Safe Space w/ Nick Poulton

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Improving Men’s Mental Health With A Simple Dog Walk, Together

About The Episode

Nick Poulton had been talking with his wife, Laura, about getting a dog for years. However, it wasn’t until their young son, Casper, grew up and became an animal lover that it was really pushed over the edge to finally getting one.

The dog, a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas named Otto, was an important addition to their family. Casper, an only child, developed a special bond with the young pup. They were instantly obsessed with each other.

For Nick as well, Otto has been a crucial part of his life. In the decade or so that preceded that point of dog adoption, Nick had gotten lost in the day-to-day cycle of working a corporate job. Between his commute to London and long workdays, he wasn’t carving out time for physical activity often and was feeling often consumed by his job.

When Otto joined their family, Nick had just finished his time in that corporate life. While his wife was at work and son was at school, he and Otto spent a lot of one-on-one time together. Right away, they were going on long morning and evening walks that started the physical gears to be constantly going again for Nick. During these outings, both his body and mind started to refresh and reset. Nick realized that he had been closing himself off to the small beauties of life. Thanks to Otto, however, he was able to open himself up again and reignite a sense of mindfulness.

Not long after, Nick had seen a post online about a Men’s mental health well-being initiative called Dudes & Dogs. The idea behind it was simple: a group of men gathers together for a walk with dogs, providing a space to talk and interact while getting fresh air with canines as the collective companions. And not just only discuss casual small talk topics either, but even open up about one’s feelings.

Nick had already seen how much better he was feeling going for these walks with Otto alone, so - despite being a social introvert - he decided to give it a try. It pushed him out of his comfort zone, but immediately he recognized how much better he felt by attending these gatherings. It being a walk outside meant less eye contact, less exposure, less pressure, and having the dogs around helped provide a safety net and silliness to balance out the serious moments.

Nick became so inspired and invested in the idea that he even volunteered to become one of the “Dog Dude” trained hosts who lead these walks. He got his training last year and has started to lead his own walks, with Otto by his side to help out and give him the confidence to always keep going.

Men need these outlets to open up. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, and there are only so many places for them to express their feelings. Dudes & Dogs gives a new and simple but effective way for men to have a place to naturally talk. It may seem basic, but it actually makes a big difference.

About The Guest - Nick Poulton

Nick Poulton is currently a book author, under the name of NJ Poulton, and a “Dog Dude” host at Dudes & Dogs. He previously worked in TV operations for news channels like the BBC, Sky, and Bloomberg. After leaving his corporate job, he found a new way of life with his dog, Otto, who has become an invaluable member of his family with his wife and young son.

(Nina May, our new European Correspondent from Wunderdog Magazine, takes on hosting duties for the conversation)

Featured Links

InterviewJack SommerMental Health, Community