Help! My Dog: The Podcast. Dog Behaviour & Training Strategies that Work!
Dr Tom Mitchell
90 episodes
2 days ago
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 can waste time and money. In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry wo...
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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 can waste time and money. In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry wo...
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 can waste time and money. In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry wo...
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. Whether you’ve been toying with the idea for years or only just realised it could be your calling, you’...
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 into a space they actually want to get into and help them build confidence from the ground up. We’r...
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 during grooming (including bath time!). You’ll learn how to introduce your dog or puppy to the sights...
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 learn how to assess the big picture and work with your dog’s needs to stop everything from barkin...
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 unpack what it means when your dog gets distracted and why it might be the best clue you have to s...
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 overfeeding to smart strategies that keep your sessions short, sweet and effective. You’ll get ideas on...
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 separation struggle without worrying or guessing. Tune in for insights that could change the way you s...
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’s a surprising link that’s quietly feeding these unwanted behaviours without you realising! In th...
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 for your dog’s emotions and how to shape exactly what you want in your new home, room by room. W...
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 yourself stuck sleeping on the sofa or forgetting random things due to sleep deprivation, this one’s for...
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 real moments, real adjustments and real insights we gained from living through it these last few wee...
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, action prompt and attention seek for it) and leave you wondering if you’re just the fun police keep...
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 reacting like that to the latest Attenborough documentary as if elephants and giraffes just invaded your liv...
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 your attention? This episode breaks down a common roadblock many dog owners face and explores how to...
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 Mitchell, creator of the 10-day “Help! My Walks Are Stressful” programme and renowned vet and do...
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 even before the ‘novelty machine’ arrives. Whether you’re expecting or have the occasional skin b...
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 practical tips to help reduce their allergen load from pollen, mites and more. You’ll learn about yo...
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 dashes off the second the lead is unclipped, is constantly testing the limits of their longline or...
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 what you can do about it (without having to drag them along behind you!). We’ll be sharing some top ...
Help! My Dog: The Podcast. Dog Behaviour & Training Strategies that Work!
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 can waste time and money. In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry wo...
