Collie Conversations

Are Border Collies Easy to Train? Let’s Talk!

Are Border Collies as easy to train as they’re made out to be? With their intelligence and energy, training a Border Collie can feel either like a breeze or a total whirlwind. In this episode of Collie Conversations, we’re unpacking the truth about training these brilliant dogs and helping you understand why some things may come naturally - while others, like recall or calm behaviour, can be a challenge.

I’m Gemma Fisher, a Border Collie behaviour specialist, and my goal is to help you bring out the best in your Collie while building a strong and joyful partnership. Whether you're a first-time owner or an experienced dog lover, this episode is packed with tips, insights, and encouragement.

Here’s what we’ll dive into:

00:00 Intro – The myth vs. reality of training Collies
01:23 What makes Collies so trainable - and why it can still go wrong
04:15 The importance of motivation: How to use their instincts to your advantage
07:05 Why distractions (like balls, squirrels, or even other dogs) cause training roadblocks
10:48 Real-life stories from my dogs - what worked, what didn’t, and how we turned challenges into triumphs

Discover why understanding your Collie’s unique traits, needs, and quirks is key to their success. We'll explore how their natural instincts shape training outcomes and what you can do to work with your dog’s abilities, rather than against them.

Looking for practical advice you can start using today? I’ll share tried-and-tested strategies to keep training fun and productive while overcoming common stumbling blocks like focus issues and overexcitement.

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going!

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group (https://bit.ly/3Mn3GtC) for more tips, live Q&As, and support from fellow Collie owners. And subscribe to the channel for upcoming episodes, where we’ll tackle mental stimulation, recall challenges, and more.

🌟 Whether you're facing puppy teething, adolescent stubbornness, or the quirks of a rescue dog, this episode will give you the tools to move forward with confidence!

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.