In this episode, Martina dives into the fascinating and sometimes frustrating topic of water obsession in Border Collies. From playful splashing to full-on fixation, she explains what this behaviour looks like, where it may come from, and how to work through it with empathy and structure.
What You’ll Hear:
What water obsession looks like: Digging, biting, drinking, or fixating on moving water — and when it becomes a problem.
Why it happens: The role of excitement, movement, genetics, and even early pain or discomfort.
Inherited tendencies: How Kite’s fixation connects to his family line and what that tells us about genetic predispositions.
Kite’s training journey: Step-by-step on how Martina used the Premack Principle to build control and recall around water.
Managing vs fixing: How to set realistic expectations when working through obsessions in high-drive breeds.
Other dogs’ stories: Moss, Tay, and Jock — each with their own take on water and how Martina managed their quirks.
🗣️ When to seek help: Why professional guidance can help you identify if the behaviour stems from excitement, pain, or compulsion.
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