What is PTSD in Dogs?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur in dogs and is a condition that arises as a result of an extremely traumatic experience. This leads to long-lasting and overwhelming feelings of fear and stress, making it difficult for the dog to process and overcome these emotions. PTSD in dogs can be triggered by various experiences that involve threat or danger.
How PTSD Can Develop in Dogs
PTSD in dogs can arise after experiencing traumatic events such as:
- Abuse or neglect: Prolonged exposure to poor treatment or neglect can create deep feelings of fear and insecurity.
- Being abandoned or lost: These experiences can lead to a persistent sense of insecurity and stress.
- Serious accidents: For example, traffic accidents can trigger long-term stress reactions.
- Attacks from other animals: An attack can result in a lasting fear of other animals or specific situations.
- Sudden loud noises: Loud noises, such as fireworks or gunshots, can cause PTSD-like symptoms in dogs.
Symptoms of PTSD in Dogs
Signs of PTSD in dogs can include extreme vigilance, excessive reactivity, and anxiety in situations that remind them of the trauma. The dog may also develop avoidance behaviors, where it refuses to approach places, people, or other animals that remind it of the traumatic event. Behavioral changes, such as increased fear, withdrawal, or aggression, are also common indicators of PTSD.
Treatment and Support
Rehabilitation and training for PTSD in dogs often involve a combination of behavioral training and physical therapy, usually conducted in consultation with a veterinarian and/or a canine physiotherapist. The goal is to help the dog regain both its sense of security and quality of life, as well as recover its physical abilities.
How Does a Trauma/PTSD Assessment, Diagnosis, Counseling, and Treatment Work?
First Meeting
A trauma/PTSD assessment begins with an initial meeting, either at my location or online. During this 120-minute session, we will thoroughly review your dog’s background and your description of the event that is suspected to have caused the trauma or PTSD. We will also perform a diagnosis of potential trauma or PTSD. This helps me understand the underlying causes of your dog’s behavior. Based on the information we gather, I will create a training plan tailored specifically to your dog’s needs.
Depending on the severity of the issue, the dog may not be present during the first meeting if the assessment takes place at my location. This is to avoid subjecting the dog to additional stress or insecurity. The goal is to prevent placing any extra burden on the dog during this crucial first step. Additionally, it is important that you, as the dog owner, can focus fully on the assessment and feel relaxed without worrying about your dog during the meeting. My goal is to create a safe environment for both the dog and the owner, where we can work together towards long-term and sustainable improvements.
Follow-up/Training
Second Meeting
At our second meeting, I meet with you and your dog, and together we will review the treatment plan I have tailored for your dog. This plan includes recommendations, a training plan, and detailed treatment advice. The training plan contains specific actions and practical exercises that you and your dog will begin working on together. These exercises and actions are carefully designed to help your dog feel secure and to address the behavioral problems we have identified, focusing on creating long-lasting and positive changes in your dog’s behavior.
During the meeting, we will go over each step of the training plan and the necessary actions, and I will show you how to perform the exercises. The goal is for you to feel confident and secure in carrying out these exercises so that you can continue the training independently between our meetings. We will also discuss the expected results and set realistic goals for what can be achieved during the first training period.
Evaluation/Training
Third Meeting -
Follow-up and continued training are essential to ensuring that the training plan is producing positive results. In subsequent meetings, which can take place either online or in person, we will evaluate the progress made in your dog’s training. We will review how well the exercises have worked and determine if any adjustments are needed to better meet your dog’s needs.
During these follow-ups, we will discuss any new challenges that may have arisen and refine the exercises to ensure that the training continues in the right direction. It is important that both you and your dog feel you are making progress and that we are working together toward your goals. There is always the option to schedule additional follow-ups and training sessions as needed. I offer continuous support and counseling to help you and your dog continue developing, whether it involves small adjustments or more significant modifications to the training plan.
Conclusion of Our Work Together
As we approach the end of our collaboration, we will conduct a final evaluation of your dog’s training and the progress made. During this last meeting, which can take place either online or in person, we will review how well the training plan has worked and what has changed in your dog’s behavior since we began working together.
We will assess the actions and training methods used and discuss how you can continue working with your dog moving forward. The goal is for you to feel confident and secure in continuing to apply the techniques we have worked on, ensuring that the positive changes we have created are maintained.
Even though our active collaboration may conclude, I am always available if new questions or challenges arise in the future. You are welcome to schedule additional follow-ups or continue with training support if the need arises. My goal is for you and your dog to feel empowered and prepared for a harmonious and balanced life together.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or wish to book a session for trauma/PTSD assessment, diagnosis, counseling, and training.
Michael Rudkrantz
Dog Psychologist (Dog Behavior Investigator) – Dog Coach
