Dog Mom (& Dad) Guilt: Why It Happens & What To Do

I’m here to tell you first and foremost, dog mom (or dad) guilt is totally normal. Let that sink in for a second… We all want to be the absolute best pup parent and provide our dogs with a healthy, happy, and fulfilled life. But, sometimes we fall short. And that’s where the guilt comes in. In this article, I want to help break down what guilt really means, why dog parent guilt happens, and some actionable ways to help reduce those feelings of guilt. Here’s some of what we will cover: -What exactly is guilt? -Why do we feel guilty as pup parents? -What can you do when you’re feeling dog mom (or dad) guilt? -I feel guilty leaving my dog, what can I do? (this one is so common it’s getting its own section) First, let’s clarify what guilt means from a clinical perspective. Guilt is described as a self-conscious emotion that involves negative evaluations of the self, feelings of distress, and feelings of failure. We all have goals and aspirations of being the best pup parent possible. And unfortunately, we often fall short of our own expectations. And when that happens, guilt shows up. While guilt can actually be a healthy emotion (it leads us to want to improve and/or repair mistakes that cause guilt), there are times when it becomes harmful and unproductive. The reasons we feel guilty as dog moms and dads are almost endless (unfortunately), but here are some common reasons we pup parents feel guilt about our dogs. -Leaving our dogs home alone for extended periods (this is probably #1) -Incorrect training methods when we just didn’t know better or hadn’t yet learned what to do (using the crate as punishment, punishment-style methods, etc.) -Having to crate our dogs when we leave or even while we’re at home -Falling behind on grooming that negatively affects our dogs (nails too long, not frequent enough grooming visits, etc.) -Bringing home another dog -Having a baby and our dog getting much less attention and care -When our dogs act bored or seemingly “sad” -When we see them in pain and feel powerless to help them -Getting angry or impatient with our dog’s behavior and/or training progress -Spending less time with our dogs during holidays, busy periods of life, back to school, etc. -Leaving our dogs while we go on vacation While that list isn’t comprehensive, those are some very common reasons dog mom guilt pops up! So, what can you do?! Besides giving yourself some empathy and compassion, there are some critical reminders and actions you can do to help reduce your pup parent guilt! ⤵️ From a psychological standpoint, remedies for unnecessary guilt may include reflecting on factors that were beyond your control, acknowledging what you know now that you didn’t in the past, and considering whether your standards for yourself are too unforgiving.  I think that last part is massive… Considering whether your standards are too unforgiving. When it comes to dog parent guilt, above all, know that it’s normal. Guilt and associated feelings are to be expected, and it’s good to give yourself some slack. The puppy blues are real! And while it can sound annoying to hear, it will get better! Puppies can be extremely difficult in the early stages.  But, if you stick to a training plan, like the free 30 Day Perfect Pup course, and stay consistent you will see improvements in your dog’s behavior and likely your own feelings toward your pup. PS- Sign up for 30 Day Perfect Pup (free) here: https://pfrd.site/signupfree-here