The Mindful Dog Parent: Dog Training Advice & Calm Support for Overwhelmed Owners

If you’re an overwhelmed dog parent entering January feeling behind, exhausted, or worried that your dog’s behaviour has slipped over Christmas, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, ethical dog trainer Siân Lawley-Rudd shares calm dog training advice and nervous-system-aware support to help anxious dog owners gently reset after Christmas, without shame, pressure, or trying to “fix” everything at once.

In this episode, we explore:

Why January often feels harder than Christmas for overwhelmed dog parentsHow stress and nervous system overload affect dog behaviourWhy it can feel like your...

Duration: 00:19:56

Christmas can feel overwhelming, especially for anxious, exhausted dog parents already carrying stress, guilt, and pressure around dog training.

If you’re an overwhelmed dog parent struggling to stay calm during the holidays, this episode offers gentle, nervous-system aware support to help you and your dog feel safer and more settled without forcing routines or behaviour.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, Siân Lawley-Rudd explores why Christmas is such a challenging time for both humans and dogs, and why feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing at dog training.

You’ll...

Duration: 00:25:58

Takeaways:

December presents unique challenges for dog parents, leading to feelings of overwhelm and chaos. Your dog's behaviour during the holiday season is a normal reaction to increased stimulation and change. Creating a safe zone for your dog can significantly reduce anxiety and promote calmness during busy times. It is essential for dog parents to prioritise their own emotional regulation to better support their dog's needs.

Duration: 00:47:22

If you’ve been feeling behind with your dog, behind on training, behind on routines, behind on progress, you are not alone. This episode explores why overwhelmed dog parents often feel stuck at this time of year, and how your nervous system affects motivation, consistency, and your ability to stay calm.

Siân Lawley-Rudd explains why feeling behind isn’t a failure, how burnout impacts dog training, and what gentle reset steps you can take to rebuild connection without shame, pressure, or guilt. This is calm dog training for real life — compassionate, grounded, and designed for dog parents...

Duration: 00:23:59

If you’ve ever looked at your dog and felt… nothing, no spark, no joy, just heaviness - you’re not alone.

This episode of The Mindful Dog Parent gently explores why overwhelmed and exhausted dog parents sometimes disconnect emotionally, and why that doesn’t mean you’re failing or losing your bond.

Siân Lawley-Rudd explains how your nervous system protects you during burnout or emotional overload, why joy becomes harder to access, and how to begin rebuilding calm, connection, and safety with your dog again, one gentle moment at a time.

What you’ll...

Duration: 00:27:53

One day everything feels calm, your dog settles, you feel grounded, and the next, it’s chaos again.

If you’ve ever wondered why your calm keeps disappearing, this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent will help you understand what’s really happening underneath the surface.

Siân Lawley-Rudd shares the neuroscience behind those ups and downs, how your nervous system naturally moves between activation and rest, and why that’s not failure, it’s regulation.

Through Nervous-System Aware Dog Parenting™, you’ll learn how to find your calm again when life or training feels...

Duration: 00:26:50

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just tired of dog training,” you’re not alone. 🐾

Even the most devoted, caring dog parents hit a point where every walk, cue, or “should” starts to feel like effort.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, Siân Lawley-Rudd shares why that exhaustion doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means your nervous system has been working overtime.

You’ll learn how taking a break isn’t falling behind, but the key to helping both you and your dog make real progress.

Through the lens of Nervou...

Duration: 00:20:20

When life, and dog training, start to feel heavy, even the things that usually make you happy can start to feel like effort.

You love your dog, but the constant pressure to do more, stay consistent, and “get it right” slowly drains your spark.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, Siân Lawley-Rudd explores why that loss of motivation isn’t about willpower or laziness, it’s a sign your nervous system has been stuck in go-mode for too long.

You’ll learn how bringing fun and play back into your days resets...

Duration: 00:12:50

You know that feeling when you look at your dog’s lead and think, “I just can’t today”?

You’re not failing, you’re fatigued. And this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent explores what’s really happening when you lose motivation to train and how to gently get your spark back again.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

💭 Why motivation dips aren’t laziness but a nervous-system signal that you need rest

🧠 What’s really going on in your body when dog-training burnout hits

🌿 Three micro-shifts that help you rebuild motivation n...

Duration: 00:25:06

Ever felt like no matter how hard you try with your dog, nothing’s changing? You’re not failing.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, Siân explores what’s really happening when you feel stuck, frustrated, or like you’re falling behind in your training. You’ll learn how to recognise invisible progress, understand what your nervous system is trying to tell you, and see how much you and your dog have already grown, even when it doesn’t look like it on the surface.

This episode blends calm dog training, nervous-system awareness, an...

Duration: 00:15:47

Do you ever scroll through social media and feel like every other dog parent has it figured out, calm walks, perfect recall, dogs who just get it? You’re not alone. Comparison is one of the biggest reasons overwhelmed dog parents lose confidence, feel stuck, and question whether they’re doing enough.

In this episode, Siân unpacks why your brain is wired to compare, how it triggers guilt, tension, and self-doubt in your training, and how to shift back to calm, grounded self-trust.

Through the lens of nervous-system-aware dog training, you’ll learn:

Why com...

Duration: 00:19:45

You’ve probably heard that dogs pick up on our energy. But what does that really mean in practice?

In this heartfelt episode, we explore how authenticity and alignment, between what you feel inside and how you show up, create calm for both you and your dog.

When you stop masking and start showing up as your real self, your nervous system settles… and your dog feels it too.

We’ll cover:

✨ What authenticity actually means (and why it’s harder than it sounds)

✨ How pretending to be fine keeps both y...

Duration: 00:26:47

Feeling like your dog’s behaviour struggles are all your fault?

You’re not alone. So many overwhelmed dog parents quietly blame themselves when training feels stuck, especially when they’ve tried every tip and nothing seems to work.

But here’s the truth: it’s not because you’re failing. It’s because your nervous system is overloaded, and that stress is spilling into your training. Today’s episode dives into:

Why self-blame shows up when training feels hard (hint: your nervous system is trying to keep you safe).The hidden cost of blaming yourself...

Duration: 00:35:34

When Training Feels Like Too Much: 3 Ways to Bring Back Calm and Confidence

Do you ever feel like training your dog is just too much?

Between all the tips, the pressure to “get it right,” and the guilt when things go wrong, it’s easy to feel exhausted, stuck, and ready to give up.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I’m sharing 3 simple ways to bring back calm and connection, without piling more onto your already full plate.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why dog training feels heavie...

Duration: 00:18:48

Do you ever lie awake at night replaying the day with your dog, thinking of the walk that went wrong, the snapping when you were stressed, or the fact you didn’t “do enough”?

😔 The exhaustion.

😔 The guilt.

😔 The feeling of being completely stuck.

If this is you, today’s episode of The Mindful Dog Parent is for you.

I’m diving into why these emotions show up so strongly for dog parents, and how they silently shape the way your dog responds to you. More importantly, I’ll share gentle shifts t...

Duration: 00:17:23

If you’ve ever felt like no matter how many training tips you try, recall hacks, loose lead tricks, or reactivity fixes, nothing seems to work, you’re not failing. You’re missing the foundation.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I explain why calm has to come before training, what calm really means, and how to start creating calm connection with your dog today.

Calm isn’t about being zen all the time or never losing your temper. It’s about creating shared safety - the moment your nervous system tells your dog’s nerv...

Duration: 00:24:04

Feeling like you’re at breaking point with your dog? You’re not alone. Many overwhelmed dog parents and anxious dog owners reach a stage where guilt, frustration, and exhaustion collide, making even simple training feel impossible.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I’m diving into the reality of dog training burnout: why it happens, how it shows up in both you and your dog, and most importantly, how to reset without giving up.

Inside this episode you’ll hear:

Why burnout looks different from everyday stressThe hidden link between your state an...

Duration: 00:32:27

September doesn’t just change routines for kids, it shifts everything for dog parents too. If you’ve been feeling the back-to-school stress with your dog, you’re not alone. Many overwhelmed dog parents notice guilt creeping in when walks get shorter, routines change, or patience runs thin.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I’ll share how to bring calm and connection back during seasonal transitions, so you and your dog both feel more grounded.

Inside this episode you’ll learn:

Why your dog feels stress when your schedule changesHow guilt shows up f...

Duration: 00:11:53

very scroll gives you another dog training tip. One expert says treats. Another says never use them. Someone tells you to turn left when your dog pulls. Someone else says stop altogether. Before you know it, you have ten voices in your head and no idea what to do next.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dog training advice, or guilty that you can’t stay consistent, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I’m breaking down:

Why there’s so much conflicting dog training advice onlineTh...

Duration: 00:47:53

You’ve tried recall hacks, loose-lead tricks, maybe even reactivity games… but your dog’s behaviour still isn’t changing. And now you’re wondering if you’re failing, or if your dog just can’t learn.

The truth? You’re not failing. You’re missing the foundation that helps every training tip actually work.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I’m breaking down:

Why even good dog training advice won’t stick if you’re both overwhelmedThe three hidden traps that keep anxious dog owners stuck in cycles of frustrationHow to spot invisible wins i...

Duration: 00:24:02

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.<...

Duration: 00:23:14

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 Notes

Have 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...

Duration: 00:21:10

The One-Minute Reset: How to Build Calm With Your Dog in Everyday Moments

Episode 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 Notes

Have 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 he...

Duration: 00:17:54

Burnout, Guilt & the Pressure to Keep Going (When You’re Already Tired)

Episode Description (for listening apps):

Burnout as a dog parent is real. In this guest episode with Dr. Amber Parks, we explore what burnout actually is, how it shows up in your relationship with your dog, and gentle, realistic steps to begin recovering.

Show Notes

Have you ever felt so emotionally drained that even loving your dog feels heavy?

You’re not alone. Burnout as a dog parent is real, and it can sneak up on even the...

Duration: 00:47:38

The Myth of the Perfect Dog: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations

Episode Description (for listening apps):

If you’ve ever compared your dog to the “perfect” dogs you see online and felt like you’re failing, this episode will help you release those expectations and embrace the imperfect, beautiful dog right in front of you.

Show Notes

Have you ever looked at someone else’s dog and thought, “Why can’t mine be like that?”

It might be the calm café dog lying under the table, the off-lead recall videos on Instagr...

Duration: 00:16:51

Why Your Dog’s Behaviour Feels So Triggering (And What to Do About It)

Episode Description:

When your dog’s behaviour feels triggering, it’s not because you’re a bad dog parent. In this episode, I explore why reactivity hits so hard, the emotional layers behind it, and gentle ways to reset with calm connection.

Show Notes

Does your dog’s behaviour ever hit you right in the chest?

Maybe it’s the barking at the window again, the sudden lunge on a walk, or the recall that falls apart...

Duration: 00:15:27

The Weight of Dog Mum Guilt: Why You’re Not a Bad Dog Parent

Episode Description:

Dog mum guilt is heavy, quiet, and constant. In this episode, I explore where it comes from, why so many dog parents blame themselves, and gentle ways to release it so you and your dog can thrive.

Show Notes

Do you ever feel like you’re letting your dog down?

It’s the quiet voice that creeps in after a walk goes wrong. The knot in your stomach when your dog barks at the ne...

Duration: 00:19:35

Welcome to The Mindful Dog Parent: Support for Anxious & Overwhelmed Dog Owners

Episode Description:

Feeling like you’re doing everything for your dog and it’s still not enough? In this first episode, I share the story behind The Mindful Dog Parent and how this podcast will help you find calm, connection, and confidence with your dog — no matter how overwhelmed you feel right now.

Show Notes

Do you ever feel like you’re failing your dog?

You’re doing your best. You’re reading the books, saving the training vid...

Duration: 00:08:54

Episode 1: The Podcast I Needed as a Struggling Dog Mum

Welcome to the very first episode of The Mindful Dog Parent - a podcast for overwhelmed and anxious dog owners who love their dogs so much, but still feel like they’re getting it all wrong.

In this foundational episode, I’m sharing:

My story as a dog mum who’s cried after walks, felt completely burnt out, and thought I was failingWhy I created this podcast for dog parents who are struggling emotionallyWho this podcast is for and how it’s going to support...

Duration: 00:07:50

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 +...

Duration: 00:01:54