College years are some of the most difficult in life. There is much pressure from multiple responsibilities imposed on students. However, everything can get a little easier with a furry companion around. If you are hesitating about whether or not you should get a dog at college, keep reading the article.
Why having a dog is a good idea
Having a dog can be very beneficial to students. Here are some reasons why:
- Companionship
College life is always overwhelming since you need to juggle lectures, home assignments and sometimes work all in one day. Despite all those things considered social activities, you may still feel very lonely. Especially if you have nobody to talk with about your struggles, it can feel very hard. However, a dog can relieve that state. It loves you unconditionally and it’s always there for you. No matter how stressed out you are, the moment when your dog is excited to see you after a long day at school can make you feel that you are not alone. - Activity
Pets require a lot more than just food and water. Dogs also need a lot of activity to stay healthy. In fact, they need to be walked several times a day for at least 15 minutes each. Because of focusing on their studies, students often forget to go out. But with a dog, you won’t be able to stay indoors all the time because there is an important reason to go for a walk once in a while. This way, you can start leading a more active lifestyle. - Psychological well-being
Nowadays, many young people deal with anxiety. Mental health problems are very common among students who study very hard. To cope with emotional problems, you can get a pet. It’s well-known that dogs make their owners happier, more productive and resilient to stress. Generally, dogs can be Emotional Support Animals (ESA), they help to improve mental health and make the education journey much easier. In order to get an Emotional Support Animal, you should meet the requirements for an ESA letter.
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How to find time for your dog?
As you might understand now, dogs can play a big positive role in student life. They provide companionship, add physical activities and enhance psychological well-being. But still, many students wouldn’t get a dog because of the lack of time. Since their assignments require hours of writing, there is not enough time left for pets. Luckily, there is a solution to that problem, which is an online help with research papers in any discipline. Thanks to custom writing services, you can get your homework done by professional writers. They will craft a paper according to your requirements, so you will have a few spare hours a day to spend with your dog outside.
How to choose a dog trainer?
So if you’ve decided to get a dog, you should take care about its training. Choosing the right dog trainer is not hard, but you should stick to some rules. Check them below!
Ask about certification
Technically, one does not need a certain degree or special schooling to start training dogs. However, when choosing a person that will interact with your dog, it’s best to look for professionals that have some credentials. For sure, someone who invested time and money into skills development is more reliable. So try to find a professional that has a degree in animal behavior or similar fields. Also, pay attention to certifications from well-known associations like the Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT).
Inquire about continuing education
Like most other professions, dog training is constantly transforming. Specialists keep discovering new ways and methods of teaching dogs. So a good trainer is interested in continuous education. Real professionals always stay up-to-date with the latest techniques by taking classes and attending workshops and conferences.
Do your own research
To pick a good trainer, you should have at least some basic knowledge on the subject. To learn more, read the articles on the web, go through special books and check the latest research on dog training. This way, you’ll make sure that the person you choose doesn’t have an outdated and disproved approach.
Discuss methodology
You shouldn’t be shy to ask a lot of questions. Talk with a dog trainer about the type of methods they use and try to understand why the preference is given to those. A good professional will be able to explain what they use and why in a clear way. On the contrary, if one looks unsure about their own methods, how can you have confidence in them?
Trust your intuition
Sometimes we make right decisions by just following our intuition. Once you’ve realized that you are okay with the methods of particular trainers, go with your gut to make the final choice. If you feel that a certain trainer isn’t for you despite his or her numerous credentials, just pass.
Author’s BIO
Mary Spears is an experienced dog trainer. She believes in the power of positive reinforcement training and uses tested methods only. Mary can build trust with dogs and she does her best to support their physical and mental health.
