The One-Minute Reset: A Simple Way to Regulate Your Dog (and Yourself)
If you’ve ever found yourself spiralling after your dog barks, lunges, reacts, or shuts down on a walk, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, I share The One-Minute Reset, a gentle, practical tool that helps both you and your dog regulate your nervous systems after a stressful moment. Whether your dog has just reacted, or you are the one feeling anxious and overwhelmed, this is a way back to calm connection.We’ll explore:Why emotional regulation after reactivity is just as important as preventionWhat makes sniffing so powerful for dogs (especially after they’ve already reacted)How to create micro-moments of connection without needing to “train” your way out of stressA simple, repeatable process to calm yourself and your dog — in under 60 secondsYou’ll also hear a personal story about a past reactive moment with my dog Maisy, and how this practice helped us both move forward without shame.Free resource mentioned in the episode:Download my gentle, actionable free guide:https://lavendergardenanimalservices.myflodesk.com/strategies-for-overwhelmed-dog-parents Whether your dog’s behaviour leaves you feeling triggered, guilty, or just tired, this reset gives you a new way to pause, breathe, and begin again.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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The Pressure to Be a Good Dog Parent Is Burning You Out - Here’s What to Do
Do you ever feel like you're doing everything for your dog, but still constantly falling short?You’re not alone. Whether you’re juggling training setbacks, reactivity, people-pleasing, or simply trying to be “a good dog parent,” the emotional toll can add up fast, and lead you straight into burnout.In this powerful guest episode, I’m joined by Dr. Amber Parks, a veterinarian and is a worldwide Stress and Burnout Coach who’s been through it herself. Together, we explore:What burnout really is (and how it’s different from stress or just having “a bad week”)The signs and symptoms of burnout that dog parents might miss, like numbness, resentment, irritability, or total emotional shutdownHow burnout impacts your relationship with your dog (and why connection gets harder when you’re running on empty)Why perfectionism and people-pleasing feed the burnout cycle — especially if you’re sensitive, high-achieving, or struggling with guiltWhat to do when you feel like your dog needs more than you have to giveSmall, sustainable steps to begin reclaiming your energy, self-trust, and joy, without needing to overhaul your entire life (including the "let them" theory from the amazing Mel Robbins)If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this conversation is for you.Free resource for you:If you're nodding along to this episode, grab my free guide: Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents. It's packed with gentle, supportive tools to help you feel calmer and more connected, starting today. More about Dr. Amber Parks:Dr. Amber is a burnout and stress coach for high-achieving professionals. She helps clients all over the world move past imposter syndrome, stop people-pleasing, and build lives that feel fulfilling — not draining. You can learn more about her work at https://www.thestressandburnoutcoach.com or connect with her on Instagram @the_stress_and_burnout_coach🔗 Links + Resources:→ Download your free Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents guide at https://lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk/ → Learn more about Dr. Amber Parks and her coaching→ Check out Dr. Parks' free Burnout Survival Guide https://www.thestressandburnoutcoach.com/joinus→ Subscribe to The Mindful Dog Parent for weekly episodes
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The Myth of the Perfect Dog: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations
Episode 4 – The Myth of the Perfect Dog: Letting Go of Unrealistic ExpectationsWe’ve all seen the calm café dogs, the Instagram-worthy heel walks, the “well-behaved” pets who never seem to put a paw wrong…And it leaves you wondering - why can’t my dog be like that?In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I’m calling out the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves (and our dogs), and exploring how “perfect dog” culture is quietly fuelling burnout, comparison, and guilt behind the scenes.We’ll explore:✨ The subtle pressure to have a “good dog” and what that really means✨ Why comparison culture is leaving dog parents emotionally drained✨ How unrealistic training timelines can erode your confidence✨ What happens when we measure progress by behaviour alone✨ Why your bond with your dog matters more than polished obedience✨ How to reframe your expectations so you can show up with compassion, not criticismWhether you’re a first-time puppy parent or managing reactivity, this episode will help you feel less alone - and more empowered to build a calmer, more connected life with your dog.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.Resources mentioned in this episode:Free guide – Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents: https://lavendergardenanimalservices.myflodesk.com/strategies-for-overwhelmed-dog-parentsWant to go deeper? Check out my Quick Calm Down Dog Mini Course: https://lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk/quick-calm-down-kit 💛 Let’s connect:If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you’d hit follow or share it with a fellow dog parent. You can also DM me on Instagram @lavendergardenanimalservices and let me know what landed for you!Your dog doesn’t need perfect. They need you - just as you are.
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Why Your Dog’s Behaviour Feels So Triggering (And What to Do About It)
Episode 3: Why Your Dog’s Behaviour Feels So Triggering (And What to Do About It)Welcome to The Mindful Dog Parent — the podcast for overwhelmed and anxious dog owners who love their dogs deeply, but are quietly struggling behind the scenes.In today’s episode, we’re digging deep into something many dog parents experience — but rarely talk about:👉 That emotionally triggered feeling when your dog’s behaviour leaves you spiralling in frustration, guilt, or shame.If you’ve ever thought:“Why am I overreacting like this?”“Why can’t I stay calm on walks?”“Why does this feel so much harder than it should?”—this episode is for you.We explore:Why dog parenting is emotionally charged (especially if you have anxiety or past trauma)What’s really going on when your dog’s barking or reactivity sets you offHow emotional triggers show up for dog parents (and why that’s okay)A powerful 30-second reset technique to help you calm down in the momentWhether you’re parenting a reactive dog, a rescue pup with a difficult past, or just feeling like every walk is emotionally draining, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and less alone.Resources mentioned in this episode:Free Guide: https://lavendergardenanimalservices.myflodesk.com/strategies-for-overwhelmed-dog-parentsCome say hi on Instagram: @lavendergardenanimalservicesShow notes + links: www.lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk/podcast🔁 Don’t forget to subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode.And if you found this helpful, share it with a fellow dog parent who needs a little calm and compassion today.
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Carrying Dog Mum Guilt? Let’s Talk About It
Episode 2: The Weight of Dog Mum Guilt - Why You’re Not a Bad Dog ParentDo you ever feel like you’re letting your dog down - no matter how hard you try? That you should be doing better, calmer, more consistent… but real life keeps getting in the way?In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, we’re diving deep into dog mum guilt - that quiet, heavy feeling that creeps in after a walk goes badly, when your dog barks again, or when you snap and instantly regret it.Guilt in dog parenting often hides in plain sight, and in this episode, we’re exploring:Why dog mum guilt is so common — especially among highly empathetic dog parentsMy personal experience with dog mum guilt and what it taught meThe 3 biggest sources of dog parent guilt: unrealistic expectations, comparison culture, and old emotional woundsHow guilt becomes toxic — and what to do when it starts taking overA simple but powerful tool you can use today to shift out of shame and back into calm connectionBecause here’s the truth: your dog doesn’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be present.Whether you’re raising a reactive dog, managing a tough rescue journey, or simply navigating the emotional rollercoaster of puppyhood, this episode will help you understand where your guilt comes from — and how to start letting go.
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