Frequently asked questions
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What is the Autonomic Nervous System?
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The ANS controls vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion and blood pressure.
The ANS is split into two main divisions
Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight) activates during stress or danger and the
Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and digest) promotes relaxation and recovery.
Often our dogs' behavioral issues come from the fight or flight mode being activated which can cause a range of behaviors from aggression, anxiety and fear to shut down and withdrawal. In these situations we need to help our dogs regulate their nervous system and find deep relaxation so they can change their behavioral patterns.
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How does this differ to obedience training?
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Obedience training is an important part of your dogs education however I often come across dogs that are able to sit, lie down and follow a wide range of cues in a calm environment yet when the dogs are outside with lots of distractions none of the cues trained at home work. This is because they have gone into their sympathetic nervous system. They're in survival mode and being able to heel, wait or lie down is the opposite of what their instincts are telling them to do. It is in these situations that we need emotional regulation so we can help our furry friend find relaxation and peace when the outside world feels a little too overwhelming! Working from the inside out.
How do I teach my dog to regulate their nervous system?
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I will teach you different techniques of how to help your dog regulate their nervous system and find deep relaxation in a 1 to 1 consultation. For now, I want to explain briefly about co-regulation. Co-regulation is the foundation of building trust, emotional safety, and resilience. Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions. If our nervous system is stressed or anxious, our dogs will feed off our state of being. When we are able to manage our own emotions and find deep relaxation within ourselves, our dogs' nervous system will regulate to match ours.
