14/08/2026
I’ve been a dog owner again for less than a week and i’ve already realised that i’d forgotten just how hard it can be. The constant worry as to when you should start introducing things or start training, the mind baffling job of finding the right food for them amongst the millions of choices available, spending an embarrassing amount of time analysing poo colour and consistency. The fear of meeting their needs whilst also balancing a busy home and work life - wondering whether your decision to get a dog was selfish or whether you made the right choice.
Already i’ve had to do things differently to how I’d hoped. I had every intention of a slow introduction to bathing and nail trimming etc, instead Bramble decided to quite literally cover herself in fox poo and so I had no choice but to bath her. Yes I did it as calmly as possible, I only washed what I needed to and then let her run around to dry with no expectations of anything for the rest of the day - but I still felt stupid and angry with myself for not following my plan. I had no choice but to leave her whilst I was working yesterday, I tried popping in every 15 minutes but that wasn’t always possible, sometimes she was left for an hour. Then as a result she wouldn’t settle behind the baby gate in the evenings which up until now she had done - in my head, clearly I’ve messed up.
I really felt like it would be easier this time, I have more knowledge, more contacts - but with knowledge comes pressure. I see things I may not have seen when I first had a dog, I now have experience of what can sometimes happen to a dog if I get it wrong, emotional trauma, fear based reactions etc. I’m absolutely terrified of messing up - and this makes me sad.
But - after a very big cry I decided to have a good chat with myself and realised something. Rather than bonding with Bramble, getting to know her and building a relationship what I’ve essentially done is gone into work mode. I’ve seen a check list in my head of things I need to work through rather than just seeing this beautiful girl stood in front of me - the same girl who has been incredible with my children. Who learns so quickly and has adapted to our chaotic home better than I ever could have imagined. Right now, Bramble doesn’t need professional me - she just needs me.
It can be really hard to see the wood through the trees as a dog owner. Whether it be going through the process of welcoming a new puppy or rescue dog, or working through a behavioural issue that’s cropped up somewhere along the journey, there will always be challenges and life will always throw a curve ball your way. The advantage I have now that I didn’t have then, is that I realise behaviour is just a communication method. It’s not something I need to fix, it’s just something I need to understand and process, one step at a time (even I need reminding of this!).
Mistakes will happen, but it’s what you do next that counts.
So to anyone who is feeling really overwhelmed as a pet owner right now, especially if you’ve had to do something in an emergency or off plan - I see you. I get it. I’m with you. Take note of the little wins, not just the hiccups, and if you need to have a cry that’s ok too. But remember, your dog doesn’t need perfection - they just need you.
