even deeper into managing Collie reactivity and building a confident, calm dog.

🔔 Resources Mentioned in the Video:
 Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where we tackle in-the-moment strategies to handle Collie reactions when they happen—so you’re never caught off guard!

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.