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 no matter what you do.

And the reaction inside you is instant: a knot in your stomach, heat in your face, maybe even shame creeping in with the thought, “Why can’t I handle this? What’s wrong with me?”

You are not broken. And neither is your dog.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, we’re unpacking why our dogs’ behaviour can feel so triggering — and what to do about it when those emotions surge.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why dog behaviour can feel so personal: The emotional mirror our dogs hold up to us.
• The role of the nervous system: How stress in you and your dog feeds into each other.
• Old emotional patterns: How past experiences, perfectionism, and fear of failing resurface in dog parenting moments.
• Gentle regulation tools: How to pause, reset, and find calm connection in the middle of the mess.
• A small, practical takeaway: One grounding step to use when you feel triggered in real-time.

Who This Episode Is For:

• Dog parents of reactive or sensitive dogs
• Anyone who feels anxious, guilty, or ashamed after their dog struggles
• People who want to build a calmer, more connected relationship with their dog

Why This Episode Matters:

Because feeling triggered by your dog’s behaviour doesn’t make you a bad dog parent. It makes you human. Learning to regulate yourself first is one of the most powerful things you can do, for both ends of the lead.

Try This:

The next time your dog reacts, pause for 30 seconds.

Breathe slowly.

Notice what’s happening in your body.

Then meet your dog with calm eyes, not more training cues.

This one small shift can change everything.

Resources & Links:

📥 Free guide: Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Dog Parents

A Gentle Reminder:

Your dog’s behaviour is not a reflection of your worth. You are learning. They are learning. And you are in this together.