Dog Owners, Dog Training, Mental Health and Disability
- Aria Barrett
- Mar 16, 2022
- 6 min read
I have been wanting to write this blog for a while, but have always put it to the bottom of the list. But recent events and similar posts from other trainers have given me the confidence to write it. You can find details of where to get help and support at the bottom of this page.
Statistics from the charity Mind suggest that around 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, and in England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week [1]. 15 million people in England have long-term medical conditions [2].
I wanted to write a blog that gives support and advice for dog owners and dog trainers, like me, who are disabled, have long-term conditions or have mental health problems. Most of you know, but just in case, I have a condition called Hidradenitis suppurativa, and in a nutshell my body attacks my own skin. It means a lot of surgery, nasty medication, a tone of pain and it has a huge effect on my mental health. If you have received an email or message from me, you will also know I am SUPER dyslexic. Honestly, I will never be able to spell Lhasa apso without googling it first.
For Dog Owners
It can feel embarrassing to talk to your dog trainer and explain the limitations or fears you may have. For me, the mark of a good dog trainer is empathy and compassion. I want to encourage you to talk to your dog trainer about things. You can talk to us, or just pop it in the questionnaire. We can choose specific methods or techniques to help you. We will never judge.
I know for me on my bad days, I absolutely cannot face taking the dog for a walk. I may be in pain, or just not feel up for it. You know what, THAT'S OKAY! No harm will come to your dog if you take a day off from walking them! As dog trainers, we will talk a lot about consistency in training, and encourage you to train your dog for a few minutes every day. I want to let you in on a secret, us dog trainers are total hypocrites – if we have had a long and stressful day, or we are tired, are we going to train our dogs? No, we are going to sit on the sofa with them, and eat three bags of mini eggs whilst binge-watching Below Deck. In the long run, missing the odd walk or odd training session will not impact your dog one bit.
I know when I feel unwell, my emotions bubble up. I feel like I am not doing enough for my pet, or I get frustrated when they don’t respond to the training. If you ever feel like that – that just shows you are normal. If you are having a bad day, keep training really simple, or go to an enclosed field where you can just let your dog run without having to think about them running into their triggers.
Setting yourself up, making your life easier is great. Contact local dog walkers, and see if any offer ad hoc walks. Then on your bad days, you don’t have to worry. Borrow my dog is a great site where you can find local people who can walk and look after your dog for free.
If you can’t face going out for a walk, let your dog have a run around the garden. Then hide food in the bushes or take their dry food and just throw it all over the kitchen floor. Replace the walk with super easy enrichment. I will keep one or two Kongs in the fridge filled with some of my dog's food. This means come meal time I don’t have to think about enrichment or weighing out the food – I just have to open the freezer. I will keep a squeaky toy hidden away, so on my bad days, out comes the squeaky toy. My dog will happily play (and eventually destroy) that squeaker for half a day whilst effectively ignoring boring old me. Snuffle mats, destruction boxes, lickimats, ball pits, all that enrichment can be hugely beneficial to give your dog the mental and physical exercise they need.
There is charity support available. The cinnamon trust is a wonderful charity that can provide support and a foster network for the elderly and terminally ill. www.cinnamon.org.uk
For Dog Trainers
Over the last few years, I have noticed as an industry we are talking so much more about our physical and mental health and how it can affect our business. For me, on my bad days could I go out and teach loose lead walking? No. On some days I can’t face looking at emails or doing discovery calls. I mean, running Facebook ads or writing copy is awful at the best of times, let alone when you are not feeling your best!
Let's be honest, setting up on your own as a dog trainer is awful! It’s a stressful experience at the best of times – even more so when we consider the effect Covid has had on our industry. We all struggle when setting up our business.
Even when you are established – it’s not easy. Loneliness, financial pressures, and imposter syndrome are so common!
Firstly, I want to let you know you are not alone! We are here for you. The brilliant disabled dog trainers Facebook group popped up recently, and it’s a wonderfully supportive place. So what can we do as a dog trainer to make our lives easier?
1. Reach out to local dog trainers. Make friends. Knowing you have someone to pass clients over to can be hugely beneficial.
2. Automate as much as you can! Often you can make and schedule a tonne of social media posts in advance. One less thing to do. Also, will it harm you to repost a post from two years ago? If you are in a position to be able to, getting a virtual assistant is a great option.
3. Are you writing huge detailed reports after every session -that’s great. But could some of the information around specific techniques or exercises come in a lovely premade pdf or video?
4. Stick with what you love! If group classes stress you out, don’t do them. Finding your niche or what you are passionate about can be amazing.
5. Look at other options for how you deliver training – could you sell online classes or offer online membership advice.
6. The temptation, particularly when you start it to do as much training as you can, and use the days off for paperwork! You will wear yourself out! Take days off!
7. Most importantly, if you are feeling unwell don’t push yourself. If you have to pop a message on your website that says you are fully booked or away for the next month do it. Your priority is you.
If you are struggling reach out. Charities like Turn-2-us and citizens advice can offer financial advice, and talk to your doctor about local mental health support that may be available to you. For example, my local NHS mental health support organisation has staff available to give advice and support for self-employed workers.
All of us positive reinforcement trainers shout about being empathetic, kind, and honest in our approach to dog training
ng and the animals and clients we work with. So now, I am shouting be as kind to yourself and your dogs! Your emotions, your health, and your happiness are important! Your feelings are valuable! You deserve love and support.
That’s all from me now. I am in pain today, so I am exiting canva, ignoring social media, and intend to watch an embarrassing number of episodes of Married At First Sight AUS in my pyjamas.
Never struggle in silence. Speak to a doctor, a family member or a friend! Help and support is available! I am always here if you needs be. Cuddle your dogs and know you are good enough!
1 https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/statistics-and-facts-about-mental-health/how-common-are-mental-health-problems/
Financial Advice Support Available
Mental Health Support Avaliable
Urgent Mental Health Helpline
Support, Advice and Information
How to get NHS mental health support
About the Author. Aria Butterwick is a dog trainer, and HS warrier based in Guildford.
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