Help! My Dog: The Podcast. Dog Behaviour & Training Strategies that Work!
Dr Tom Mitchell 151 episodes Nov 11, 2026
Help! My Dog is a dog behaviour and training podcast hosted by vet, behaviourist and trainer Dr Tom Mitchell. It explores common dog behaviour struggles such as barking, reactivity, separation anxiety and not listening. Each episode offers practical, effective and enjoyable training strategies to improve your dog’s behaviour and strengthen your relationship. The show is aimed at owners who want to understand dog behaviour and unlock the life they dream of with their dog.
Episodes
Ep 154 The Nanny-Dog Myth: Why Dogs “Guard” Babies
Does your dog hover obsessively around your new baby or grandchild, react to every cry or even block you when you try to pick them up? If what looks like "protective guarding" has you feeling worried and on edge, in this episode, we’re unpacking what is really driving that intense fixation - and how to restore peace and safety to your home! We’ll explore the hidden science behind this be
Ep 153 New Home, Same Dog: The Secret to Moving Without Training Setbacks
Moving house is chaotic enough without the lingering fear that a new environment and lots of action will completely undo your hard-earned training progress, especially when tackling big hurdles like separation anxiety. But a new home doesn't have to mean sliding back to square one! In this episode, we’re exploring how to safely transport your dog’s skills into a fresh space without losing an
Ep 152 Help! My Dog Won’t Stop Humping Visitors!
Have you ever found yourself cringing while your dog makes a beeline to mount or hump your guests the second they walk through the door…even though they’re female!? If having company over leaves you feeling mortified or constantly refereeing awkward interactions, in this episode, we’re uncovering how you can turn chaotic greetings into calm, polite choices! We’ll bust the common myths around why d
Ep 151 Does Your Dog HATE the Car? Top Tips for Travel Anxiety
Does your dog freeze, tremble, or panic the moment you take them near the car? If car journeys leave them completely overwhelmed before you’ve even turned the ignition key, in this episode, we’re uncovering how to transform car travel into a smooth, stress-free experience. We’ll break down how engaging our dog’s key natural instincts can completely change how they feel in and around the car. Plus,
Ep 150 Crate Training Made Easy: 3 Tips for Successful Separation
Do you want to know the secret to successful crate training? Whether you’re trying to set puppies up for the best possible start or building rock-solid separation skills with your dog, in this episode, we’re uncovering how you can help your dog feel confident and comfortable in a crate, regardless of how old they are! We’ll explore clever ways to flip the script on what the crate means for your do
Ep 149 From Pancaking to Explosive Greetings: Why Your Dog Drops Flat Around Other Dogs
Does your dog drop flat to the ground when another dog approaches, only to spring up right into their face? Whether they freeze on lead or startle other dogs with explosive greetings, in this episode, we’re uncovering why this "pancaking" habit happens—and how to restore calm to your walks. We’ll break down the hidden internal conflict keeping your dog stuck, the single essential skill t
Ep 148 The Raw Feeding Dilemma: 3 Simple Hacks for Mess-Free Rewards!
If you feed your dog a raw diet, you’ve probably wondered: “I don’t know how to reward my dog without making a total mess!” In this episode, we’re talking all things raw feeding, from how to prevent sticky pockets to simple ways to keep your rewards both hygienic and high-value when on the go! We’ll explore the different types of treats you could use, plus how a surprisingly clever tool can help k
Ep 147 Why Your Dog Explodes When the Phone Rings (And What to Do Instead!)
Does your dog instantly launch into a barking frenzy the exact second you answer a phone call? Whether they demand your attention every time the ringtone goes off or seem completely triggered by your daily conversations, in this episode, we’re uncovering why phone calls cause such sudden outbursts - and how to restore peace to your home! We’ll break down the surprising associations and factors tha
Ep 146 Travel Without the Worry: How to Prepare Your Dog (and Sitter!) for Complete Success
Have you arranged for someone else to look after your dog while you’re away for work or on holiday and found yourself worrying about how they will handle the shift? Whether you’re anxious about routine disruptions or wondering how to make the handoff go smoothly, in this episode, we’re uncovering how to set both your dog and their sitter up for total success! We’ll break down why tweaking daily ro
Ep 145 Hosting Without the Hassle: How to Help Your Dog Make Better Choices Around Visitors
Does your dog suddenly lose their cool or erupt into barking as soon as guests arrive? Whether they jump up in sheer excitement or struggle to settle even when on lead, in this episode, we’re uncovering why these chaotic outbursts happen - and what we can do to help! We’ll break down how small, hidden doses of stress and excitement throughout your dog’s day can trigger unwanted choices. Plus, we’l
Ep 144 Tuned Out on Walks? Why Your Dog Ignores You Outside (And How to Fix It!)
Can your dog play games perfectly in the garden, only to act like you don’t exist the moment you go for a walk? Whether they ignore your cues entirely or treat high-value rewards like background noise, in this episode, we’re uncovering why ‘selective hearing’ happens - and why it’s far easier to fix than you think! We’ll break down why high-distraction environments could be creating hidden pressur
Ep 143 Why Treats Aren't Working: The Secret to Building a Foodie Dog
Is your dog completely unmotivated by food the moment a training session starts? Whether they completely ignore food during training sessions or turn their nose up at treats when you ask for focus, in this episode, we’re uncovering why a low food drive isn’t a dead end…it’s actually a major clue! We’ll break down the surprising, hidden reason why so many dogs reject food during training (hint: it’
Ep 142 Life After a Dog Attack: The Unexpected Fix for Scared, Reactive Dogs
Has a dog bite, attack or fight left your once-confident dog suddenly anxious, barking, or scrambling to get back home? In this episode, we’re exploring how you can support your dog after they’ve been attacked and turn an awful situation into a life-changing opportunity to build an incredible bond with your dog! We’ll unpack how temporarily shrinking their world can help ease the constant worrying
Ep 141 The Truth About Introducing a Puppy to Your Multi-Dog Home: High Expectations, Big Stress!
Are you bringing home a new puppy but are worried about how your older dog might react? Whether you’re feeling the pressure for them to be instant best friends or assuming that non-stop, high-energy play is the sign of a successful bond, in this episode, we’re uncovering why these overexcited relationships aren’t all they're cracked up to be. We’ll break down why rushing the process can cause
Ep 140 Double the Dogs, Double the Drama? How to Tackle Multi-Dog FOMO!
Do you have a multi-dog household where training sessions quickly turn into chaos, or your dogs can’t seem to do anything when they’re apart? Whether your dogs distract each other when training together or suffer from serious FOMO without the other, managing multiple dogs can leave you feeling pulled in every direction. In this episode, we’re exploring why our dogs can struggle to switch off when
Ep 139 Summertime Struggles: Top Tips for Hot Dogs!
Does sunny weather leave you wondering why your dog is suddenly acting out of character? Whether your dog has started snapping over simple interactions, refusing their favourite meals, or stubbornly baking themselves in the sun despite the heatwave, we’ll uncover why these bewildering behaviours aren’t just a fluke and what’s actually happening under the surface. We’ll break down why dogs are surp
Ep 138 Pack Your Bags! Top Tips for Going on Holiday with Anxious, Nervous and Over-The-Top Dogs
Does the thought of taking your dog on holiday leave you feeling more stressed than excited? This week, we're discussing how to help dogs who find new places, routines and experiences a little overwhelming. Whether your dog struggles to settle somewhere new, worries about unfamiliar environments or simply finds change difficult, we’ll discuss the importance of preparation, as well as explorin
Ep 137 Help! My Dog Pees When They're Excited
Does your dog turn into a water fountain every time they greet another dog or person? This week, we’re exploring why some dogs urinate when they get too excited and how this embarrassing, awkward (and sometimes hilarious) behaviour can actually open the door to growing super valuable skills for our dogs. Whether they seem to love people just a bit too much or can’t control themselves every time th
Ep 136 Could Pain Be Causing Your Dog’s Reactivity?
Could pain secretly be causing your dog’s sudden reactivity or changes in behaviour, even if they aren’t showing any outward signs of discomfort? This week we’re discussing a super important and valuable topic - how our dogs’ health, specifically pain, can influence how they feel, behave and perceive the world around them. While many of us think of the obvious signs of pain, such as limping, slowi
Ep 135 The Secret to Calm, Stress-Free Multi-Dog Walks
Your dogs are brilliant on their own, so why does everything fall apart when they’re together?! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your dogs can listen beautifully individually, but suddenly become over-excited, distracted or completely forget everything they’ve learned as soon as they’re walking side by side, you’re definitely not alone! This week, we’re exploring our top tips for stress
Ep 134 Go, Go, Go! Why Your Dog Can’t Chill Out After Going for a Walk
Does going out for a walk always leave your dog wanting more, no matter how long it was or how much you did? Whether they pace around, get the zoomies, or even follow you like a shadow, when our dogs struggle to relax after getting home from a good walk, it can leave us feeling pretty confused! This week, we’re exploring why some dogs can’t seem to switch off after getting in from a walk, and what
Ep 133 The REAL Reason Your Dog is Scared of Things
Is your dog suddenly afraid of totally random things that never used to bother them before? From wheelie bins, to scooters or even people wearing hats, when our dogs suddenly start showing signs that they’re scared of everyday things they used to ignore, it can be incredibly confusing and, at times worrying, for us owners. This week, we’re discussing the hidden reasons why your dog might be showin
Ep 132 Troublesome Teens: Why Adolescent Dogs “Forget” Their Training
Has your teenage dog forgotten everything that they once knew - including their own name!? This week, we’re exploring what adolescence really means for our dogs’ bodies and brains, as well as why this typically troublesome lifestage can actually be a valuable opportunity to level up your (and your dog’s) skills! While adolescence can inspire some funny and (often) embarrassing moments, it can also
Ep 131 My Dog Ignores Me! Top 4 Reasons for “Stubborn” Dogs & What to Do About It!
Does your dog ignore you? No matter how many times you call their name or ask them to do something, does it feel like you’re talking to a brick wall? While it may seem like your dog is being intentionally stubborn, this week we’re exploring the top 4 reasons why your dog might seem to channel their inner teenager! We’ll take a look at a few possible underlying causes for this frustrating (and slig
Ep 130 Playtime Gone Wrong: Top Tips for Over the Top, Crazy Play With Your Dog!
Does playtime with your dog get a little too over the top a little too often? Is tug of war or a simple game of fetch a one-way ticket to your dog mouthing, jumping up or even biting at your clothes? This week, we’re taking a look at why playtime can often descend into chaos and what that might be telling you about your dog’s brain! While playtime is a great chance to have fun, let off some steam
Ep 129 Help! My Dog Won't Leave Me Alone
Do you have a velcro dog? No matter where you go or what you do, they always want to be right by your side, looking for attention or trying to play? This week, we’re exploring why our dogs can start to feel more like our shadow, and what we can do to help them get unstuck! While having your dog by your side might sound quite cute, it can actually have some hidden consequences for your dog’s overal
Ep 128 Teach Your Dog This ONE Skill for Consistently Calm Walks
Does going out for a walk feel like you’re taking 2 completely different dogs with you? Does it always seem like your dog is rushing ahead, pulling on lead and eager to go until…you turn around and head home, and then they’re as good as gold, walking politely by your side? This week we’re exploring why our dog’s behaviour on walks can leave us feeling confused and what we can do to help them stay
Ep 127 Ouch! Why Puppies Bite & What to Do About It
Do you start hearing the Jaws theme song every time your puppy gets a bit too excited!? If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you’ve probably found yourself on the receiving end of those tiny teeth at least once! This week, we’re discussing a listener’s question and thinking about some of the key reasons behind why puppies bite. This super common mouthy behaviour might actually have more to do with the na
Ep 126 They Just Need an Outlet! Why Breed-Specific Behaviours Could be Stalling Your Training Progress
Has anyone ever told you that if you just “let your dog do what they were bred to do”, all of their behaviour struggles will miraculously disappear? Our dogs have evolved to have super strong skills in certain areas - from ultra-speedy, chase-y collies to laser-focused pointers - and it’s easy to believe that “giving them an outlet” to flex those skills could do them a lot of good! This week, we’r
Ep 125 Do You Have an Aggressive Dog?
Do you own an aggressive dog? Whether your dog has already been labelled as “aggressive” by other dog owners or passers-by or they’ve started showing worrying or scary behaviours such as biting or snarling, helping our dogs through big behaviour struggles and emotions can be difficult and unsettling! This week, we’re answering another listener’s question and thinking about where and why this kind
Ep 124 Dog Reactivity: What to Do In the Moment When Your Dog Reacts
Does your dog’s reactivity leave you feeling absolutely clueless when you’re in the moment with no idea what to do or how to help? Owning a reactive dog can be incredibly challenging and often isolating, but we’re here to tell you that you’re not alone! This week, we’re discussing reactivity and giving you our top tips to help your dog when you’re in the moment. By breaking everything down into 3
Ep 123 Top Tips for the First 24 Hours With Your New Dog or Puppy! Welcome Home!
Welcome home! Welcoming a new dog into your home is incredibly exciting, and there are lots of wonderful things to look forward to - from getting to make new memories, learning about their personality and having some extra cuteness around. But it can also be stressful and overwhelming for us owners as we navigate our new responsibilities and adjust to life with our new companion. This week, we’re
Ep 122 Why Your Dog "Hates" Random Things: The Hidden Reasons Behind Your Dog’s Reactivity
Do totally random things make your dog feel anxious, scared or even show signs of reactivity? Whether it’s cars, strangers, other dogs, certain men or women, or even people using wheelchairs or zimmer frames, it can sometimes feel like there’s no clear reason behind why our dogs suddenly react. This week we’re discussing all things novelty - and we don’t mean silly toys or gifts! Our dogs encounte
Ep 121 Dog-Dog Interactions 101: When Canine Conversations Go Wrong!
Does it sometimes seem like your dog doesn’t quite know how to interact with other dogs? Whether they’re a walking buddy, a family member’s pet or just a random dog that you see out and about, does your dog struggle with those polite (if sometimes a bit playful) dog-to-dog meet and greets? If barking, lunging, snapping or flipping around on the end of the lead is your reality, then this episode is
Ep 120 Three Things Every New Dog Owner NEEDS To Know
So you’ve brought home a new dog…but now what!? Figuring out the first steps with a new dog - whether they’re a puppy, a rescue dog, or are just new to your household - can often leave us feeling like we’ve got a million things to accomplish and no time to actually do so! But don’t worry, you’re not alone! This week we’re talking about all things ‘new dog’, and how we can set up strong foundations
Ep 119 Dog Reactivity at Home: Top Tips for Explosive, Unpredictable Behaviour
Does your dog go from zero to one hundred in the blink of an eye? One moment they’re relaxed at home, and the next they’re barking, jumping or even biting? You’re not alone! In this week’s episode we’re diving into why our dogs might seem to be unpredictably reactive at home. We’ll explore why our dogs flip from calm to chaotic in an instant, and how seemingly insignificant events, like the neighb
Ep 118 Troublesome Toilet Walks: What To Do When Walks Are Unavoidable
Are walks an unavoidable part of your dog’s daily life? Whether you live in an apartment or flat, don’t have a garden, or have been told that walks are a necessity, this episode is for you! This week we’re tackling one of our most asked questions and taking a look at how you can rebuild your dog’s relationship with walking when ditching them completely just isn’t possible! We’ll think about some w
Ep 117 To Feed or Not To Feed: Why Treats Could Be Stalling Your Training Progress & What To Do About It
Is your dog constantly x-raying your hands for a treat? Is food ruling your relationship with your dog? Have you ever been worried that your dog cares more about the food you have than you - perhaps they don’t seem that interested in what you’re saying, your training progress has slowed, or it may have even come to a complete standstill. This week we’re discussing a topic that we think every dog o
Ep 116 Help! My Dog Won't Stop Digging Holes in My Garden!
Does your dog think they’re the next Monty Don? Have they got a real love for landscaping - even if you’re not quite so keen? This week we’re answering a listener question and exploring why your dog might be digging holes in your garden. Rehearsals aren’t just for actors - it might be that your dog’s brain is telling them that being in the garden means destroying the garden! We’ll discuss an easy
Ep 115 Ready, Set, Go! Why Dogs Chase & Top Tips to Keep Them Safe
ZOOM! There goes your dog chasing after another cyclist, dog, jogger, car…This week we’re tackling one of our most requested topics - why dogs love to chase (and what to do about it!). We’re thinking about exactly why dogs find chasing so exciting and how our dog’s natural instincts can leave us standing, watching as they run after whatever has caught their attention this time! We’ll introduce so
Ep 114 Why Your Dog's Training Progress Has Stopped & What To Do About It!
Feeling stuck when it comes to your dog’s training? You’ve seen some great progression, and your dog was heading in the right direction, but then everything just seemed to…stop? In this week’s episode we’re addressing some common reasons behind why your dog’s progress may have hit a dead end, including some you haven’t thought about before! It can be easy to fall into patterns and routines, using
Ep 113 The Hidden Impact of Hormones on Dog Training and Behaviour
When our female dogs go into season, it can be a bit puzzling for us humans, especially if it’s the first time or they start displaying behaviours that we’ve not seen before! This week we’re diving into one of our most requested topics and taking a close look at the way our dog’s hormones can impact them physically and emotionally while they’re in season. If your female dog doesn’t seem quite like
Ep 112 The REAL Reason Your Dog is Ignoring You!
Does your dog like to channel their inner teenager? Despite how many times you call them, or how many treats and toys you offer them, they just ignore you completely? We promise they’re not being rude, and this week we’re getting to the bottom of some of the reasons why your dog might be ignoring you, as well as some useful ways you can help to address this frustrating behaviour struggle. Although
Ep 111 Why Your Dog Dislikes Walks & The Key Advice Most People Miss
Are dogs born liking walks? Perhaps you’ve asked yourself this question, wondering why your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy walks at all, or why they act like their lead or harness is their mortal enemy? While going out for walks seems like an obvious thing all dogs love to do, for some dogs, the experience can be frightening, overwhelming or just a little too much. It can be upsetting or worrying for u
Ep 110 Why You and Your Dog Are More Emotionally Linked Than You Think
Does it sometimes feel like your dog can read your mind? Do they seem to pick up on every little worry or concern? Your dog’s behaviour struggles don’t have to be a mystery, or a source of frustration and anxiety - whether they find the world a little too much to handle, or are reactive to people or other dogs. In this episode, we’re tackling how some of the choices we make as owners can impact ho
Ep 109 Everything You Need to Know to Make 2026 a GREAT Year For You and Your Dog!
Sometimes it can feel like we’ve hit a dead-end when it comes to our dog’s behaviour struggles and training journey. It feels like you’ve tried everything, and yet your dog’s progress has come to a complete standstill. With a new year right around the corner, we’re discussing how we can promote meaningful change for us and our dogs. Maybe you’d like to help your dog’s reactivity. Maybe you’d like
Ep 108 Top 3 Tips for a Happy Christmas with Your Dog
Is your Christmas looking more like canine chaos, rather than festive fun? Well in this holiday-themed episode, we’re taking a look at how we can prioritise our dogs’ wellbeing and happiness, whilst also taking the chance to enjoy the celebrations. We’ll dive into what ‘fairness’ means when it comes to our dogs, and give you some handy tips and tricks to help make this holiday period a happy one f
Ep 107 Why Your Dog Loses Their Barking Mind at the Window (& What to Do About It)
Does your dog have a meltdown every time something walks past the window? This is a super common struggle, and no, it’s not because your dog is simply “being naughty” or trying to run the neighbourhood! In this episode, we unpack why window barking happens, why it feels so exhausting, and why the usual reactions often leave everyone more stressed. We talk about what’s actually going on in your dog
Ep 106 Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks? The Secret to Preventing Cognitive Decline
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”…or can you? Have you ever wondered what actually happens inside your dog’s brain as they age or how to keep it sharp and young for years to come? We’re exploring why some senior behaviours appear seemingly out of nowhere and why they aren’t always about age at all. You’ll learn what cognitive flexibility really means and how it affects everything from routin
Ep 105 Dog Car Travel Made Easy: Stop the Barking and the Stress
If you’ve ever felt embarrassed, stressed, or just downright defeated by your dog barking in the car or their complete inability to travel, this episode is for you. We’re diving into what’s really going on for dogs who lose their cool the moment the engine starts and why it’s not as simple as “training in the car.” You’ll hear a fresh way of looking at car struggles that might just change the whol
Ep 104 Taming the Cat-Dog Chaos: Multi-Pet Household Harmony
If life with both dogs and cats feels a bit like refereeing a never-ending chase scene, you’ll want to tune into this episode. We’re diving into the real reasons some dogs struggle to stay calm around their feline housemates and why that behaviour can snowball so quickly. You’ll hear practical strategies for shifting that dynamic in a way that feels manageable, even in a busy household. We’re also
Ep 103 Lead Reactivity: How to Turn Fear into Confidence
Have you ever wondered why your dog seems totally fine off lead, but everything changes the second you clip it on, barking, lunging, reactivity towards other dogs? Or maybe it’s the other way around for your dog? This week, we dive into a listener’s question about their dog doing just this after a dog attack and how it’s often more common than you think (whether your dog has been attacked or not!)
Ep 102 Why Ignoring Your Dog’s Jumping Doesn’t Work
Got an overexcited pup who just can’t keep four paws on the floor when meeting people? This is one of the most common challenges for puppies and adult dogs alike! In this episode, we dig into why the usual advice of “just fold your arms and ignore the jumping” often doesn’t quite work and what’s really happening in your dog’s brain when that excitement takes over. We’ll talk about why some methods
Ep 101 What’s Really Going On When Your Dog’s Behaviour Suddenly Gets Worse?
Has your dog’s behaviour suddenly changed for no clear reason? One week they’re doing great, the next week they’re barking, snapping, or refusing walks, and you’re left wondering what happened. In this episode, we break down how to make sense of those “out of nowhere” shifts, making this seemingly complex behaviour struggle make sense. You’ll learn a simple framework the Behavet team uses every da
Ep 100 Creating the Calm Café (or Pub) Dog
Sometimes your dog is the perfect walking buddy, but the moment you sit down at a café or pub, it’s like they forget all their chill. If you’ve ever tried to enjoy a flat white while your dog barks for attention under the table, this episode is for you. We’re diving into what’s really going on when your dog struggles to settle in busy social spaces and how to start changing that picture. You’ll le
Ep 99 Top 5 Tips for a Happier Halloween with Your Dog
Halloween might be fun for us, but for our dogs, it can be a whole world of weird sights, sounds, and spooky surprises! In this episode, we dive into our top 5 tips to help your dog not just cope, but thrive during this time of year. From handling unexpected changes on your walks to creating calm at home when the doorbell won’t stop ringing, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn how to turn “Hallowe
Ep 98 Fireworks Survival Guide for Dogs: From Prevention to Thriving this Season
Fireworks season is here again, and while it’s beautiful for us, it can be a stressful time for our dogs. In this episode, we’re talking about how to help your dog not just cope with fireworks, but actually thrive through the season. Whether your dog is already nervous or usually unbothered, this is your reminder that prevention is everything. You’ll learn simple, practical ways to build confidenc
Ep 97 “Let Him Tell Them Off” The Worst Dog Park Advice Ever?
You’ve probably heard the advice: “Just let the other dog tell them off. They’ll learn.” It’s one of the most common tips dog owners get…and one of the worst. In this episode, we unpack why that approach doesn’t work and what’s really going on when your dog rushes up to another dog. You’ll learn what your dog’s behaviour is actually telling you, and why it’s not about dominance or being “naughty.”
Ep 96 The Truth About Littermate Syndrome & Multi-Dog Struggles
Littermate syndrome is one of those topics that sparks a lot of debate among dog owners and trainers, and it’s easy to see why. In this episode, we’re unpacking what really happens when two puppies grow up side by side and why it can lead to tricky challenges, all from a concept training perspective. From subtle influences in behaviour to big spirals that leave both dogs struggling, we’ll explore
Ep 95 How to Stop Your Dog’s Doorbell Drama
Does your dog bark, panic or lose their cool every time the doorbell rings? This is one of the most common struggles dog owners face. In this episode, we’re discovering the “why” behind those big reactions and how the doorbell can affect your dog’s stress levels far beyond just that one moment. You’ll hear simple, realistic strategies that can make a huge difference to your dog’s wellbeing and you
Ep 94 How to Protect Your Dog from Incoming Dogs
Every dog owner knows the sinking feeling when another dog comes charging over, uninvited and unstoppable. It’s stressful, emotional, and it can quickly turn what should be a lovely walk into chaos. In this episode, we dive into the real-life challenges of incoming dogs and the surprising role we, as owners, may be playing in those moments. You’ll hear about what’s within your control (and what is
Ep 93 The Truth About Dogs and Marking
Is your dog marking in the house? Although it’s a common behaviour struggle, it can feel pretty frustrating when it keeps happening despite your best efforts. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the reasons dogs mark and what might really be going on when they do it. You’ll hear a listener’s real-life question that inspired this conversation, plus practical steps to help you understand and m
Ep 92 Every Dog Is a Different Journey: Raising a Puppy or New Dog After the Dog of a Lifetime
Bringing a new puppy or new dog into your life after years with another dog can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this episode, we explore what it really means to start fresh when your last dog had struggles or was the “dog of a lifetime.” You’ll hear practical insights on shifting your mindset, building new routines and enjoying the unique journey of raising a puppy or dog without falling int
Ep 91 Why Is Your Reactive Dog’s Behaviour So Unpredictable?
Ever had a dog that’s perfectly fine one moment, then suddenly not? You’re not alone! And in this episode, we’re diving into why dogs can seem unpredictable in everyday situations. Whether it’s being petted, meeting someone new or bumping into a stranger at the vets, their reactions can sometimes feel confusing or even frustrating. We explore the hidden layers behind these moments and how small th
Ep 90 The Truth About Dog Behaviour and Training Education
If you’ve ever dreamed about working with dogs, whether as a trainer, a behaviourist or someone just starting to explore the field OR you’re looking for a behaviourist and wonder what the certification scene is like, this episode is going to open your eyes. The world of dog training education is often described as a maze, and for good reason: it’s unregulated, confusing and full of pitfalls that c
Ep 89 Inside the Life of a Dog Behaviourist
If you’ve ever dreamed of working with dogs but wondered if it’s truly possible, this episode is for you. We’re pulling back the curtain on what life as a dog behaviourist is really like: the rewards, the variety, the unexpected moments that keep you hooked. You’ll hear what makes this work so uniquely fulfilling and why the world desperately needs more qualified trainers and behaviourists. Whethe
Ep 88 Why Your Dog Hates the Car (And What To Do About It)
Ever had to awkwardly hoist your dog into the car while wondering, “You can jump on the bed just fine, what gives?” You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into why some dogs hesitate with car rides, even when they love where the journey ends. Hint: they’re not being stubborn; there’s a lot more going on underneath the surface. We’ll explore how to shift your dog’s mindset, turn the car in
Ep 87 What Your Dog Wishes You Knew About Grooming
Does your dog hate being groomed? How can you set them up for success at the groomers, for bath time, nail clipping and more? In this episode, we’ll be diving into what you can do to set your dog up for a stress-free grooming experience. From the first steps at home to finding the right groomer, we’re talking about the building blocks that create a dog who feels confident, safe and even happy duri
Ep 86 Where Do I Start If My Dog Has Multiple Behaviour Struggles?
Feeling overwhelmed by your dog’s long list of struggles? You’re definitely not alone, and more importantly, there is a way through it. In this episode, Dr Tom Mitchell explains how to approach untangling multiple behaviour issues without feeling like you’re playing an endless game of whack-a-mole. We’ll help you figure out what to focus on first and why not all problems are created equal. You’ll
Ep 85 Is Your Dog Too Young to Train? How to Set Up Sessions That Work
Ever wondered whether your dog is too young to train or how long the perfect training session should be? In this episode, we’re exploring how to set up sessions your dog actually wants to be a part of, using some creative thinking and tailoring to your dog’s specific needs. You’ll learn how to grow with your dog through meaningful sessions to set them up for success in the real world. We’ll also u
Ep 84 The Smart Way to Train Small Dogs
Do you have a small dog? Do you wonder how on earth you’re supposed to reward them without filling up their tummies or hurting your back in the process? In this episode, Dr Tom Mitchell dives into the clever ways you can train and play games with your tiny companion (and he’d know, as the owner of two tiny dachshunds!). We’ll be looking at everything from how to portion out rewards to avoid overfe
Ep 83 Does Your Dog Secretly Have Separation Anxiety?
Is your dog really ok when you leave the house or are they quietly struggling every time the door shuts behind you? In this eye-opening episode, Dr Tom Mitchell unpacks the hidden signs of canine separation anxiety that many pet owners miss. Even if your dog seems “fine,” there could be subtle behaviours suggesting they’re anything but. We’ll help you understand how to spot those whispers of separ
Ep 82 Garden Wars: Is Your Dog’s Backyard Routine Sabotaging Training?
Is your garden a war zone for your dog? Whether it’s your dog reacting in their backyard or your neighbours’ dog sparking the drama, what seems like innocent outdoor time could actually be shaping your dog’s behaviour more than you think! Have you ever noticed how your dog’s mood spikes from just a quick trip outside? Or how their behaviour in other parts of their life isn’t getting better? There’
Ep 81 The Surprising Opportunity in Moving House With Your Dog
Moving home with your dog? You’re probably wondering if this big life change is going to undo all of the calmness, settling and other training you’ve worked so hard on. But what if this move could actually set your dog up for even greater success? In this episode, we’re challenging some common fears about dog behaviour and house moves. You’ll discover why a fresh start might just be the best thing
Ep 80 How to Stop Your Dog or Puppy Waking You At Night
Do you have a dog that just won’t settle at night? Whether you’ve got a puppy who’s crying through the night or an older dog who keeps waking you up at 3am, this episode is packed with ideas to help you (finally) get some rest. We’re looking at why dogs of all ages can struggle to sleep through the night and what you can do to gently guide them toward peaceful slumber. If you’ve ever found yoursel
Ep 79 What Having a Baby Taught Me About Dog Training
Welcoming a baby into your home is a huge transition, and if you’ve got dogs, it can add a whole new layer of complexity. This episode pulls back the curtain on what it’s REALLY like to live through that change, not just plan for it. From what worked exactly as expected to what caught us completely off guard, there’s plenty we learned from the experience that we hadn’t anticipated. You’ll hear rea
Ep 78 The Real Secret to Calming Your High-Energy Dog & You’ve Got My Attention!
If you’ve ever felt like your dog has a rocket booster attached to their tail, this episode is for you! We’re jumping back into the world of high-energy, over-the-top, can’t-sit-still dogs. You know the ones: they seem to think everything should happen at hyper speed. The ones that bounce off the walls, want to walk faster (or better yet, run!), who want everything to happen NOW (and will bark, ac
Ep 77 Why Is My Dog Barking at the TV? (And What You Can Do About It) & Too Close for Comfort
Have you ever felt like your dog has a personal vendetta against the TV? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into a listener's question about a dog who just can’t stop barking at animals on the screen. It’s a surprisingly common problem with surprisingly few answers online, and it often leaves owners feeling stuck and overwhelmed (possibly with broken TVs!). Why is your dog reacti
Ep 76 The Smart Way to Train in a Multi-Dog Household & Woody’s Song
Managing a multi-dog household can feel like juggling with one hand tied behind your back, especially when it comes to training. How does it even work and what are the steps? You’ve probably heard that working with your dogs one at a time is the way to go, but what does that actually look like in real life? What if your dogs struggle being apart, or one starts barking the moment the other gets you
Ep 75 Unlocking A Harness-Hating Puppy’s Superpowers for Calm, Confident Walks & She’s Got Moxie!
Is your puppy avoiding their harness or seeming less than thrilled about going for a walk? In this episode, we’re diving into why your dog might be dodging their harness (even if nothing traumatic happened) and how to reframe things and turn their walking gear into a “superhero cape” that sparks joy, calmness and confidence, transforming your walks and potential reactivity at the same time. Dr Tom
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