Responsible Dog Ownership and Mental Well-being – A Panel Discussion with a Psychologist

How should a dog owner be able to meet the dog's needs and find enough time for themselves? How do you keep things in balance in your life? Another question is how a dog owner, as a member of society, could contribute to ensuring that dog owners and non-dog owners consider each other more. We'll discuss the research and practicalities of mental wellbeing with a great psychologist.

The discussion series “Dogs in the Cultural Capital” is a part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 side programme.

How should dog owners meet all the demands – socialise and train the dog, go on relaxing nature walks (if they are relaxing!), and manage the home environment to prevent the pup from causing mischief? Because, in addition to the dog, we have a demanding work and family life! Children need to be taken to music school and sports practice. Your own stress needs to be regularly relieved with regular and vigorous exercise.

How do you prevent yourself from wearing too thin when there are so many dependents and projects to divide attention to? How do you find something that feeds your soul every day? How to live sustainably and at a pace suitable for humans and other living beings in today’s fast-paced world. Does the dog take time or actually give time?
Another important topic we want to discuss this time is a more tolerant society. As dog owners, how should we behave to show greater respect and care for fellow citizens who do not love dogs? Often, we can read polarised posts on dogs and dog owners vs non-dog-persons in the comments. They can be pretty aggressive and labelling. So, how can we still reasonably hold onto each other despite our different preferences?

We welcome dog owners, volunteers working with animals, professionals and everybody else interested in the topic!

Location: Hea Koer Training Hall at Ujula 1a, 4th floor.
The number of seats is limited, and pre-registration is required!
The event is in Estonian.

During the year of European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024, Hea Koer and Kristina Mägi will host 7 discussions with exciting guests, exploring various aspects of dog-keeping culture, ranging from the development of dog-keeping culture in recent decades to the mental and physical well-being of people encountering dog pain. Each discussion features a new guest and topic, linking to the preceding Training Skills Workshop. Expect intriguing insights and developments from each conversation.
These events aim to raise awareness of the needs of people and dogs in urban environments and more broadly. The Arts of Survival strives towards a more compassionate and friendly (dog-keeping) culture. We can achieve this goal through knowledge, skills, and a change in mindset.

If you want to grab a bite or need a place to stay, see what the Tartu 2024 hospitality network offers in the area: https://tartu2024.ee/recommendations-tartucity