Take a minute for yourselves!

As a dachshund owner, you probably find yourself constantly tending to your daxie's every need—ensuring they’re fed, walked, cuddled, and given the best possible care. And doing the same for everyone else.....except yourself!

But here's the truth: you can't give your them the best if you're running on empty.

The Aeroplane Rule:

I use this a lot to help us really understand the importance of being what we often consider as selfish. It's not selfish!

Think about the aeroplane rule: when the oxygen masks drop, you're instructed to put yours on first before assisting anyone else. It goes against every instinct, especially as a parent or caregiver. But the logic is sound—if you can't breathe, you can't help those who rely on you. This principle applies to everything in life, including caring for your beloved daxies.

Prioritising Your Well-being First

Taking time for yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary. Even if it’s just five minutes of stillness, reflection, or an activity that nourishes your mind, it matters. Prioritising mental health above all else allows you to approach challenges with clarity, resilience, and patience.

Do something for yourself every day! And don't feel guilty!

When you try and force yourself to carry on, you reach a point where you just can't any more.

A personal example of this came when my son struggled with school. He forced past his resentment and worry and pushed himself (and I pushed him too) to go to school despite increasing stress and anxiety about going. It's his final year and he's now in the middle of GCSE's,

In the end, I realised that forcing him into an environment that wasn’t supporting his needs was detrimental to his well-being. I listened to him, trusted what he was telling me, and made a decision that put his mental health first. The result? He is calmer, more prepared, and able to focus on his exams without the overwhelming pressure. Giving him time to do things for himself—even the nerve-wracking bike jumping—has helped him regain confidence.

Blowing off steam....or taking off!

The same applies to you. If you focus on your needs and create calm in your soul, you will be better prepared to tackle the challenges ahead. If something feels overwhelming, take a moment to consider why it's challenging and what the best course of action is for you.

• If it's your physical health, see a doctor and push for support. Consider Right to Choose for faster access.

• If it's your mental health, seek the best way to get the right support.

• If you suspect you might be neurodivergent, speak to a doctor and ask for a referral via Right to Choose. Diagnosis is one thing, but the right support creates understanding.

  
  

Applying the Same Care to Your Dachshunds.

We often prioritise everyone else—our children, partners, pets—without considering our own needs. But caring for yourself allows you to provide better care for your dachshund, too. Just like with your own well-being, seek support when needed:

• If there's concern over their health, visit a vet.

• If there are behavioural issues related to their health book a full consultation so we can explore this and put together a plan together.

• If training feels overwhelming, find a positive reinforcement-based trainer (check APDT or IMDT for qualified professionals).

• If their behaviour is concerning, consult a qualified, experienced behaviourist—and ensure their credentials hold weight. Book a full consultation so we can explore this together and put a plan together to resolve this.

  
  

Link to behavioural consultations which include a full and comprehensive assessment of their behaviour, gait, posture and medical history with a written behavioural plan to support you: Behavioural Consulations | Perfectly Polite Dac

At the heart of it, you are important. You are worth so much. And when you’re okay, you can help everyone around you be okay—your family, your friends, your dachshund.

Where to Find Support

If you need support prioritising your mental health, here are some UK-based resources:

• Mind – Mental health advocacy and support.

• Mental Health Foundation – Focused on mental health prevention and awareness.

• Anxiety UK – Specialised support for anxiety-related conditions.

• CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably, supporting those in crisis.

• Rethink Mental Illness – Services for those severely affected by mental illness.

Your well-being isn’t secondary—it’s the foundation of everything else. Take care of yourself first, and everything else—including your dachshund—will benefit.

Taking a swim and on lead so they don't become seals!

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