Dog training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s a powerful way to improve mental health. As Crufts 2025 approaches, one West Midlands dog trainer shares how her journey with her Shetland Sheepdog has transformed her life.
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A Life-Changing Bond
Lisa Sergiew, from Southam, Warwickshire, will compete at Crufts for the first time with her nine-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, Saffy. The duo will showcase their skills in the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Special Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes and Rally competitions.
Lisa’s journey with Saffy began at a difficult time in her life. She was struggling with depression and needed a reason to get out of the house. Choosing an active breed helped her stay engaged and motivated.
The Power of Canine Companionship
Lisa’s story highlights how dog training can benefit mental well-being. Owning and training Saffy helped her:
- Build a routine – Daily training sessions created structure and purpose.
- Gain social connections – Joining dog training classes introduced her to a supportive community.
- Improve confidence – Watching Saffy grow from a nervous pup to a competition-ready dog boosted her self-esteem.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical training. Interactive play keeps dogs engaged and reduces anxiety. Check out the best dog enrichment toys here.
From Nervous to Confident
Initially, Lisa wanted Saffy to compete in agility events. However, Safi’s nervous nature led them to explore obedience training instead. Over time, with patience and persistence, Saffy developed confidence.
- She started with basic obedience classes.
- Despite early fears, she gradually adapted to training environments.
- Now, she competes at one of the world’s biggest dog shows.
Lisa, a full-time locum pharmacy dispenser, couldn’t be prouder of Saffy’s progress. Looking back, she never imagined her once-shy dog would step onto the grand stage of Crufts.
Training for Success
The pair has been training intensively for the past year and a half. Their dedication has paid off, with Saffy earning multiple awards, including Rally Dog of the Year in levels one and two. Now, Lisa hopes to secure a coveted Crufts rosette.
“My goal is to enjoy the experience,” Lisa shares. “Of course, placing in the top three would be a dream, but no matter what happens, I’m going home with the best dog.”
The Crufts 2025 Experience
Crufts, organized by The Kennel Club, is the world’s largest dog show, celebrating the bond between dogs and their owners. Taking place from March 6-9, 2025, at NEC Birmingham, the event will feature a variety of competitions, obedience trials, and breed showcases.
Dog lovers can follow the action live on Channel 4 and More4, or visit Crufts Official Website for more details and ticket information.
The Takeaway
Lisa’s story is a testament to the mental health benefits of dog training. Whether for competition or companionship, training strengthens the bond between dogs and owners, offering emotional support, social connections, and personal growth.
For anyone struggling with mental health, adopting and training a dog could be life-changing—just like it was for Lisa and Saffy. Dogs also play a vital role in reducing stress beyond the home, including in professional spaces. Discover how dogs in workplaces help boost morale and well-being.
