You love your puppy, but you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering if you made a mistake.
You’re not broken. You’re not alone. This class was built for you.
The “puppy blues” are real and far more common than most people realize. This 6-week live course offers practical training support and emotional relief to help you confidently navigate puppyhood.
This is for you if:
- 🐾 You feel overwhelmed by your puppy’s behavior
- 🐾 You’re losing sleep and questioning your decision
- 🐾 You want expert, fear-free help that actually works
- 🐾 You crave support from others who get it
What Are the Puppy Blues?
The puppy blues are a period of emotional overwhelm that many new puppy parents experience. It can show up as frustration, guilt, fatigue, or even regret.
You’re not alone if you’ve felt like you’re doing it all wrong. This course gives you the support, structure, and tools to help you and your puppy thrive.
What You'll Get from This Course
Feel Less Stressed and More Rested
Quickly recognize when you feel overwhelmed and apply strategies to reduce stress.
Create Predictability with Structured Routines
Build daily schedules tailored for your puppy’s needs, training, enrichment, and rest.
Confidently Manage Common Puppy Behaviors
Clear, step-by-step guidance on solving nipping, chewing, and jumping.
Deepen Your Connection and Communication
Understand body language, communicate clearly, and strengthen your bond.
Your 6-Week Roadmap to Puppy Parenting Success!
What to Expect
Surviving the Puppy Blues is a 6-week course designed to help you feel more confident and supported as a puppy parent. Each week focuses on emotional support and positive, practical training to build calm, consistency, and connection.
Join a live 60-minute Zoom class each week with expert instruction and Q&A. Access 12 written lessons, videos, and worksheets inside your online course portal. Connect with others in our Google Classroom for support and discussion between sessions.

Puppy Blues & Stress
Understand puppy blues and learn strategies to manage stress.
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Learn what the puppy blues are and why they happen
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Identify your emotional triggers and early signs of feeling overwhelmed
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Explore real-time strategies to reduce stress and regain control
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Start building a support system that works for you

Communication & Body Language
Learn canine body language to communicate effectively with your puppy.
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Recognize key body language signals like stress, relaxation, and play
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Improve your timing, tone, and consistency when interacting with your puppy
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Understand how miscommunication can lead to behavior issues
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Build trust by learning to listen to your puppy

Puppy Development Milestones
Navigate key developmental stages and common puppy behaviors.
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Understand what to expect at each stage of development
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Identify behavior changes tied to teething, fear periods, and adolescence
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Learn how to adjust your training as your puppy grows
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Use tracking tools to make sense of what’s normal (and what’s not)

Positive Reinforcement
Solve common puppy challenges using force-free training methods.
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Learn how operant conditioning really works (and how to use it)
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Get step-by-step guidance for common challenges: nipping, chewing, and jumping
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Discover when and how to use rewards, time-outs, and redirection
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Practice foundational training techniques using force-free methods

Structured Routine
Create daily routines that foster calm and consistency.
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Build a customized daily routine that includes play, training, and rest
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Learn how structure helps reduce anxiety for both you and your puppy
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Adjust your routine based on your puppy’s age, breed, and energy level
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Spot signs of over-arousal and know when it’s time for a break

Progress Tracking & Continued Success
Set goals, track progress, and maintain ongoing puppy parenting success.
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Reflect on how far you’ve come and where you want to go next
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Use SMART goals to create a realistic action plan for continued growth
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Learn how to prevent setbacks and navigate tough days
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Track your progress and celebrate your wins: big and small
Meet Your Trainer
Michelle Thomas
Hi! I’m Michelle, a certified force-free trainer and passionate advocate for supportive puppy parents. I’ve spent the past several years guiding new puppy parents through the ups and downs of puppyhood, helping them reduce stress, build lasting confidence, and truly enjoy these special months.
My approach combines proven positive training methods with a deep understanding of the emotional side of raising puppies because I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel.
What I Bring to the Table:
✅ Force-Free Certified Trainer
✅ Trained in evidence-based behavior science and humane learning methods
✅ Experience in Helping New Puppy Owners Thrive
✅ Specializing in Puppy Blues Support & Positive Training

Frequently Asked Questions
💬 What is the puppy blues?
The puppy blues refer to the emotional challenges that many new puppy parents experience, such as exhaustion, frustration, doubt, or even regret. It’s common to feel overwhelmed by the 24/7 demands of raising a puppy, especially when the reality doesn’t match the cute Instagram moments you imagined.
🎯 Who is this course for?
This course is designed for you, the puppy parent who loves their pup but feels like they’re barely holding it together. Whether you’re struggling with sleep deprivation, constant supervision, biting, barking, or just feeling like you’re in over your head, this class will help you breathe easier and feel more in control.
🧠 Is this course therapy?
This course is not a substitute for therapy or professional mental health care. It’s designed to support the emotional experience of raising a puppy, provide practical stress management tools, and build confidence through training guidance. If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, or distress beyond what this class addresses, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional. You deserve support on all levels.
📅 What’s included in the 6-week course?
- Six 60-minute live Zoom classes with trainer Michelle Thomas
- Weekly downloadable materials (PDFs, worksheets, checklists)
- Optional homework to apply what you learn
- A private online community thread for support and reflection
- Practical tools to manage stress, build routines, and improve communication
- A personalized action plan for training and emotional well-being
🐶 Do I need to attend every class live?
Live attendance is encouraged for the best experience, but we know life happens! If you miss a session, you’ll still receive the weekly materials and homework in your course unit to review at your own pace. You can also engage with the group by commenting in the weekly discussion threads.
🧠 Is this a training class or a support group?
It’s both! You’ll learn science-backed positive reinforcement training techniques and get tools to support your emotional health. Think of it as a blend of stress management, structured puppy guidance, and community support all rolled into one cozy, judgment-free zone.
🛠 What do I need to join the course?
- A stable internet connection
- Zoom access (you can join through the Zoom app or directly in your web browser, no download required)
- A puppy (or plans to bring one home soon!)
- A few treats, a chew toy, and a way to take notesThat’s it! No fancy tools or equipment needed. You’ll receive everything else digitally each week!
💻 What platform do we use?
Live classes take place on Zoom. This can be accessed via desktop browser or mobile app! After each session, you’ll receive weekly handouts, worksheets, and optional homework through your client portal at BusyPaws. For ongoing conversation and peer support, we use Google Classroom as our discussion space. Both are accessble via desktop or mobile browser or app. There, you can post reflections, ask questions, and engage with your classmates between sessions.
Don’t worry if you’re new to either platform, clear instructions will be provided after you register!
💡 What kind of training methods are taught?
Force-free, fear-free, and reward-based training only! Everything is rooted in modern behavior science, empathy, and relationship-building. You’ll never be asked to use punishment or dominance-based methods.
⏳ How much time should I expect to spend each week?
Each live class is one hour. Beyond that, you can choose how much time to spend on the optional homework. Many students spend 30–60 minutes total per week outside class reviewing materials, reflecting, or working with their pup.
🧍 What if I’m also working with a private trainer or attending a puppy class?
That’s totally fine! This course is a supportive add-on to whatever training path you’re already on. It’s especially helpful if you’re feeling emotionally burnt out or need help making sense of the day-to-day chaos of raising a puppy.
👥 Can I ask questions or get personal support?
Yes! Michelle is active in the comment threads and always happy to offer guidance. While this isn’t a private training program, many students find the group environment encouraging and insightful. If you want personalized help, you can also book a 1:1 session through Ready, Pup, Go!.
💸 Is this course really worth $120?
Absolutely! Working 1-on-1 with a trainer can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200 or more, and that often doesn’t include emotional support for you.
This 6-week course gives you:
- Weekly live coaching sessions with a certified puppy specialist
- Personalized answers to your questions
- A structured plan for tackling the most common puppy problems
- Tools to reduce your stress, improve your sleep, and rebuild your confidence
That’s less than $25 a week for expert guidance, plus you’ll walk away with real results and skills that will last your puppy’s lifetime.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or doing it all wrong… this course is designed for you.
💙 I’m not sure if this is the right fit. Can I talk to someone?
Of course! Just schedule a discovery call, call (425)749-3645 or DM Michelle on Instagram, Facebook, or Bluesky. She’s happy to help you decide if this class will meet your needs.
Not quite ready to sign up?
Grab my free Puppy Blues Survival Cheatsheet + monthly tips.









