As we continue our International Puppy Day series, we know this time often brings excitement and new beginnings—but as we explored in [Part 1 with Sarah Rutten], it can also bring its fair share of overwhelm.

When people bring a puppy home, the first thing they usually think about is obedience—what should I teach first? 

However, Pat Wright and Molly Townsend, founders of Flying Paws Dog Training and winners of the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Award, believe the better question is this: “How do I raise a dog who can actually cope with the world?”

While we have traditionally focused on cues like sit, stay, drop and heel, Pat and Molly argue that those are only one small piece of the picture. What really matters in the early stages is what sits underneath: play, engagement, emotional regulation, and everyday life skills.

At Flying Paws, this is referred to as real-world readiness. It’s about raising a dog who doesn't just respond when asked, but a dog who feels safe, confident, and able to move through the world without falling apart. When you get that right, you don’t just end up with an obedient dog—you end up with a resilient one.

---

The Foundations: Play and Engagement

Play is often treated as something separate from training—a break, a reward, or a way to burn energy. But for puppies, play is where most of the learning actually happens. Through play, they test boundaries, make mistakes, and figure out how their behaviour affects the world around them.

More importantly, it builds the relationship. When a puppy learns that being with you is fun, safe, and worth paying attention to, you become important to them. Not because you have food, but because you matter.

That connection is what carries through into real life. It is what helps with recall, focus, and staying connected when things get busy. Before worrying about longer stays or perfect recalls, it is worth asking:

• Does my puppy actually enjoy interacting with me?

• Can they settle near me without needing constant input?

• Do they recover quickly if something startles or excites them?

• Do they choose to come back to me on their own?

---

Building Life Skills for the Real World

Most challenges that show up later in a dog's life aren't because they "forgot" how to sit; they come from gaps in everyday emotional skills. Real-world readiness is built through:

• Settling: The ability to relax in different environments and "switch off" after excitement. This is a skill that must be taught and practised.

• Handling and Cooperative Care: Getting your puppy comfortable being touched or examined. Giving the puppy a "say" in the process makes vet and groomer visits much easier later on. [Read our full guide on training your pup for grooming here].

• Recall Foundations: Recall isn't built at the beach; it starts in low-pressure environments where coming back is always the best option.

• Emotional Regulation: Can your puppy notice something exciting without reacting immediately? Dogs who learn to process frustration early cope much better as life becomes more complex.

---

The Power of Choice and Consent

One of the biggest shifts in modern training is understanding that giving dogs a level of choice actually improves outcomes. This doesn’t mean letting them do whatever they want; it means allowing them to be part of the process.

It can be as simple as:

• Letting them approach a new person instead of being passed around.

• Giving them the option to move away during handling.

• Noticing when they are unsure and adjusting instead of pushing through.

Dogs who feel heard tend to become more confident. They learn the world is predictable and that they can take in information without being overwhelmed.

---

Thoughtful Exposure Over "Socialisation"

The early months matter, but "more" exposure is not always better. Rushing a puppy into every situation can actually cause anxiety. What helps is thoughtful exposure:

• Letting them watch from a distance before they join in.

• Giving them space when they need it.

• Building things up gradually instead of all at once.

A puppy sitting at a distance, calmly taking in a busy environment, is learning far more than one who is overwhelmed in the middle of it. Real-world readiness develops through experiences the puppy can actually process.

---

Practical Habits to Start at Home

Building resilience doesn't need to be complicated. It comes down to small, consistent habits:

✔️ Reward Engagement: Notice and reward when your puppy checks in with you voluntarily.

✔️ Use the Environment: Scatter food in the grass. Sniffing helps puppies slow down and feel more settled.

✔️ Pause Before Excitement: Wait for a moment of calm before throwing a toy or opening a door. This teaches regulation over reaction.

✔️ Prioritise Rest: After something exciting, help your puppy switch off. This is the piece that most often gets missed.

---

The Bigger Picture: Cooperation Over Compliance

A lot of new puppy owners feel like they are "behind," especially with social media showing very young puppies performing polished behaviours. But development is not a race.

The real test is not how a puppy looks at sixteen weeks—it is how they handle life at sixteen months. Adolescence tends to highlight whatever was built early on. Dogs with real-world readiness cope better, recover faster, and stay more connected to their humans.

Raising a puppy is not about creating a dog who listens perfectly; it is about raising a dog who can live in the world comfortably. When we focus on play, engagement, and life skills, we aren’t lowering the standard—we are raising it. Because the goal isn’t just compliance; it is cooperation.

Photo Credits:

• Kerry Martin – Puppy Tales Pet Photography (Zani, Pat, Murphy, Molly and Fox, below)

• Deb Sulzberger – Furbabies and Friends Photography (Puppy Fox photos)

---

About the Authors

Pat Wright and Molly Townsend are the founders of Flying Paws Dog Training in Tasmania and winners of the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Award (Pet Training Services).

With a combined 30 years of experience, they are Tasmania's first certified Family Dog Mediators®, specialising in positive, force-free, and fear-free training. Pat founded Flying Paws in 2014, while Molly joined the team in 2018; together, they focus on "real-world readiness" to help dogs and families build resilient, emotionally stable relationships.

They are also the voices behind the podcast The Paws Perspective, sharing modern insights into canine behaviour.

• Website: www.flyingpaws.com.au

• Socials: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

• Listen: The Paws Perspective on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Related Stories

• Service Dogs: Changing Australian Lives – A special feature by Flying Paws on the power of assistance and therapy dogs.

• The First 14 Days with Your Puppy: The Do’s and Don’ts – By Sarah Rutten.

• Training Your Pup to Enjoy Grooming Sessions – Essential advice on desensitisation and cooperative care at home. By the igroomhub team.

On the eve of International Puppy Day (March 23), it is worth reflecting on the reality behind the "perfect" puppy photos filling our social media feeds. 

Bringing home a puppy is often pictured as a joyful milestone, full of cuddles and the excitement of welcoming a new family member, yet the early weeks of adopting a new furry friend can often bring exhaustion, uncertainty and feelings of doubt.

Sharing a unique look at these challenges from The Canine Perspective, accredited canine behaviourist, expert force-free trainer and bestselling author Sarah Rutten says many new dog guardians experience what is known as “puppy remorse”—a feeling far more common than people realise.

“Puppy remorse isn’t a sign you chose the wrong dog. It’s usually a sign that real life has just collided with unrealistic expectations,” Sarah says.

While Sarah has previously shared the essential do’s and don’ts for the first 14 days with a new puppy, she notes that even with the best preparation, the transition to life with a puppy is a major adjustment. Routines change overnight, sleep is interrupted, and young dogs need almost constant supervision.

“It’s very normal for people to have moments where they think they’ve made a mistake,” she says. “That doesn’t mean they don’t love their dog. 

It simply means they are adjusting to a very real change in their day to day life.”

The Gap Between Expectation and Reality

Sarah explains that the biggest contributor to puppy remorse is the gap between expectation and reality.

“Puppies are often imagined as small, well behaved companions,” she says. “The truth is that puppies are babies. They chew, they toilet in the wrong place, they wake up during the night and they can have bursts of energy that feel chaotic.”

She adds that social media often presents a polished version of puppy life that leaves many new dog guardians feeling unprepared.

“We see photos of calm puppies sitting beautifully or looking cute,” she says. “What we don’t see are the shredded tissues, the midnight toilet trips or the enthusiastic play biting. Those moments are a completely normal part of raising a young dog.”

Conflicting advice can also increase anxiety for new dog guardians.

“People often come to me saying they’ve read ten different things and every source says something different,” Sarah says. “When someone is new to raising a puppy, that kind of contradiction can quickly make them feel like they’re doing everything wrong.”

In Sarah’s experience, many people struggling with puppy remorse don’t need more streams of advice. They need clear guidance on where to start.

“When people understand what is developmentally normal for puppies and what to focus on first, everything begins to feel much more manageable,” she says.

Practical Steps for Managing Puppy Remorse

Sarah says there are several simple steps that can help new guardians feel more confident in the early weeks:

• Prioritise sleep for your puppy: Young puppies need far more sleep than people realise. When puppies are overtired they often become bitey, restless or unable to settle. Ensuring puppies have regular quiet rest periods can make behaviour far easier to manage.

• Set realistic expectations: Toilet accidents, chewing and night waking are normal parts of development. Understanding that these behaviours are temporary helps reduce frustration and anxiety in new dog guardians.

• Focus on a simple training plan: Rather than trying to follow multiple pieces of advice, Sarah recommends focusing on a few key foundations such as toilet training, calm settling and positive social experiences.

• Manage the environment: Using puppy pens, baby gates or safe chew options can prevent many common problems while a puppy is still learning.

• Seek clear guidance early: Working with a qualified trainer or behaviour professional can provide structure and reassurance during the early stages.

The Path to Connection

Sarah also encourages new guardians to remember that the most intense stage of puppyhood does not last forever.

“The early weeks can feel all consuming, but puppies grow and change quickly,” she says. “With the right support and structure, many of the behaviours that feel overwhelming at the beginning start improving within weeks.”

Sarah emphasises that at the centre of the process is not perfection, but connection.

“Raising a puppy is not about creating a flawless dog,” she says. “It’s about building a relationship.”

“That relationship often starts with sleepless nights, chewed shoes and a lot of learning on both sides. And for many people, it becomes one of the most rewarding relationships of their lives.”

What’s Next?

Sarah is currently working on her next book, which continues the conversation from her first, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Paw-tential. The upcoming release will further explore dog behaviour and how meeting their physical, emotional and behavioural needs can lead to calmer, more harmonious lives together.

“For now, the title will have to remain under wraps,” Sarah says. “But it continues the conversation from my first book, helping guardians better understand their dogs and build relationships that work for both human and dog. I’m very excited about what’s coming next.”

More Information:

For more expert advice on dog behaviour and force-free training, visit Sarah’s website. Her bestselling book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Paw-tential, is an essential guide for any new puppy guardian and is available now from Booktopia and Amazon Australia.

🐾 Part 2: Building the Future Now that you’ve navigated the "Puppy Blues," how do you raise a dog that can truly cope with the world? 

Read [Raising Resilient Puppies: Why Real-World Readiness Matters] by award-winning trainers Pat Wright and Molly Townsend.

---

Related Stories

The First 14 Days with Your Puppy: The Do’s and Don’ts by Sarah Rutten

Is My Dog Normal (or Just Plain Weird)? by Sarah Rutten

Puppy Biting: A Fun Guide to a Happy Pup

Building Healthy Puppy Toilet Habits

Beyond Plastic: The Sniff’s Sustainable Take on Dog Enrichment

With environmental sustainability front of mind, we’re looking at a new local brand helping us swap 'plastic-heavy' for more considered choices.

Discover The Sniff’s Foundational Edit: a curated collection of food-grade silicone slow feeders, lick mats, and eco-friendly coffee wood chews for dogs.

When Sunshine Coast mum of two Yvette Page was preparing to bring home her Labradoodle puppy, Rumi, she assumed finding a few high-quality dog essentials would be a simple task. It wasn't.

Like so many new puppy owners, she found herself scrolling through endless options: chew toys, feeders, bowls, and enrichment tools—the vast majority of which were made from generic plastics. Some were labelled "natural," some looked stylish, and others made grand promises, but very little felt genuinely reassuring to a parent looking for safety and longevity.

“I wanted one place I could go where the research had already been done,” says Yvette. “Somewhere I could feel confident about what I was buying for my dog. I couldn’t find it, so I decided to build it.”

As she looked more closely into the category, Yvette uncovered peer-reviewed research showing that the concern was not limited to plastic alone. 

Across different product types, the literature pointed to a mix of chemical and physical risks, confirming that more caution is needed when choosing the items dogs chew, lick, and use daily. 

It also reinforced that labels like “natural” weren't always enough to guarantee a product was clear or trustworthy.

A Better Filter for Dog Owners

That search became The Sniff, a Sunshine Coast-based dog enrichment brand built on a simple premise: if something goes in a dog’s mouth regularly, it should meet a higher standard. 

For Yvette, this was never about creating more products for the sake of it; it was about creating a "better filter"—a calmer, more reliable option for owners who want essentials made from materials they feel good about bringing into their homes.

“The deeper I looked, the more I realised how hard it was to get clear information,” she says. 

“I didn’t want a cart full of random products. I wanted fewer things, chosen properly.”

The Foundational Edit: A Simpler Way to Choose Well

The Sniff launches with its debut release, The Foundational Edit—a tightly curated collection of dog essentials selected for both function and material integrity. Rather than overwhelming owners with dozens of choices, this edit is designed to take the guesswork out of "choosing well," whether for new puppy owners or those looking to replace everyday items with better-considered options.

At its core, The Foundational Edit focuses on the routines dogs return to again and again: feeding, licking, chewing, and play. 

It speaks to a growing number of dog owners who are tired of plastic-heavy pet products and want a reliable alternative without spending hours conducting their own research.

What’s Inside the Collection?

• Food-Grade Silicone Slow Feeder: Designed with deep grooves and a suction base, this feeder is a practical solution for dogs that tend to 'inhale' their food. As we recently covered in our look at tackling Australia’s pet obesity crisis, extending mealtimes is a key step in supporting better digestion and making daily feeding a more engaging, healthy routine.

• Matching Lick Mat: Made from the same food-grade silicone, this mat can be used alone or paired with the bowl. It’s ideal for spreadable treats or meal toppers, tapping into a dog’s natural repetitive licking behaviour to promote a calmer routine.

• Coffee Wood Chew: Sourced from retired coffee trees that have reached the end of their productive life as plantation crops, these are upcycled into durable chews. Unlike garden sticks, this dense wood is designed to fray gradually into soft fibres rather than breaking into sharp splinters.

• FSC-Certified Natural Rubber Ring: A solid, natural rubber option for fetch and interactive play. Sourced from responsibly managed forests, it was selected because the available evidence on natural rubber is significantly more favourable than many conventional plastic toys.

Giving Back Locally

Alongside its launch, The Sniff is supporting rescue dogs closer to home. For every Foundational Edit sold, $1 is donated to the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS), helping support the rescue and rehoming of dogs and cats across the region. It’s a small but meaningful part of the business that reflects the values behind the brand: thoughtful choices, local connection, and a genuine love of dogs.

---

Price & Where to Buy

Special Launch Offer: For early supporters, The Foundational Edit is available at the special launch price of $99 AUD until midnight 27 March 2026 at thesniff.com.au. From 28 March, the RRP is $129 AUD.

Shipping is included Australia-wide. Orders will ship from 30 March 2026.

Connect with The Sniff on Facebook or on Instagram: @thesniff.au

Safety Disclaimer: While The Sniff focuses on safer material choices, no chew toy is indestructible. Australian Dog Lover recommends that all enrichment activities—particularly involving wood or rubber chews—be conducted under supervision to ensure your dog’s specific chewing style remains safe. 

Related Stories

• 5 Enriching Activities You Should Do With Your Dog Every Day From mental focus to the power of a good sniff, discover the five pillars of a happy, well-adjusted dog according to expert animal behaviourists.

• How to Help Your Dog Sleep Better (and why their bed might be toxic) For Sleep Awareness Month, we look at the link between mental rest and a safe, non-toxic sleeping environment.

• Creating an Enriching Environment for Dogs – Our comprehensive '101' guide to transforming your home into a canine paradise.

• Does your Dog need a Sniffari or a Vet Visit? Is your dog restless or truly unwell? Learn how to distinguish between a need for more mental stimulation and a trip to the clinic.

The Bread Heist, "Taz" Circles, and the Midnight Feast: Navigating the Reality of Australia’s Pet Obesity Crisis

In the busy consultation rooms of Melbourne’s Lort Smith Animal Hospital, a quiet but dangerous trend is taking shape. As the largest not-for-profit animal hospital in Australia, the facility sees thousands of pets every year, but recently, the data has reached a tipping point: one in three pets walking through their doors is now classified as dangerously overweight.

“Being overweight can have disastrous consequences for our pets,” says Chief Veterinarian Officer, Dr. Jessica Wilde. 

“We are seeing a spike in life-threatening health risks, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and a significantly reduced life expectancy. We want to start raising awareness now before Victoria—and in fact, all of Australia—is faced with a full-blown obesity crisis in our companion animals.”

While the clinical statistics are alarming, the reality of managing a pet’s weight is often found in the chaotic, humorous, and sometimes "stealthy" environment of the family home. To understand why the numbers are climbing, one only needs to look at the "professional liars" and food-driven personalities that make up the modern Australian household.

Meet the Pack: The Faces of the Struggle

“All three of our dogs are absolute liars. They will use those big, puppy dog eyes to convince you they haven’t been fed.” — Elaine

For Elaine and her family, pet weight management is a tactical daily operation involving three distinct, highly motivated personalities. Each dog brings its own unique challenge to the "household hustle":

• Harvey (3, Black Labrador): A "gentle giant" with a calm nature, Harvey lives with epilepsy. His medication increases his appetite, turning him into a professional opportunist. “While he won’t help himself to food off tables or plates,” Elaine explains, “under the stealth of darkness, he will help himself to any food that is easily—or not so easily—accessible.”

• Emmy (4, Chocolate Lab): The polar opposite of Harvey. A "nuggety little girl" nicknamed "Taz" because she runs in frantic circles and sounds just like the Tasmanian Devil when excited. Emmy is the most difficult dog in the house to manage around food. 

“She is incredibly brazen,” says Elaine. “She will steal from the table or kitchen bench while we are watching.”

• Nessie (6, Golden Retriever): The "Lady" of the group. While she can be greedy, she maintains a sense of decorum that her Labrador siblings lack. However, living with two labs means she is always ready to join a heist if the opportunity arises.

The Great Bread Heist and the Pantry Raids

The struggle to keep pets slim often hits a peak during times of domestic upheaval. Elaine recalls a period of "complete chaos" during major home renovations. With walls demolished and the kitchen removed, the dogs were confined to a study upstairs.

“My husband thought it would be a great idea to set up a space to store some food in the back garage,” Elaine says. “All it took was one person to leave the door open for Harvey to make his move when out for a toilet break. If he’d been smart about it, he’d have stayed in the garage and eaten it. But he wanted to bring the prize back.”

This isn't new behaviour for the family’s dogs. Elaine remembers their previous lab, Pepper, who at just five months old managed a legendary heist. 

“I arrived home one day to find this little pup looking pregnant. Her belly was swaying as she walked and she was obviously quite uncomfortable. She had dragged a 15kg bag of dog food from the laundry and ripped through the heavy plastic. Our Golden Retriever, Bella, had ignored those bags for years, but our clever little lab showed her a new trick.”

The Biology of "Always Hungry": Why They Scavenge

“Research has identified a genetic variation in many Labradors that affects how the brain regulates appetite... they simply don't feel ‘full’ the way other dogs do.” — Dr Jessica Wilde 

Emmy putting her genetic drive to the test
as she eyes off a slice of cheesecake.

Why do breeds like Labradors and Retrievers seem hardwired to scavenge? According to Dr. Wilde, it isn’t a lack of discipline—it’s evolution and genetics.

“There is actually a biological reason why some breeds seem permanently hungry,” Dr. Wilde explains. “Research has identified a genetic variation in many Labradors that affects how the brain regulates appetite and satiety. 

In simple terms, they may feel less ‘full’ after eating compared with other dogs.”

Historically, this trait was beneficial for working dogs that needed strong food motivation for training and retrieving tasks. However, in a modern home where food is plentiful and "midnight feasts" are possible, it makes them particularly prone to weight gain.

“The key for owners is understanding that begging behaviour doesn’t necessarily mean the dog needs more food,” says Dr. Wilde. “Often it simply reflects a strong food drive. Structured routines and slow feeders are essential to satisfy that behavioural need without adding extra calories.”

The "Silent" Impact: More Than Just "Slowing Down"

Dr. Wilde is quick to point out that weight management isn't about "fat-shaming" pets; it’s about their daily quality of life. One of the biggest misconceptions owners have is that an overweight dog is still a happy dog.

“If they’re still eating and wagging their tail, owners think they must be comfortable,” Dr. Wilde says. 

“In reality, excess weight quietly affects every aspect of a dog’s day-to-day life. It places constant strain on joints and muscles, leading to chronic pain and early arthritis.” 

In fact, research shows that fat cells actually release inflammatory proteins that cause body-wide low-grade inflammation, making joint pain even more severe. (Learn more about new treatment solutions for canine arthritis).

“Dogs that are overweight often become less willing to exercise, which owners interpret as ‘slowing down with age,’ when in fact it is discomfort.”

Carrying extra weight also impacts breathing, temperature regulation, and energy levels. Dogs fatigue more quickly on walks and struggle significantly in warmer weather. Because dogs are experts at adapting, they often don't show obvious signs of pain until the problem is quite advanced.

For Elaine, the wake-up call came with their previous Lab, Pepper. “She suffered from arthritis from a very young age after undergoing some orthopaedic surgeries. We found we could keep her more comfortable and active only if her weight was kept strictly in check.”

The Human Reality Check: Cheese, Toast, and "Soft Touches"

The "human food audit" is often the most eye-opening part of a vet consultation. Many owners don't realise that a "little bit" of human food is a "huge bit" for a dog.

“A useful way to think about it is relative calories,” says Dr. Wilde. 

“For example, a small cube of cheese given to a 10kg dog can be the equivalent of a human eating a chocolate bar in terms of calorie proportion.” 

“A slice of buttered toast or a few scraps from the dinner table can represent a very significant percentage of a dog’s daily energy needs.”

Elaine agrees that the humans are often the hardest part of the equation. “The biggest challenge is actually the humans. They often plan to put ‘things’ away… later. When those ‘things’ are food and you have three retrievers in the house, they often aren’t there when you come back. 

“She will steal from the table while we are watching.” Emmy putting her brazen reputation to the test with a roast turkey.

We also have a couple of people in our house who have been known to give in occasionally, and they are now the targets of many a longing stare.”

The "Multi-Feeder" Dilemma: Managing the Household

In a house with multiple family members, "double-feeding" is a major contributor to the obesity crisis. Dogs are master manipulators who know exactly who the "soft touches" are.

To combat this, Lort Smith recommends a shared household responsibility model:

• The Visual Treat Jar: Create a simple system like a treat jar with a set number of pieces for the day. Once the jar is empty, everyone knows the dog has reached their allowance.

• The Check-In: Before filling a bowl, check with other family members. “All three of our dogs are absolute liars,” Elaine says. “They will convince you they haven’t been fed.”

• Low-Calorie Alternatives: Instead of high-fat treats, Elaine uses carrots or pieces of the dog’s regular kibble. “They don’t need high-value treats to get results,” she notes.

The Professional Weight-Loss Journey

For pets like Harvey, Emmy, and Nessie, weight management is a lifelong commitment. At Lort Smith, a professional weight-loss consultation involves a thorough assessment of body condition, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions.

“A weight management consultation is much more than simply telling an owner to feed less food,” says Dr. Wilde. “We develop a realistic plan tailored to the individual household. This includes calculating the appropriate calorie intake, selecting the right diet, and building an achievable exercise plan.”

When the plan sticks, the results are life-changing. “Dogs become more energetic, mobile, and engaged with their environment,” says Dr. Wilde. “Owners frequently tell us they feel like they have their younger dog back again.”

For Elaine, the motivation remains the same: “I don’t have any guilt at all when saying no to giving our dogs food they shouldn’t have. It’s more important that they enjoy long and happy lives.”

---

Lort Smith’s Top Tips for a Healthy Pet:

1. Increased Exercise: Tailor activity to the pet’s age and health (especially for dogs with arthritis).

2. Reducing Calories: Use "light" dry food formulas and measure every portion.

3. Monitor Treats: Treats should make up no more than 10% of total daily intake.

4. Use Slow Feeders: Essential for breeds that "inhale" their food to prevent digestive issues and increase satiety.

About Lort Smith Animal Hospital

Lort Smith is Australia’s largest not-for-profit animal hospital, dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care and adoption services. If you are concerned about your pet’s weight or joint health, you can book a consultation online at their North Melbourne or Campbellfield clinics. As a non-profit, they rely on community support to continue their life-saving work; you can donate to support their mission here.

Related Stories & Resources

• Rethinking Pet Obesity: A Vet's Guide to Weight Management – Our latest comprehensive guide on the medical strategies behind successful weight loss.

• Ground-breaking Dietary Treatment for Canine Epilepsy – New RVC research on managing seizures through nutrition.

• Canine Arthritis: New Treatment Solutions – Dr Meredith Crowhurst reviews the latest advances in managing joint pain and inflammation.

• The Impact of Owning a Dog with Epilepsy – A qualitative look at the reality of life with an epileptic pet.