The Urban Herder - Herding Breed Specialist

28/08/2025

✨ Enzo’s Story: Why chemical castration changed everything ✨

Enzo was the perfect puppy… until adolescence hit. Suddenly, my clever collie turned into a hormonal whirlwind: over-aroused, reactive, hu***ng, territorial—the works.

We chose chemical castration. At first, it was amazing—he calmed down, made better decisions, and seemed happier. But it also revealed some hidden anxieties. Without testosterone (which fuels confidence), he became more fearful of strangers.

So we worked hard on rebuilding his confidence. Giving him choices. Advocating for him. Supporting him.

Now, at 3 years old, Enzo is a happy, confident entire male. Those temporary implants gave his brain time to catch up with his body, and it made all the difference.

👉 If you’re considering neutering, Enzo’s story shows why chemical castration can be such a valuable option.

Read the full blog head to www.theurbanherder.co.uk

14/08/2025

☀️ It’s too hot for your dog!

Even the most energetic dogs can overheat dangerously fast in warm weather. Heatstroke can be fatal, and it can happen in minutes — especially for active herding breeds like collies.

This week, protect your dog by:
🌅 Walking only early morning or late evening
💧 Always having fresh, cool water available
🏡 Swapping outdoor games for indoor enrichment
🧊 Using cooling mats, paddling pools, or frozen treats

🐾 Remember: missing one walk won’t harm them — but heatstroke can.

Save this post to keep the tips handy, and share it with a friend to spread the word.

13/08/2025

Some dogs love on-lead greetings.

Mine doesn’t — and that’s okay.

Efa’s health and history mean I have to advocate for her.
She’s still social, sweet, and capable — she just needs choice and space to feel safe.

Let’s normalise dogs who say “no thanks.” 🖤

Does this sound like your dog? Read my blog all about Efa and her on lead social struggles: https://www.theurbanherder.co.uk/blog

11/08/2025

🐾 Welcome to The Urban Herder!

Hi, I’m Ellen – dog trainer, behaviourist, collie obsessive, and the face behind The Urban Herder. 👋

I specialise in working with Border Collies and other herding breeds, helping both dog and owner not just survive — but thrive in their urban or pet home environments.

My journey started with a very special collie called Jasper, who sadly passed away from epilepsy at just 2 years old. He was incredibly reactive, and the challenges we faced together sparked my passion for helping collies who struggle in the modern world. Every dog I work with is part of that legacy. 💛

🐶 A bit about me:
I currently share my life with my three collies – Efa, Piper & Benny – as well as some sheep, a tortoise, and a crested gecko!
When I’m not training, I love skiing, hiking, running, and dreaming about van life around Europe with my dogs. I also run Train Up Pup and The Woof Pack LTD.

🌟 What I Offer:
🔹 1:1 Behaviour & Training Support (in-person or online)
🔹 Social Group Training Walks
🔹 Workshops: Urban Herding | Fixated to Focused | Herding Outlets (Want to host me? Get in touch!)
🔹 The Collie Collective – My online membership site for collie owners (currently undergoing a VERY exciting revamp!)
🔹 Free Podcast – Talk Herdy To Me
🔹 Free Blog – Packed with collie training insights

I use only kind, ethical, reward-based methods rooted in understanding and respect for who your dog truly is.

💬 Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by your high-drive herder or just want to build a better bond — I’m here to help.

✨ I offer a free 15-minute discovery call so we can chat about your collie and how I can support you both.
📅 Book yours here: https://calendly.com/theurbanherder/discoverycall

Collies are my passion. Let’s help yours live their best life. 💚

09/08/2025

Next walk is 28th August, see link to book:

https://bookwhen.com/thewoofpack-dogtraining-behaviour/e/ev-sc0o-20250828170000

🐾 Thursday Social Walks – Real Life Training, Real Results 🐾

Our weekly social walks aren’t just a stroll in the park (though they are in the beautiful Manor Heath Moor Park 🌳) — they’re a fantastic way to help your dog:
✅ Build confidence
✅ Learn to focus around other dogs
✅ Work calmly in real-life environments
✅ Get tailored advice from a qualified trainer

Each walk is held in a small, supportive group with other like-minded owners who get it. Whether your dog needs space, support, or just more structure around other dogs, this is a safe place to practice those skills without pressure.

🧠 The goal? Dogs learn that their person is more important than what’s going on around them.
Some dogs may benefit from gentle social interaction during the walk — but that’s always based on individual needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

You’ll leave with more confidence, more tools, and a dog who’s learning to stay connected with you – even when life is happening around them.

📅 Every Thursday
📍 Manor Heath Moor Park
💷 £15 per session

Drop us a message to book your spot or find out more!

07/08/2025

🐾 Thursday Social Walks – Real Life Training, Real Results 🐾

Our weekly social walks aren’t just a stroll in the park (though they are in the beautiful Manor Heath Moor Park 🌳) — they’re a fantastic way to help your dog:
✅ Build confidence
✅ Learn to focus around other dogs
✅ Work calmly in real-life environments
✅ Get tailored advice from a qualified trainer

Each walk is held in a small, supportive group with other like-minded owners who get it. Whether your dog needs space, support, or just more structure around other dogs, this is a safe place to practice those skills without pressure.

🧠 The goal? Dogs learn that their person is more important than what’s going on around them.
Some dogs may benefit from gentle social interaction during the walk — but that’s always based on individual needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

You’ll leave with more confidence, more tools, and a dog who’s learning to stay connected with you – even when life is happening around them.

📅 Every Thursday
📍 Manor Heath Moor Park
💷 £15 per session

Drop us a message to book your spot or find out more!

06/08/2025

Love your puppy… but not loving puppy life? 🐾
You might have the Puppy Blues — and you’re not alone.

Swipe through to see why it happens, how to cope, and when to get help.

📖 Read the full blog for practical tips & reassurance —https://www.theurbanherder.co.uk/post/the-puppy-blues-why-post-puppy-depression-happens-how-to-cope

📞 Book a FREE 15 minute discovery call to see how we could help you and your new collie puppy! https://calendly.com/theurbanherder/discoverycall

05/08/2025

Tips on what to look for ( and what to avoid) in a dog walker!

28/07/2025

Open to clients of The Urban Herder and The Woof Pack

Training walk this Thursday, only 2 spaces remaining!

https://bookwhen.com/thewoofpack-dogtraining-behaviour/e/ev-slfg-20250731183000

23/07/2025

The dog to dog reactivity webinar is tomorrow night but you can catch up afterwards if you can’t make it tomorrow.

Ellen’s next webinar is 24th July

🐶 Dog-to-Dog Reactivity: You’re Not Alone
Let’s Untangle the Triggers and Build Better Behaviours
📅 Thursday 24th July | 6:30pm (online – with recording)

Your collie sees another dog — and suddenly, you’re holding your breath.
Pulling. Barking. Lunging... sound familiar?

You’re not a bad owner.
You don’t have a “nasty” dog.
You have a sensitive, intelligent herder who’s struggling to cope — and you are not alone. ❤️

Join us for a supportive, practical webinar designed especially for collie owners. We’ll cover:

🔍 Why herding breeds struggle socially
⚠️ What dog-to-dog reactivity really means (it’s not always aggression!)
🧩 The root causes – and how to spot them
💡 Kind, clear strategies to help your dog feel safer and respond better

🎥 Includes live Q\&A and lifetime access to the recording.

📲 Book your spot via The Urban Herder:
👉 https://bookwhen.com/theurbanherder/e/ev-smyz-20250724183000

Let’s give your dog (and you!) the tools to feel more confident around other dogs.

21/07/2025

Ellen now has some availability for 1.1 sessions for both training and behavioural issues.

Book your discovery call today and find out more!

https://calendly.com/theurbanherder/discoverycall

20/07/2025

🔊 We want to hear from you!
At The Urban Herder, we’re always looking for ways to support you and your collie more effectively — and that includes planning webinars that really matter to you.

🎓 What training topics, behaviour struggles, or lifestyle challenges would you love us to cover in an upcoming session?

Whether it’s:
🐾 Reactivity
🏙️ Coping with city life
🎾 Play and enrichment
🧠 Managing high arousal
🚶‍♀️ Loose lead walking
🫣 Dealing with motion sensitivity
…or something totally different — we’re listening.

📩 Drop your ideas in the comments or DM us. No idea is too big or too specific!

Let’s create a space where you feel supported, seen, and better equipped to help your Border Collie thrive — even in the chaos of modern life.