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.
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 emotional connection between dogs and their owners, the various modalities of energy healing, and practical tips for maintaining a dog's energy balance. Claire shares success stories of dogs who have undergone significant transformations through kinesiology, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to dog care that includes emotional wellness.
Claire's Website:
https://animalenergytherapies.com/
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 changed everything for me
This one’s for anyone who’s ever looked at their dog and thought, “I think we were meant to find each other.”
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 over-vaccinating
- How to think critically about flea and tick products
- Natural preventatives, immune support, and trusting your gut
Whether you follow standard protocols, prefer a holistic approach, or sit somewhere in between, this episode is here to support conscious, confident decision-making.
Because you know your dog best. And your choices matter. 💛
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 to encourage calmer, clearer communication
Deb also dives into the power of pausing, choosing alternative behaviours, and using real-life examples (like door dashing and shoe stealing) to help reframe how we guide our dogs.
Whether you're dealing with a wild puppy, a cheeky adolescent, or just want to build better communication with your dog, this episode will help you shift from reacting… to training.
Because your dog isn’t trying to be “bad.” They’re trying to figure it out - and you get to show them how.
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 vet care.
Deb shares personal stories and an incredible example of animal communication that will absolutely give you goosebumps.
Whether you’re sceptical, curious, or already a little woo, this episode is a gentle invitation to look at your dog’s emotional wellbeing through a different lens.
Because if something non-invasive, calming, and supportive can help your dog feel better... why not give it a go?
Anna Breytenbach Spirit The Black Leopard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6r7q9_akX4
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 changed the game for young dogs, and when medication might be a helpful bridge - not a quick fix.
Because helping a dog feel safe being alone is possible - with a little understanding, patience, and the right support.
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 ownership or thinking of adding another waggy tail to your home, this one’s for you.
💡 Takeaways:
Why your reason for getting a dog really matters
How to work out if a dog fits your life right now
Puppy vs. adult dog
What to look for in a breeder or rescue
The truth about breed needs (spoiler: it’s not about looks!)
What to think about before adding a second dog
Why backup plans matter (because life happens)
And how the right dog can change your life in the best possible way 💛
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 your dog’s waistline, but their behaviour and focus
The difference between high-value and low-value treats—and when to use each
What to look for (and avoid) when shopping for store-bought treats
Why cheese and peanut butter aren’t always the golden training tools they seem to be
And how a dehydrator might just become your new best friend
Plus, a gentle reminder that fancy packaging doesn’t equal quality, and a little nudge to feed smarter—not just more.
Whether you’re knee-deep in training or just trying to avoid sugar-packed snacks in a cute disguise, this episode is full of bite-sized, easy-to-digest tips to help you make better treat choices for your best mate.
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. 🐶💛