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

Sian Lawley-Rudd - Lavender Garden Animal Services
  • 0.0 (0)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Being a dog parent isn’t just about training cues, it’s about managing emotions, expectations, and the weight of responsibility. The Mindful Dog Parent is the podcast for overwhelmed dog parents and anxious dog owners who love their dogs deeply but feel stuck in cycles of guilt, burnout, and self-doubt. Hosted by trauma-informed coach and ethical trainer Sian Lawley-Rudd, each episode combines dog training advice with real-world tools for emotional wellbeing — so you can find calm, confidence, and connection with your dog. Inside, you’ll hear: - Support for reactive dog help and everyday dog behaviour problems - Why tips don’t work without calm first, and what to do instead - Gentle, ethical approaches to calm dog training that actually fit your life - Honest conversations about guilt, comparison, and dog training burnout - Stories, strategies, and weekly challenges that bring you and your dog closer Perfection isn't the target. It’s about learning to regulate yourself, build connection, and create steady progress with your dog, no matter where you’re starting from. 🎧 Subscribe now and join a growing community of dog parents finding calmer, kinder ways to train and live alongside their dogs.

  1. 2D AGO

    You’re Allowed to Train Your Dog in Your Own Way: Setting Boundaries With Opinions and Family

    Feeling judged, questioned, or pressured about how you train your dog can quietly undermine your confidence. Many overwhelmed dog parents find that the hardest part of dog training isn’t their dog’s behaviour, but navigating other people’s opinions, from family members, friends, and other dog owners. In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, ethical dog trainer and trauma-informed coach Siân Lawley-Rudd explores what it means to train your dog in your own way, without constantly explaining yourself or managing other people’s expectations. Blending personal experience with nervous-system and psychological research, this episode looks at why setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable, especially for thoughtful or people-pleasing dog parents, and how confidence grows when you stop performing your training choices for others. ✨ In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why opinions from family and other dog people feel so drainingHow people-pleasing and social pressure affect your nervous systemThe link between boundaries, emotional regulation, and calm dog trainingWhy confidence often grows quietly, without confrontationHow your dog responds when you feel steadier and less self-consciousLetting go of the need to be understood by everyone This episode offers reassurance for anxious dog owners who want to train ethically, calmly, and in a way that feels aligned, even when others don’t agree. 🐾 Related episodes you may find helpful:Why Carrying Dog Training Alone Can Quietly Wear You DownWhen Dog Training Feels Like Too Much: 3 Ways to Bring Back Calm and ConfidenceThe One-Minute Reset: A Simple Way to Regulate Your Dog (and Yourself) New episodes every Tuesday 💜 Subscribe for calm dog training advice, nervous-system support, and compassionate guidance for overwhelmed dog parents. Takeaways: The most challenging aspect of dog training can often stem from external pressures rather than the dog's behaviour itself.It's essential to recognise that training should focus primarily on the dog’s needs, not the opinions of observers.Setting boundaries can induce discomfort due to our inherent desire for social acceptance and approval from others.Empowerment in dog training manifests quietly through consistent decisions rather than through loud assertions or confrontations.

    18 min

  2. FEB 3

    Why Carrying Dog Training Alone Can Quietly Wear You Down

    Takeaways: Dog parents often face overwhelming responsibilities without support, leading to emotional fatigue.Reflecting on our own responses to dog behaviour is common yet can lead to self-doubt.Having a supportive space to discuss dog training experiences alleviates emotional burdens significantly.Shared responsibility in dog training enhances clarity of thought and emotional regulation.It is essential to recognise that struggling in dog parenting doesn't mean disengagement but rather deep investment.The absence of a supportive environment can lead to a constant state of mild activation within the nervous system.

    18 min

  3. JAN 27

    When You Start Trusting Yourself Again With Your Dog (Even If Nothing Looks Fixed Yet)

    Trusting yourself again with your dog can feel confusing, especially when nothing looks “fixed” yet. For overwhelmed dog parents, progress often shows up internally before behaviour changes become visible, and that’s where self-doubt can creep back in. In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, Siân Lawley-Rudd explores what happens when your nervous system starts to settle, but your confidence hasn’t caught up yet. Through a personal story about Bonnie and a trauma-informed lens on dog training, this episode gently reframes what real progress looks like when you’re rebuilding calm, trust, and emotional capacity. Rather than pushing for results or perfection, this conversation focuses on recognising the quieter signs of growth, the ones that matter most for anxious dog owners and their dogs. ✨ In this episode, you’ll explore:Why trusting yourself again can feel unsettling with dog trainingHow nervous system regulation affects confidence and decision-makingWhy progress often feels neutral before it feels positiveWhat co-regulation really looks like between you and your dogHow self-trust supports calm dog training more than consistency aloneWhy “not doing more” can actually create safer behaviour change This episode is a reminder that dog training doesn’t start with fixing behaviour, it starts with feeling steady enough to stay present. 🐾 Related episodes you may find helpful:When You Can’t Bring Yourself to Train Your Dog: Why Your Motivation Disappears (And How to Get It Back)When Dog Training Feels Like Too Much: 3 Ways to Bring Back Calm and ConfidenceThe One-Minute Reset: A Simple Way to Regulate Your Dog (and Yourself) New episodes every Tuesday 💜 Subscribe for calm dog training advice, nervous-system support, and compassionate guidance for overwhelmed dog parents. Takeaways: The pivotal moment in dog training occurs when internal shifts happen before visible changes in your dog's behaviour.Self-trust often develops in the absence of observable progress, marking a crucial phase in training.The nervous system's regulation is essential for effective dog training and co-regulation between the dog parent and dog.Recognising subtle internal progress is vital, as it creates a platform for further development in both dog and dog parent.

    18 min

  4. JAN 20

    Your Dog’s “Bad Day” Doesn’t Mean You’ve Gone Backwards: A Calm Reframe for Reactive Moments

    Your Dog’s “Bad Day” Doesn’t Mean You’ve Gone BackwardsHave you ever come home from a walk feeling like all your progress has disappeared? Your dog reacts, your body tightens, and suddenly your mind is telling you that you’ve failed, that something is wrong, or that you’re back at the beginning again. In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent Podcast, Siân Lawley-Rudd shares a calm, nervous-system-aware reframe for those moments, including a personal story about her own dog, Bonnie, and how a “bad walk” changed the way she understood progress. You’ll learn why reactive moments don’t mean regression, how stress affects both your dog’s nervous system and your own, and what actually helps you both recover faster after a hard day. This episode is especially supportive if: your dog has reactivity or emotional outburstsyou feel discouraged after difficult walksyou tend to blame yourself when things go wrongyou want a calmer, kinder way to measure progress In this episode, we explore:Why progress in dog training isn’t linearWhat’s really happening in your nervous system after a hard walkHow stress and safety affect reactivityWhy “bad days” are part of real healingA gentle reframe to stop the self-blame spiralHow to support both you and your dog after reactive moments 🐾 Helpful episodes to listen to next:When You Feel Like You’re Failing With Your Dog: The Growth You Can’t See YetWhen Staying Calm Feels Impossible: Why You Keep Losing It (And How to Come Back Faster)When You’re Tired of Dog Training: Why Taking a Break Helps You Make Real Progress If this episode brought you a sense of relief, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing this wrong. 🎧 New episodes every Tuesday 💜 Subscribe for calm dog training, nervous-system support, and emotional guidance for overwhelmed dog parents. Takeaways: After a challenging walk, it is crucial to understand that feelings of regression do not indicate actual setbacks in progress with your dog.Both your nervous system and your dog's nervous system react simultaneously to stressful situations, influencing each other's responses.Real progress in dog training is characterised by shorter recovery times and the ability to return to a baseline state after a reaction.Instead of self-blame following a difficult moment, cultivate curiosity by asking what factors may have made the situation harder today.

    28 min

  5. JAN 13

    Why Calm Keeps Slipping Away (And How to Stop Starting Over With Your Dog)

    If you’re an overwhelmed dog parent who keeps finding calm… only to lose it again, 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 explain why calm doesn’t always stick, and how anxious dog owners can stop feeling like they’re starting over every time things wobble. In this episode, we explore:Why calm can feel fragile even when you’re doing “everything right”How nervous system states affect consistency and behaviourWhy it feels like progress disappears (even when it hasn’t)The difference between holding calm and returning to calmWhy pressure makes regulation harder for you and your dogHow to stabilise calm without forcing motivationWhat actually builds safety and confidence over time This episode is especially supportive if you’re experiencing:Dog training burnoutFeeling behind with your dogAnxiety around behaviour inconsistencySelf-blame when calm doesn’t lastExhaustion from “starting again” A gentle invitationIf something in this episode resonated, you’re welcome to message me just one word that describes where calm sits for you right now. No explanation required. And if listening quietly is all you have capacity for, that’s enough. Related episodes you may find helpful🎧 You Didn’t Fail Over Christmas: A Gentle Reset for You and Your Dog 🎧 When You Feel Behind With Your Dog: How to Reset Without Shame 🎧 When You’re Tired of Dog Training: Why Taking a Break Helps You Make Real Progress Takeaways: Calm is not a static state, but rather a dynamic rhythm that ebbs and flows throughout our lives.The feeling of calm may recede not due to personal failure, but as a natural response of our nervous system to stressors.When seeking to regain calm, it is crucial to approach oneself with kindness and understanding rather than self-blame.Supporting our dogs in achieving calm requires us to first regulate our own emotional states and nervous systems, as they are attuned to us.The cycle of improvement followed by regression is common in dog training, and returning to foundational practices can be an effective strategy.Recognizing that progress is not linear and that small victories contribute to long-term stability is essential for both dog owners and their pets. About the podcastThe Mindful Dog...

    21 min

  6. JAN 6

    You Didn’t Fail Over Christmas: A Gentle Reset for You and Your Dog

    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 dog’s training has gone backwards (even when it hasn’t)How calm dog training starts with safety, not motivationA gentle way to reset after Christmas without pressure or guiltWhat helps anxious dog owners rebuild confidence and connectionWhy nothing is broken, in you or your dog If you’re struggling with:Dog training burnoutFeeling behind with your dogLoss of motivation after the holidaysGuilt or self-blame about your dog’s behaviourWanting calm dog training that actually feels sustainable …this episode offers relief, reassurance, and a grounded place to begin again. A gentle invitationIf something in this episode landed for you, you’re welcome to message me just one word, something like “relief” or “still tired.” No explanation needed, and no pressure to start a conversation. And if listening quietly is all you have capacity for right now, that’s enough too. Start here if you’re newIf this is your first time listening, a supportive next episode to try is: 🎧 When You Feel Behind With Your Dog: How to Reset Without Shame 🎧 When Your Dog’s Behaviour Feels Overwhelming: How to Break the Spiral About the podcastThe Mindful Dog Parent offers calm dog training advice and emotional support for overwhelmed and anxious dog owners. Each episode blends ethical dog behaviour expertise with nervous system regulation to help both ends of the lead feel safer, steadier, and more connected. New episodes every Tuesday.

    20 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    When Christmas Feels Like Too Much: How to Protect Your Calm (and Your Dog’s)

    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 learn how seasonal pressure, disrupted routines, and emotional load affect your nervous system and your dog’s behaviour, and why calm dog training starts with protecting capacity, not pushing through. Rather than offering more “things to do,” this episode focuses on emotional regulation, permission, and realistic expectations, so you can move through Christmas with more steadiness, compassion, and connection. This episode is especially supportive if: Dog training feels like too much right nowYour dog seems more unsettled, reactive, or clingyYou’re worried about losing progress over the holidaysYou’re carrying dog parent guilt or burnoutYou want calm dog training without pressure What you’ll learn:Why Christmas overwhelms both human and canine nervous systemsHow stress and overstimulation affect dog behaviourWhy calm dog training looks different during the holidaysHow to protect your own calm without adding more workGentle ways to support your dog through disruptionWhy progress doesn’t disappear during hard seasons 🎧 Listen next: When You Can’t Feel Joy With Your Dog (Even Though You Love Them Deeply)When You’re Tired of Dog Training: Why Taking a Break Helps You Make Real ProgressWhen You Feel Behind With Your Dog (And Start Blaming Yourself) If this episode helped you feel a little steadier, consider sharing it with another dog parent who might need reassurance this Christmas. New episodes of The Mindful Dog Parent are released every Tuesday.

    26 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    When Christmas Throws Your Dog Off (and You Feel Yourself Unravelling): How to Stay Calm in the Chaos

    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.

    47 min
See All (34)

About

Being a dog parent isn’t just about training cues, it’s about managing emotions, expectations, and the weight of responsibility. The Mindful Dog Parent is the podcast for overwhelmed dog parents and anxious dog owners who love their dogs deeply but feel stuck in cycles of guilt, burnout, and self-doubt. Hosted by trauma-informed coach and ethical trainer Sian Lawley-Rudd, each episode combines dog training advice with real-world tools for emotional wellbeing — so you can find calm, confidence, and connection with your dog. Inside, you’ll hear: - Support for reactive dog help and everyday dog behaviour problems - Why tips don’t work without calm first, and what to do instead - Gentle, ethical approaches to calm dog training that actually fit your life - Honest conversations about guilt, comparison, and dog training burnout - Stories, strategies, and weekly challenges that bring you and your dog closer Perfection isn't the target. It’s about learning to regulate yourself, build connection, and create steady progress with your dog, no matter where you’re starting from. 🎧 Subscribe now and join a growing community of dog parents finding calmer, kinder ways to train and live alongside their dogs.

Information