04/01/2022
Let's talk about trauma and it's impact on both dogs and their guardians...
I think that it is important to speak of adverse events as trauma if they have created an experience that overwhelmed a dog’s ability or capacity to cope in that situation.
Which I might add, is exactly what is happening when a dog is behaving with frantic, reactive, aggressive, or otherwise chaotic, responses.
These dogs are often showing signs of intense red zone activation or "survival mode," which is also known as fight flight response.
They may be lunging, barking, frantically trying to get away, and this type of impaired integration is a hallmark sign of a traumatized brain. Trauma literally refers to an individual's inability to cope.
But in my work, I’m not only helping dogs.
The guardian can also get pulled in and experience their own trauma if they were present when the event happened, or if they are the one dealing with the aftermath of what the trauma caused in the dog.
It is my job to bring connection, love, balance to the impacted individuals and support the healing process in both the dog and the guardian.
They way that I start the process is through the installation of hope. I do this by practicing active listening, assuring them that they are not alone. I let them know that I am there to help them, every step of the way.
Next, I help them create a routine of healthy habits that promote calm states, cultivate a deeply rooted connection, creates joy and positive experiences, supports a more regulated nervous system and teaches important life skills.
And then we use those installed positive experiences to override the negative ones that created the trauma and helps them both feel empowered, safe and more confident.
An integrative approach connects all the layers of an individual and supports their personal evolution.
If you're ready to start this journey, I invite you to join an upcoming online course that is focused on helping the families of dogs struggling with reactive behaviour.
Raising Resilience in Dogs is live, online and starts April 20! Click the link in my bio to learn more.
