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-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

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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-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/