Ep 122 Why Your Dog "Hates" Random Things: The Hidden Reasons Behind Your Dog’s Reactivity

About this episode

This episode explores the hidden reasons behind why dogs may react negatively to seemingly random stimuli.

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 ...

People in this episode

Host: Dr Tom Mitchell

Topics covered

• dog reactivity
• anxiety in dogs
• novelty
• dog behavior
• fear responses

Keywords

• dog behavior
• reactivity
• anxiety
• novelty
• fear
• dogs

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

• Ep 132 Troublesome Teens: Why Adolescent Dogs “Forget” Their Training · June 10, 2026 · 15 min
• Ep 131 My Dog Ignores Me! Top 4 Reasons for “Stubborn” Dogs & What to Do About It! · June 3, 2026 · 18 min
• Ep 130 Playtime Gone Wrong: Top Tips for Over the Top, Crazy Play With Your Dog! · May 27, 2026 · 15 min
• Ep 129 Help! My Dog Won't Leave Me Alone · May 20, 2026 · 16 min
• Ep 128 Teach Your Dog This ONE Skill for Consistently Calm Walks · May 13, 2026 · 13 min
• Ep 127 Ouch! Why Puppies Bite & What to Do About It · May 6, 2026 · 17 min