I wish I didn't have to write about trauma and could focus on how lovely the World is for dogs, but sadly I can't. And as I can't prevent it because it's already here, the best I can do is to help you to understand it. Trauma and the nervous system need to be addressed if we are to facilitate healing. Every dog deserves to feel safe, so this post is going to discuss the nature of canine trauma and what we can do about it.
'Trauma' is a significant consequence of a traumatic event and can affect every aspect of the sufferer’s life because it disrupts the nervous system, causing a loss of reality around safety and the feeling of being safe. Living with trauma is deeply disempowering for people, and it’s no different for dogs.
"We have learned that trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body"
Canine Trauma
Dogs have limited control over their environment, which becomes especially challenging when they have been subjected to traumatic events. This is because a system with unprocessed trauma cannot feel safe until processing has occurred.
When dogs live in a world where people don’t fully understand their struggles and their bodies are screaming for safety, they often lack the agency to create it. Without feeling safe, trauma can never be processed. This creates a cycle of disregulation in the nervous system and a dog who responds to their environment as if it is very dangerous indeed.
Trauma in dogs can arise from physical or emotional abuse, traumatic events, or a general lack of safety, leaving lasting scars that impact their ability to trust and feel safe in the world around them.
Canine Trauma-Related Behaviour
Dogs carrying unprocessed trauma may withdraw, become excessively fearful, or display aggression as a defence mechanism. They learn that the world is unpredictable, filled with triggers that cause them distress.
For dogs who have lived in traumatic environments the impact cannot be overstated. They may shut down, become hyperactive, or display nervous reactions, unable to trust their surroundings or the people in them.
Common behaviours to look for include crouched posture, tension, and dilated pupils. Traumatised dogs often live in a constant state of fear, anticipating harm and adjusting their behaviour to avoid conflict or further pain. They may flinch at sudden movements or shy away from touch, perceiving even gentle gestures as potential threats.
One of the saddest things about canine trauma is that a dog who suffers from it is often emotionally shut down. To the untrained eye the can appear to be calm, but to the trained eye we see that they are everything but calm.
Trauma and Lifestyle in Dogs
The core of trauma is the loss of control, and for dogs, this feeling is magnified. They rely on us for everything: food, shelter, safety. When that trust is broken, usually through abuse or neglect, it leaves them in a vulnerable state. The disempowerment they feel is profound, as they cannot change their circumstances; they can only adapt.
Trauma strips away a dog’s confidence and joy, creating fear and anxiety. The dog may shut down entirely, adopting a freeze response to cope with their overwhelming emotions. When trauma becomes a part of a dog’s daily life, it replaces their natural behaviours like exploration, curiosity, and the ability to enjoy companionship with sensitive, vigilant behaviour.
Dogs with unprocessed trauma live in a world where every sound, movement, and interaction is a potential threat.
Can a Dog Heal from Trauma?
Yes, with care and understanding, healing is possible.
They may not completely ever be the dog they could have been without the trauma, but we can certainly help them to feel safe enough to enjoy the life that they have.
It’s absolutely crucial when working or living with traumatised dogs to have awareness of what canine trauma looks like, how the dog feels, and what they need. Knowledge and understanding prevent re-traumatisation and keep the dog feeling as safe as possible.
Rebuilding confidence and trust takes time, patience, and consistent gentle reassurance. It’s about providing a safe space where the dog can learn that not all humans are a source of pain or danger.
Confidence and optimism can be built, creating resilience in place of fearful expectation.
By recognising the signs of trauma and responding with empathy, we can guide traumatised dogs back towards feeling safe. In doing so, we give them back the sense of control they lost in the original event or events. This creates for them a chance to live without fear, while helping to regulate their nervous systems for a brighter less scary future.
Learn More About Canine Trauma
Join me on the 1st of November at 7pm (BST) for a live webinar to learn the fascinating world of the canine nervous system.
Dog behaviour shows us how dogs feel. Stress, fear, and anxiety, as well as feelings of safety and connection are all related to internal balance. By understanding the way dogs feel we are better equipped to help them feel better, and the nervous system is key to this understanding.
In this live webinar, we'll explore how to assess a dog’s nervous system based on observing their body language and behaviour, and help them regulate into safety and connection as often as possible.
A regulated nervous system leads to better health, wellbeing, and ultimately, easier behaviour. Safety in the system creates better connection, relationships and health.
During this session, you will learn:
The role of the canine nervous system.
Polyvagal theory.
Neuroception and bias.
How to help dogs feel safe.
The nature of triggers and glimmers, and how to use them.
Recognising trauma responses.
Building resilience in dogs.
And much more.. Looking forward to seeing you there!
(There will be a recording afterwards).
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