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.
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You’re Not Doing It Wrong: The Real Talk Dog Parents Deserve
Episode 1: Welcome to The Mindful Dog Parent: Where Overwhelmed Dog Owners Feel SeenAre you doing everything you can for your dog… and still feeling like it’s never enough? You’re in the right place.In this very first episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I’m laying the foundations for everything to come. I’ll be sharing the personal story that led me to start this podcast, what makes this space different, and the deep mission behind the work I do — to support anxious, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained dog parents who love their dogs more than anything, but feel like they’re quietly failing.You’ll also hear:Why traditional dog training advice often misses the emotional side of dog parentingHow guilt, comparison, and burnout show up in the dog worldWhat it means to be a mindful dog parent (and no, it’s not about being perfect or meditating for 30 minutes twice a day!)What you can expect in future episodes — from solo deep dives to occasional expert guestsWhether you’re dealing with puppy chaos, reactivity, past trauma, or just the sheer emotional weight of caring so deeply, this podcast is here to remind you that you're not broken — and neither is your dog.🔗 Mentioned in this episode:🐶 Learn more about ethical dog training & coaching: lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk🎧 Subscribe & Follow:Tap follow on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode.New episodes drop weekly — each one filled with honest insights, calming tools, and the kind of support you actually need.
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Start Here: The Podcast for Overwhelmed Dog Parents
Overwhelmed. Guilty. Burnt out.If you love your dog but feel like you’re secretly failing them - you’re not alone. And this podcast is for you.In this short trailer episode, I’m introducing The Mindful Dog Parent, a podcast for anxious, overwhelmed dog owners who want to feel calmer, more confident, and connected with their dogs… without all the pressure, perfectionism, or shame.Here’s what you can expect:Real talk about dog parent guilt, burnout, and emotional strugglesTrauma-informed insights into dog behaviour and your own nervous systemWeekly solo episodes + occasional expert guestsGentle, actionable tools to support both you and your dogI’m your host, Sian - a trauma-informed coach and ethical dog trainer who’s been where you are. In this show, I’m blending professional support with lived experience to help you feel seen, supported, and a little more at peace each week.Hit follow now so you don’t miss the first episodes—dropping soon. And if you know a dog parent who needs this, share it with them too.Want more support?You’ll find all links and resources mentioned in the show notes at lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk/podcast
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