Episode #20: Handling Other People When They’re Making Your Collie’s Reactivity Worse

Does your Collie’s progress fall apart the moment someone else gets involved - whether that’s a stranger on a walk or a well-meaning family member at home? You’re not alone. In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re tackling the awkward (but essential) topic of other people and how they can unintentionally make your Collie’s reactivity worse.

I’m Gemma Fisher - Collie behaviour specialist and your go-to for building better communication with your dog. In this episode, I’ll help you work out how to handle those moments when your calm, focused walk suddenly turns stressful… because someone’s let their off-lead dog rush yours, or your partner’s yelling “SIT!” with zero follow-through.

We'll talk about how to advocate for your dog in public without causing drama, and how to deal with family dynamics that impact your training. Whether it’s beach walkers shouting “He’s friendly!” or a household member accidentally reinforcing your dog’s bad habits - we’ve got you covered.

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

00:00 Intro - The people problem behind reactivity
02:41 Why “friendly” dogs rushing over can cause long-term issues
06:12 What to say (and do!) when someone’s dog is making things worse
09:38 How to protect your dog’s space calmly and confidently
13:45 Dealing with inconsistency at home: family members and mixed signals
17:24 Practical training tip: teaching your dog to lie down while you handle the situation
23:10 Mindset shifts that make your role clearer and your dog’s walk more relaxed

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔ How to set boundaries with other dog owners - without sounding rude
✔ What your dog is really learning when people don’t follow your lead
✔ Why “consistency” isn’t everything — and what actually works better
✔ A simple positioning exercise that helps your dog feel safe on walks

💬 Join our free Facebook group for extra tips, support, and conversation: https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC
🧡 Subscribe for more practical Collie advice, from reactivity to recall!

Gemma Fisher is a Border Collie expert helping overwhelmed owners go from chaos to calm using positive, thoughtful training. Her “Collie Conversations” podcast offers real-life solutions and community support for dedicated Collie guardians.

#CollieConversations #BorderCollieTraining #DogReactivity #CollieBehaviour #GemmaFisher #DogTrainingSupport #CollieTips

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.