Introduction to Dog Training as a Therapeutic Tool
Therapists…
Do you have clients who own dogs and might benefit from dog training? Perhaps they:
- Could benefit from supplemental skills training.
- Have a dog that needs training.
- Need consistent schedules and routines.
- Would thrive with structured exercise.
- Want a better behaved and more reliable emotional support animal (ESA)?
At Morrow Dog Training, I understand that dog training can offer more than just obedience. It’s a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being. As a former therapist turned dog trainer, I offer a unique approach to dog training that aligns with the goals of mental health therapy.
How Dog Training Can Support Your Clients
The Therapeutic Benefits of Dog Training
I have written about the mental health benefits of dog training. Through dog training, your clients can address:
- Boundary Setting: Helping dogs understand boundaries also teaches clients how to set personal boundaries.
- Self-Awareness: Training from a relationship-based approach increases awareness of how one’s body language, emotional state, and energy affect others.
- Schedules and Routines: Consistent routines benefit both dogs and their owners, leading to more stable daily lives.
- Discipline and Logical Consequences: Training encourages follow-through, demonstrating that consistent effort leads to desired results.
- Structured Exercise: Meeting their dog’s core needs encourages clients to incorporate physical activity into their routines.
- Increased Bonding: Building a stronger bond with a dog can translate to better relationships in other areas of life.
A Relationship-Based Approach to Dog Training
My dog training method is grounded in dog psychology and focuses on fostering a relationship built on trust and respect. This approach not only helps dogs but also empowers your clients to manage their own energy—an umbrella term encompassing body language, state of mind, and emotional state—all of which are crucial in effective communication with dogs.