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!). We explore why a dog’s emotional state can shift so dramatically between these two contexts and why the lead itself can start to feel like a warning sign to them. Then we flip the question and explore where the opportunity is, because there always is one! We talk about how the lead can become a cue for confidence instead of anxiety and how we can help our dogs feel safe again. If you’ve been feeling stuck or discouraged, this conversation will help you see a path forward and understand what’s really going on for your dog.

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Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet

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 might make things worse (without you even realising) and what you can do instead to keep the jumping at bay. You’ll learn how to replace unpredictable reactions to stop that jumping and turn four paws on the ground into a habit that lasts.

................
Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet

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 day when assessing sudden behaviour changes in dogs, helping you spot what’s really going on beneath the surface. Whether your dog’s been more reactive, anxious, or just “off”, this episode gives you the insight you need to get them back on track.

................
Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet

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 learn simple, practical ways to help them relax without turning it into a battle of wills (or trying to give them endless gobstoppers to stop the bark!). Imagine calm cafés, quiet pups, and peaceful pint breaks in your future!

................
Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet

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 “Halloween chaos” into an opportunity to grow your dog’s confidence and optimism. Whether your pup is a seasoned pro or a sensitive soul, these tips will help you safeguard their wellbeing this year and for many Halloweens to come!

................
Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet

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 confidence, reduce stress, and create a calmer, safer environment for your dog when the bangs begin. You’ll discover several easy routines and strategies you can start right now. Don’t wait until the fireworks start to find out how your dog feels about them. Get ahead and tune in for strategies that make a real difference this year.

................
Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet

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.” We’ll dig into the emotions behind those high-energy greetings and what happens in your dog’s brain when things go wrong. Most importantly, we’ll talk about how to actually deal with these chaotic situations and how to build the right skills so your dog can thrive around others. This one’s a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt embarrassed or frustrated at the park!

................
Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet

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 the hidden dynamics you might not have considered. Whether you’re already living with littermates, thinking about adding a second dog or just curious about how dogs influence each other, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. We’ll talk through the risks, the patterns to watch for and the practical steps that can help. Find out whether there’s any real truth behind the controversial subject, and see how the same drivers can apply to any multi-dog household!

................
Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet

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 your own peace of mind. Whether you’ve got delivery drivers showing up daily, neighbours popping in, or just the occasional visitor, these ideas can help stop your dog’s explosive barking, setting both you and your dog up for long-term success. Tune in and find out how a few easy changes can transform your dog’s response to the doorbell.

................
Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet

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 isn’t), and how small changes can completely shift your dog’s experience. We’ll also explore environments, movement and subtle signals that could be attracting unwanted attention. If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your dog without feeling powerless or frustrated, listen in to discover how to take back control of your walks.

................
Whether your dog is unpredictable with other dogs or predictably bad…

Whether it looks like freezing, barking, lunging or running away…

Whether you are just starting out on your dog-owning journey or your dog has been labelled as having a “behaviour problem”…

… this episode is for you and is going to give you huge insights!

Want to join the Help! My Dog Online HUB? Here's the link: www.helpmydog.com/hub

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian, behaviourist and dog trainer and director of the Behavet behaviour clinic (rated Excellent on Trustpilot), which sees over 400 pet behaviour consultations each and every month no matter where you are in the world. In 2023, he founded Help! My Dog, an online dog behaviour learning platform to help even more owners all over the world and show that dog behaviour transformation is not only possible but it's FUN, with the right know-how!

Make sure to subscribe/follow the podcast for the free weekly episodes!

Useful Links:
Follow Help! My Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmydogofficial/
Schedule a Consultation with Behavet: https://www.beha.vet/
Follow Behavet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavet