When Water Becomes an Obsession: Training Tips on Training Water Fixations in Border Collies
The Border Collie Geek PodcastShow Notes
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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