How to Get More out of Training: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Training and Life.
TLDR: Be more dog. Train hard, live well, and remember to enjoy the bloody walk.
At Virtus we are lucky, we get to observe the dogs who inhabit 1/2 Torca every day. They can teach us more than we realise if we are paying attention...
Have you ever watched a dog sprint full tilt after a ball, tongue flapping, eyes locked on the prize? They?re not thinking about their to-do list or beating themselves up over yesterday?s mistakes. They?re just in it.
When was the last time you were this way? Even for a moment
Sure dogs don't pay taxes, or have to jump onto zoom meetings, but they have this whole training and life balance thing figured out. They might not bench press or track their macros, but they?re walking, wagging, and living in a way that reminds us what really matters.
This is what Banksy, Otis, Linc, Angus and all the wonderful canines have taught me at Virty
- Consistency = Progress
Dogs know dinner is at 6 and walks happen when the lead comes out. They thrive on routine. And you know what? So do we. Show up. Keep it simple. Hit the basics. Progress comes when we trust the process, not when we overcomplicate it.
You know the things that make you happier and healthier, and the things that don't, Act like it. - Enjoy the Bloody Walk
For a dog, the walk isn?t about getting somewhere, it?s about sniffing every tree, chasing every shadow, and loving every step. Training and life? Same rules apply. Stop focusing so hard on the end goal. Enjoy the reps, the sweat, the mid session chats, all of the little wins that make training a means within itself, as well as a means to an end. - Connection Makes it Better
Dogs love their people, plain and simple. Whether it?s fetch, a cuddle, or a quick game of tug, it?s always better together. Training solo is ok, if you hate fun, but having mates, coaches, and a community around you? That?s where the magic happens. - Play Hard, Laugh Often
A dog doesn?t care how ridiculous they look. They?ll roll in the mud, zoom around the yard, or do that weird belly drag on the carpet and they?ll love every second of it. Don?t forget to inject some fun into your life and training. When we got older we stop playing, this is a nudge to start playing again. Laugh and smile, it's good for you. - Stuff It, Move On
Make a mistake? Good you're human. See a dog fall over? They shake it off, literally, and keep going. Forget perfection. Missed a session? Ate the cake? Drank 40 beers? Cool. That's in the past. Reset and move forward. Life?s too short to waste time beating yourself up. - Be Here, Now
Dogs don?t sweat tomorrow or yesterday. They?re all about what?s happening right now. Whether you?re lifting, running, or hanging out with your mates, be where your feet are. The present is where life (and progress) actually happens.
So, take a leaf out of your dog?s book. Keep it simple. Show up. Play hard. Laugh often. Be present. And most importantly, wag your metaphorical tail every once in a while, you?ve got a lot to be excited about.
Life is wonderful if you'll let yourself pay attention to it.
Keep being amazing
Lachie

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