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Chronic Pain/Fatigue and Dog Training
Hey everyone! Back with another question! Would any dog trainers be willing to share how they manage their job along with chronic pain! I have hyper-mobility syndrome as well as some fatigue issues and was wondering how you deal with the more physical aspects of the job while still taking care of yourself! Thanks so much????
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4 Replies
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This is a great, and important question. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s input! My feeling is that managing your schedule in such a way that you get plenty of “you time” to care for yourself – much like we would when trying to prevent emotional burnout – would be very helpful. Maybe blocking off time for weekly mandatory relaxation, medical massages, and other forms of health and self care would be beneficial.
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Hi @Gabbyff !
I’m sure you’ll get some excellent ideas to manage that chronic pain from other peeps here. That hyper-mobility sounds really difficult to deal with, since, you’re right, dog training is a physical and demanding job!
While I don’t have chronic pain in the joints, the past 2 years I’ve developed some plantar fasciitis/Achilles type pain when I go from a sit to standing position and then walking. Ouch! I try to deal with it, but I’m also a dog walker. Funny thing is that the motion of walking doesn’t hurt once I get moving!
I like Bio Freeze roll-on (easy to keep in my car and apply without getting on my hands) to temporarily reduce pain. (Unrelated to dog training: My father lives with joint pain and swears by ACV mixed with water and honey as a tonic to reduce inflammation.)
As for fatigue, I live with that as well. My hours are so messy, being a pet sitter, dog walker and trainer, that I try to power-nap when possible. I also try to fit a few minutes of meditation or relaxing yoga (10-15 min) or even just do the Corpse pose or Child’s pose for 3 minutes, when I don’t know what else to do!
I agree with @LisaOMy Whatever works for you, don’t feel bad taking a time out for yourself. You can’t do the good that you’re doing for the dogs without taking a breath or two and giving yourself the gift of relaxing and rest! ????
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HI @Gabbyff , I wonder if you’ve thought about trying to build a portion of your business doing remote work, like Zoom sessions, as a way to lessen the physical nature of the job…?
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Hi Gabby – I’m sorry to hear about your pain and discomfort with training… are you working in a physical facility like a daycare or running your own biz or?? This may help folks give you ideas, though I see a few great replies already. Are you thinking more of tools, etc or asking for help with your schedule?
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