PUPPY & HUMAN TEAMS
Our Puppy and Human Team Programs are designed to bring out the best in both you and your puppy, and offer you the greatest support for growth. We recognize this is a special opportunity for deep connection. However, if you have a highly sensitive puppy, you may be feeling the emotional burden of supporting a puppy that you thought would actually be supporting you. Even if you have an easy-going puppy, you may worry that you're not fulfilling all of their needs. If you’ve been struggling in life, you may especially fear failing your puppy.
The Beauty of Dogs seeks to offer you the opportunity to learn the skills that will help you utilize the unique gifts your dog possesses. Whether you are simply interested in having a better life and a fuller relationship with your dog, or in learning how this can enable long-term personal growth and healing, this invitation is open to you.
Combining our knowledge and skill set with dogs and humans, we’re creating a new healing opportunity. Our approach uses grounding, orienting, somatics, therapeutic touch, attachment theory, IFS, bilateral stimulation, EMDR, an understanding of the autonomic nervous system, and poly-vagal theory to help you and your puppy successfully manage both daily and traumatic stress.
Stress Relief for Puppies and Their Humans
Understanding attachment theory for both you and your puppy will enable a secure bond and foster deeper connections in all your relationships. Your capacity for this may be limited now, but learning to regulate your emotions and co-regulate with your dog can make a tremendous difference.
The excitement of having a new puppy is the potential for the future—a chance to create the life you always envisioned with a dog. Most people believe having a puppy will be a magical time of snuggles and kisses that will naturally end with the perfect dog. It can be just that! But it can also include a series of realizations that you weren’t prepared for.
Dog Therapy and Co-Regulation with Your Puppy
Have you ever heard of the “puppy blues”? The puppy blues are real and not uncommon. They can include feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, sadness, or regret.
With a new puppy? What!? Yup.
A new puppy often brings intense changes in responsibility and disruptions, such as sleep deprivation. Caring for a young dog can lead to a loss of freedom, frustration over the challenges of perceived misbehavior, puppy biting, chewing, and potty-training accidents, as well as pressure to be a perfect parent, which can lead to feelings of guilt or doubt about the decision to get a puppy.
This is a normal response to major changes in your routine, freedom, home, and social life. You may be feeling the pressure of constant physical, mental, and emotional care of a new puppy. These feelings do not mean you are a bad person or caregiver! In fact, your concerns indicate how much you want the best for your puppy.
With the proper knowledge and support, you can wash away those puppy blues or avoid them altogether so that you can take advantage of the benefits having a puppy can offer. Bring on those kisses and snuggles!