What do dogs have to do with struggle care? If you had lived in my shoes, you would understand. What was I thinking? I decided to celebrate all of my kids finally being in school by getting a puppy! It has been a journey of figuring out why I have a dog when I have ADHD and chronic fatigue–but we love our dog! I reached out to four different trainers to talk about the idea that it’s okay to have pets, even if you have struggles in your life. Let’s take a closer look with Ash, Aaron, Steph, and Joel at dog ownership and dog training in a way that ensures a good and mutually fulfilling partnership between our dogs and ourselves. Join us!

Show Highlights: 

●      The fact is that life changes, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to give a dog a good life. The bare minimum is okay until you can do better.

●      An emphasis on owner-focused training gives high-output results with low input; the small things count!

●      An important factor to consider is energy level management because you can’t always rely on being able to manhandle (or pick up) the dog.

●      How to approach dog ownership in regards to breed, size, temperament, habits, and maintenance

●      Why a consistent 60% effort is better than an inconsistent pattern of 100% and nothing

●      Why the same tips don’t work for every person and every dog

●      Why the most important thing is to train your dog on how to handle their energy

●      How we over moralize many aspects of dog ownership, like rescue dogs vs. breeder puppies

●      How to approach physical exercise AND mental exercise with your dog

●      How a dog’s needs can be met in ways that fit in with ANY lifestyle

●      Training priorities for a dog living with an owner with a struggle care background

●      How to know if your dog is happy

●      Enrichment activities for dogs that don’t involve the owner

●      Why dogs are community builders

Resources and Links:

Connect with Ash: Website,

TikTok, and Instagram

Connect with Aaron: TikTok

Connect with Steph: TikTok,

Instagram,

Facebook, and Podcast

Connect with Joel: TikTok,

Facebook,

and Instagram

Connect with KC: Website,

TikTok, Instagram,

and Facebook

Get KC’s book, How to Keep

House While Drowning

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