What are you shouting for?

 

 Why does my dog bark? How can I stop my puppy barking? Questions trainers get all the time! 

The answer to the first question is fairly simple, the second one needs work! 

Simply, barking is a form of communication. Dogs primarily have complex communications via body language, each nuanced movement of the ear or tail can indicate a meaning, a word if you like, and when those movements in the body, ears, tail, eyes head, are put together there is the sentence, lots of different movements make up the story! 

Often part of this story are vocalisations. Growling, barking, whimpering, whining, howling. All also add extra meaning to the commuication.

As humans we are vocal communicators and so we notice barking or growling first, when in fact this is often only a part of the message a dog will add, when all the other indicators have not worked, or the recipient of the message cant see the body communication, such as in the dark, or through a fence, or over a distance, our sense of scent and hearing is really not as good as theirs and so we cant tell what they have noticed and need to respond to. 

What  do they bark for?

Turid Rugaas in her book "Barking the Sound of a Language"  suggests it is to express Excitement, Fear, Warning, Guarding, Frustration and Learned (because it has been self rewarding, been effective).  There is also a breeed propensity, dogs bred to alert or guard will be more likely to choose this as an expressive behaviour.

Warning/ Alerting  barking is familiar to most of us, the arrival of a delivery will elicit a flurry of barking to let us know  our house is about to be invaded! single but firm WOOF This is a really useful behaviour actually and one that goes back hundereds of thousands of years as dogs worked for their dinner and warmth by warning of predators. It can sound loud and rapid , sometimes with a little growl or whine. this can tip over to super excitement if the visitor predicts good things (mine love the amazon deliveries as there are boxes to explore!) or it can become worried if the visitor is not familiar or makes loud noises such as knokcing the door.

Fear - by this we could mean being startled by a noise, espcially if the dog has some pain or discomfort, ear problems can create a startle bark to the smallest noise. a general worry, or uncertainty of what might be happening, or through to full panic or really afraid for their safety and ours. It sounds high pitched and can get louder and higher, often accompanied by other behaviours like pacing or running around, this is the barking we see with Fireworks or storms or from Separation worries.

Barking at scary triggers is a reactivity need and is not covered by this blog. it needs very specific support to change the fear. 

Excitement or Attention  this is the most common barking need in puppies. They find their world exciting and the more they enjoy the feeling of having fun and being excitied the louder and bouncier their barking becomes. This can lead to over excitement (over arousal) and then the puppy becomes bitey and struggles to think and manage themselves. Puppies also learn the power of attention barking quickly, this can lead on to Learned Barking  where their barking has got the result they wanted efficiently and consistetly, even if it is a negative response for them. 

How do we help them to learn to moderate it?

Barking is not only a common complaint from guardians about their dogs to professionals but it is also one of the main reasons there are complaints ABOUT our dogs from others.  This is especially true with separation fears and frustrations, that is a focus for a different blog.

Garden barking /window barking/ alert barking are the  next most common issues raised. This type of barking comes from worry or concern or a fear. The dog will react to an environmental trigger and as their body language response is ineffective they will need to use a vocal response. this is often something we are not aware of, or seems so everyday to us, such as someone walking along the road or a sound from next door when out in the dark. 

A word about Village chats!  Tilly my sweet girl loved a chat, and at 8pm some night (wherever we lived) would ask to go out for a wee, in fact she just wanted a local chat! It could be like 101 Dalmations! She learned that it would be interrupted, but we did not punish it or shut it down totally , it was part of her Being a Dog in a Human world, channeling her inner wolf!  She had a few sentences grace and then knew it was time to go in.

Each dog is different and some are really sensitive to specific worries, or need to check out the local dogs!

Learned Barking Once the behaviour has been successful it is more likely to be repeated as a first and early response.

 If the dog walking along the road disappears when our dog barks through the window, it worked , they told it not to be in front of house and the dog / postman/ delivery/dustman has left! Job done! Efficiently! 

The same for the puppy who, having been worried once , perhaps going out for a pre bed wee and owl hooted or mouse ran across the grass, or leaf fluttered down or local dog barked. They bark or startle or rush indoors and we come and support them, helping them feel safe, they can then learn to bark to get rid of the scary stuff right before they go out. They learn to feel safe proactively. 

Attention and Play Barking is similar. they can learn that by barking at you for play (or dinner or treats or a walk) gets what they want. Sometiems we dont even notice this is what they are doing and respond to just stop the barking - JOB DONE! quickly and efficeiently a bark for attention got it! 

Things to try 

• Keep a diary , date , times, how long, what kind of bark, what set it off, where does it start? what did you do? why did he stop? 
• Manage the environment to stop the behaviour being practiced, window film is a great protector for window barking, accompany the puppy and be supportive when they are outside, practice outidside being calm as well as fun. 
  
• Distract before it starts, break the chain, but beware of the trigger or bark predicting your attention!! Steve Mann has a great technique "to the Fridge" in the book Easy Peasy Puppy Squeasy.
  
• Learn an "All Done" signal such as a flat palm facing the dog. Use it in play, or for training time to indicate this is time to stop and settle down, add the settle down after,
• Learn "thank you" or "enough" to mean " Ive noticed you come here and Ill pay you. (Diane Garrod has a great You tube - 3 Bark Rule)
  
• Improve the focus relaitionship in general so the puppy/dog will be more likely to come and seek your support with confidence.  
  
• A word on Tools. Do not be tempted by antibark devices. Instead of helpiing the dog feel better they work by adding startle fear or discomfort to prevent the barking, thus adding fear to any other reason. 
• If it becomes too difficult and the dog is becoming anxious then seek the support of a professional. 

 

 This Blog is a tiny summary of what to expect  in the soon to be published book from Peaceful Paws. A unique new look at common puppy problems. With lots of ideas for games and activities to help, it will look at ways we can set up the whole family for fun and  successful relationships, watch out for more tasters.   

Bach Flower Remedies

In 2015 I completed training as an Animal Bach Flower Practitioner. I absolutely love working with all 38 essences and as you will see below in the case studies,  have had some amazing outcomes. I enjoy creating my own now too, guided by the plants in my garden and intuition. The attached video is a real creative session for Lola my own dog, who selected her flowers with care.

 https://youtu.be/6VYvTHnIlOQ

What are Bach Flower remedies?

Dr Edward Bach (1886-1936) was a Harley Street Consultant, later turning to Homeopathic studies. He believed that Dis-ease was caused by the emotional issues of the person, the unhappy thoughts were impacting upon the physical body. In 1930 he left Harley Street to pursue the development of his remedies. Dr Bach sought out the plants he felt would offer support for the range of unwanted emotional states which he knew from practice impacted upon wellness and health. In recent times there is a renewed focus upon the impact of emotional states upon wellness and there is research ongoing to consider a “gut brain link” where emotions are directly related to wellness and dis-ease.

Bach discovered 38 essences in total before his death. He asked that they were not developed further and continued to be prepared in the organic traditional method. He was clear that they should be safe and simple enough for anyone to use. Today the essences are still prepared in this method and are available to buy from high street stores. Rescue Remedy, his emergency emotional first aid is familiar and used by many families every day for shock and fear.

How are they created?

The Remedies are made in a variety of ways traditional to many herbalists.

The fresh flowers from the plant are picked in the early morning and infused in spring water in the sun. Some are boiled to obtain the essence. The water infusion has the signature or imprint of the flowers supportive energy; each flower supporting a different emotional state.

A small amount of this essence is then mixed with preservative (usually Brandy or glycerine ) and then bottled.

How are they used?

A questionnaire and discussion helps to identify the emotional and behavioural and physical issues with the person or animal, within their environment and considering their history and health needs. After an assessment the practitioner will identify the essences which can balance the emotional state and enable the person/animal to exhibit the emotional qualities of the flower as identified by Bach, where appropriate there may be a physiological improvement.

This was seen with Rosie was a rescue rabbit. She had had a traumatic time with the loss of her close companion and some neglect. This included Fly Strike which was not responding to vet intervention. She was aggressive to the other rabbits and had to be segregated. After meeting with her and her young guardian a formulation was created which she received daily for 3 weeks. At two weeks her guardian reported the fly strike had cleared. Rosie was more receptive to the other rabbits and was engaging in social time. Within 3 months Rosie was settled in the Rabbit enclosure and proudly produced a litter of Rabbit Kits , having resolved her issues with the other rabbits!

The practitioner will create a personalised remedy for that person/animal. A journal or diary notes changes or not over time, it can take 3 weeks for a true difference to begin to emerge, though it is possible just a few treatments can create the desired outcome.

The practitioner will offer either to be ingested in water or more usually for animals topically on the paw pads. As this is an energy based remedy it is taken by the body in either form equally well.

Are there side effects?

There are unlikely to be side effects and there is no contraindication for other meds or treatments. However it is recommended the person informs the Dr or Vet. There are no active ingredients to interfere with allopathic medication, this is a vibrational energy remedy. It is possible that a physical healing as well as an emotional one will occur. No ”cure” is implied or offered. As with other vibrational energy therapy it enables the body to seek self-healing and wellness, to balance.

Some case studies

 

Izzy Gus and Sam (San Fransisco)

A couple of years ago I helped Lee with a bullying little puppy and a 15 year old Tibetan. After in taking information I recommended five different essences for each specific to their situation and needs.

Their relationship really improved with Izzy no longer stocking or being aggressive toward Gus.

 Sadly Gus passed two years later and now Izzy, four years old, is up to his old tricks with Sam who is two years old. Izzy just does not like Sam in his space and unfortunately it’s all his space. He growls and then pounces and often there is a bloody sounding kerfuffle. So once again I supported Lee in creating recipes for them each, and after only a few days the results were noticeable. The growling and bullying was  much less often and when it does happen, Izzy is easier to distract. Sam had been defensively starting to growl at Izzy and that too has calmed down. They even began to play a bit and the other day shared a heartwarming kiss. But the biggest change for Lee was their willingness to stay in the family room with the gate up. 

Eila  and Baillie

Baillie is a Rescue Tibetan Terrier. She had a hugely traumatic incident where her primary caregiver suddenly died with her present. Following this she was not cared for with the same love and compassion and so was forwarded for adoption.

After a few weeks to settle Baillie was still very withdrawn/shutdown and unwilling to engage and insecure with touch and could not make any eye contacts. She was noise sensitive and destructive.

I went to see her and get to know her. She is a beautiful complex soul and so desperately wanted to be heard. We worked together with a mix of Bach and Reiki as she requested and received. Over the course of several months we offered her essence formulations for her current complexity of needs. It was like we stripped the layers and layers of her trauma like the skin of an onion. She began to open and engage, to smile and allow touch and indeed seek it.

Almost a year later  my Tibetan Terrier to the vet for her annual check . He was amazed in the change in her since our last consultation and was very interested in hearing about the Bach flower remedies. Eila worked with me to develop the tools to deal with a dog who was grieving and had many anxiety problems to a calm and relaxed girl with a beautiful heart who the vet barely recognised from her previous visit.

One year later …
There  had been a lot of uncertainty in the family Baillies human dad had been in hospital, there were different routines and different visitors.

Initially, Baillie and her TT brother Max reacted badly, very disruptive and their separation anxiety was obvious, bins emptied, urinating on floors and carpets and stealing food which was upsetting for the family and increased tensions in our attitudes to them and increased the strain generally.

Eila called and after a long conversation I was able to offer advice and sent another formulations for them. This contained various oessences including Star of Bethlehem and Chestnut Bud. As the bottle was opened  both dogs immediately got up then sat at my feet requesting it.

From there, using games to challenge them, and some behaviour support they were more secure and eye contact from Baillie started to return. When I made contact with her, lots of reassurance was used through both touch and talk and she then started volunteering herself to me, coming over for cuddles but also allowing me to go to the bathroom in peace!

 

Libby and Tatty

It was a joy to work with rehomed Tibetan Terrier Tatty.Libby has been guardian for Tatty for almost 4 years (she had been a breeding bitch) and she had always been very nervous, subdued and seemingly lacking in joy or enthusiasm for life. Then, after recovering from a recurring ear problem, Tatty’s mood deteriorated, she became despondent and seemed depressed, and Libby was worried about her,

After collecting all the information about Tatty now and over time, I created a bespoke mix of several Bach Flower remedies. During this time she noted Tatty’s mood lift almost immediately and, within a week or so she was back to her normal self. Although she was still, by TT standards, quite subdued and quiet. With a face to face consultation with Tatty to evaluate her, after which Tatty had a second and different bespoke Bach Flower remedy. Immediately, Tatty became significantly, more outgoing and cheerful, she has become more confident, energetic and clearly is finding her inner TT. She seems less worried about life and even ‘asks’ for attention, or chooses where she wants to be. She is clearly happier and generally appears to have a better sense of herself.

If you are interested in learning more about the power of these simple Botanical essences please get in touch.

 

 

Canine Botanical Self Healing/self selection (AKA Zoopharmacognosy)

In 2015 I was lucky to attend the Natural Dog Conference in Birmingham. Amongst the amazing presentations was one by Caroline Ingraham. She spoke about the power of animals to self medicate, to understand exactly what herb or aromatic was needed to address a physical or emotional need and to balance their wellbeing. Her 30 years of research was built upon the work of Cindy Engels (Wild Health)  who observed a variety of animals medicating for  a range of conditions.

I was blown away, it made so much sense, and from then on I began to explore for myself. I learned more from practitioners for my own dogs.

In September 2019 I began my own practitioner training with Rachel Windsor Knott (My Animal Matters). I have particulalry been drawn to working woth Aromatics alongside the herbs and powders. To develop a deeper understanding I have spent many months exploring the properties of alll of the essential oils in my colleection, over 50, alongside my dogs.
Sadly Covid has interrupted the final part of the course and my case studies for assessment. However I hope to resume soon.

This Blog was originally an assigment for a module of the Canine Principles Canine Holistic Behaviour Diploma.

What is Botanical Self Selection ?

Zoopharmacognosy is a growing therapeutic modality studied over many years in animals in the wild. Most recently it has been developed in the UK as a Professional modality by Caroline Ingraham after 30 years of research. 

The name means Animal (zoo) medicine (pharma) cognosy (knowledge) it is also often commonly known as “Botanical Self Selection” or “Botanical Self Healing”.

For many years Animal Scientists have observed and studied animals selecting botanicals and minerals to self heal. Cindy Engels book Wild Health in 2002 sets out a wide range of observations within the animal kingdom. For instance Chimps will eat a non nutritional bitter  herb to rid parasites, we observe dogs eating grass or dandelion or cleavers for digestive health. Studying how animals keep WELL instead of focussing on disease it was noted that even with high levels of pathogens and parasites,  animals,  in a natural environment untouched by mans invasion, were healthy and thriving. Studies suggest this is as a result of the animals using plants as medicine to stay well as well as treat overwhelming illnesses.

In developing Applied Zoopharmacognosy  Caroline Ingraham considered the science from scientists such as Engels and worked with different animals (mostly dogs cats and horses). She published her books How Animals Heal Themselves (2014) and Help your Dog Heal Itself (2018) and has set up a  training school. Her aim is for practitioners and guardians to enable their animals to self medicate to work with simple health needs and maintain a healthy body and mind.Many other practitioners are following up her studies with their own and I am also a follower of Nayan Morag who works mostly with aromatics.

How does the modality work?

Botanical Self Healing (BSH) uses a range of herbs minerals and aromatics, selected and studied by Ingrahams in her research, following on from the research of Engels and others on animals in wild environments.  The animal is offered a botanical for them to select from, to work with a physical or emotional issue or to maintain health.

Plants use the sun, air, water and soil nutrition to grow and stay healthy, repair and thrive. They produce chemicals which enable a primary healthy metabolism. This is the plant matter used by other animals for nutrition as part of the food chain. Plants also produce secondary defensive chemicals whose function is to protect them from damage against predators or bacterial viral, fungus infection, these secondary chemicals are often toxic or can be medicinal, they have no nutritive value. Many of the secondary chemicals are volatile and their odour can be identified over a great distance by animals. There is complexity of the relationship of plant biology and its medicinal/psychological support value. To add to this the soil and other minerals also carry a range of secondary organisms and chemicals which are used medicinally, such as green clay. (ref Wild Health – Engels -2002). 

Animals will select and dose those secondary chemicals from Botanicals which will balance them emotionally and physically for wellness.

Each session is individualised, there is no “this for that” approach. It is based upon consent; we offer the chance for the animal to consider if the Botanical offered is needed. Excellent observations skills are used to read the communications from the animal as to its choice of selection, the distance and time to dose for (aromatics) or how much is needed (ingested materials).

What does a  Botanical Self Healing session look like?

Safety is essential and a full history is taken prior to a session, covering all areas of the animal from pre – birth where known, to current time, noting especially any events or environmental issues as well as health; a truly Holistic approach. It is also important to note the human needs as some aromatics and plant materials can be contraindicated for humans with specific needs. A vet check is a prerequisite where possible and vets should be informed of any sessions undertaken. The Modality is permissible under the Vet Act as it is non invasive and choice led.

With the history and an understanding of the animal as an individual and the dynamics of its home environmnt in mind the practitioner will spend time to get to know the animal a little to build some trust and communication.

Each practitioner develops their own routines and this will change from animal to animal and family to family, it is led by the animal client.

Depending on the animals’ need the practitioner will offer a small selection of aromatics, hydrosol, herbs and minerals and oils and macerates. The order is led by the animal and also the knowledge from the practitioner. Sometimes beginning with hydrosol as it is less olfactorily invasive than Essential oils (EO). Sometimes it is all about the herbs and powders or the oils. The practitioner watches for the communication from the animal, intuitively offering and observing. This is done in a space with plenty of circulating air and the opportunity for the animal to remove themselves from the area at any time.

Essential oils are offered to support either the identified need or one that the practitioner suspects is linked. Sometimes the animals are really clear and will identify the bottle or bottles or packets they wish to engage with.  The oils work with both emotional and behavioural needs as well as physical needs.

Oils are offered with the lid to the bottle loosened and the practitioner judges whether to move to offering the cap or a scent stick/cloth on the floor are helpful, also respecting the distance the animal wishes to work.

Oils or hydrosol are usually never applied, given, or diffused “for” the animal or put on bandana etc. the animal always has the chance to decide when to stop using the remedy and at what distance to dose. However animals often present themselves to rub or roll in an aromatic or powder, this can be facilitated by the practitioner, on a towel for instance. Sometimes Ingraham would suggest that for first aid for instance after checking the animal is not aversive to it, it is ok to apply.

The session is guided by the animal and they will create a selection choice as needed, just as animals in the wild do, sometimes a mineral or herb is needed first or an aromatic. They will also decide how much dosage is needed and this is observed from how the Olfactory system works with it and how the animal processes the intake and also the distance and time taken. The animal may take time out to process during a session. During the aromatic work the animal will usually rest within the area of the aromatic in the dose level they need, this looks like sleep. Sometimes they may whimper, growl or jump, this is considered to be a memory or feeling being accessed. When they have completed the session they will choose to disengage.  This is a video of Lola Processing two oils.

https://youtu.be/qDBUfDue9bU

The practitioner observes until the animal has closed the session. They will then feedback/report to the client what the animal has selected and what commonly this choice can be linked to. This is never diagnostic or suggesting that the animal has a specific complaint, many choices have multiple different uses.

Botanical self Healing is Holisitic because it works with the animal and their human partnership, alongside vets where applicable. The animal is guided by its own physiological and emotional wellness needs and is supporting its own health. Alongside other professionals, such as touch therapists, behaviourists and veterinary professionals BSH offers the animal some autonomy.

As a Botanical Self Healing Practitioner, and also as a guardian, I have seen exceptional outcomes from enabling the animal to lead. I absolutely believe that the dogs have made clear and well communicated indications as to what they do and do not require. Some coming and requesting even when there was no direct offering session. There will always need to be careful safety considerations and also the knowledge that some dogs find it really hard to engage, and this is ok, My own dog Lola finds a “session” pressurising and is superstitious around novel items to ingest. However she will hop into my own oil sessions and engage with mine, at other times she will leave the room! After mugging my bag of devils claw and demolishing several spoons of coconut oil I became aware that Tilly was uncomfortable sometimes but improved when she ate the devils claw and coconut oil, a vet check found she was in pain from a back injury. She was medicating her pain.

I learn so much about the dogs I work with each time, and about the aromatics, oils and powders and herbs. Their power to support wellness is amazing.

To find out more about the olfactory system and why the use of aromatics is so powerful have a look at this video.

https://youtu.be/p7fXa2Occ_U

Should you wish to learn more or to book a session please email:

peacefulpawstherapy@gmail.com

References

Wild Health - Cindy Engels - 2002

These are the books I use for reference daily when working with animals.all are recommended to find out more *** indicates a good first book

Hep your Dog Heal itself – Caroline Ingraham – 2016 ***

Essential Oils for Animals – Nayana Morag – 2011 ***

The Aromatic Dog – Nayana Morag -2015 ***

Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy – Suzanne Catty – 2001

Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit – Gabriel Mojay – 1997 ***

Herbs for Pets – Gregory L Tilford and  Mary L Wuff - 2009 ***

Essential Oil Safety – Robert Tisserand and  Rodney Young -2014