The Border Collie Geek Podcast

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.

Book a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals:
https://calendly.com/martina-thatlldoacademy/discovery-calls

Get in touch:
⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/

⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠
https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-club

To follow me on social media:
Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠
Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/

In this episode, Martina shares her personal opinions and experiences regarding spaying and neutering dogs. She discusses the reasons behind her decisions, and the behavioural impacts of neutering. Martina emphasises the importance of considering each dog's individual needs and consulting with professionals before making decisions about their reproductive health. She also touches on managing hormonal changes and training intact dogs in competitive environments.

Book an assessment 1-1 with me, online or face to face
⁠https://thatlldoacademy.thrivecart.com/dog-training-assessment/⁠

Book a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals:
https://calendly.com/martina-thatlldoacademy/discovery-calls

Get in touch:
⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/

⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠
https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-club

To follow me on social media:
Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠
Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/

In this episode, Martina Miradoli discusses the importance of mental stimulation for Border Collies, focusing on effective ways to entertain them at home. She emphasizes the need for engaging activities that keep dogs occupied while their owners attend to other tasks. The conversation covers various options for chewing and licking, the role of puzzles, and the significance of training as a form of mental stimulation. Martina also shares insights on home training and activities that can be done in small spaces, concluding with a call to action for dog owners to invest time in teaching their dogs important skills.
Book an assessment 1-1 with me, online or face to face
https://thatlldoacademy.thrivecart.com/dog-training-assessment/
Book a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals:
https://calendly.com/martina-thatlldoacademy/discovery-calls

Get in touch:
⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/

⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠
https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-club

To follow me on social media:
Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠
Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/

Does your dog struggle to focus on you, constantly distracted by the world around them? In this episode, I dive into the truth about dog focus and engagement — and why it’s not as simple as teaching eye contact or a sit-stay.
You’ll learn:
Why focus is a decision your dog makes, not just a behaviour

How engagement keeps your dog paying attention even with distractions

The real role of motivation and food in building focus

When and how to introduce real-world distractions without frustration

If you’ve ever felt like your dog chooses the world over you, this episode will give you practical insight and strategies to start turning that around — one choice at a time.
🎧 Plus, I’ll share details about my Free Training Week: Transform Your Dog’s Focus in Just One Week, running 20th–24th October, where you can learn step-by-step how to make focus a choice your dog wants to make.
Join us:
https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/focusfreeweek

Book an assessment 1-1 with me, online or face to face
⁠https://thatlldoacademy.thrivecart.com/dog-training-assessment/⁠

Book a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals:
https://calendly.com/martina-thatlldoacademy/discovery-calls

Get in touch:
⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/

⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠
https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-club

To follow me on social media:
Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠
Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/

In this episode of Border Collie Geek, Martina explores the realities of recall training when prey drive enters the picture. While many owners succeed with recalls in calm environments, things often fall apart the moment a dog spots a rabbit, jogger, or even a blowing leaf. Martina explains why this happens, how the prey sequence (staring, stalking, chasing) impacts Border Collies in particular, and what you can do to bridge the gap between your training and your dog’s instincts.

To listen lore about recall go to episode 15:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6WxypisiLCkz8j3xFSoHfm?si=JItgaIh-QIa2fHX-OCim-Q

Use £20 off for the first month of the Collie Club until the 30th of September 2025
https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-club?coupon=20offpodcast

Book a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals:
https://calendly.com/martina-thatlldoacademy/discovery-calls

Get in touch:
⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/

⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠
https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-club

To follow me on social media:
Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠
Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/