Help! My Dog: The Podcast. Dog Behaviour & Training Strategies that Work!

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...

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...

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...

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...

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’...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

A baby is on the way! But this time, it’s a skin baby, not a fur baby! In this episode, we’re diving into how to prepare your dog for this new arrival, whether it’s a long-term addition or just a tiny visitor. From unpredictable sounds to strange new objects, babies bring a whole lot of novelty into a dog’s world. We talk about practical, low-stress ways to help your dog adjust to all the changes...

Is your dog a little itchier than usual this time of year? Or maybe on and off all year round? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of allergies and the subtle ways they might be affecting your dog’s behaviour – even if you’ve never thought of them as an “allergic dog”. From a vet’s perspective, we explore how low-level itchiness can spill over into your dog’s behaviour and share super pra...

Does your dog behave one way on lead and a totally different way off lead? This is a super common behaviour, and in this episode, we’ll be diving into why this happens and what you can do about it. We’re getting really practical and giving you clever ways to blur the lines between “on lead” and “off lead” so your dog starts to make the same awesome choices, no matter the set up. Whether your dog d...

Have you ever been on a walk where your dog decides to stop dead in their tracks, refusing to move? They might also lie down and flatten themselves on the ground making it even harder to move them on without dragging them across the pavement (or sidewalk for the Americans). We call this “pancaking”! In this episode, you’ll be introduced to the “pancake dog”. We’ll talk about why they do it and wha...

Why hasn’t the training you’ve done in the past worked for your dog? Is your dog still barking and lunging? Pulling on lead? Jumping at your guests? Stealing your socks? Are they still anxious, over-excited, crazy and a complete handful? The answer is simpler than you think! In this episode, we’ll be breaking down why this happens, how your dog actually learns and what you should be doing instead....

If you have dogs zooming around the house, jumping on guests, launching off at every sound or creating chaos with your other dogs, you might be amazed to hear that something as simple as their bed could be your ticket to a calmer home! In this episode, we’re diving into the magic of boundaries – what they are, why they matter and how they can transform life with your dog (or dogs!). From multi-dog...

Ever feel like your dog is glued to you 24/7 – following you everywhere (even the toilet!), demanding attention or struggling when you leave? It turns out that this could be due to another dog training mistake we might be making! In Part 2 of our special double feature, we’re breaking down why so many dogs have a hard time settling and staying calm when we’re not interacting with them. We’ll be le...

Could these two really common things we do with our dogs be the very reason they struggle with listening to us, ignoring us or chase? In this episode, Part One of Two, we’re breaking down how a super common piece of advice might be shaping your dog’s choices in a big way. We’ll reveal a simple, secret skill that, once your dog understands it, makes life so much easier (think: no more chasing, igno...

Is there hope for your reactive dog? There’s more than that – there’s a life-changing opportunity. In this powerful episode, we’re giving you an update on Gorse’s emotional, inspiring journey. Once a dog paralysed by fear after a traumatic dog bite incident, you’ll find out about her remarkable transformation and latest adventure on the beach. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated or like progress...

Ever wondered why some dogs struggle more no matter how much training they receive? Or why some seem to regress backwards? In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating connection between health and behaviour. Get ready to get geeky as we discover how hidden pain, allergies or gut issues could be silently contributing to your dog’s reactivity and behaviour struggles. Tune in to learn how addr...

Ever wonder what it takes to REALLY make your dog’s life extraordinary? It’s more than just food, shelter and the occasional walk you learned about when you first got your dog. In this episode, we break down the secret formula for happiness and a long life for your dog – going beyond the basics to unlock their full potential. You’ll discover the pyramid of needs and why some of the things you’ve b...

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a vicious cycle of trying to exercise your dog but only seeing their behaviour get worse? In this episode, we’re looking at a tricky behaviour case where an owner was stuck walking their reactive dog five times a day in an attempt to tire them out and was faced with this exact challenge. We’ll explore the common misconception that more exercise always leads to a calm...

You’ve probably been there: you’re making progress, but then, suddenly you hit a roadblock and you feel like you’re back to square one. What’s going on? In this episode, we’re tackling the two biggest reasons why people often struggle to transform their dog’s behaviour. We’ll break down how our human brains can trick us into giving up when things get tough. Learn how to shift your mindset, avoid f...