August 14, 2019

Self-care and dog training

When I reflect upon the care plans that I have had in place for my dogs over the last 20 years, they have changed as I have learnt more about dogs. They have also changed as I have increased the care plan for myself! There is a direct correlation between my wellness and that of my dogs. Let me explain…

I used to be stuck in a cycle of dieting, binge eating and drinking, smoking and feeling sorry for myself. I had chronic pain in my back, feet, knee and feet and it was getting worse. My dogs were amazing support for me during that time, especially Chanel, as she demonstrated to me that even if you were in pain, just enjoy life and have a nice time anyway! There were days when the dogs were not walked, had no enrichment and were probably quite bored. There were also days that their stress levels matched mine (seen the article about stress levels in people and their dogs https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jun/06/dogs-mirror-stress-levels-of-owners-researchers-find). That made me feel worse about myself and so the cycle continued.

When I couldn’t actually walk by midday due to plantar fasciitis pain, I knew that I needed to make some changes. I was doing a lot of Walk and Train at that stage (training other people’s dogs for them) and I stopped walking my own dogs consistently to conserve my feet for client’s dogs. I am ashamed when I look back at that period, but I did my best at the time. My dogs didn’t judge me or get cross with me, that’s why we love dogs so much!

Fast forward to now where I am 45 kilos lighter and walk 15K+ steps a day, train at the gym and do Martial Arts. My dogs get to go for an outing every day, sometimes twice a day. Bellatrix and Bender are doing a body conditioning course called Fit for Life under the guidance of 2 of the best Sports Rehab Vets in the world (https://www.avidog.com/memberships/canine-fitness-training/). Bert will join them when I can figure out how to fit more into my day! I spend time planning my food and the dog’s food and try my best to ensure that both of our nutrition needs are being met. I have regular massage therapy and offer my dogs regular Bowen therapy. We meditate together (don’t laugh). They sleep in my bed if they choose and I arrange regular playdates with their friends (whose caregivers are my friends very conveniently!) I connect with them and they communicate messages to me to help guide my choices and open my mind to new possibilities and ways of thinking and being. I try to teach them skills to make their lives easier, especially husbandry stuff like nail trimming and grooming.

I am continually assessing the needs of my dogs, but you know what comes before that? Assessing my needs. If I can’t get out of bed in the morning, who is going to feed the dogs then take them out for an adventure? Who is going to go to work so that there is money for the household to take care of everyone’s bills? I have to keep my own cup full of goodness. We all have a different way of doing this and mostly self-care is not bubble baths and chocolate. For me it is dragging myself out of bed to drink a disgusting magnesium drink so that I don’t crave sugar or get muscle cramps. It’s lifting weights at the gym so that I can walk my big bitch, Bellatrix, safely and without letting go of her lead when she lunges. It’s going to bed early instead of watching Blacklist until 3am. It is also taking holidays or staycations and perhaps going away for a few days without the dogs! I also include some less than desirable habits into self-care, such as drinking or eating too much and perhaps enjoying some cigarettes. Indulging, on occasion, provides my brain with feedback that I don’t need these habits in my day to day life anymore and I often feel crummy afterwards. This just makes me want to fast for a day or drink more magnesium drink! Sometimes the dogs are included in the junk food eating too. Their faves are Chicken Crimpy Shapes and McDonalds icecream!

You may be thinking why the heck a dog trainer is talking about self-care. Well, your care links directly to the care of your dogs. Even if you can maintain excellent care for your dogs while ignoring your own needs, it won’t last forever (trust me). Looking after yourself also makes your dogs incredibly proud as they love to see us succeed! They thrive when you do. Plus, it makes my job a whole lot easier when your end of the bargain is sorted and your dog can be the only focal point. I love to provide the tips and tweaks needed for behaviour change to a caregiver who has their own routine sorted as it is easier to just focus on tweaking your dog’s rather than both of yours. See, this is part of my self-care 😊

There is going to be a workshop based around this topic in the next few months. I would love to see you there, email me if you are interested in some more information.