Instructions
Examine the situation, and gather information about the addiction. Don't rush into a confrontation with the addicted individual. Instead, take a passive and observational approach at first. Try to get an idea of how much time and money is spent on dog sports in relation to other areas of life, such as work, eating and leisure. Pay attention to any dogs involved in the suspected addiction. Watch for signs of fatigue or distress which may indicate that they are being overworked.
Discuss you concerns with friends and loved ones who know the affected individual. Ask them for their opinion on the situation. Consult them for background information that may help you better assess your worries. If the addicted individual is in a long term relationship, consult with her spouse or significant other to decide on possible treatment options. Gauge the significant other's level of worry and comfort with the situation, and use this as a guide for how to respond. Look specifically for ways in which the people around the addicted individual may be enabling the addiction, willingly or otherwise.
Draft up an intervention plan. Brainstorm about important ways for the addicted person's friends and family to stop enabling the addiction. Consider making the plan into a timeline that starts with small steps and ends with an intervention if it becomes necessary. Look for ways you can share responsibility over the dogs in question, so that you can develop a more intimate relationship with the animals and the addicted owner. Recruit the help of friends and family members so that together you can cut off enabling behaviors while still remaining supportive. Never perform an intervention without the assistance of a professional who is trained in the proper procedures.
Consult with professionals to schedule an intervention or start a treatment plan that includes counseling visits. Many people with addictions also suffer from secondary problems such as depression or anxiety. A professional can help expose these issues and work through them. Research options for a group addiction meetings that can help the addicted individual share their problems with other people who are on the same recovery journey.
How to Help People Addicted to Dog Sports
Dogs are suited to many different types of sporting activity. From agility courses and racing, to hunting and retrieval, dogs are often more than happy to exert themselves in athletic settings. Dog-oriented sporting can also encompass dog shows and breed competitions, which feature a range of different challenges. While many dogs seem content to compete in sporting events endlessly, these same events can cause problems for overzealous owners. People can quickly find themselves addicted to the dog sporting lifestyle, one that can be expensive and exhausting for both the owner and pet.