Pets and Mental Wellness: Brooke Greenberg Of Mind Body Paws On How to Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet

Get Social! Our pets excel at helping us connect with other people. Whether it’s at your local dog park or a cat café, it’s easy to engage with other pet guardians. In fact, sometimes the animals are the ones introducing us! And if you’re away from your own pet and feeling a little lonely, don’t be afraid to approach fellow animal lover and ask if you can say hello to their adorable, furry friend. This simple act will bring a smile to both your faces.

Pets have always been more than just companions; they play a pivotal role in enhancing our mental well-being. From the unconditional love of a dog to the calming presence of a cat, pets have a unique way of alleviating stress, anxiety, and loneliness. But how do we truly harness the therapeutic potential of our furry, feathered, or scaled friends? How can they aid in promoting mindfulness, reducing depression, or even enhancing social interactions? In this interview series, we are talking to veterinarians, psychologists, therapists, pet trainers, and other experts who can shed light on how to maximize the mental health benefits of having a pet. As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Brooke Greenberg.

Brooke Greenberg, owner of Mind Body Paws is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Brooke empowers guardians to truly understand their dog. Utilizing modern and ethical dog training methods, Brooke is revolutionizing the way we connect with our pets.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?

My journey to becoming a certified dog trainer could be titled “Unleashing My Passion: From Data to Dogs”. After two decades immersed in analytics and marketing, I made the decision to leave behind a corporate career to pursue my lifelong passion of working in the pet care industry.

Becoming a skilled dog trainer involves more than just a love for dogs, so I returned to school to understand critical topics like dog body language, learning theory, instructional skills, husbandry and dog behavior. I am incredibly lucky to be able to follow my passion for connecting people and pets while working on my own terms.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

The wildest thing that happened since I started my dog training business — when someone searches “what is R+ dog training” on Google, a snippet from my blog post appears!

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

“The Other End of The Leash — Why We do What We Do Around Dogs” by Patricia McConnell was gifted to me, long before I was a dog trainer and remains on the shelf to this day. Through her relatable storytelling and wisdom, Ms. McConnell teaches us how to be a better guardian and friend to our dogs.

I was deeply struck by what I discovered while reading this book: the everyday behaviors we humans consider normal can be downright offensive to our furry friends. Examples include: the way we walk in straight lines, our routine invading of an animal’s personal space with hugs and pets on the head, and even the scents we use — perfume, air fresheners, laundry detergent; it’s all very normal to us but not at all natural to a dog. I wholeheartedly believe this book is a must-have for anyone who considers their dog a cherished part of the family.

Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. Can you share a personal story about how a pet has helped you or someone you know to improve mental wellness?

There is no doubt that our pets improve our mental well-being. Pets fill our need for companionship, they lower our stress levels, they do not judge, and they will love you unconditionally.

And while we all experience mental health benefits due to pet guardianship, there are a subset of individuals for whom the pet-human bond is lifesaving. For Veterans suffering with invisible injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a dog or cat can be invaluable in their healing by reducing stress, isolation, anxiety, depression, and suicide.

While human interaction is essential for emotional well-being, in what ways do interactions with pets offer unique benefits that human relationships might not provide?

Regardless of the species, one unique benefit of pet relationships is their unconditional love. Unlike human relationships, pets don’t care about labels, limitations, outward appearance, or your beliefs. Your pet accepts and loves you for who you are, without pushing you to change.

Additionally, we can share our deepest thoughts and fears with our pets knowing that these ‘secrets’ will always be kept safe. Saying something out loud can be extremely cathartic in terms of unburdening the soul so healing can begin.

Can you explain how this works? How do pets, particularly common ones like dogs and cats, biologically and psychologically help to alleviate human stress levels and anxieties?

Pets have a profound impact on our mental health and overall well-being. Biologically our interactions with pets alleviate stress and anxiety levels, while psychologically, they naturally enhance our mood. And it’s easy to understand why. Think about how it makes you feel when a dog or cat seeks your attention, cuddles against you, or when you gently tap (or as I like to say boop) their adorable nose.

In the backdrop of global events like pandemics or natural disasters, how have you seen pets playing a role in alleviating anxiety and providing comfort? Can you share some instances where pets have been integrated into therapeutic practices? How do they complement traditional therapeutic techniques?

Animal assisted therapy (AAT) uses animals to aid in the recovery and healing process. AAT complements traditional therapy because the presence of animals is calming and comforting. Best and safe practice dictates pets utilized by practitioners in AAT must be resilient, follow instructions and enjoy being touched.

Specifically, therapy dogs are transforming the lives of children and adults alike. Through the “Read with Me” program young children struggling with reading get the opportunity to read out loud to these uncritical creatures improving their skills and gaining confidence. In addition, Psychotherapists have found success using therapy dogs in client sessions. Animals not only provide an easy icebreaker for conversation, but their soothing presence unlocks intimate stories and deep vulnerability.

Not all pets are dogs or cats. From birds to fish to reptiles, how can individuals choose the right pet that aligns with their mental health needs?

Choosing the perfect pet relies on factors like your available free time, level of physical activity, space at home, and financial situation. Dogs and cats form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on daily interactions. On the other hand, exotic pets and fish have different needs and are less reliant on humans. After considering your lifestyle and budget no matter if you prefer a pet with fur, feathers, or scales, there is no wrong choice.

How does the act of taking care of a pet — feeding, grooming, exercising — contribute to an individual’s sense of purpose and mental well-being?

Domestic pets have a remarkable way of making us feel wanted and needed, whether it’s through a gentle paw swat, rubbing their bodies against ours or alerting us to their mealtimes. They greet us with boundless affection, no matter how long we’ve been away.

The past 5 years have been filled with upheaval and political uncertainty. Many people have become anxious from the dramatic jolts of the news cycle. From your experience or research, what are your “Five Ways To Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet?” Can you please share a story or example for each?

1 . Get Social! Our pets excel at helping us connect with other people. Whether it’s at your local dog park or a cat café, it’s easy to engage with other pet guardians. In fact, sometimes the animals are the ones introducing us! And if you’re away from your own pet and feeling a little lonely, don’t be afraid to approach fellow animal lover and ask if you can say hello to their adorable, furry friend. This simple act will bring a smile to both your faces.

Foxy, Nugget, and Marley formed a bond while playing frisbees together at the park. Little did I realize this bond would also introduce me to an amazing woman I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. Fiji, a friendly Golden Retriever, served as a connection between his family and me. This led to an arrangement where I could borrow Fiji while I was away from home and my pets for extended periods. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement that brought joy to all of us. What a bunch of matchmakers!

2 . Get Uplifted! Growing older can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness due to shifts in health and relationships. However, adopting a pet can satisfy our natural need for companionship by providing both comfort and connection.

The loss of beloved pets can be devastating. For my 87-year-old clients, the death of their two Huskies created a sense of emptiness that couldn’t be ignored. However, all that changed when Kayla entered their lives. With her sweet temperament, she has filled their home with great energy and brought endless smiles to their faces. The presence of Kayla has also opened new social connections, giving her guardians a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.

3 . Get Outside! Enjoy better health and rekindle the joy of exercise through dog ownership. Sadly, our once-active childhoods give way to a sedentary lifestyle, which is detrimental to our heart health and our waistlines. However, with a dog by your side closing your rings has never been easier.

Walking your dog not only keeps you active and connected with nature, but it also provides a unique opportunity for mental enrichment. Instead of hurrying through the walk or focusing on the number of steps, indulge in their natural desire to sniff. Why? Because just like taking several deep cleansing breaths is calming for us, sniffing is the same for dogs. So, make the most of your next walk together and let them explore and sniff to their heart’s content.

4 . Get Involved! Make a difference and support animals in need by volunteering at your nearby shelter or rescue. There are numerous ways to get involved, whether it’s helping with administrative tasks or spending quality time cuddling cats, walking dogs, or even fostering. Volunteers play a crucial role in animal welfare, so your help is greatly appreciated and needed.

After completing my dog studies, I desired to put my new skills to use by volunteering weekly at the SPCA. What I loved about the experience was meeting other civic minded people, supporting the shelter staff, and spending time with the dogs.

Volunteering also allowed me to get familiar with wide range of dog breeds and personalities, which meant that when Ginger became available for adoption, I knew she was meant to be mine.

In summary, do good and feel good. And maybe something good like my Ginger might happen to you!

5 . Get Zen! Animals live in the present, fully engaged in observing and reacting to their surroundings. While they remember their past experiences, their attention is solely on the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Embrace the wisdom of animals and be fully in the present moment. Step away from your phone, spend quality time with your pet, and observe the world around you. Engaging in mindful exercises can result in a sense of calmness and improved focus. In my experience, there is truly nothing more reassuring than sitting with a fuzzy buddy, free from any pressure to speak, and simply being together.

The loss of a pet can be deeply traumatic. How can individuals navigate this grief, and how does it compare to other forms of loss in terms of mental health impact?

For any pet guardian who considers their furry friend a member of the family, losing a beloved pet can be a heartbreaking experience. If you need support in dealing with the loss of your beloved pet, look no further than the comprehensive collection of resources from OSU called ”Honoring the Bond”.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of peace to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?

Women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. This disparity is a missed opportunity for all of us, especially considering the need for more compassion in our world.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)

Tracy Morgan! Over the past 10 years, I’ve had several unexpected encounters with Tracy around town. Now, I believe it’s high time we go beyond a wave and a smile and engage in conversation. Tracy’s passion for animals, from dogs to exotic creatures and sea life would give us endless topics to delve into. Plus, Tracy is hilarious! Who wouldn’t want to spend the morning or afternoon laughing until their cheeks ache and nerding out about animals!

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Find expert guidance and valuable dog training tips at www.mindbodypaws.dog. Join me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn using #mindbodypaws.

Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!

About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.