Feeling Overwhelmed with Your Dog? Here’s How to Find Calm Again

Let’s be honest: being a dog parent isn’t always the picture-perfect experience we see on Instagram. There are days when you’re exhausted, frustrated, and wondering if bringing your dog home was the right decision.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

Every dog parent has those moments. And the good news? There’s a way to turn things around—even on the hardest days.

Here are some tips to help you manage the chaos, regain control, and start enjoying life with your dog again.

1. Start with Your Own Stress Bucket

When your stress levels are high, it’s nearly impossible to respond calmly to your dog’s behaviour. Imagine your stress bucket filling up throughout the day—with work, errands, lack of sleep, or even your dog’s boundless energy. Once it’s full, it doesn’t take much to make it overflow.

Take a moment to pause and assess where you’re at. Are you feeling tense, short-tempered, or overwhelmed? That’s a sign your bucket is nearing its limit.

Quick Tip: A simple breathing exercise can calm your nervous system in less than 60 seconds. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four, and exhale slowly for four. Repeat a few times and feel the tension ease.

2. Help Your Dog Empty Their Stress Bucket

Your dog has a stress bucket, too. Over time, things like lack of sleep, overstimulation, or frustration can fill their bucket to the brim. This is why your dog might be bouncing off the walls one moment or barking at everything that moves.

To help them reset:

• Provide mental enrichment, like training games and scentwork.

• Give them a quiet space to decompress.

• Stick to a predictable routine that offers structure and calm.

Even small adjustments like these can help your dog feel more relaxed—and in turn, help you feel more in control.

3. Take 5 Minutes to Reset Together

When everything feels like too much, step back and spend five minutes calming the energy in your home. This might look like a quick training session, or simply sitting quietly (with or without your dog) and focusing on slow, intentional breathing.

These small resets can work wonders for both of you, helping to break the cycle of stress and overwhelm.

4. Be Kind to Yourself

We all have tough days. Losing patience doesn’t mean you’re a bad dog parent—it just means you’re human. What matters is recognising when things feel off and taking steps to get back on track.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that this is a learning process, for both you and your dog.

5. Download My Free Guide: 7 Tips to Stay Calm When You Think Getting a Dog Was a Mistake

If you’re struggling to find calm amidst the chaos, I’ve created a free guide to help.

✨ ‘7 Tips to Stay Calm When You Think Getting a Dog Was a Mistake’ is packed with practical strategies to manage your stress and your dog’s behaviour.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• Simple ways to reset your own stress levels.

• Quick, actionable tips to help your dog feel calmer.

• How to rebuild confidence and connection—even on the hardest days.