Justin was a six-year old boy who had spent five years, from age one to age six, in a kennel. His caretaker was not intentionally cruel, but was cognitively challenged, and had no idea how to raise a child. He felt it was best to care for him as he did his dogs. Justin and the dogs were fed, given shelter, let out of their kennels on a daily basis and give occasional moments of care and compassion. The rest of the day they were on their own.
Child psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, met Justin after he’d been rescued and hospitalized. Justin’s behavior was so disruptive–it included shrieking and throwing feces–that he was eventually kept in a crib with iron bars and a plywood cover. Perry remarked that the child was basically living in a dog crate. Again.
In The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, Dr. Perry writes about his experience with Justin, as well as other horrifically abused children, to inform the world about the effect that trauma has on a developing brain, and how he and his team have gone about helping damaged children to heal.
The book is flat out brilliant, and anyone who works with an individual who has been traumatized, human or canine, should read it. I picked it up on the advice of my host in Spain, Luis Souto-Soubrier, and I’m grateful that he mentioned it to me. I’ve believed for years that many of the dogs I’ve worked with had behavioral problems because of some kind of trauma, and I think a lot about what we’ve learned working with human trauma victims can be applied to dogs.
Of course, what we can’t do it talk to dogs, ask them what happened, or advise them to start writing in journals or drawing pictures. All of those things, done the right way at the right time, can help victims heal from all kinds of traumas. But what CAN we incorporate in working with dogs who behave as if they have been traumatized?
Much of what he writes about reinforces what I’ve learned in the past and spoken about at APDT in 2014 in a talk titled People, Dogs and Psychological Trauma. Here’s the essence, the essential points from what is a very complex topic:
How do we identify the dogs? We can’t ask them, and they can’t tell us that something horrible happened to them in the past. So often dogs are “diagnosed” as “dominant” or aggressive for some reason that involves what we’d think of in people as character flaws. To my surprise, this happens commonly with children; many of Perry’s cases involved victims who were diagnosed with a range of issues, from ADHD, to just being plain stubborn or manipulative. Rarely had anyone ever asked what had happened in their past that might explain their behavior.
Here are some symptoms we can look for that MIGHT indicate trauma in a dog: Anorexia, won’t eliminate, pacing, inability to sleep, hyper-vigilance, extreme fear, being easily startled, outbursts of aggression or rage that have no predictable pattern, and refusal to play. Of course, this list is just a start, but we have to start somewhere.
If we suspect trauma in a dog’s past, then how might we go about trying to help him or her? Again, we can look to what helps people:
Create a sense of safety. Job One, no question. Traumatized individuals have a brain set on constant alert. Without doing all one can to create a sense of security, it’s impossible to go much further. With dogs, that might mean letting it have a “safe house” to go to, without being forced to interact for predictable portions of the day. In my experience, a lot of dogs are pushed too far too fast, without being given time to feel safe and secure.
Give the dog some control. Victims of trauma were subjected to experiences that stripped any feelings they had of autonomy. Perry’s first sessions with the children he worked with was to give them control over the session. Want not to talk? Fine. Let’s color together. It was up to the child to initiate conversation. Dogs can get back some sense of control too, by teaching them appropriate behaviors that get them what they want, and letting them learn that they have some control over what happens to them. This means that the use of force must be avoided whenever possible. Granted, there are times it is needed to keep an individual safe, but being forced is the opposite of being in control (by definition), so we should avoid it whenever we can.
Social Support. Dogs and people both are highly social species; that is, of course, why we get along so well. One of Perry’s most important observations is that much of what healed the children he worked with occurred outside of therapy. What mattered most were relationships–social support from others that provide a sense of belonging, security and being loved. I suspect the same is true for dogs. Of course, it can be extremely difficult to create a relationship with an individual who has experienced profound trauma (especially if the trauma was in the early part of life when the brain is still developing), but it is the key to helping victims heal. Surely it is true also for dogs. The challenge of this leads to my last point…
Time and patience. Perry says: “I also cannot emphasize enough how important routine and repetition are to recovery. The brain changes in response to patterned, repetitive experiences: the more you repeat something, the more engrained it becomes. This means that, because it takes time to accumulate repetitions, recovery takes time and patience…” He goes on to note that regrettably, neither qualities are in abundance in today’s society. Agreed.
There is so much more in this book that can apply to dogs: One of the most important is his “neurosequential” approach, which involves figuring out the stage of brain development at which the trauma occurred, and providing what the child didn’t get at that stage of development, even if it has little to do with the child’s chronological age. That is trickier with dogs, but the fact is that understanding the brain and its development in relation to behavior is an important ingredient in treating trauma. His use of appropriate medication (very thoughtfully used) and heart rate monitors is also something we need to continue to explore with dogs. (Note the groundbreaking work done by CAABs Peter Borcheldt and Nancy Williams on heart rate variability in dogs.)
This is such a complex topic, I could write about it for hours for today. But I’ll stop here, except to direct you to a few other interesting sources. Two related articles that I’ve written discuss the relationship between digestive problems and fear and how Confrontational Techniques Elicit Aggression. (Note that many of the children Perry writes about were subjected to extreme force as “treatment,” including by professionals in the field.) You might also be interested in the work of Rise van Fleet, a child psychologist who uses play to work with traumatized children, and has used similar techniques to help traumatized dogs. The best book I’d ever read, up to reading Perry’s book, on trauma and recovery was written by Judith Herman, titled, appropriately enough, Trauma and Recovery. As I said, it is such a big topic. But if it interests you, pick up Perry’s book right away. I read it almost cover to cover yesterday and this morning.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this important and complex topic. Please write in with anything you have to add; I look forward to reading your comments.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: A glorious weekend at the farm, even if much of it was spent scraping paint and washing the siding (and reading Perry’s book). But the weather was perfect, and I got time to work Maggie at friend Donna’s farm. She did well; Donna’s sheep can put on a lot of pressure, but are easier to work than my stubborn group of ewes. Here’s Maggie driving them around me in an alfalfa pasture; I love the back lighting:
Here she is fetching the sheep to me. I love how clear it is that the sheep want to go to the left (of the photo, actually, they wanted to go to their right). Maggie stopped short a few times when we began working, but learned quickly that she needed to get around further to cover them and stay on the pressure point. Look at how she is keeping the pressure on them and keeping them in a line to me, even though they clearly want to go to their right. You can almost feel the pressure just by looking at the sheep.
Jim took Willie on a long leash walk while I worked Maggie. Poor Willie is on week six of leash restrictions, after re-injuring his bad shoulder. We’re seeing his physical therapist at UW this week, cross your paws that she thinks he’s healing up well.
And last but never least, here’s Tootsie enjoying cuddling on the bed in the tent camp, while we enjoy watching the sun rise over the fields. Jim grilled pork chops on the fire last night, and all five of us slept like tired puppies in our cozy tent at the top of the hill. What a wonderful way to wake up!
Pam Macdonald says
Thank you again Patricia for your informative articles and recommendations. Every book/DVD you have suggested has been terrific. From the ‘other side of the pond’ a big thank you. My three rescued whippets have benefited from your expertise.
Vicki in Michigan says
Our possibly beagle-x, rescued from a life as a “stray dog” when he was one, had an astoundingly stable and reliable temperament, given everything that had happened to him before we got him. He always hoped for the best, and greeted everyone (two- and four-legged) with a smile and a wag, but he was always ready to dodge away quickly if he felt it necessary. And he never did take my word for it when I told him something was ok, the way the other dogs did.
He would struggle to get away, if he was afraid, but he never offered violence.
When he first landed with us, it took a while before he knew he was allowed back in the house, once let into the (fenced) yard. If we picked up a chair, he’d run. If the hose was on, in the back yard, he’d cry at the back door.
We could make guesses as to some things that might have happened to him….. (It was only later, when he was xrayed for a respiratory issue, that we discovered he’d been shot, and still carried at least two pieces of metal in his body……..)
As you say, the company of his own kind (we had two other dogs), and time, were the solution to his fears. When he calmed down enough to pay attention, he could see that the other dogs weren’t worried if we picked up chairs (and they loved chasing/biting hose water).
The only thing we really had to work on, specifically, was toe-chopping. We used the peanut-butter method. One person with the nail clippers, one with peanut butter and a plate. Smear a thin film of peanut butter on the plate, and let him lick it, while the nail-chopper cut one nail. Repeat the next day. Work up to chopping two nails in one session. Etc.
Eventually he joined the other two, jostling to go first when it was toe-chopping time, because there were always treats after toe-chopping.
Eventually we could pick up a chair and step over him, without him feeling a need to disappear.
We were reliably non-dangerous, and, also as you say, didn’t use force……….
Christy Paxton says
This post literally took my breath away. These are conclusions I have made on my own over the years. And I have never seen them gathered together in such a clear, cogent way. I am going to gobble up every resource you mentioned.
I must say I often feel I am simply pushing sand in trying to get current science- and research-based information into people’s heads. The amount of misinformation out there about fear-based reactivity is daunting and depressing. When they actually listen and do what I say, they are amazed and delighted at their results. That’s what keeps me going! But it’s only one dog at a time, and sooo many need help.
I believe if people knew about this stuff, many would use it. What can we do to get this essential information better distributed? The media is quick to blast out “Pit bull bites two-year-old” so why can’t they blast out “Amazing research shows how trauma affects dogs and how recovery is possible”? Probably not “sexy” enough.
Thank you so much for all you do, Patricia! You continue to inspire me with your doglife perspective.
Pam says
I see you believe that our companions can’t talk to us. I have always been able to know what certain animals are thinking about. These same animals can read me like a book.
Animal communicators have helped rescues all over the country at no charge to find lost Foster dogs who managed to leave the safety of their foster homes. They speak to these dogs across the country with just a picture looking into the “soul” in their eyes. I wish to help my two adopted Foster failures to understand rules better, as well be available to help with any of their needs. I will be attending a seminar in two weeks in San Antonio with an instructor I have greatly relied on in the past. Now I need more formal training than just some of the wonderful books that are out there.
Perhaps one day you may take the position you would like to look into this. I so wish you would consider the incredible applications of this practice.
Regards,
Pam
HFR says
This is so fascinating to me. I wonder if it’s also true with people that they may seem fine after a experiencing a traumatic history, but once they start to feel more safe, secure and relaxed is when the issues can arise. I have noticed this a few times in dogs and, even tho it makes sense, it always surprises me.
It also seems like this kind of information and education would be game-changing to shelters and the people who work with shelter dogs. This past weekend I went to meet the people at a small shelter so I could start volunteering there. They tend to take the “problem” dogs from the bigger shelter so they could have some one-on-one care. I’m sure they could use this kind of info and I’ll be sure to ask them about it when I go back.
Kat says
Well, I guess I know what I’m reading next. Sometimes I think I should stay away from your blog since it always has so many excellent reading recommendations. My Mount To Be Read grows ever higher but it’s so worth it.
The idea of trauma in dogs is one that resonates a great deal with me. I don’t know much about my Finna’s history beyond that she was raised by animal hoarders, received no socialization, and was surrendered to the Humane Society when she was a year old. When we met her and adopted her she presented as very shy but she behaved appropriately with Ranger and he has enough confidence for six dogs so we figured he’d teach her some confidence, plus the benefits of being in a stable and loving home. A few months after we brought her home she showed us who she really is and earned her nickname psycho bitch from hell. With better beginnings she would have made an awesome search and rescue dog or really any kind of work that involves lots of physical exercise and using her brain. She’s got enough drive for a fleet of Lamborghinis and she’s terrifyingly brilliant. She should have been an incredible dog.
I don’t know if there was a specific trauma in her past or simply the trauma of not receiving any socialization but instead of being an incredible dog she was a white hot mess. In many ways she found herself in exactly the right home although in others not so much. We’re pretty consistent about what will happen in the course of a day but we don’t have a regular schedule. Bedtime for example can be anytime from 11:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. She’d have done much better with a schedule. But I know we don’t have a schedule so from the beginning I worked hard to let her know what would be happening next and giving her as much control as possible. The day she realized she could have a positive effect on her environment I could have cried. I think it was the first time she’d ever had anyone listen to what she wanted. So, yeah, we did our best to make her feel safe and to give her as much control as possible. And I taught her to play fetch which gave her something pleasurable to do. And she taught me how to play “catch” she stands at the top of a small hill and rolls the ball down to me and I chuck it back to her. That was a banner day for her–she managed to teach me something that she wanted.
She’s made a lot of progress overcoming her bad beginnings but there remain some serious issues. She remains wary of my husband (despite all our efforts to change her associations and despite the fact that he has never done anything with intent to frighten her). It has improved but she still reacts badly if he has anything in his hands. If it weren’t so heartbreaking it would be comical watching her keep a mild eye on him when he comes to get my tea mug and then fly off the futon barking as soon as I hand it to him. We try to scatter treats when we know he’ll be coming for the tea mug or do clicker training or… but we’re human and sometimes forget. She also thinks all strangers are coming to kill and eat us all. Annual vet visits have been under sedation and muzzled. Although, last time she was behaving so well we forgot to muzzle her to start with.
So, patience lots and lots of patience required to rehabilitate a damaged dog like Finna and celebrating even the tiniest improvement. I do think that eventually she’ll get to the point where she can pass her CGC (my personal goal for her) although it’s likely to take several more years. Still that I can imagine her achieving that goal is a lot more than I could have imagined a year ago.
Sorry, this has turned into a book but clearly it’s a topic that really resonates with me. Thanks for the book recommendations. I’m looking forward to any clues they provide as I work with my damaged dog.
Nancy says
Thanks, Just had the book delivered to my Kindle. Just what I was looking for for my next read.
LisaW says
I was just telling my niece last night (she moved in for the weekend to dog sit while we went to a wedding) how Olive is more tuned in and can respond to complicated instructions or situations much better than she used to because she finally feels good enough and safe enough to be able to focus in, hear what we’re saying, and choose to partake in what we’re doing. My niece was remarking how much calmer, more fun, and more responsive Olive is compared to the last time she dog sat. She’s known Olive since we got her 5 1/2 years ago and sees Olive every week, but this weekend proved to be some sort of turning point for them. I was so glad to hear her stories of amazing Olive moments during the past few days.
Olive’s past is never to be known, but she has some type of PTS and used to exhibit what we called “phantom tail syndrome.” She would not let us get near her tail or rear-end and would often whip around and stare at her tail as if someone was pulling it (someone amputated her tail most likely not in the best way possible). In the past, when she pooped and there was a piece of grass or hair dangling, she would have a panic attack. Over the past few years, she gradually let us rub her hindquarters and massage her and now she presents her butt to get a good scratch. One day, she had a piece of grass dangling, and she did a little twirl and then sat down and looked at me as if to say, “Ahem, can you help me with this?” She waited in a sit and then let me clean her butt with no signs of discomfort. Progress is slow and comes in surprising places.
She also had nightmares and would wake up from a sound sleep with a scream and a jump like she was being shocked. She used to jump up and cry at random times, again, like she was being hurt. This occurred when she was walking across the living room or outside chasing a stick or when she just lying around. It was startlingly sad to witness. Most of this has subsided along with some of her anxiety. Her startling and sound sensitivity are almost nonexistent (she still has a few triggers). We certainly put the four things you listed plus many others into practice and they have become part of our everyday lives. We adjusted our lives a lot to make hers a little bit better, we hope.
Over the years, her playful, funny, sneaky, smart, terrier personality has emerged. I’ve only had one other dog who could reach the depths of understanding that is within her capacity.
I’m sorry to hear about Willie’s shoulder. I hope it’s healing and he gets a good progress report. We spent this summer rehabbing Olive’s right hip and thigh muscle from a mysterious soft-tissue/joint injury. The good news is her left knee is holding strong and looks phenomenal. It’s tough to find that balance of a dog’s good life for a dog that isn’t so structurally sound.
Monika & Sam says
While the story is heartbreaking in some aspects, it sounds as though the caretaker did the best they could with the resources they had. Perry has some terrific suggestions.
Maggie sure looks pawsome herding the sheep! And positive healing puppy kisses for Willie. 😉
anna says
Clips from Charlie Rose ‘s “Brain” series. The section on children raised in institutions is very interesting and relates to your post. A lot of this episode relates well to dogs.
http://www.charlierose.com/watch/60623562
Nancy Kraft says
Thanks. Just downloaded the book for my evening read. Exactly what I was looking for. Spent a brief time working in Chicago with a deaf child with similar neglect but for a shorter time. Took what I learned forward. Eager to learn more.
Helped me find my way with my 3rd rescue whose abuse came in the form of severe neglect. He spent years in a run behind a barn with no other dogs and limited human contact. Lost an ear, starving and shy to the touch when rescued. But he is a lab and forgiving by nature. In the two years I’ve had him his life has expanded in ever increasing circles both physically and socially. He seldom needs his danger den and now comes to me when the world gets scary. He plays like a puppy and runs like a lab. When he is stimulated he is happy but shuts down when not. He is just starting to initiate contact with people other than me.
We lost my older mix this winter and my new guy has changed a lot since then, in both positive and negative ways. He is having to find his way without our leader. My concern is my bossy girl is in failing health now. I don’t think it is fair to bring in a new dog now but I am concerned that my guy will not do well as an only. Life is full of hard choices
gail lilly says
Loved this article- well written and informative as usual. Many of the children with whom I work have a trauma history. Their teachers are the animals at my very small farm. Teaching children how to take deep breaths, slow themselves down inside in order to make the animal (s) they are going to work with feel safe in their presence has layers of benefits. Whether a sheep, dog, chicken, goat or horse, the child gets honest feedback re: what they are communicating to the farm animal with their bodies, their movements, their voice. The responsiveness of the animals allows the child to see how crucially important it is for an animal to feel safe before it will be able to learn. To see that they have to move slowly and not rush a relationship with an animal. That the animal has a flight zone that we must not violate.( healthy boundaries) To see the flight zone grow smaller as the animal learns that he/she can trust this child to come close. Children witness that animals learn when we catch them doing things we like. Punishment is not effective as it would create fear and fear makes learning impossible. If you read between the lines, you see the messages the child is receiving both validates the import of their past experience ( trauma) and gives them knowledge/experience needed to design their path to healing. One more pt: As we know, fear leading to hyjacked amygdalas in animals-including human animals- shuts down the thinking part of out brains so we do stupid things. Kids learn that a panicked animal is not able to think so our first action must be to calm the animal. To do that, they must calm themselves. Each time they accomplish this, they are strengthening a neural pathway that will allow them to redirect their fear reaction a little more easily the next time. We are in this together are we not.
Bobbie Rae says
Some years ago, a rescue colleague took in a litter of puppies, but she would not touch the mother. She had neither the time nor the resources (though a good trainer) to deal with an overly shy dog who had been beaten (this was known as fact; her adopter weeps when she bathes her because she can still see the scars on Farrah’s back). I happened to ask her if she had any hounds needing rescue. I was directed to Leona, who a friend renamed Farrah. Shut down, trembling, I could only touch her head for weeks. But, I had a nurturing bunch of hounds with God/Fate/Serendipity on our side. First, I did nothing overtly – I let her be a dog and let her know she was safe. I touched her head when she let me, I fed her. She played with two younger dogs who came in as feral, found as puppies in a field after a flood, one of whom will always be with me. After about 6 weeks, I lifted her into my car to go to class. Farrah curled in a ball and trembled that entire first class. A woman asked to pet her; I said “No. When Farrah is ready to be petted, she will let us know.” After six weeks in my hound bunch at home and going to class, she walked on leash and offered her belly the final class. Then, I met a young woman who was part of a sorority. For the next two years, the sisters came out about once a week to walk and love on the dogs. At first, Farrah was unsure. Then, she walked with the same person two weeks in a row. THEN, she started head butting for walks when the girls were there. And then, a friend wise about dogs offered to foster Farrah – and her last year here was in her wonderful foster home. She now lives with a Beagle and couple in Arkansas, gets her nails painted pink, and I have my favorite photo of me stretched out across her back, her head back to lick my hand. I, too, am snagging this book after your wonderful review.
Hayley says
Thank you for the recommendations! As a psychology researcher focusing on children and families I know of Dr Perry’s research already, but it would be great to read this book instead of just research articles. It will be interesting to consider the parallels with dogs too (other area of personal interest).
Donna in VA says
“Routine and repetition” are absolutely the first tools I would employ with any new dog. For an anxious dog, it creates a sense of security and confidence.
R Craft says
Last night i started watching your dvd, ‘treating dog-dog reactivity,’ and i have to tell you i was near tears with relief when you gave me ‘permission’ to be confused by a dog showing conflicting body language. i’ve been so frustrated trying to watch his every twitch to determine how he’s feeling but it’s such a mixed bag….
He came to me at 3 months with resource guarding issues. We worked through that. He no longer snaps or growls but instead comes to me to “tattletale” if my other dog steals his bone. (and he gets treats every time he tattles!) When my foster dog moved in he developed “food aggression” but it was obvious that he was afraid that this new dog was going to get his share of the kibble. I did community treats-for-tricks, i sat them next to each other and made them practice sharing, waiting, patience, etc – he only had issues at meal time with food. I resolved that problem literally over night by giving him a different food. Once he could smell that he had his very own food he no longer worried that he would lose his share. (after the foster dog left i put him back on the same food as my other dog and we did A LOT of practice. he no longer ‘guards’ his food – but, all the same, i don’t take chances)
Now, at 1.5 years old, he has an overwhelming FEAR of other dogs. I know well his trauma, unfortunately i watched it happen. During play my foster dog got hung up on his collar. He thought he was being murdered and he attacked/defended himself. Now he’s scared of all strange dogs – and i have my own fear issues of collars. When we are out and i spot another dog i watch my boy and see the tail wag and the ears go up. He does a barky-whine that loosely translates to “can i have that really cool thing?!” As the dog gets closer my boy will get stiff. He steps forward with his ears up, then he steps back with his tail down. Sometimes he’ll do half of a play bow – but then seconds later he’s lunging and barking… It could happen with a 10 foot distance or a 50 foot distance. I haven’t yet been able to determine if his reaction is related to the size/color/breed of the other dog, the location – if it’s better/worse closer/farther from home, etc. Which is creating a problem for me keeping him below threshold – because the threshold keeps moving back and forth. up and down.
I have been trying to “color with him” instead of forcing him to interact and he is making small improvements. Taking him to classes with other dogs that allow NO interaction seems to be helping.. but some days it feels like such a huge battle up a snow covered hill. and i have no shoes.
I’m not able to watch – well, pretty much anything ever – for more than 15-20 minutes at a time, but i am anxious to continue with your dvd. I’ll also add this book to my reading list.
Your books and blogs have helped me so much with this super sensitive boy! Thank you so much for being ‘average dog owner’ friendly!
Nate W says
Great post! I’d love to visit Spain sometime.
Jane says
I have rehabilitated a number of very fearful dogs, the last a Beardie that had been in a yard with 60 other dogs. While working with him, his reactions to new things reminded me of children with autism, I had worked with. “It’s not the same, Jane”. I started reading more about autism. I think that the research could offer us ways of working with the fearful dogs and our work with these dogs could offer insight to those working with autistic clients.
Martha Chiang says
Your post also took my breath away. I am one of the now adults who (as I am now learning) suffered severe trauma my therapist now thinks goes back to when I was just one or two days old. Bringing this up and trying to heal it now, so very many years later is a daunting and often over-whelming task. And I do not have a good social support structure, I have my dogs and likely that is why I feel like one with my dogs. At the same time, someone has suggested to me that my now 6 month old puppy was traumatized before he came to me. I worried on our trip home that he startled easily in response to noises. He is my fifth Giant Schnauzer puppy and none of my other Giants have any of the timidity he displays. And as he is also a very high energy puppy who would love to herd the sheep (and seeing your photos, yes they are pawesome) as Maggie is above. I am new to training and want to learn not only to train my dogs but to help others eventually. So perhaps this was meant to be, but it is hard for me right now and this is the most important project I have–to honor his spirit and love him and create a safe place for him, but also to teach him the rules of the house and the ranch so that his timidity does not become ingrained in him. I am hoping that this book may help me help my puppy and perhaps myself. And I will be forwarding your post to my world-class therapist. I hope that is okay with you.
Kit Azevedo says
I read this book about 2 ish years ago and immediately started applying it to my dog training. It makes so much sense, and the techniques he offers really seem to help with dogs I work with. Fear and anxiety seem to be at the root of most of the problem behaviors I see. It’s incredibly rare that I find a dog who’s problems come any other source.
Giving a fearful dog the space and tools to make good decisions has been my number one success. Simply teaching an anxious dog that he can safely retreat from a stresser seems to take so much pressure of that dog, and I love to see that moment when he realizes that it’s not his problem to deal with, he is safe, and his people will take care of it.
mgr says
The Maggie pictures are terrific!
HFR says
@Jane: So interesting you say this. A while ago I had a neighbor with an autistic son. He was non-verbal at the time and anti-social. I was training my new puppy at the same time. It was remarkable how similar our “training” techniques were. Ignore bad behavior, reward good, redirection etc. When her son started to talk, that’s when we went in different directions somewhat. But basically what she was being taught as to how to treat her son behaviorally was very similar to what I was doing with my young pup. Fortunately, she wasn’t insulted when I brought up the similarities and, since she was in med school at the time training to be a pediatric psychiatrist specializing in autistic children, she found it as interesting as I did.
Sandra Cuming says
A good read as usual, I love this blog!
One more thing to think about. Cognative health is linked to gut health. IMO it is just as important to follow antibiotics with probiotics in our pets as it is in people. Dr David Perlmutter has a new book out called Brain Maker The power of gut microbes to heal and protect your brain. He believes as do I that having friendly gut bacteria is key to health. Every time we kill off the friendlies we leave ourselves vulnerable to C. difficile which produces a toxin implicated in Autisim.
Nifty article at of LEF.org http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2012/4/Overlooked-Role-Probiotics-Human-Health/Page-01
also http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2015/3/missing-microbes/page-01
While I know these are written about human health I do think outcomes for dogs are similar.
Bruce says
Patricia and Donna, I completely agree about the value of routine and repetition. Most dogs appreciate familiar routines, but fearful dogs seem to derive particular joy from every confirmation that the universe is predictable.
We have a fearful 6-year old Sammy mix that we inherited from my mother. The Sammy’s main fears include loud noises, men, and fast-moving hands. Fear causes her to freeze, run away, or (most frequently) bark from her “safe spot” under the bed.
The first time I tried to take the Sammy for a walk, a pocket of hot dogs and every trick I know could not induce the Sammy to walk beyond where she could still see my mother’s house. This caused great amusement for the family, who were watching the spectacle, but I knew that even a short walk represented progress.
When the Sammy first visited our house she would run away every time I entered the room. If I sat on the floor, she would approach to be petted. As soon as I stood up she would run away again. We were able to get past this with patience and lots of treats. Now I can walk past her and she usually does not even stand up.
When my mother went into the hospital we picked up the Sammy and brought her to our house. Getting the Sammy to my car required me to walk to the end of the stretch leash, sit on the ground, and coax the Sammy to me. Stand up, walk to the end of the leash, and repeat the process. Probably took 30 minutes to walk a block to the car.
The Sammy is strongly food-motivated, which helped ease her fears about meeting strangers. While walking the dogs one day we ran into some friends that the Sammy had never met. The friends had a big bag of popcorn that they were willing to share with the dogs. The Sammy now sees people we meet on our walks as potential popcorn machines!
After a few months the Sammy has made huge progress. She is great on walks, greets strangers willingly, frequently initiates play at the dog park, snuggles with humans and dogs on the couch, and has actually become somewhat obnoxious when she wants attention (repeatedly nose-bonking my mouse arm when I am on the computer).
The Sammy is still not a big fan of thunderstorms or fireworks, but now during such events she huddles against one of the humans on the couch rather than barking from under the bed. She also remains reluctant to walk on leash with anyone other than a few trusted people. We are slowly working to expand the number of people that she trusts.
Despite her fears, the Sammy scarfs down food enthusiastically and produces well-formed stools that belong on magazine covers. Apparently her enteric nervous system is not the problem. 🙂
Rise VanFleet, PhD, RPT-S, CDBC says
This is a terrific article, Trisha! Bruce Perry’s work is wonderful, and the parallels between traumatized humans and traumatized dogs are strong. Interestingly, just a few moments ago on NPR, there was an interview with another prominent trauma neuroscientist, Bessel van der Kolk. He talked at length about how important it is for traumatized individuals to feel safe within their bodies. It’s not about talking about trauma (for humans), it’s about learning to feel safe in one’s body. Hence, the value of things like yoga, dance, drama, play, other expressive outlets. He spoke specifically about exposure, which only makes things worse when it is done without an absolute sense of safety. Other than the verbal aspects, so much of this applies to dogs, too. I’ve absolutely found that the things that you’ve highlighted are so important for traumatized and unsocialized dogs – safety, relationships, and choices/sense of control! And play (once we create safe enough conditions for that to occur)!
Another book you might enjoy is an old classic in trauma, but I think still very relevant today (if you haven’t already read it). It’s Lenore Terr’s Too Scared to Cry. Before Dr. Terr did her studies of children in the Chowchilla bus kidnapping, everyone seemed to think that children couldn’t be traumatized. She broke ground with her research and writing, so that nowadays we know that kids DO get traumatized! And, as ground is further being broken by things you have lectured on and written about, we are beginning to realize that dogs (and other animals) can be traumatized, too. Our brains aren’t all that different when it comes to the parts involved in trauma, and overcoming trauma!!
Thanks for yet another great article on a timely subject!
Risë
Trisha says
Great to hear from you Rise, and thanks for the reference. The book sounds fascinating, I’ll get a copy. Keep up all your wonderful work with dogs and children, we are all so lucky to have you doing what you do.
HFR says
I just finished reading “The Rising” last night which is about William Petit’s survival and some form of recovery (I don’t think one ever really recovers from a trauma like his). Mr. Petit is the man whose family was tortured and murdered in their Connecticut home while he was tied up in the basement in 2007. He’s remarried and had a son in 2013. The book is a close look at how it is possible for a human to rise from the ashes of a destroyed life. Every person is different in how they deal with such things, but this man is an example for all in his strength and integrity. An enlightening read.
I’m also curious about our almost morbid fascination with the subject of survival. Of course, a big part of it is just curiosity and the “there but for the grace of god, go I” aspect. But I think there may also be our own survival instincts. We need to learn how to deal with trauma, just in case we ever need it. Like learning from your parents how to deal with bullies, it makes one feel safer if we learn the tools we need if ever we were in that position. I don’t think this post apply to dogs at all, so apologies for that. 🙂
Martha Macintyre says
I adopted two Cavalier King Charles spaniels who were rescued from a ‘Puppy Farm’ (Puppy Mill in US). They had both been breeders and were in poor shape – Maggie (then aged 9) had to have all her teeth removed they were so decayed. Amalie (then 5) They had been kept in small cages and for the first few weeks huddled together under small table, only venturing out to eat. While I hadn’t then read any McConnell books, when I did, I realised that many of my methods for managing them were consistent with your advice. At first going for walks baffled them – clearly they had never been outside in the open. They would walk in step, at a slow trot, their bodies touching – clearly the contact made them feel secure. I maintained a very regular routine and gradually they gained confidence. Amalie would sometimes become fixated on me and not let me out of her sight – sitting at my feet or following at my heels. If I left the house she would sit by the door until I returned. I think that they were traumatised on arrival but after one year they behaved in normal doggy ways.( Although Maggie has never barked, even when very excited – not quite sure what to make of that.) I have not read the recommended book and to be honest I think I’d find it too distressing, but most of my methods for dealing with these two little dogs were based on ideas that I’d say were emotional common sense. If they are insecure and frightened, reassure them with strokes and a calm, low voice. Reward them with treats when they are ‘brave’. If they want to be together , bodies touching, let them – even if it looks very funny to onlookers (who thought that I’d trained them to walk in step!) After two years I had two beautifully housetrained, sociable dogs who loved romping on the beach and were very responsive to the sometimes over-enthusiastic attention of my young grandson. Amalie died a month ago and I have another Cavalier – a male pup, who is currently being trained using your Puppy book – which is how I came to read your blog! So thank-you, I am finding it most rewarding reading your books and your blog. My experience with Maggie and Amalie, and now armed with your books, I have decided to foster another rescued dog or two.
Bruce says
Quick follow-up on the Sammy: I was lying on the couch watching a baseball game and the Sammy jumped up on the couch (not unusual), stood panting on my chest (hmm), and then lay down flat on my chest and stopped panting.
I think I have gained her trust . . .
mireille says
I have a friend who adopted a Riesenschnauzer girl, about 2 yrs old. As a pup she was crated a lot: busy family, issues with the kids, issues with the older dog in the household. She was skinny, filthy and stressed when the breeder took her back. She was rehomed to my friend who lives in an appartment block on the eight floor. At first she was scared of loud sounds, very stressed, had problems with reflux, panted a lot and very scared of the car, especially when they closed it. They went to an osteopath with her who found out that her tail was damaged, probably got caught in the car door. They worked with classical conditioning on that and she has gotten much better. She also refused to enter some doorways, wouldn’t move from one room to the next. They trained around that too and things started looking up She gained weight, was cheerful, did wel in dog training classes.
Last summer they went on holiday, rented a house in wooded area. They discovered that their lovely girl was obsessed with FLIES! She could not lie calmly in the garden while they buzzed around her. She stiffened and stared, was deaf to her owners and wouldn’t move. It was so sad to see. In the end they spend a lot of time indoors. Outside they tried to redirect her, give her nice treats and finally, after two weeks there were times she would be able to lie down calmly. She does not react to wasps, not to butterflies but only to ordinary flies. After checking with the breeder, she thought it more than probable that the dog must have been crated with dirty matter fur and hence be troubled by flies where she could not get away form them.
The dog behaviourists they consulted advised them to start training by playing the sound of flies, then small moving flies with classical conditioning approach. They feel it a bit tricky to do that in the house, that is her safe haven. But knowing them, they will find a solution. Since this dog, that would stand on a low wall when they first got here, now climbs fallen trees and hay bales, is given the time to grow in confidence.
Barbara Lloyd says
Dear Patricia,
Thank you for writing this piece, it reinforced a lot of what I have been doing in my practice with client dogs from hoarding situations to my own dog.
Diotima, my dog, (Kindle, in her former life) was apprehended just over three years ago by our local police working in conjunction with our animal protection services
We know her history because video was used as evidence. Just last week her evidence locker was cleared out and the physical evidence minus the video was destroyed.
Diotima’ abuser/torturer was a 21 year old man by the name of Nelson Menard, he was prosecuted by the local authorities and he plead guilty to a deal.
We know the torture was daily, routine and methodical. From age 6 months to 10 months.
It involved hanging on a fence, while suffering asphyxia from a slip lead, then being subjected to methodical punching, kicking, choking, whipping with a leash, and then being lowered down the fence to a laying position while still being asphyxiated and then being subjected to more kicking & whipping with the addition of stomping and
calf raises.
Food and water deprivation were also practised and when aprehended Diotima suffered from emaciation and dehydration.
She also suffered from dislocated hips that required surgery to be put back in, numerous fractured ribs and lacerations as well as a partially collapsed trachea.
Post aprehendion Diotima was under veterinary care for one month then she became a ward of our local Animal Protection Services
After a failed behavioural assessment I was called in to asses Diotima, then named Kindle, to give a behavioural prognosis.
Diotima was 11 months old and she oscillated between aggression and being completely shut down. Another behaviour she exhibeted was compulsive jumping up with super close proximation.
I told Animal Proection I would be back the next day to pick her up and take her home with me for a period of six months. After the six months, Animal Protection signed over Diotima to me, via an inter agency transfer.
That was almost three years ago, in that time I have practised making Didi ( Diotima) right, letting her make choices and giving her plenty of exercise, hiking, swimming and training. All the training has been through shaping.
I have learned a lot by taking Didi into my heart and into my home, we now train in Agility and Rally O.
Diotima still suffers from PTSD, the episodes have decreased in frequency and duration but they still exist.
Today in public Didi generally presents as a happy, athletic dog who leads a charmed life, whereas in reality I manage environments to constantly make Didi successful and she still is cautious and afraid of pressure, emotional changes in the humans around her and being alone with a human and being asked to do something
I will definitely purchase the book you recommended in your article and read the other materials. So little is available on this subject for dogs with PTSD.
My end goals for Diotima are do the things that make her confident & happy, these things come with inherent stressors and pressures, but she is getting more & more confident.
Thank you once again for this article.
Namaste,
Barbara Lloyd & Diotima
Shannon says
Fascinating post. This book will be going on my reading list! Also interesting to read all of the success stories in the comments.
Peri says
I bought a copy of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog. It is an amazing book about trauma and redemption. Thank you so much for recommending it!