Read on if you don’t believe you can learn anything about dog training from your Peloton. I love my bike. It keeps me sane. And while it may not seem like an obvious parallel, there are many lessons you’ll learn on the Peloton that apply equally to a dog training journey. Here are the top 5 takeaways:

1. Everyone has to start somewhere. That’s right, we were all beginners once. You may have been doing this for years or you may be completely new. It doesn’t matter. The most important step, and admittedly one of the hardest, is the first one – just do it. Things may not be pretty on day one, but it will get better, and easier. Don’t be embarrassed. You can do this and you’re going to be so pleased that you did.
2. You’re going to prefer some instructors over others. And that’s totally fine. Look around and see who’s offering what. Find out a little about them. You’ll be more successful if you discover an instructor who motivates and inspires you. Do you feel like they’re supporting you when things get tough? Are they boosting your confidence? Does it feel like they really understand you? Do you find yourself smiling and laughing back? Be open-minded. You might just learn something new when you try something different. But stop if you’re feeling any pain or discomfort. While it’s good to push yourself, there is a difference between working hard and pushing too much. The latter has consequences.
3. Consistency. Real change won’t happen overnight. You are going to get out of the process what you put in. Every time you turn up is progress but long-lasting change takes time. Enjoy the journey. Record your progress and then look back and see how far you’ve come. Celebrate your wins. But keep in mind that what happens outside of the session will also have a bearing on your long-term success. A single 20-minute session isn’t going to help you reach your goals if the rest of the day is full of unhealthy habits.
4. There will be good days and bad days. Some days will be easier than others. Some days will just feel tough. It’s good to push but know when to take a break. You can end up doing more harm than good if you try to persevere when you’re just not feeling it or if you can’t focus. You’ve got to commit when you turn up and give everything you have. 
5. Have fun. You’ll stick with it if you’re actually enjoying yourself. It doesn’t always have to be a hard effort. Find a class just for the sheer pleasure of it. Have a laugh and don’t take yourself too seriously. Be grateful for every day that you have together.

Can you add to the list? We’d love to hear if there are other great takeaways.