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 learn today:

• Why joy disappears when your body is in survival mode

• How nervous-system shutdown affects your connection

• Why feeling “flat” doesn’t mean you love your dog any less

• Simple co-regulation practices to rebuild connection

• Micro-moments that help your joy slowly come back

• What dogs feel when you’re emotionally overwhelmed

• How to reconnect without pressure, guilt, or shame

If you’ve been feeling disconnected, numb, or emotionally exhausted, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and deeply reassured.

Joy isn’t gone, it’s waiting for your nervous system to feel safe again. 💜

🎧 Listen next:

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

• When Staying Calm Feels Impossible: Why You Keep Losing It (and How to Come Back Faster)

• The One-Minute Reset: A Simple Way to Regulate Your Dog (and Yourself)

💌 Links & Support:

Explore ways to work with me → lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk

Follow Siân on Instagram → @lavendergardenanimalservices