Is your approach to rewarding calmness not working? Is your dog actually getting LESS calm and MORE crazy? In this episode, Dr Tom Mitchell unpacks why your calmness reward strategy might not be working and creating more frustration and tension in your dog. You’ll discover how to shift your focus and learn how to recognise subtle signs that can be the key to helping your dog relax and settle naturally. We’ll also explore three common pitfalls and share practical tips to set you and your dog u...
Can your dog sense that you’re stressed? Do dogs literally smell fear? We’re getting geeky in this episode and exploring the idea of emotional contagion. Science now confirms that a person’s emotional state might influence our furry friends in surprising ways (but not necessarily in the ways we might have been previously told!). From subtle changes in body language to shifts in scent, we break down how dogs perceive and respond to our emotional cues. We’ll also be giving you some actionable s...
Frustration. It’s something we all feel, but how does it show up in our dogs? We’re diving into the fascinating world of canine emotions to explore what happens when a dog’s expectations don’t match reality and what we can do to help them navigate around those big emotions that might result in barking, jumping and other reactive behaviours. Join us as we discover how making some small, everyday changes can make a big difference in your lives. It will change the way you think about frustration...
Have you ever wondered why your dog is reactive or what is causing their barking, lunging, snapping, growling, pulling on lead or other reactive behaviours? In this episode, we’re diving into three different ways that reactivity can develop in dogs. Between your stories and what we see in the behaviour clinic, these root causes show up again and again – though they might not be what you would immediately think! Tune in to find out more and discover what could have influenced your dog’s behavi...
Dr Aston is back! This time, she’s sharing the top three things she wishes she knew before she got her dog (who happens to be a big reason why she went down the behaviour rabbit hole!). They are things that can absolutely help you in your dog training journey whether your dog is reactive or not and, especially, if you have or are thinking about getting a new puppy! Learn from our past mistakes and triumphs for your dog. We have some BIG takeaways for all kinds of struggles in this one, so tun...
If you’re struggling with a reactive dog and feel like there’s no hope, this episode is for you. Join us as we chat with special guest, Dr. Aston from Behavet, about finding hope in challenging situations and reshaping your dog’s future to achieve your dog-owning dreams. We’ll hear real-life stories straight from the clinic and meet three dogs with some big struggles who are now thriving in their lives. You’ll see how lasting change is absolutely possible and can take as little as 10 minutes ...
Do you feel like the dream you once had with your dog has faded into a cycle of day-to-day firefighting and endless to-dos? In this episode, we explore how to reconnect with that vision and build a joyful, fun-filled life with your dog by your side, wherever you are in your journey. Learn how to stay resilient, shift your mindset and understand what you and your dog truly need to thrive. Whether you’re feeling like the fun police or just struggling to keep perspective, this conversation will ...
Join us in this incredible episode as we explore the top five most powerful takeaways for helping reactive dogs by learning from the transformational and inspiring journey of Gorse, Dr. Tom Mitchell’s own little dachshund, who bounced back from a traumatic experience of being bitten by a dog over 20 times her size. Offering hope, support and actionable steps to help your dog thrive, whether they’re currently barking, lunging, anxious and more, this is surely an episode you don’t want to miss!...
Here in the UK, fireworks season is upon us with Guy Fawkes Night on the 5 November, but wherever you are in the world, fireworks are a popular way to celebrate many holidays and occasions from the 4th of July to Christmas, New Years and weddings. Although many of us enjoy the spectacle, they are a real challenge for our dogs. In this episode, we’re giving you all of our top tips to not only survive but thrive throughout this period to give your dog all the support they need, starting today!....
Halloween can be a fun, exciting, ghoulish time for kids and adults alike. But for our dogs, it can be a whole new, strange experience filled with novel sights and sounds from decorations, masks, costumes and pumpkins (not to mention trick-or-treaters and door knocking!), filling them with excitement or fear and turning an otherwise uneventful walk or evening into a proper nightmare! We’re here to help with some tips and tricks as well as an awesome idea to use Halloween as a rare training op...
This episode is for the suspicious dogs out there! The “catch me if you can”, bolt away when the lead appears, “let me stay JUST out of arm’s reach”, “you’re never going to catch me” dogs! Sound familiar? These are the dogs that don’t want the fun to end, that can spot a sub-par deal from a mile away, that don’t particularly love being handled. Whether you immediately relate or don’t ever want to relate, we’re bringing you three awesome strategies that will get you magical results!..............
Our modern lives can be SO confusing for our dogs, filled with mixed signals and unmet expectations. As humans, we are quite inconsistent! One day, it will be ok to greet another dog or person, the next, it won’t be! From delayed treats to interrupted greetings, it’s no wonder that our dogs get frustrated. That’s why in this week’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most essential life skills every dog needs in today’s world – the tolerance of frustration. Tune in to find out our top three...
Ever wondered how to have smooth, enjoyable walks with more than one dog (or even just one!)? You’re not alone! Whether you have multiple dogs, are considering adding one into the mix or want some ways to improve your walks, this episode is packed with fresh ideas to help you turn those chaotic outings into calm, happy adventures for one, two, three or more. We’ll explore three practical strategies that will make all the difference (with one that will make you look like a superhero!), helping...
Are you bribing your dog without even realising it? In this episode, we dive into when training becomes transactional and how to build a next-level relationship with your dog where x-raying your hands will be a thing of the past. We’ll challenge everything you think you know about food rewards and show you how to make your dog see YOU as the ultimate reward! Get ready to level up your dog training and relationship – no treat pouch required!................Whether your dog is unpredictable wit...
Does your dog struggle to let things go? Whether it’s your shoe, your homework or a stinky prize, some dogs can’t seem to give up objects they grab hold of. In this episode, we explore the common challenge of “resource guarding” and look at what’s really going on in your dog’s brain when they seem to want to “possess” items. We’ll also share a practical strategy that can help your dog feel more comfortable letting things go. Whether your dog is just starting to show signs or has a history of ...
Feeling stressed about your dog training? In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the top 3 dog training myths that could be wreaking havoc on your life. These are the common misconceptions leading dog owners astray, causing frustration and making life with your pup much harder than it needs to be! We’ll be clearing the air about dog behaviour and science to find out what’s really important to creating a happier, healthier relationship with your dog. Your dog (and your sanity!) will thank you!...
Does your dog have their nose glued to the ground or maybe they couldn’t care less? In this episode, we’re diving nose-first into the fascinating world of sniffy dogs! With expert tips to help you turn your dog’s sniffing habits into a training tool that strengthens your bond to sharing a new way of looking at dog behaviours (of any kind!), you’ll get some practical tips and a quick and easy game that teaches them to value keeping their head up – literally! We’ll also be busting common myths ...
Is your dog bouncing off the walls, bowling over guests, zooming everywhere they go and leaving chaos in their wake? In this episode, we dive into the world of over-exuberant pups who seem to love life just a little too much. But is that boundless energy a sign of confidence – or something else entirely? We explore the surprising reasons behind this behaviour, the common mistakes dog owners make when trying to dial down the chaos and three game-changing strategies to help your dog find a bit ...
Puppy and dog socialisation is a hot topic for dog training everywhere, but do you know how to tell the difference between truth and fiction? Join us in this new episode where we debunk common myths about socialisation. (HINT: It’s not about meeting everyone and every dog!) Discover why the pressure to expose your dog to everything in a short window of time might have the opposite effect to what you’d hope. We’ll jump into to the whys behind what to do and what not to do to raise a confident,...
Have you ever wondered whether your dog is getting enough exercise? Or questioned why they aren’t as calm as you’d like, despite all that running around? Or maybe you worry if your dog is actually happy without super long walks every day? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into some common misconceptions about exercise, enrichment and what makes a happy dog. From rethinking daily activities to ideas for enrichment, you’ll learn lots of tips and tricks to ensure your dog’s quality of life, l...
Denial Brown
Thank you for your podcast, it was useful to listen to. I believe that before you get a dog you should be well prepared so that it is safe, receives proper nutrition, training and care. For this I read many useful articles on the blog https://poochamp.com/ which gave me good preparation
Kristin Wheeler
Five stars!