For The Love Of Dogs (and their humans!)

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...

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 envi...

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...

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...

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 f...

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 t...

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 reward...

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 “...

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...

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...

In this episode, Deb Parsonage speaks with Claire Forsyth, an animal kinesiologist, about the transformative power of kinesiology and energy healing for dogs. They discuss Claire's journey into this field, the principles of kinesiology, and how it can help address behavioural issues in dogs by identifying unresolved emotions. The conversation also covers the importance of understanding the emotion...

Is it possible your dog chose you ? In this episode, I’m diving into the quiet but powerful energy connection between dogs and humans and why your dog might be more emotionally aligned with you than you realised. We’ll talk about: How dogs tune into our emotional world Why shared emotional traits aren’t a coincidence What science says about the heart–energy connection The story of Kip, the dog who...

In this episode, Deb unpacks one of the most confusing (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of dog ownership: vaccines, parasite preventatives, and how to make informed choices that support your dog’s long-term wellbeing. This isn’t about one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, we explore: - Core vs non-core vaccines (and why that matters) - What titre testing is and when it’s worth doing - The risks of...

In this episode of For the Love of Dogs (and Their Humans!) , Deb from Busy Pawz explores one of the most common words dog owners say - “no” - and why it’s not actually helping your dog understand what to do. You’ll learn: Why “no” doesn’t teach behaviour What’s happening in your dog’s brain when they make “naughty” choices How your energy influences your dog’s response What to say and do instead...

In this episode, Deb from Busy Pawz explores the world of energy healing for dogs —what it is, how it works, and why it may be the missing link for dogs dealing with anxiety, fear, or trauma. We talk about how dogs absorb our energy (yes, like little emotional sponges), the science behind energetic healing, how it works even from a distance , and how it can sit beautifully alongside training and v...

Separation anxiety isn’t bad behaviour - it’s an emotional struggle. In this episode, Deb from Busy Pawz breaks down what’s really going on when your dog panics at being left alone, how our own emotions can fuel their worry, and why fixing it is about calmness, confidence, and baby steps (not blame). Deb also chats about why some breeds might be more prone to separation struggles, how Covid has ch...

In this episode, Deb walks you through all the feel-good and practical stuff you’ll want to consider before bringing home a new furry family member. From your “why” to your lifestyle, breed choice, and whether to rescue or go through a breeder - this is the honest, hopeful checklist to help you make the right decision for you, your family, and your future dog. Whether you're brand new to dog o...

In this episode of For the Love of Dogs (and Their Humans!) , Deb dives into the often-overlooked world of dog treats—because let’s be honest, they’re not just for “special occasions” anymore. Treats have become part of our daily communication with our dogs, which means what’s in them really matters. You’ll learn: Why ingredients count (even if you can’t pronounce them) How treats affect not just...

Still hearing that you need to "be the boss" or "show your dog who’s alpha"? In this episode, Deb calls BS on dominance theory. Learn why it’s outdated, how it harms both dogs and their humans, and what real guidance and trust actually look like. It’s time to change the conversation—your dog deserves better. 🐾

What if your dog’s behaviour isn’t the problem… but a clue? In this episode, Deb explains how every behaviour is a response to an emotion—fear, frustration, excitement, or even calm. Learn to see your dog’s actions as problem-solving, not misbehaviour, and support them with empathy, not punishment. 🐶💛

Is your dog’s diet affecting their behaviour? Just like us, what dogs eat impacts their mood, energy, and overall wellbeing. In this episode, Deb breaks down the gut-brain connection , why processed foods can lead to stress and reactivity, and how to make better food choices —without breaking the bank. 🎧 Listen now & start feeding for better behaviour! 🐾

Ever wondered why your dog suddenly barks, lunges, or "acts out" for no obvious reason? It all comes down to their Stress Bucket —the invisible threshold that determines how much they can handle before they overflow. In this episode, Deb, founder of Busy Pawz , breaks down how stress builds up in your dog’s daily life, why even "good" stress contributes to behaviour struggles,...