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 videos, following all the advice. And yet, at the end of the day, there’s still this knot in your stomach whispering, “Why isn’t it working? Am I letting my dog down?”

You are not failing. You are overwhelmed. And you are not alone.

In this very first episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I’m sharing the personal story that led me to start this podcast and the mission behind the work I do: to support anxious, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained dog parents who love their dogs deeply but feel like they’re quietly struggling behind the scenes.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The story behind the podcast: How my own experience with anxiety and guilt as a dog mum inspired me to create a safe space for others.
• Why traditional training advice often misses the mark: Most tips focus on your dog’s behaviour, but ignore your emotional wellbeing.
• The hidden weight of dog parenting: How guilt, comparison, and burnout creep into our relationship with our dogs.
• What it really means to be a mindful dog parent: And no, it’s not about being perfect or meditating twice a day!
• What to expect from future episodes: Honest solo deep dives, practical calming tools, and occasional expert guests — all designed to help both ends of the lead.

Who This Podcast Is For:

• Dog parents navigating puppy chaos or teenage reactivity
• Anyone feeling anxious, guilty, or burnt out by the pressure to “get it right”
• People who want ethical, science-based training support and emotional validation
• Dog mums and dads craving calm, connection, and confidence

Why This Episode Matters:

Because dog training isn’t just about cues and behaviour. It’s about relationship. It’s about your mental health as much as your dog’s. This episode lays the foundation for everything to come — helping you move from shame and overwhelm to calm and connection.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about my ethical dog training & trauma-informed coaching: lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk

Free guide for overwhelmed dog parents: Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents

A Gentle Reminder:

You are not broken. And neither is your dog. This podcast is your safe place to feel seen, supported, and reminded that you’re doing better than you think.