Save-A-Soul Rescue North

01/11/2023

19/04/2023

11/02/2023

Healing Trauma in Dogs: Trough Building Secure Attachment and Positive Reinforcement

Secure attachment between a caregiver and a dog is considered a powerful tool in healing dogs with trauma because it provides a safe and supportive environment for the dog to heal and overcome their traumatic experiences. Studies have shown that the presence of a secure attachment figure can have a positive impact on the dog’s physical and mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and fear (Edwards, 2018).

On the other hand, aversive tools such as punishment and physical force can destroy secure attachment relationships between a caregiver and a dog. Aversive tools create fear and anxiety in the dog, which can lead to a breakdown in trust and a negative impact on their mental and physical health (Dodman, 2013).

A study by Edmonson et al. (2017) found that dogs with a strong attachment to their caregiver were less likely to display fearful and aggressive behavior compared to dogs who had experienced aversive training techniques. This highlights the importance of building a secure attachment relationship with a dog in order to promote healing and overcome traumatic experiences.

Building a bond of secure attachment through trust is a responsibility every person with a dog in the family needs to embrace. The high rate at which dogs are surrendered to shelters, breaking the bond of trust, raises serious ethical questions. Since all healthy relationships are based on trust, the obligation to build a secure and lasting attachment with your dog is a must (Hens, 2009).

How to build secure attachment with your dog?

Consistency and predictability: Building a secure attachment relationship with your dog requires consistency and predictability. This means setting routines, feeding schedules, and providing regular exercise.

- Quality time: Spending time with your dog is key to building a strong bond. Engage in activities that your dog enjoys such as playing, training, or simply cuddling.

- Positive reinforcement: Reward-based training is an effective way to build trust and a positive relationship with your dog. Reinforce good behaviors with treats, praise, and attention.

- Communication: Good communication is essential to building a secure attachment relationship with your dog. Listen to your dog's body language and try to understand their behavior.

-Patience: Building a secure attachment relationship with your dog takes time and patience. Don't expect it to happen overnight, but with consistent effort, you will see progress.

-Regular vet check-ups: Regular vet check-ups can help you catch any health problems before they become serious. This helps keep your dog healthy and happy, which in turn helps strengthen your bond.

-Physical touch: Regular physical touch such as petting, hugging, and grooming can help build a strong attachment relationship with your dog.

- Provide a safe environment: A safe environment where your dog feels secure and protected is essential to building a secure attachment relationship.

Why I don’t recommend aversive tools:

Aversive tools, such as choke chains, pinch collars, and electric shock collars, are designed to cause physical discomfort or pain to a dog in order to correct their behavior. However, using aversive tools can damage the bond between a dog and their owner and negatively impact their mental and physical health.

Studies have shown that using aversive tools can increase fear and anxiety in dogs, which can lead to increased aggression, decreased social interaction, and a lack of trust towards their owner. For example, a study conducted by University of Bristol (2017) found that dogs trained using aversive tools showed a lower level of trust towards their owners compared to dogs trained using positive reinforcement methods.

Additionally, using aversive tools can also have physiological effects on dogs, including elevated stress hormones and decreased heart rate variability, which can lead to negative physical health outcomes. For example, a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (2015) found that dogs trained with aversives experienced elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, compared to dogs trained with positive reinforcement.

In conclusion, secure attachment is considered to be a more powerful tool in healing dogs with trauma compared to medication, and aversive tools can have a detrimental effect on the relationship between caregiver and dog.

The use of aversive tools is not recommended when building a secure attachment relationship with a dog. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and toys, are more effective in promoting positive behavior, building trust and promoting overall well-being in dogs.

No longer should you struggle with your dog’s behaviors - schedule a trauma informed, secure attachment, behavior consultation.

https://www.holisticdogtraining.org/TIBA

Please read:

THE DO NO HARM DOG TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR HANDBOOK Linda Michaels
https://amzn.to/3HHnlBu

Edmonson, M. J., Glendinning, L. I., & Pomeranz, B. (2017). Attachment to Owners, Fear and Aggression in Pet Dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 4, 46. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2017.00046

Edwards, R. J. (2018). The healing power of pets: implications for animal-assisted therapy and mental health. Australian eJournal of Theology, 23, 5-15. https://dx.doi.org/10.2104%2Faet23.1.1

Dodman, N, Brown, D, Serpell, J, (2018) Associations between owner personality and psychological status and the prevalence of canine behavior problems. PLoS ONE, 13 (2), e0192846. doi.org/10.1371/ journal.pone.0192846.

Dinwoodie, I, Dwyer, B, Zottola, V, et al (2019) Demographics and comorbidity of behavior problems in dogs. J Vet Behavior, 32, 62–71. doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2019.04.007.

Dinwoodie, I, Zottola, V, Dodman, N, (2021) An investigation into the effectiveness of various professionals and behavior modification programs, with or without medication, for the treatment of
canine aggression. J Vet Behavior, 43, 46–53. doi.org/10.1016/j. jveb.2021.02.002.

Cooper JJ, Cracknell N, Hardiman J, Wright H, Mills D (2014) The Welfare Consequences and Efficacy of Training Pet Dogs with Remote Electronic Training Collars in Comparison to Reward Based Training. PLoS ONE 9(9): e102722. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0102722

Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship": https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787814000070

10/02/2023

$5 Friday!!! Our funds are so depleted, yet the needs of the dogs continue. Please consider a donation to help us continue to help them. No amount is too small and greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!!

Help support Save A Soul Rescue North by donating or sharing with your friends.

03/02/2023

I want to thank all that have donated food and treats for the sanctuary and foster dogs off the wish list last week!!! Your gifts are so appreciated and we are well stocked up on food!!! Thank you!!! We are still in need of some dental treats, which are on sale right now! And we go through a lot of oinkies/pork rolls, beef lung, both the sizzling bacon and slices, and the other Wag treats we use are also on sale. Also in need of some supplements. I also added some frisbees to make some enrichment toys out of. Would also like to make some to donate to our local shelter too! If anyone would like to help us out, it would be appreciated so much!!! Thank you!!!

27/01/2023

Hilo is the sweetest little guy, who was rescued from a Memphis shelter. He was in rough shape, immaciated, HW+, and had a seizure. He was thought to be a hospice case, but this lil man has made such a comeback, no seizures, slow kill HW treatment done, now negative, and had a clean bill of health in July. His only issue is his eyes do not dilate, but his vision doesn't seem to be affected at all. This boy loves to jump in 360 circles and get butt scratches. We believe he has been abused before, so can be a little timid and unsure at times. He would love a comfy place to call home and has so much love to give yet. Can be dog selective with males, but does good with females. Has not been kid or cat tested.

25/01/2023

Wish List Wednesday!!! We are running low on dry food, all treats, and supplements for the foster and behavioral sanctuary dogs in our care. Please help us keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with some goodies from the list, it is appreciated more than words can say! Thank you and God bless. I posted pic's of just two of our sanctuary/unadoptable dogs below. Those that have met them, can verify their behavior, but I made a promise to them that they will always be safe, happy, and loved and I have devoted my life to them and my promise to them.

25/01/2023

18/01/2023

Wish List Wednesday!!! We are pretty good with food, but are almost out of all the favorite treats and supplements for the foster and sanctuary dogs in our care. Please help us keep them happy and spoiled with some goodies from the list, it is appreciated more than words can say! Thank you and God bless.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2FB6S5EM36M01?ref_=wl_share

04/01/2023

www.shakepaws.com

22/12/2022

We have some wonderful dogs available for adoption and they would really love to get their happy forever homes for the New Year. Please fill out an application here: https://form.jotform.com/203628262267053

07/12/2022

I created a Christmas Goodies wish list for the deserving sanctuary and foster pup's in our care, if anyone would like to help us spoil them with some of their favorite treats and needed supplements. Thank you and Merry Christmas from us all

24/11/2022

Some great Black Friday deals. The pup's have been out of some of their favorites, especially the True Acres dental sticks, Oinkies, Alpo Snaps, and beef lung! Thank you and God Bless!!

We are a Chow Chow and all breed foster based rescue, saving precious lives, one soul at a time.

15/11/2022

Adoption and Foster application links below:
Adoption: https://form.jotform.com/203628262267053
Foster: https://form.jotform.com/203634441967056

Please click the link to complete this form.

15/11/2022

UPDATE: ADOPTED!!!!
Trevor is still looking for a person to call his own. He would make a wonderful support dog!

30/09/2022

Hi Friends! We are drowning a bit with bills for heartworm treatment, vet care, and boarding. So skip the fancy coffee and donate $5 to Save a Soul North if you can!! Your help and support is so appreciated!!!

27/09/2022

Our beautiful little Miracle. Get your app in for this little beauty! Currently in foster in Mississippi. Great friendly little gal, can be dog selective. No cats and a fenced in yard is required.

24/09/2022

Our wonderful and amazing Pronto Uno is looking for his forever home. Fill out your application if you want a wonderful boy! Link is in the post below.

24/09/2022

15/09/2022

Dogs benefit from respectful affection.

THE BENEFIT
Every time you gaze lovingly into your dogs' eyes, its levels of oxytocin — the “attachment hormone” — go up. And so do yours. Oxytocin has long been referred to as “the love hormone” and the “cuddle hormone,” because we (and our pets) release it when we hug, touch, or look lovingly into someone's eyes. [1]

Dogs will show canine-specific behaviors to demonstrate their affection, but their behaviors are different from the hugging, kissing and cuddling that people show to express their love.

Many species of social animal – including dogs – show affection to other individuals they are attached to, its called “allogrooming” and is likely one reason dogs licks us. [2]
Another very important affiliative behavior in dogs is simply being close or touch each other. Think about how often your dogs sleep curled next to one another – or to you. Following each other from place to place is another sign of social attachment.
Play is another affiliative behavior that is used to create as well as maintain social bonds.

Positive human-dog tactile contact has been shown to have an attenuating effect on cardiovascular responses of the dog (Anderson and Gantt, 1966; Lynch and McCarthy, 1967; McGreevy et al., 2005; Handlin et al., 2011; Csoltova et al., 2017; McGowan et al., 2018). In addition, the sole presence of the owner during a threatening situation has proved to have a stress-buffering effect on dogs’ HR, thus providing evidence for the “safe haven” effect of the owner on a dog’s well-being during a stressful situation (Gácsi et al., 2013).

WHERE AFFECTION CAN BECOME A BEHAVIOR ISSUE
Study links skin allergies in dogs to problem behaviors ... Misbehaving dogs may have a new excuse for their behavior, according to new research [3]

In my virtual behavior consultation I noticed many aggressive behavior are rooted to the dogs not feeling well. Most commonly alergies, upset stomach and underlying medical conditions are the reason dogs growl, snap and bite.

Not all dog behavior problems have behavioral causes or cures.
There is a buildup of stress in the dogs suffering from this, and there have been occasional reports that dogs with various allergic problems, including dermatitis, tend to be irritable and emotionally sensitive.

With proper assessment these temporary aggressive behaviors and can be managed and treated in conjunction with veterinary treatment.


1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233656118_The_reinforcing_value_of_physical_contact_on_the_effect_on_canine_heart_rate_of_grooming_in_different_anatomical_areas

2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276273407_Evaluation_of_dog_welfare_before_and_after_a_professional_grooming_session

3. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2019-12-01/study-links-skin-allergies-dogs-problem-behaviors

12/09/2022

LESS than 24 hours until our auction closes!! Get your bids in on these beautiful items and help raise funds for Save A Soul Rescue North. Thank you for all your support!

Friends, let's keep the bidding going on all these beautiful items!

Auction items! So many good things to bid on. Great holiday gifts, decor, and goodies for your pup. All proceeds go to Save a Soul Rescue North. Many thanks for all your support. Starting bid on this beautiful wreath is $25!

12/09/2022

A HUGE THANK YOU to all who bid and donated! We raised over $600 for Save a Soul Rescue North. We couldn't do it without your support. Auction items will be mailed by next weekend, please confirm your address and payment with us. THANK YOU!!

LESS THAN 24 hours until our auction closes! Get your bids in on these beautiful items. All proceeds go to Save a Soul Rescue North. Thank you so much for your support.

Who has holiday shopping to complete? There are some good gifts in this auction that haven't been bid on yet. Someone has a dog (and friend with a dog) that needs a new leash, toenail grinder, cool water bottle, and bath products!! How about a beautiful wreath for your favorite groomer or vet?? Some smaller pieces of jewelry are great to have for last minute gifts! All items are NEW, and ready for gifting season. The BEST part? 100% of the proceeds go to Save a Soul Rescue North. So, you get to donate and cross off a few holiday gifts at the same time!!

AUCTION TIME!! OK friends, we have a LOT of great things for the auction. Decor, jewelry, dog essentials, and more. Auction ends Saturday 9.17 at Noon.

07/09/2022

Soooo true!

06/09/2022

YOUR THOUGHT FOR TODAY!!!