In today’s Calm Collective Live, Matt and I tackled two of the biggest myths we hear in dog training: 🐾 “My dog shouldn’t need treats to perform behaviours.” 🐾 “We need to remove treats as quickly as possible.” Food isn’t cheating, bribery or a sign that your training isn’t working. It’s a powerful reinforcer, and when used properly, it helps your dog understand which behaviours are worth repeating. We also answered one of the most common questions we receive: “My dog is perfect at home, but as soon as we enter a distracting environment, they forget absolutely everything and lose their shit.” The truth is, your dog hasn’t suddenly forgotten their training. The environment has changed, the level of difficulty has increased, and the behaviour may not be as strong or generalised as you thought. In this replay, we break down why this happens, how distractions affect your dog’s ability to perform, and how to build behaviours that hold up in the real world. Watch the replay, then let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments. 💩 Extra points to anyone who comments with the exact number of shits Polly takes during this recording.

There’s something pretty special about a morning spent walking with good people, great dogs, and a coffee in hand. 🌊🐶 Whether your dog is just starting their training journey, already smashing it, or you simply want to meet like-minded dog owners, this walk is for you. No pressure. No judgement. Just a community of people who love getting out with their dogs and learning together. 💙 📍 Meet us at Penny Whistlers Café 🕗 8:00am 🚶 We’ll head around the Kiama Lighthouse and back, then stick around for a coffee and a chat afterwards. Bring your family, bring your friends, and of course bring your dog! Everyone is welcome. 🙌 Every person who joins us helps us move one step closer to our mission of saving 10,000 dogs from unnecessary behavioural euthanasia by building stronger relationships between dogs and their people. 🐾 See you there!

Border Collies were bred to gather, control and move livestock over long distances while responding to subtle handler cues. Their fulfilment comes from using their brain just as much as their body. What a Border Collie Needs to Feel Fulfilled 🧠 Problem Solving - Shaping exercises - Puzzle feeders - Advanced obedience - Learning new behaviours - Trick training 🐑 Herding & Control - Treibball - Herding (where available) - Controlled ball work - Directional exercises - Send-away drills 👃 Scent Work - Scent detection - Tracking - Find-it games - Hidden object searches 🎯 Precision Obedience - Heel work - Distance control - Position changes - Target training - Recall drills 🏃 Agility & Athletic Challenges - Agility - Cavaletti poles - Obstacle courses - Balance equipment - Parkour-style confidence work 🤝 Working With Their Handler - Engagement games - Structured tug - Retrieve to hand - Team challenges - Off-leash focus work 🌿 Exploration - Sniff walks - Environmental confidence - New locations - Controlled hiking - Natural terrain exploration - Things to Avoid - Endless ball throwing without structure. - Constant high-intensity exercise with no mental challenge. - Leaving them to create their own entertainment. - Repetitive games that increase obsession rather than engagement. A fulfilled Border Collie isn't simply a tired dog—it's a dog that has had the opportunity to think, problem-solve, work with its handler, control movement and use its natural instincts in a structured way. Remember: If you don't give a Border Collie a job, they'll often invent one themselves—and it may not be the job you'd choose!

I've had such a hug week! Visiting so many amazing dogs and working with some absolutely lovely owners! The big win for me this week would have to be seeing the look on all of your faces when it starts to make sense! If it's doorway manners, loose leash walking, engagement games or relationship building. It is so rewarding.

We’re bringing the Walkys community together for a relaxed morning of sunshine, coffee, great conversation, and quality time with our dogs. Whether you’re a current Walkys member, a friend of a member, or simply love getting out with your dog, we’d love to see you there. 📅 Saturday 4th July ⏰ 8:00am 📍 Meet at Warilla Beach Café We’ll grab a coffee and head off for a casual walk along the beachfront pathway together. This isn’t a training session or a structured event. It’s simply an opportunity to: ☀️ Get some sunshine ☕ Enjoy a coffee 🐕 Spend quality time with your dog ❤️ Connect with like-minded dog owners 🧠 Support mental wellbeing through movement, fresh air, and community A few simple guidelines: • Dogs remain on lead throughout the walk • Bring treats and water for your dog • Respect every dog’s space • No retractable leads please • Friends, family, kids, and friends’ dogs are all welcome No bookings required. Just turn up, grab a coffee, and join us for a great morning with great people and great dogs. Your Dog’s Best Day, Every Day. 🐾❤️