Life Skills vs Training Skills

Border Collies are often described as “high-energy dogs”, but in reality their behaviour is usually shaped by something much deeper: whether their core needs are being met.In this episode, I talk about the five needs that I believe are essential for Border Collies to feel balanced and fulfilled. These include their need to use their brain, their need to run and move freely, their need to properly switch off and rest, their need for social connection, and their need for routine and predictability.When one of these needs is missing, behaviour often starts to wobble. What many people interpret as “too much energy” is often simply an unmet need.In this episode, I break down each of these five areas and explain why understanding them can completely change the way you look at your dog’s behaviour and daily life.If you live with a Border Collie, this episode will help you better understand what your dog may actually be missing.Join My New Class Here:https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/training-skills-for-busy-brainsJoin the Collie Club with Crufts Discount:https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-club?coupon=CruftsCollieDiscountLearn More About The Collie Club:https://thatlldoacademy.com/online-academy/To follow me on social media:Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/

n this episode, Martina speaks with Anna Herzog about FCI obedience and why it’s growing in the UK.They discuss:What FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) isHow FCI obedience differs from KC obedienceWhy the sport suits more than just Border ColliesThe balance between motivation, precision and handlingWhy you compete against the round, not just other handlersHow beginner-friendly UK intro classes are being developedThey also talk about training practicality, minimal equipment, and the long-term goal of building a UK team for the FCI World Championships.If you’ve ever loved obedience but wanted more variety and movement, this episode is for you.To learn more about what Anna is doing and all the FCI obedience events, check her Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/annaherzogdogsportsBook a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals:https://calendly.com/martina-thatlldoacademy/discovery-callsGet in touch:⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-clubTo follow me on social media:Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/

In this first episode of 2026, Martina shares a short update on welcoming an unexpected litter and keeping one of the puppies, Kestrel (Kes). From there, the episode focuses on a key training concept: the difference between life skills and training skills.Martina explains why behaviours like recall, loose lead walking and settling often look easy in puppies but fall apart as dogs grow, and why this usually happens when the underlying training skills haven’t been developed. The episode breaks down how reliable everyday behaviour is built through smaller foundational skills rather than training life skills in isolation.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-callsGet in touch:⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-clubTo follow me on social media:Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/

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-callsGet in touch:⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-clubTo 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-callsGet in touch:⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-clubTo 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-callsGet in touch:⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-clubTo 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 behaviourHow engagement keeps your dog paying attention even with distractionsThe real role of motivation and food in building focusWhen and how to introduce real-world distractions without frustrationIf 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/focusfreeweekBook an assessment 1-1 with me, online or face to face⁠https://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-callsGet in touch:⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-clubTo 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-QUse £20 off for the first month of the Collie Club until the 30th of September 2025https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-club?coupon=20offpodcastBook a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals:https://calendly.com/martina-thatlldoacademy/discovery-callsGet in touch:⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-clubTo follow me on social media:Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/

Tali is officially one! In this special episode, I reflect on our first year together, from early bonding to breakthroughs in training, sensitivity challenges, sheepdog beginnings, and everything in between.This isn’t just a personal story, it’s a deep dive into the three pillars I believe are essential in a young Border Collie’s first year:Relationship – how connection lays the foundation for all future trainingConfidence – why building emotional resilience matters more than flashy obedienceFoundation Training – what that really means (hint: it's not about precision or perfection)I also talk about the realities of raising a sensitive dog who didn’t take treats, didn’t like luring, and shut down under pressure and how I adjusted my approach to meet her where she was.Whether you’re raising a Border Collie puppy now, reflecting on your first year, or preparing for one in the future, I hope this episode offers perspective, reassurance, and practical ideas.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-callsGet in touch:⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-clubTo follow me on social media:Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/

In this episode, I dig into a training cue that's taught in nearly every puppy class, but often at the wrong time. We’re talking about “stay”and why I don’t teach it to young puppies.Instead of pushing for stillness, I believe in building motivation, engagement, and joy in training first. I share my personal experiences with my own Border Collies and explain how I teach duration and impulse control in real-life, age-appropriate ways.If you’ve got a young, high-energy dog and you’re struggling with training that feels too rigid or advanced, this episode is for you.Want to learn how to teach Impulse Control Games? Join the workshop, for only £15 plus the recording of it, and it's online!https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/live-webinar/impulse-control-workshop/registerBook a Discovery Call with me, let's have a free chat about your dog and your training goals:https://calendly.com/martina-thatlldoacademy/discovery-callsGet in touch:⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.com/contact/⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Collie Club, my Online Academy for Border Collie Owners!⁠⁠https://thatlldoacademy.newzenler.com/courses/the-collie-clubTo follow me on social media:Facebook : ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy/⁠⁠Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/martina_bordercollie_geek/