5 Tips For Getting Through Depression

Life doesn’t always play fair. I’ve had  my fair share of rough times and this month was no exception. But it never stays bad, whether youre going through depression, anxiety, stress etc. Sometimes we just need a little reminder that things are going to be ok. We’re getting close to that time of year when a lot of us can feel stuck in a funk. So I wanted to share with you some of my tips for getting through a rough spell.

1. Communicate

Speaking to others can help a lot more than you think. Talking to others about our problems isn’t easy, and if anybody tells you otherwise they’re lying. Sometimes it’s pride that gets in our way, we’re embarrassed to be seen struggling. Sometimes it’s fear of not being understood.  Whatever is holding you back, don’t let it anymore. Speaking to someone, getting all of those thoughts that are whirling around in your head out into the open can really help relieve some of the stress. It’s comforting to confide in those we are close to. A good friend won’t judge you whatever you’re going through right now.

2. Treat Yourself

Take some time out, even if it’s one night on the weekend. Take a warm bath with a Lush bath bomb, watch your favourite movie/tv series, get your hair done, paint your nails, stuff your face full of chocolate or go see a movie with your friends. Take some time to do whatever it is that personally makes you feel better.

3. Self Care

We live in a world where our personal needs can easily be pushed to the wayside. Are you looking after yourself? I know this question can often come across as patronising. But it is anything but, when we’re stressed or down we often slack on our basic needs. Try to make sure you are eating enough and regularly. And make sure you are getting enough sleep, it is amazing how much better a decent nights sleep can make us feel. It won’t fix your problems but being tired won’t help either.

4. Avoid Toxic People

This is hard. It’s especially hard if those people are family members. Toxic people aren’t always that obvious to us. I look back at some of my friendships and I think wow... why did I stick around for that! You don’t need people around you who are negative, bitchy, jealous, pessimistic etc at the best of times. So you sure don’t need them at your worst. If you can’t remove them completely, spend less time around them. Gravitate towards people who cheer you on and are a positive influence in your life. And thank me later.

5. Don’t Bully Yourself

And by this I mean stop beating yourself up over things. This is particularly hard if you are competitive or a perfectionist. But seriously there are enough mean people in this world who are more than happy to tear people down. Don’t be your own worst enemy. 

You are doing the best you can. You WILL get through this. And I promise it does get better.

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8 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Most of you who have been visiting my blog probably already have a dog but for those of you who dont and are thinking about one or are considering adding another doggy addition to your family, first take these things into consideration

1. How much time do you have for a dog? - Dogs require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Make sure you have enough time in a day to spend with your dog so they arent home alone all day and night. When properly taught dogs can learn how to live in their own company while you or your family is at work but it takes a lot of training for a dog to know right from wrong and be trusted to be left by themselves.

2. Where will you be 5-10 years from now? - Life can be a crazy twist and turn of events if you are not already settled down, will you be able to take the dog with you if you move across states, or into a new rental property? Consider all the moves you might make and different life event that may happen and if your dog will be able to be by your side through all of them.

3. How much activity do you do during the day?- If you are a physically active person who goes on walks daily anyways then that is great! It might be nice to add a furry companion to your walks. If you do, however, do a lot of activities where your dog cannot join you then you should also take that into consideration. If you simply dont get enough exercise in the day either you can always consider a dog that doesnt need as much physical activity during the day, but be sure to not get a dog with the intentions of this may "make me get out of the house and go on walks more often" chances are you will do good for a few days or weeks and then fall back into the norm. Look for the dogs whose activity level best suits your own.

4. Do you take trips often? - How often you take trips would be a good thing to consider before getting a dog, will your dog be able to go with you on these trips? Do you have anyone who can watch him if you cant take him? Can you afford to budget a kennel into your trip expenses if no one is able to watch him?

5. Do not buy a dog based on how cute or fluffy they are - I say this in the sincerest way possible, do NOT buy a dog based solely on how they look. They might be adorable as a puppy but how big will they get and what is their breed behavior standards? Take the husky as an example. Huskies are absolutely gorgeous dogs and that makes them desirable for many people but Huskies can be rowdy, unruly and problematic if not given proper stimulation, not properly trained or not properly exercised.  Do some research about dog breeds to find one that will suit you or your family Every dog breed has a different characteristics so there are many different types of dogs to choose from. Do your research and follow the guidelines on a reputable website and pick a dog breed that is a better suit for how you live on a day to day bases. 

6.Take extra costs into consideration - Does you family have enough money to afford to add a dog into the family? Can you cover important vaccinations and any emergency type of situations that may happen with your dog? There are also food and treat costs,  toys, spay or neuter, pet insurance, training, registration fees (depending on if your state requires them), dog beds and kennels, proper supplies such as collars and leashes. Dogs cost a lot and the unfortunate truth is I sometimes see situations where people cant afford to even feed themselves but have multiple dogs, to this I say if you cannot take care of yourself month to month without a little extra on the table then you should not own a dog.

7. If you have kids or are planning to have kids will you take the time  to properly socialize you dog and teach your kids how to properly interact with them? Even other dogs? - Dogs need a lot of socialization to be able to know how to properly interact with other dogs and people especially kids. Will you have enough time to take your dog around other dogs and people and teach them how to properly interact? Sure problem behaviors due to "lack of time to teach your dog these things" can be modified when it becomes a problem but that is just going to set you back cost wise and also why would you wait until it becomes a problem if you can prevent it before it happens? When it comes to your children you also need to remember to teach them how to properly interact with dogs. Dogs that are not use to having kids pull on their ears or tail are dogs that are more likely to bite so remember to also teach your human babies how to respect animals.

8. Consider adopting from a shelter - If you read through this and think that another furry friend will benefit your life and are ready to take the next step then consider stopping by your local shelter first. Shelters can offer a wide variety of different dogs to choose from, from pure-bred to mutts, big or small. Most shelters get incredibly overpopulated and its important to do our part to help keep them out of there and also remember to spay and neuter our pets!

If you are considering adopting a (or another) dog then you should consider fostering to get a feel for how things will be with a (or another) furry friend around!

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Getting Started With Dog Training

The first step in successful dog training......GOOD MANAGEMENT TOOLS!

Good Dog Training

When Im working with dog training clients, the first thing we discuss when outlining any kind of dog training program, whether it is new puppy training, treating any kind of dog phobia, or dog aggression is management. Good dog training cannot happen without good management in place, especially if you are trying to change a dogs behavior.

If you want to teach your dog not to jump up on guests, you cannot let him race to the front door as you try to open it, greet your guest, and hold your dog back. This would not be a good start to your dogs polite greeting behavior. If you dont want your dog rushing the fence line, running up and down chasing the neighbor dog, you better not let him outside unsupervised. This would not be productive if you wanted to teach your dog how to hang in your backyard without getting all fired up.

Try to remember your dog is a living, breathing, and thinking being. You are his teacher. You need to guide him & help him make what we think of as appropriate decisions. Believe me, he wont make them on his own.

Your job, when you made the choice to bring a dog into your family is to be a parent to that dog.....your dog. He now is your responsibility. You are the one who brought him into your home, promising to love, care & happily train him to be part of the family. Dogs are not an afterthought.

Start to think about your dogs environment, things you would like to change about his behavior, things you want to keep & things you want him to learn. You then need to set up his living environment so that it is next to impossible for him to be wrong. Setting him up to be successful & preventing him from doing things you dont like goes a long way in his learning & your happiness. Remember to reward your dog for any & all "good" behavior. If he enjoys the rewards, he will offer that behavior more often.

Some Management Tools To Consider:

• Planning ahead 
• Baby Gates
• Dog Crates & Kennels
• Leash & harness 
• Inside tie outs (leashes attached to furniture etc. while in the same room with you) 
• Puppy Proofing (nothing accessible) 
• Exercise (mental & physical) 
• Chew bones 
• Busy food toys 

 This tip was brought to you by www.DogTrainingWithTonya.Com

Management Handout

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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