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 who care deeply but feel emotionally stretched thin.

In this episode:

• Why you feel “behind” with your dog

• The nervous system’s role in burnout and overwhelm

• Why shame makes training harder

• How to reset without starting from zero

• Micro-wins that rebuild confidence and connection

• What your dog feels when you’re emotionally overloaded

• Simple, calming steps to get back on track

🎧 If this resonated, listen next:

• When You’ve Lost Motivation to Train Your Dog (And What That Really Means)

• When You Feel Like You’re Failing (But You’re Actually Growing)

• When You’re Tired of Dog Training: Why Taking a Break Helps You Make Real Progress

💜 Get my free tips for Overwhelmed Dog Parents: https://lavendergardenanimalservices.myflodesk.com/strategies-for-overwhelmed-dog-parents

New episodes every Tuesday.

Takeaways:

• Feeling behind in dog training often stems from emotional fatigue and external pressures rather than the dog's behaviour.
• Seasonal changes, especially in December, can amplify feelings of overwhelm and comparison among dog parents.
• A reset in training does not necessitate grand gestures but can consist of small, manageable actions.
• Recognising micro-wins in training can foster a positive mindset and facilitate emotional regulation.
• Shame and self-criticism hinder progress, while self-compassion and patience create a conducive environment for growth.
• The connection with your dog is strengthened not by perfection but by showing up authentically and being present.