Trying to raise the “perfect” dog? That pressure might be the very thing holding you both back.

This episode of The Dog Who Asked for More dives into the quiet harm of perfectionism in dog training—and how chasing the “ideal dog” can disconnect you from the real one right in front of you.

In this episode:

• Why perfection pressure creates burnout for both you and your dog

• A mindset shift to help you connect without comparison

• How enrichment and rest—not more exposure—can support real behavior change

  
  Listen now to shift from pressure to partnership—and start training the dog you actually have, not the one you imagined.

The Dog Who Asked for More — Extras & Support

Looking for more support beyond today’s episode?

Free Mini Bowl Blueprint

Get a free copy of the Mini Bowl Blueprint — a simple guide to adding supportive, low-stress nutrition to your dog’s meals without overwhelm.

https://tinyurl.com/minibowltdwafm

Free 15-Minute Call with Em

Not sure what your dog actually needs right now? Book a free, no-pressure call to talk it through.

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow

Free Community Support

Email [email protected] to get in touch with Em or request access to the FREE Slack community for ongoing encouragement and support.

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmslack

Want deeper, behind-the-scenes support?

Join The Dog Who Asked for More on Patreon for bonus podcast content, extended nutrition conversations, and extra resources not shared publicly.

Support the show and get access to the Extras on Patreon

https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmpatreon

Nutrition Support We Trust

Looking to support your dog’s daily meals? Try PetMatRx supplements and save with code FITZ20.

https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm

This podcast explores life with dogs and life with pets, focusing on the dog–human bond and what it truly takes to understand and bond with your dog through dog body language, dog enrichment, behavior guidance, dog reactivity support, reactivity awareness, reactive dogs, reactive dog training, calming reactive dogs, dog training, dog training tips, training rescue dogs, pet training, dog obedience, dog behavior, dog behaviour, dog socialization, dog barking, dog habits, dog health, dog life, dog myths, and positive reinforcement for all dogs:  rescue dogs, velcro dogs, anxious dogs, reactive dogs, high-energy dogs, big-feeling dogs, and family pets, hosted by a canine nutritionist, nutrition coach, dog coach, dog coaching specialist, and retired vet tech, with episodes covering dog food, canine enrichment, dog training, dog nutrition, canine nutrition, dog gut health, dog grief, dog products, and science-backed routines that help dogs feel safer, healthier, calmer, and more understood while offering practical steps, enrichment ideas, behavior strategies, body language insights, and daily habits to support any dog and create a more confident, connected life with dogs.