67: Dog Care When You Struggle (From Our Team of Experts)

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 We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices