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

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, we’ll share our favourite, easy game plan to make travelling feel safe and enjoyable for everyone!

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Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictabl...

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 dog, plus how making small tweaks to your dog’s daily routine can make time in the crate feel completely normal and effortless!

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Whether...

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 they need to navigate these moments, and a simple home strategy to snap their focus right back to you before things explode!

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Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs o...

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 keep rewards mess-free, convenient and super motivating wherever your walks take you!

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Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictab...

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 that send your dog into overdrive, plus a simple habit shift that gives them a calm, rewarding job to do in the moment. We’ll also share an easy but powerful framework to hel...

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 routines before you travel can prevent sudden overwhelm, plus simple prep steps to eliminate worry for everyone involved. We’ll also strip down the entire experience, exploring...

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’ll walk through a super simple game that you can play to unlock a calm dog without sacrificing your social life!

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Whether your dog is u...

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 pressures, plus a few simple shifts to build effortless focus out and about. We’ll also share some simple strategies for flipping your dog’s attention back to you that you can sta...

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’s rarely because they’re picky!). Plus, we’ll share a simple process to flip their mindset around rewards and the secret to getting your dog to actually beg...

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, plus we’ll share a few simple tips to switch off their reactive mindset and rewire their brain with simple, positive predictors to boost their confidence from the inside out! 

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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 unnecessary stress (for you and your dogs), and explore a few of our top tips for launching first meetings on neutral ground. We’ll dive into how to build effo...

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 their housemate gets all the action (and how you can help them get unstuck)! We’ll explore if this struggle is driven by jealousy, the importance of daily routines, as well as...

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 surprisingly terrible at making smart choices when it gets hot, and explore a few of our top tips to help prepare your dog for soaring temperatures. If you want to keep your cool and protect...

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 exploring some practical ways to make travelling feel safer and easier every step of the way. If you're hoping to enjoy a holiday without leaving your dog's wellbeing behind, this episode is packed with tips to help both of...

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 they see another dog, we’ll explore why this behaviour isn’t just the result of poor toilet training and what their brain might actually be telling them under the surf...

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, slowing down and difficulty completing everyday activities, by putting on our detective hats and looking for the often-missed emotional and behavioural clues, we can better understand how our dogs are really f...

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-free multi-dog walks, including some easy ways you can help them rediscover their ability to think and focus in each other’s company. We’ll explore key steps to building successful teamwork, from getting their br...

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 that might be telling us about their inner stress management. While age-old advice tells us that energetic, over-excited or hyper dogs...

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 showing signs of fear out of the blue. When our dogs’ outward behaviour changes, it might mean that there’s something going on inside their brain or body that they need som...

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 be a time of frustration and confusion, as our dogs may start displaying behaviours we’ve never seen before - from acting more stubborn than usual, to ignoring you completely! We’ll dive into some...

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 slightly embarrassing) behaviour struggle, as well as considering why “stubbornness” might not be the most valuable way to think about it. From canine confusion to disenga...

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 and spend a bit of quality time with your dog, relaxed and peaceful play actually has more to do w...

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 overall behaviour, emotions and rest. We’ll explore the top 3 reasons for this behaviour, and think about some easy ways you ca...

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 cool, calm and collected the whole time. We’ll consider what our dog’s brain might be telling them and why their ever...

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 natural development of their brains than you think, so we’ll explore how we can use this to our advantage and grow some useful skills early on t...

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’re tackling this common dog behaviour myth and thinking about why this might not be the one-stop solution you’ve been looking for. While these skills can be useful...

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 of behaviour appears. By thinking about the unseen emotions our dogs are experiencing, you can unlock the secrets behind your dog’s outward behaviour and, more importantly, what you can do to help them feel ha...

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 easy to follow steps, we’ll explore some strategies to show your dog that they have more control over their situation than they may think and...

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 breaking down our top tips for the first 24 hours with your new dog, whether they’re a puppy, a rescue or are just new to your home. From getting them sett...

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 encounter new events, scenarios and interactions all the time, and if they’re more of a glass-half-empty dog, these experiences can feel overwhelming. We’ll explore some super simple expla...

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 for you! This week, we’re talking about all things interaction and getting to understand the ins and outs of canine conversation. We’ll explore wh...

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, whether we’re introducing puppies, shelter dogs, international rescue dogs, or any newbie into our household! We’ll dis...

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 neighbour knocking the door, a cat appearing in the garden or post and deliveries arriving, can add up to big reactions. Don’t worry; we’ll...

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 ways that we can help our dogs before we’ve even left home, as well as some small (but mighty) changes you can make to sw...

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 owner should know about: what to do when treats seem to take center stage in your behaviour training sessions. We’ll talk about why this can...

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 framework that you can use to help your dog re-learn their relationship with the garden, a simple reframe to achieve the results y...

 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 some really simple tactics to help address this all too common behaviour and how you can speak your dog’s language to help them re-focus on what’s really import...

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 the same tools, tricks or games that were previously successful, but this can often lead to plateauing (cue frustration for us as owners!). We’ll discuss why re-f...

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 themself - maybe they aren’t enjoying interacting with other dogs or people as much, maybe they suddenly start resource guarding,  or maybe they’v...

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 it might seem intentional, there might be a lot more going on underneath the surface that leads to those awkward and embarrassing moments that they seem...