Collie Culture Camp | North Somerset

A two-day training weekend for real-world Border Collies and their people.

Collie Culture Camp is designed for owners who want more time, more depth and more support with the training challenges that can show up with bright, busy, sensitive or easily distracted Border Collies.

Across a Friday evening theory session and two practical training days, we’ll look at how to help your dog think more clearly, cope better with real-life situations, and build skills that feel realistic for everyday life.

This is not a standard group class, and it is not a weekend of asking dogs to work non-stop.

Dogs will have short, thoughtful working sessions with plenty of downtime between turns. 

Much of the value of camp comes from watching other Border Collies, discussing what is happening, and learning how to adapt the training for your own dog.

You’ll complete a short questionnaire before camp so Gemma can understand what each dog is coming for and plan the weekend around the dogs and people attending.

We may cover things such as:

• Building engagement and focus around real-life distractions
• Improving recall when there are exciting things happening
• Helping dogs think more clearly when they are aroused, frustrated or overwhelmed
• Working with movement sensitivity, including people, dogs, traffic, running or fast movement
• Building confidence in new places or situations
• Teaching calmer choices around food, toys and environmental rewards
• Helping your dog settle, wait and switch off between activities
• Understanding what your dog is telling you, and how to adjust your training plan

The aim is for you to leave with a clearer understanding of your dog, practical training ideas, and a realistic plan you can continue at home.

How camp will work

Camp will include:

• A Friday evening theory session 
• Two practical training days on Saturday and Sunday
• Lunch and light refreshments on Saturday and Sunday
• Small-group practical sessions
• Paired learning, note-taking and observation
• Time to reflect, ask questions and build your next-step plan
• An optional Sunday evening pub meal

Dogs may work individually, in pairs, or in small groups depending on the dogs attending, the exercise, and what is appropriate on the day.

Handler places will be split into smaller groups, and within those groups you may be paired with another handler so you can support each other, take notes, video useful moments, and learn from each other’s dogs.

Suitability

Camp may be suitable for dogs who are sensitive, easily distracted, excitable, frustrated or reactive, provided they can rest safely between sessions and work at a sensible distance from other dogs with support. Dogs will not be expected to work in a busy free-for-all environment. 

NB: However, this is a shared camp setting rather than a private one-to-one. If your dog needs complete isolation from other dogs, a Collie Culture Training Day or 1:1 may be a better fit.

Handler place

A handler place includes one dog and up to two people from the same household or regular training team.

Only one dog is included per handler place, and one person will usually handle at a time unless Gemma suggests otherwise.

Observer place

An observer place is for anyone attending without a dog to learn by watching the practical sessions, joining the discussions and taking part in the Friday evening theory session.

This is ideal if your dog would find camp too much, you want to build confidence before attending with your own dog in future, or you’re a dog trainer, behaviourist or other dog professional who would like to learn from watching a range of Border Collies and their people.

Observer places include the Friday evening theory session, both practical training days, lunch and light refreshments on Saturday and Sunday, and the opportunity to learn from the group discussions.

Observer places do not include working time with a dog.

Timings

Friday evening: Theory session, approximately 7.00pm to 8.30pm
Saturday: Practical training day, approximately 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday: Practical training day, approximately 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday evening: Optional pub meal

All theory and practical sessions will take place at the training ground. Please aim to arrive 15 – 30 minutes before the practical sessions start on Saturday and Sunday, so you have time to toilet your dog and get settled before we begin.

Please note, all attendees are responsible for their own accommodation and travel to and from the venue. Please email us if you would like to suggestions of places to stay locally.

Food

Lunch and light refreshments are included on Saturday and Sunday.

You’ll be asked about dietary requirements before camp. The optional Sunday evening pub meal is not included in the camp price.

Please bring

• Drinks for yourself
• Water and a bowl for your dog
• Dog training treats and toys
• Anything your dog needs to rest comfortably between sessions, such as a crate or bedding
• Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear

Full joining instructions, arrival guidance and a short pre-camp questionnaire will be sent before the weekend.

If you’ve booked an event with us for 2027 and want to book a different event please either contact us or please use a different email address. Please do not book multiple events using the same email address. Thank you.

Have questions about whether camp is suitable for you and your dog? Please click here to read the Camp FAQs before booking – especially if your dog is reactive, easily overwhelmed, or needs careful management around other dogs.