67: Dog Care When You Struggle (From Our Team of Experts)
Struggle Care
Introduction
Exploring the idea of having pets even when struggling and how to ensure a mutually fulfilling partnership with dogs.
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,
Connect with Aaron: TikTok
Connect with Steph: TikTok,
Connect with Joel: TikTok,
and Instagram
Connect with KC: Website,
and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep
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