How to Cut Through the Noise and Focus on What Matters With Your Dog Training Advice
Episode 10: Dog Training Advice Overload: How to Cut Through the Noise and Focus on What MattersAre you drowning in dog training tips? Every scroll brings another “must try” hack, recall games, loose lead walking tricks, reactivity fixes, and somehow, none of it seems to stick.In Episode 7, we explored what to do when the hacks you’ve already tried aren’t working. Today, we’re taking it deeper. This episode is about cutting through the noise, filtering advice that actually fits you and your dog, and building a calmer, more focused training plan.You’ll learn:Why so much dog training advice feels contradictory.The hidden costs of advice overload (and how it impacts your dog’s behaviour).A simple four-step filter you can use to decide what advice to keep, and what to ignore.My Focus Five framework for creating a training plan that actually works.A 7-day challenge you can follow this week to build momentum and confidence.The Four Filters for Dog Training AdviceUse these questions to decide if a tip belongs in your plan:Values Filter: Does it align with kindness, ethics, and your dog’s wellbeing?Suitability Filter: Is it right for your dog’s temperament and stage of learning?Feasibility Filter: Can you realistically apply it in your life right now?Consistency Filter: Can you commit to it for at least 14 days?The Focus Five FrameworkChoose one clear outcome for two weeks, and keep everything simple:One goal → e.g., calmer door greetings.One cue → e.g., “go to mat.”One context → practice in one predictable setting.One metric → seconds to settle, steps before pulling, etc.One review day → check in weekly and adjust gently.Your 7-Day Training PlanTry this rhythm for the week ahead:Day 1: Choose your Focus Five.Day 2: 5 minutes of practice in your chosen context.Day 3: Repeat, note one micro win.Day 4: Rest + decompression (sniff walk, play, no pressure).Day 5: Practice again for 5 minutes.Day 6: Repeat, note one micro win.Day 7: Review your notes. Decide to repeat or add one small step.If this feels like the fresh start you’ve been waiting for, join me in the Calm Connection Challenge coming up at the end of September. Together we’ll go deeper into the routines and mindset shifts that make dog training easier, calmer, and more connected.Links & Resources:Join the Calm Connection Challenge: https://lavendergardenanimalservices.myflodesk.com/calm-connection-challenge-freeFree guide: Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents: https://lavendergardenanimalservices.myflodesk.com/strategies-for-overwhelmed-dog-parentsFollow me and send me a DM on Instagram @lavendergardenanimalservicesMentioned in this episode:Something New Is Coming: The Calm Connection ChallengeReady to feel calmer and more connected with your dog — and yourself?
In this short teaser, I’m letting you in on something exciting coming at the end of September… a free 4-day challenge created especially for overwhelmed, anxious dog parents who are...
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Why Your Dog’s Behaviour Isn’t Changing (and How to Turn It Around)
Why Your Dog’s Behaviour Isn’t Changing (and How to Turn It Around)You’ve read the books. You’ve saved the Instagram reels. You’ve tried every recall trick, loose lead hack, and reactivity tip you can find.But nothing seems to work, at least not for long. And the more you try, the more stuck you feel.If that’s you, this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent is here to give you relief. Because it’s not that you’re a bad dog parent, and it’s not that your dog can’t learn. There are deeper reasons why the right advice still isn’t bringing the results you hoped for, and we’re going to unpack them together.You’ll learn:The pattern loops that keep you and your dog stuck in the same behaviour cycleWhy training fatigue makes it harder to be consistentThe invisible wins you might be missingHow to use the Reset Point method to break the cycle and make progress fasterA practical 7-day challenge to create more calm and connection with your dogIf you’ve been running on frustration, doubt, or emotional exhaustion, this episode will help you slow things down, reset, and start seeing the small wins that lead to big change.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Join the Calm Connection Challenge (September 2025) → https://lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk/calm-connection-challenge Learn more about ethical, science-based dog training → lavendergardenanimalservices.co.ukSubscribe & Follow:Don’t miss future episodes that combine practical training advice with the emotional support you need as a dedicated dog parent. Hit follow on your favourite podcast app, or subscribe on YouTube to watch the face-to-camera versions.Mentioned in this episode:Something New Is Coming: The Calm Connection ChallengeReady to feel calmer and more connected with your dog — and yourself?
In this short teaser, I’m letting you in on something exciting coming at the end of September… a free 4-day challenge created especially for overwhelmed, anxious dog parents who are craving more peace, ease, and confidence.
✨ Think of it as a gentle reset — no pressure, no perfect dog required.
Make sure you’re following the podcast and keep your eyes on your inbox so you don’t miss when the doors open. You’ll get daily support, calming tools, and simple ways to show up differently for your dog… and for yourself.
Not on my email list yet? Sign up to my free Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents download so you’re the first to hear all the details: https://lavendergardenanimalservices.myflodesk.com/strategies-for-overwhelmed-dog-parents
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When Your Dog’s Behaviour Feels Like a Personal Attack (Even Though You Know It’s Not)
Have you ever felt like your dog’s behaviour is aimed directly at you?Maybe they pull on the lead, bark at another dog, ignore your recall - and suddenly you feel embarrassed, frustrated, or even hurt.You know logically they’re not trying to make your life harder, but it still feels personal.You’re not alone.In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, we’re unpacking why so many dog owners internalise their dog’s behaviour - and how to break free from the guilt and shame that follows.You’ll learn:Why we take our dog’s behaviour personally (and the emotional patterns behind it)What’s actually going on in your dog’s nervous system when they “don’t listen”How to stop blaming yourself and start building calm, trust, and connectionA gentle mindset shift to help you feel more confident on walks and at homeA weekly challenge to interrupt the self-blame spiral and see your dog’s behaviour in a new lightIf you’ve been dealing with reactivity, pulling, barking, or unpredictable behaviour, this conversation will help you approach training and everyday life with more compassion - for yourself and your dog.Because here’s the truth: your dog’s behaviour isn’t a reflection of your worth as a dog parent. But how you respond can change everything.Links and Resources:Free Guide: Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents - gentle tools to help you and your dog regulate, reset, and reconnect.Connect with me on Instagram: @lavendergardenanimalsWatch this episode on YouTube: COMING SOONMentioned in this episode:Something New Is Coming: The Calm Connection ChallengeReady to feel calmer and more connected with your dog — and yourself?
In this short teaser, I’m letting you in on something exciting coming at the end of September… a free 4-day challenge created especially for overwhelmed, anxious dog parents who are craving more peace, ease, and confidence.
✨ Think of it as a gentle reset — no pressure, no perfect dog required.
Make sure you’re following the podcast and keep your eyes on your inbox so you don’t miss when the doors open. You’ll get daily support, calming tools, and simple ways to show up differently for your dog… and for yourself.
Not on my email list yet? Sign up to my free Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents download so you’re the first to hear all the details: https://lavendergardenanimalservices.myflodesk.com/strategies-for-overwhelmed-dog-parents
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Why Tips Aren’t Fixing Your Dog’s Behaviour (And What to Do Instead)
Episode Description:Tried every training hack online and nothing sticks? It’s not you. And it’s not your dog. In this episode, we explore the deeper reason tips don’t work, and the simple shift that changes everything.Show NotesHave you tried every training hack and still feel stuck?You’ve scrolled Instagram, saved all the reels, watched the YouTube tutorials, and tried the “5 best recall tips”… only to feel like nothing is working.That sinking feeling of, “Why isn’t this working? Am I just bad at this? Is my dog broken?” hits hard. And it’s exhausting.This episode of The Mindful Dog Parent is here to tell you the truth:It’s not because you’re failing. It’s not because your dog is stubborn. There’s a deeper reason those tips aren’t sticking, and once you understand it, things starts to shift.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The “tip trap” cycle: Why so many dog parents end up overwhelmed and burnt out.Why tips don’t work on their own: The nervous system science behind behaviour and learning.The missing link: How calm connection changes the way tips actually work.A practical challenge for the week: A 60-second reset to use before any training exercise.A real-life story: How one client’s recall transformed when we focused on safety and calm first.Who This Episode Is For:Dog parents who feel stuck despite “trying everything”Anyone whose dog struggles with recall, reactivity, or loose lead walkingOverwhelmed dog owners craving a calmer, more connected approachWhy This Episode Matters:Because you don’t need more tips. You need a foundation that makes those tips actually work. When you can pause, regulate, and create calm connection first, you unlock a new level of learning and trust with your dog.Your Challenge This Week:Before you try any training tip, pause for 60 seconds and:1️⃣ Ground yourself - breathe slowly, feel your feet on the ground2️⃣ Check your dog’s state - buzzing? anxious? tuned out?3️⃣ Connect softly - gentle name, calm touch, or let them sniff.4️⃣ Then try the tip.Commit to this for a week and notice the difference. Calm connection first changes how you show up and work on training with your dog.Resources & Links:Free guide: Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog ParentsConnect on Instagram @lavendergardenanimalservicesLearn more about how you can work with me: lavendergardenanimalservices.co.ukA Gentle Reminder:You are not failing. You are learning.And your dog doesn’t need you to be perfect, just present.Mentioned in this episode:Something New Is Coming: The Calm Connection ChallengeReady to feel calmer and more connected with your dog — and yourself?
In this short teaser, I’m letting you in on something exciting coming at the end of September… a free 4-day challenge created especially for overwhelmed, anxious dog parents who are craving more peace, ease, and confidence.
✨ Think of it as a gentle reset — no pressure, no perfect dog required.
Make sure you’re following the podcast and keep your eyes on your inbox so you don’t...
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The One-Minute Reset: A Simple Way to Regulate Your Dog (and Yourself)
The One-Minute Reset: How to Build Calm With Your Dog in Everyday MomentsEpisode Description:Wish you had a reset button after your dog reacts or a walk goes sideways? In this episode, I share my go-to One-Minute Reset - a simple, powerful tool to help you and your dog regulate and reconnect in under 60 seconds.Show NotesHave you ever wished for a way to “undo” a stressful moment with your dog?Maybe it’s the barking at the window. The lunge on a walk. The way your own heart pounds in your chest afterwards.Those moments can leave both you and your dog dysregulated long after they’re over. And here’s the thing: moving on without resetting doesn’t actually bring you back to calm.In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I’m sharing my go-to tool for those moments: The One-Minute Reset. It’s simple, practical, and can change the way you and your dog recover from stress — together.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why regulation after a reaction matters: The nervous system science behind recovery.How sniffing helps your dog self-soothe: And why it’s one of the most powerful calming tools you have.The exact steps of The One-Minute Reset: A gentle, repeatable process to bring you both back to baseline.How this small practice builds trust: And why it works even if the moment didn’t go perfectly.A personal story: How a past reactive walk with my dog Maisy taught me the power of this pause.Who This Episode Is For:Dog parents of reactive or sensitive dogsAnyone who feels triggered or guilty after their dog strugglesPeople craving simple, doable tools to create more calm connectionWhy This Episode Matters:Because behaviour change isn’t just about prevention — it’s about recovery. The way you and your dog come back to baseline after stress is just as important as what you do before it.Try The One-Minute Reset:1️⃣ Pause when the moment allows.2️⃣ Invite your dog to sniff — no cues, no pressure.3️⃣ Take one slow breath.4️⃣ Stay present and observe.5️⃣ Move on gently when you both feel calmer.Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs start with the smallest pauses.Resources & Links:📥 Free guide: Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog ParentsA Gentle Reminder:Your dog doesn’t need you to get it right every time. They need you to recover, reconnect, and keep showing up, together.Mentioned in this episode:Something New Is Coming: The Calm Connection ChallengeReady to feel calmer and more connected with your dog — and yourself?
In this short teaser, I’m letting you in on something exciting coming at the end of September… a free 4-day challenge created especially for overwhelmed, anxious dog parents who are craving more peace, ease, and confidence.
✨ Think of it as a gentle reset — no pressure, no perfect dog required.
Make sure you’re following the podcast and keep your eyes on your inbox so you don’t miss when the doors open. You’ll get daily support, calming tools, and simple ways to show up differently for your dog… and for yourself.
Not on my email list yet? Sign up to my free Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents download so you’re the first to hear all the details:...
Welcome to The Mindful Dog Parent – the podcast for overwhelmed and anxious dog owners who really do love their dogs, but are secretly wondering… “Why does this feel so hard?”
I’m Sian, a trauma-informed dog trainer and trauma-informed coach for dog parents who are navigating reactivity, puppy overwhelm, and the exhausting emotional rollercoaster that comes with life alongside your four-legged best friend.
If you’ve ever:
- Cried after a walk
- Googled “am I failing my dog?”
- Felt totally burnt out trying to “get it right”
- Been overwhelmed by conflicting training advice
Or said, *“I just want to enjoy my dog again”...
...you’re in the right place.
This podcast is your calm corner of the internet, where mental health meets dog behaviour in a compassionate, no-shame space.
You’ll hear:
- Solo episodes packed with real talk, emotional support, and practical tips
- Stories from dog parents (just like you) who are struggling behind the scenes
- Occasional expert interviews on dog parent burnout, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed care
- Encouragement, insights, and action steps that actually feel doable
- Gentle guidance to help you feel more calm, connected, and confident with your dog
Topics We Cover Include:
- Dog parent guilt, shame, and emotional burnout
- Reactivity, puppy struggles, and nervous system triggers
- Emotional regulation and training from a place of calm
- Boundaries, perfectionism, and people-pleasing as a dog owner
- Why “just be calm” isn’t helpful, and what to do instead
If you’re a sensitive soul, a tired dog mum (or dad), or just feeling like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos, this podcast is here to remind you:
You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And it doesn’t have to feel like this forever.
New episodes drop every week. Hit follow and join me for heartfelt, honest conversations that will help you take the pressure off, and finally enjoy your dog again.
Ireland