SamanthaTopper Webboard User Reg: 03-24-2011
Posts: 779
Loc: Indianapolis
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Cora's issues could be solved with lots of mental work and as much physical work as she's capable of, but with the winter weather I'm definitely going through some seasonal depression AND I'm still burnt out on fixing other people's problem dogs so that I can live with them.
What do you folks do to shake yourself out of a funk and just get on the ball with your dogs?
Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005
Posts: 1340
Loc: SE Michigan
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Similar sentiments as Betty...but I take a dog training class of some kind. Normally I take agility with my adult dogs, but due to finances, I am only doing beginner obedience with the puppy this winter.
Can't wait until I can see grass again. Here in Michigan, we've had at least one inch of snow on the ground since December. The real problem has been the bitter cold, though.
UGH! Endless Winter............... Samantha last thing you need is more of the same to burn yourself out even more. Cut you and Cora some slack and manage issues so she doesn't repeat them or get in trouble and then do things which are energizing, foolish and make you laugh while still burning off steam for Cora and yourself.
Envision this: Music blasting......you singing along to say Elvis's Burning Love and when you don't know the words just howl at the top of your lungs all the time dancing and jumping around Miss Cora from room to room encouraging her to sing with you. You will have fun.
On the other hand; if the thoughts of this make you shudder in dread.......I bet you're really motivated to train now.
Kristin Muntz Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2012
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I do better when I can schedule a class for just about anything, BUT, for me, reading here and other training blogs keeps me motivated. Training is a big part of quality of life for the dogs and if I don't produce it, it just doesn't happen. Even a little bit helps both parties. (Helps me gain some 'personal' time and pulls me out of my own mental space, so to speak)
If your dog is inside with you Just have fun playing with the dog.
Sounds like you may have forgot how to do that with all "problem fixing" you doing. Maybe that could be more creative with a bit of fun involved.
Tresa Hendrix Webboard User Reg: 05-08-2008
Posts: 1473
Loc: Alaska
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As far as seasonal depression, bright full spectrum light and vitamin D will cure that. As far as hating the cold (if that's an issue), can't help you with that I don't guess.
I don't mind the cold but what gets me about winter is winter clothes. I hate having to put on layers before going outside, luckily I'm in VA and its not usually cold...tomorrow it will be 50*f.
What helps me is doing the majority of my Logan activities when the sun is brightest during winter. That way, the exposure to bright sunlight alleviates the SAD thing...it really does. Idk there's just something healing about bright sunlight.
A tired dog is a good dog, a trained dog is a better dog.
Duane Hull Webboard User Reg: 09-23-2011
Posts: 2692
Loc: Marrero, LA
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Hey, Sam! We miss you down here!
On one hand, participating in a class, if you take the responsibility seriously, will force you to get out with Cora as scheduled. It's like kids and grandkids, in a way... you have to do things with them that you may not necessarily feel like doing. In the end, the payoff makes you grateful that you went to the effort.
On the other hand, if you like playing with her but don't want to get out, teach her some parlor tricks. It will keep her sharp for training until the weather changes. It also stimulates you, as well, because your creativity and problem-solving skills will be challenged.
I hear you! I can count on one hand the times it's gotten above 20 degrees in the last 6 weeks. And there has been 2+ ft of snow on the ground. My dogs have gotten very little in the way of training - it's been maintenance exercise most of the winter. I've finally started adding "5 min of training" to my daily to do list and that helps. I prefer classes for motivation but that sure wasn't happening with the winter we'very had. And I'll second the vit D for seasonal depression funk.
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How to get the motivation to train?
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