Have You Ever Seen Anyone Yelling at a Dog?

Have you ever seen someone yelling at a dog? The dog doesn't understand what's happening. It just stands there, absorbing the frustration, confused by the outburst. But how often do we do the same thing—not just to dogs, but to the world around us? We yell at traffic. We snap at our computers. We lash out at a barista over a minor mistake. We let stress, anxiety, and hidden frustrations explode over things that don't actually matter. These moments feel justified in the heat of the moment, but afterward, we wonder: Why did I react like that? In Have You Ever Seen Anyone Yelling at a Dog?, existential psychologist and professor RJ Starr explores the psychology behind emotional overreaction, misplaced anger, and impulse-driven behavior. Why do small inconveniences feel like major injustices? Why do certain triggers set people off while others stay calm? Why do so many of us live in a constant state of emotional reactivity? This book isn't just about those who lose control in public—it's about all of us. From road rage to social media meltdowns, from customer service freakouts to workplace stress, this book examines the hidden forces behind modern emotional instability. Starr draws on psychological research, real-world case studies, and practical strategies to help readers recognize their own triggers and break the cycle of unconscious emotional reactions. This book doesn't just explain why we overreact—it provides a roadmap for changing the way we respond to frustration, stress, and conflict. Through deep psychological insights and easy-to-apply techniques, Starr teaches how to: Recognize why minor inconveniences feel like personal attacks and how to shift perspective Identify hidden emotional triggers and understand where they come from Learn how stress, anxiety, and past experiences amplify emotional responses Develop impulse control and interrupt the automatic reaction-response cycle Master practical self-regulation techniques to regain emotional balance Cultivate self-awareness and take full responsibility for emotional responses This isn't about suppressing emotions or forcing yourself to stay calm. It's about understanding where emotions come from, gaining the power to process them, and choosing how to respond instead of reacting impulsively. Who Should Read This Book? Anyone who has ever lost control over something small and wondered why People who feel easily frustrated, impatient, or reactive in stressful situations Those who want to better understand emotional regulation and impulse control Readers interested in psychology, self-improvement, and behavioral science Anyone who wants to stop being controlled by their emotions and start mastering them In a world where public outbursts, social media tirades, and unchecked frustration are becoming more common, emotional self-awareness is no longer optional—it's essential. Whether you've been on the giving or receiving end of an irrational reaction, Have You Ever Seen Anyone Yelling at a Dog? will help you understand what's really happening beneath the surface—and how to regain control.