Retreats are a good way for a dog trainer to step away from the demands of daily life.
In addition to the pressures we all face, professional dog trainers may struggle with extra stressors and challenges. From compassion fatigue to impostor syndrome, to intense interpersonal interactions and secondary trauma, multiple factors combine to impact a trainer’s ability to maintain mental and physical health.
When we consider the harmful effects of social media, the “trainer war,” and the stress of running a business - dealing with difficult dogs, unrealistic clients, legal liabilities, and long hours - it’s easy to see why dog trainers must be proactive about safeguarding their well-being!
Here are some signs you might benefit from a retreat:
You know you need a break; longing to feel like you can truly relax, you are ready to be taken care of.
You seek an experience that is more than a vacation, where you can immerse yourself in a special journey of intention and mindfulness.
You crave connection with kindred spirits, where you feel that you are in good hands among friends.
Seeing so many colleagues struggle to deal with the downsides of their dream career, I became inspired to create Pura Vida Pup retreats to help other dog pros focus on self-care.
Hosted in my private villa a stone's throw from the beach, each all-inclusive retreat is a week of relaxation free from the stress of travel. From the moment you step off the plane in Costa Rica to the moment you are dropped off back at the airport, you are pampered and cared for.
Located on a pristine stretch of the Pacific coastline in Guanacaste, our coveted beaches, humming tropical forests, and secret waterfalls offer a sanctuary where the essence of Pura Vida comes to life.
A carefully curated itinerary nurtures self-care and growth experiences - and just a bit of hedonism! - while every activity is entirely optional. Participants are afforded plenty of space and time to seek solace in nature, follow their inner voice, and be as social - or not! - as they like.
Opportunities to observe free-roaming dog behavior, see how shelter and rescue functions in a developing country, and learn from experts in dog behavior and training add a professional education benefit.
A retreat can help dog trainers combat stress and prevent burnout through relaxation, self-care, and professional growth in a supportive community. By nurturing the highest welfare of the humans at the other end of the leash, I hope to co-create a supportive community of canine professionals who heal the dog world, from the inside out.
Pura Vida,
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