In this episode, Deb from Busy Pawz opens up about what life has really been like lately—with six dogs, shifting energy, and a nervous system that’s barely hanging in there. If your dog has felt extra reactive, sensitive, or just off lately… you’re not imagining it.

We explore how unsettled energy in the world (and in our homes) impacts our dogs, why calmness doesn’t always mean control, and what “back to basics” support can look like when things get messy.

✨ You’ll learn:

• Why your dog might be reacting more than usual right now

• What “calm” actually looks like for different dogs

• How to gently reset your routines without guilt

• Why regulating your nervous system matters more than you think

• Practical examples of supporting sensitive or reactive dogs during high-stress times

This is an honest, compassionate episode for anyone navigating a wobbly season. You’re not failing. You’re adapting. And your dog is doing the best they can, too.

📍 Mentioned Free Resources
👉 Chaos to Calm
👉 Beyond Behaviour

In this episode, Deb discusses the concept of calmness in dogs, emphasising that calm does not always equate to a lack of energy or excitement. She explains how dogs can appear calm while feeling anxious and provides strategies for helping dogs feel more secure and relaxed. The conversation covers the importance of understanding a dog's emotional state, the role of predictability in their environment, and practical tips for fostering calmness through movement, decision-making, and positive reinforcement.

Some dogs just feel more. They soak up the energy in a room, mirror your emotions, and act differently when something’s off long before you notice anything yourself.

In this episode, Deb from Busy Pawz explores what it means to have an energy-sensitive dog, how to recognise the signs, and what you can do to support them emotionally and energetically.

We talk about:
🐾 What “energetically sensitive” actually means
🐾 The science behind dogs and energy
🐾 Real-life examples of how energy impacts behaviour
🐾 Support strategies for dogs who feel it all
🐾 Why calm isn’t just trained - it’s shared

If your dog seems like they’re picking up on something you can’t explain, this episode is for you.

Ever feel like your dog’s behaviour has changed after a stressful event—even when everything seems “back to normal”? 😕

In this episode, we’re diving into the concept of the stress bucket holiday—why some dogs need a full emotional reset, and how to support them when their nervous system is overloaded.

I’ll share a recent example from my own dog Kenya, signs your dog might need a break, and what a “holiday” actually looks like (hint: it’s not fancy—it’s just what they need).

💡 You’ll learn:

• Why recovery is more than physical

• How to recognise subtle stress signals

• What to pause, ditch, or soften to help your dog truly reset

• How nervous system rest can fast-track your dog’s long-term progress

Sometimes doing less is exactly what your dog needs most. Let’s unpack that together.

🧡 Read the blog that goes with this episode:
👉 busypawz.com.au/post/stress-bucket-holiday

📘 Download your free eBooks:
→ Chaos to Calm: busypawz.com.au/free-dog-training-ebook
→ Beyond Behaviour: busypawz.com.au/energy-healing-dogs-ebook

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✨ Want to support a friend going through a tough time with their dog?
Send them this episode. It might be the encouragement they need today. 🐾

Kibble might be convenient but what’s really inside those colourful bags? In this episode, I dive into the marketing tricks, misleading ingredients, and over-processing that plague commercial dog food.

You’ll learn:

• What common terms like “meat meal” and “natural flavours” really mean

• How high-heat cooking affects your dog’s nutrition

• Why most kibble is packed with unnecessary carbs

• What to look for in healthier food (including raw options)

• Simple ways to boost your dog’s bowl if you’re not ready to switch just yet

🎧 Whether you're a raw feeder or just starting to explore food upgrades, this episode will help you feed with confidence.
💬 Like, subscribe, and share with a dog-loving friend!
🔗 Visit busypawz.com.au for the blog version and more dog wellness tips.

In this episode, Deb addresses the common feelings of failure that dog owners experience, emphasising that these feelings are normal and shared by many. She discusses the impact of social media on perceptions of dog ownership, the emotional toll of managing a dog's behaviour, and the importance of self-care for owners.

Deb encourages listeners to embrace imperfection in training and to recognise that growth is a shared journey between dogs and their owners. She concludes by reminding listeners to adjust their expectations and to be kind to themselves and their dogs.

📥 Download your free ebooks: Chaos to Calm + Beyond Behaviour at busypawz.com.au

Not sure when to give treats… or when to stop?

In this episode, we’re unpacking how to use treats strategically so you’re reinforcing the behaviours you want without becoming a walking vending machine.

You’ll discover:
🍗 Why treats work (hint: it’s brain science, not spoiling)
🎯 When to use more, when to use less
🐾 What actually counts as a reward
🙌 Why fading food doesn’t mean stopping rewards altogether

Plus, a little reality check on that classic question: “When can I stop giving my dog treats?”
📥 Grab your free ebooks: Chaos to Calm + Beyond Behaviour at busypawz.com.au

Ever wonder why your dog suddenly explodes - or shuts down - over something small?
In this episode, I’m introducing one of the most powerful tools I teach dog owners: the stress bucket.

You’ll learn:
🪣 What the stress bucket actually is (and how it fills)
🧠 Subtle signs your dog might be nearing overflow
🐾 How to drain your dog’s bucket with rest, enrichment, and emotional safety
🐶 Why even “good” experiences can still leave your dog overwhelmed
💤 Real-life tips to help your dog stay regulated and calm

Whether you’ve got a barker, a biter, or just a dog who seems “off,” this episode will help you spot the build-up before things tip over.

✨ Read the blog: https://www.busypawz.com.au/post/dog-stress-bucket-signs
📥 Grab your free ebooks: Chaos to Calm + Beyond Behaviour at busypawz.com.au

Let’s bust some myths. In this episode, I’m unpacking five common beliefs about dog behaviour that could be getting in the way of real progress—and doing more harm than good.

From “naughty” dogs and outdated dominance advice, to the myth that your dog is just being stubborn or can't change… we’re digging into what’s actually going on behind the scenes.

I’m also sharing:
🛏 The story of the dog who peed on her owner’s pillow (and why it wasn’t about revenge)
🐑 A personal story about my dog Kenya, and how a sheep herding workshop changed how I see leadership forever
🧠 Why “stubborn” is usually just a mismatch in communication
🚪 A better approach when your dog jumps at the front door
🐾 And a bonus myth—what to do instead of waiting for your dog to “grow out of it”

Because with the right support, your dog can change. And so can you.

✨ Read the blog: https://www.busypawz.com.au/post/dog-behaviour-myths
📥 Download your free ebooks: Chaos to Calm + Beyond Behaviour at busypawz.com.au

Dog enrichment doesn’t need to be complicated or cost a fortune. In this episode, I’m sharing real-life enrichment ideas that I use with my own dogs (yes, even Kip… when he’s not eating the cardboard box 🙃), and how to use them strategically to promote calm.

You’ll hear how I manage noisy neighbours, sardine hunts in the backyard, and why a frozen Toppl might just be your dog’s new nervous system reset. Whether you’re new to enrichment or just need a fresh take, this is your gentle nudge to make it part of everyday life.

Because calmness isn’t luck - it’s something we build.