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Dog Waving Paw

Dog Blog


Heard the saying, "Trust your gut"?


Well, it turns out there's a lot of truth to that, especially when it comes to our furry friends! The gut isn't just about digesting kibble or the evening's leftovers off your plate; it's a sophisticated system often dubbed the "second brain." But what does that really mean, and why should you care? Can your dog's diet really affect their behaviour and training?


Let's look into the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection in dogs and see how it can affect their overall well-being and ability to learn.





The Gut's Own Brain! The Enteric Nervous System:


First off, we have the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). This network of about 100 million neurons lines your dog's digestive tract, from the throat to the rectum. It’s like having a mini-brain in the gut that manages digestion without needing help from the brain in their head! This means everything from moving food along to regulating blood flow is taken care of by the gut itself. 



Gut Feelings Are Real!


Here’s where it gets super interesting: the gut produces a ton of neurotransmitters. You've probably heard of serotonin, the "feel-good" chemical. Well, about 95% of it is made right there in the gut! (2) This neurotransmitter, along with others like dopamine and GABA (a calming chemical), plays a big role in regulating mood and behaviour. So, when your pup is happy and relaxed, their gut health might just be part of the reason why.


The Mighty Microbiota


Now let's talk about the gut microbiota – the trillions of microorganisms living in your dog's gut. They're not just there for no reason, they're busy producing chemicals that keep the brain and gut in contact and working together. This constant communication happens through pathways like the vagus nerve (the longest cranial nerve that runs from the head through the abdomen) and the immune system.


Studies have shown that when the balance of these gut microbes gets thrown off (a condition called dysbiosis), it can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, and even neurological disorders (2, 4, 5). Dogs that are anxious or unwell may find it significantly harder to learn and make new associations, which can make training a real challenge. If your dog is struggling to pick up new skills or seems reluctant to engage in training, it is incredibly important to consider their gut health and diet amongst other factors that could be influencing their behaviour.





Healing from the Inside Out


So, how can we help keep our dogs' guts—and by extension, their brains—healthy? It often starts with their diet. Including prebiotics and probiotics can make a big difference. These can be found in certain high-quality dog foods or as supplements, but always check with your vet first.


Practical Tips for a Happy Gut (and Pup!)


  1. Feed a Balanced Diet: High-quality commercial diets from brands such as Carnilove or vet-approved homemade meals can provide the nutrients your dog needs.

  2. Add Prebiotics and Probiotics: These help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Some prebiotics may be more suitable for your dog than others, so make sure to get your vet’s advice before introducing new supplements!

  3. Monitor Stress Levels: Stress can affect gut health (8), so keeping your dog’s environment calm and stress-free is essential.


Understanding the gut-brain connection helps us see just how interconnected our dogs' physical and mental health really are. So next time you see your dog happily wagging their tail, remember: a healthy gut helps make a happy, thriving pup, which makes training a whole lot easier!



By Becki Gude

BA(hons) PACT ABTC-ATI

Training & Behaviour consultant for CarniloveUK




References


  1. Mayer, E. A. (2011). Gut feelings: the emerging biology of gut–brain communication. Nature Reviews Neuroscience https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21750565/

  2. Appleton, j (2018) The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/

  3. Gershon, M. D., & Tack, J. (2007). The serotonin signaling system: from basic understanding to drug development for functional GI disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17241888/

  4. Yano, J. M., Yu, K., Donaldson, G. P. et al. (2015). Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25860609/

  5. Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22968153/

  6. Bercik, P., Denou, E., Collins, J., et al. (2011). The intestinal microbiota affect central levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor and behavior in mice. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001650851100607X

  7. Wallace, C. J., & Milev, R. (2017). The effects of probiotics on depressive symptoms in humans: a systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28239408/

  8. Konturek P et al (2011). Stress and the gut: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22314561/




I was inspired to write this article after seeing a post by Shay Kelly on social media a few weeks ago. Shay referred to the trauma bonds that can develop between domesticated dogs and humans who are are cruel or that use abusive training methods. His post really packed a punch, and got me thinking about the animals I have worked with over the years.


“Trauma” is a bit of a buzz word at the moment. We are learning more about what it means as part of the human experience, but also in the wider animal kingdom, particularly domesticated animals. Yes, animals can experience trauma too. While they may not process trauma in the same way that we do, animals can be profoundly affected by distressing or harmful experiences. Trauma in animals can result from various sources, including abuse, neglect, accidents, loss of a companion, confinement, abandonment, and exposure to natural disasters.


Traumatic bonding refers to a complex psychological phenomenon where individuals develop strong emotional connections with those who have caused them harm; physical or emotional. It occurs through repetitive cycles of negative experiences and intermittent reinforcement (the good stuff). You may have heard of Stockholm Syndrome, which is a type of trauma bond that humans experience, which can lead to feelings of loyalty, dependency, and affection towards an abuser. This behaviour is not limited to humans; animals can also develop similar bonds, including our dogs. Dog's are incredibly social animals and their desire to bond is so strong, that they will absolutely attach to someone despite mistreatment.


Signs of trauma in animals can often be obvious to see and may include behavioural changes such as fearfulness, aggression, withdrawal, hyperactivity, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns. We see these behaviour patterns occurring often in the dog world, particularly in rescue or after a dog experiences something frightening.


However, signs of trauma bonding in dogs can be difficult to observe and can also be misinterpreted. It may look like extreme clinginess, quiet or "calm" behaviour around their handler, excessive appeasement gestures, or separation distress - behaviours that could be interpreted as signs of love or trust but could instead be subtle signs of dysfunctional attachment. Interestingly, I have seen similar behaviours in another species I have had the opportunity to observe at length—elephants.


A kiss for Kamoon, an 80 year old elephant who was trained to assist her mahout with begging

Observing captive elephants


In 2016 I was lucky enough to spend time working with Asian elephants in Thailand. My husband and I lived at a sanctuary that housed about 25 of these creatures that had been rescued from various different illegal and abusive trades in the country.


On arrival, I remember being amazed at how calm and “well behaved” the elephants were in the sanctuary, some of them following their Mahouts (elephant carers) round like little lost puppies, coming when called, leaning gently on them and caressing them with their trunks – they seemed almost in a giddy trance a lot of the time and I couldn't help but wonder what the Mahout's secret was?!


I actually felt a little jealous! I was at the start of my animal training career and I assumed they must have been superb trainers to have this level of trust with their animals!


After a day or two it became apparent quite quickly what was going on.


Each Mahout carried a bullhook (see pictured below). Bullhooks are routinely used as a method of positive punishment to control elephants around the world. I think it's pretty self explanatory what a person might do with a bullhook, but they are used as a means to suppress the natural behaviours of the elephants through the threat (or actual act) of violence. Whilst not used to physically punish the elephants at this sanctuary (to my knowledge) the mere presence of them was a clear reminder to each elephant what they had experienced as a baby, and kept them in check without incident. These animals appeared calm, beautifully trained and genuinely affectionate with their carers. However, the reality is that they were shut down emotionally, and functioning in a chronic survival mode to avoid the bullhook.


Bullhooks are an aversive tool routinely used as a method of positive punishment to control elephants around the world.

In South East Asia, all four operant conditioning quadrants are routinely used in elephant training and management. This often involves using fear, punishment, and tools to enforce desired behaviors. Unfortunately, some dog trainers in the Western world still promote and recommend these outdated and inhumane methods. Whilst dog trainers would probably be put in jail if they used a bullhook on a dog, the way that dogs learn and make associations with aversive stimuli is the same.


The Phajaan - Breaking the Elephant's Spirit


Now, a little background on what these elephants go through. For an elephant to be “tamed” for tourist rides, illegal logging or trafficking, a practise known as the“Phajaan” takes place. Phajaan is also known as “breaking the spirit” of the elephant. This is typically done when elephants are young before puberty, after being forcibly taken from their mothers in the wild, when they are still completely dependent on maternal care and the bonds they share with their family units. These baby elephants are confined and subjected to harsh treatment, often involving stabbing with nails, beating with rods, chains, or you guessed it... bullhooks. The "Phajaan" process is designed to break their spirits, ensuring they submit and do not exhibit their natural behaviors, such as avoiding humans or acting defensively. In the final stage of the Phajaan process, the elephant’s new Mahout provides them with their first proper meal and water, and is the one to 'release' them and lead them away from the crate to "safety".


Elephants like dogs are incredibly social animals, and their desire to bond to a caregiver for survival is just as strong. After enduring weeks of mental and emotional torment, the baby elephant comes to see this human as its saviour – the one it trusts, and a dysfunctional attachment is formed which can look very much like an unbreakable and loving bond.


My husband Thom with one of the young adults. It was a bitter sweet experience knowing what these animals had experienced in their past.

Aversive tools in animal training


Now, working with traumatised elephants is not something that we do every day, however the same learning theory principles apply to our dogs and other pets (even captive zoo animals!). Using positive punishment and negative reinforcement in the form of administering pain via corrections, prong, or e-collars can create incredibly negative associations between the dog and the handler resulting in a level of emotional shutdown that can appear as calmness, relaxation, or being "fixed". The confusion of experiencing unpleasant or painful sensations at the hands of their human mixed with the intermittent reinforcement of cuddles on the sofa later can create a very confusing and paradoxical experience for our dogs. They may simultaneously fear and seek comfort from the source of their negative experience, and what we begin to see is something that resembles a trauma bond.


Working more ethically - we can do better!


Many mahouts in Thailand are struggling for their own survival while facing numerous social injustices. Displaced and often without citizenship, both they and their elephants endure significant hardships and rely on each other completely to get through. But for our pet dogs (and other captive wild animals) in the western world we can do better.


I wanted to include this photo of my colleague and friend, animal behaviourist Kirsten Dillon working on some cooperative care with Dartmoor Zoological Park's big cats. No force or fear is required when you understand the complex needs of another species and you can work to help build mutual trust in individual animals. I always think of this picture when I think of wild animals and force-free handling. Building trust and allowing choices when it comes to operant learning is incredibly powerful and should be a first point of call for dog owners and trainers.



Understanding attachment and how it can improve your training as a professional


Understanding the complex ways in which animals form attachments with each other and us humans is crucial for recognising and addressing the emotional needs of those who have experienced trauma. It is neither good practice nor within a dog's best interest to use aversive tools to suppress their natural behaviours when they are experiencing emotional distress.


Veterinary and Clinical Behavioural experts recommend that issues such as aggression, anxiety, reactivity, PTSD and obsessive compulsive behaviours in our pet dogs are treated in a clinical setting by qualified professionals. By looking at how we can help the animal with patience, empathy, and proper care, it's possible to help dogs overcome their past experiences and build healthier relationships based on trust and security (exactly like we do with humans!) and avoiding the route of dysfunctional attachment like I witnessed in the elephants.


There are some incredible resources out there for people to start understanding how to work more ethically with our pets, there are literally no more excuses!



Secure Attachment - in a nutshell


Anyone can use tools and force to control the behaviour of an animal, whether that is a dog, an elephant or indeed another human. But it takes real skill and a deeper knowledge of behavioural science to make traumatised animals feel safe enough to start making the changes they need to recover, and creating the secure bonds with their humans that they often so desperately need.


Seeing how force and fear in training shaped the elephant's behaviour and lives made me want to do better when I started learning about dogs. You may have to put more work and time in as a force free professional to get the results you want, but it is absolutely worth it 100% of the time.


Becki Gude

Ba(hons) PACT-KSA ABTC-ATI

Surrey Canine Corner



Further reading






Recommended Elephant Sanctuaries:


Completely hands off and ethical santuary - Somboon Legacy Foundation






Find a professional trainer or behaviourist:


The Animal and Behaviour Training Council:


The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers:



Writer's pictureBecki Gude

Updated: Apr 6


Guide dog

Dogs have earned their reputation as Man’s Best Friend for so many reasons. Beyond their loyalty and companionship, they have demonstrated an incredible capacity to aid people with disabilities, transforming lives in the process. Assistance dogs, specially trained to provide support to those in need, play a vital role in enhancing the independence and quality of life of their human.


As someone who specialises in owner trained assistance dogs, I wanted to write this article to share a little bit of information about this truly remarkable niche in dog training and how special these dogs really are.



What Are Assistance Dogs?


Assistance dogs, also known as service dogs in other countries, are dogs trained to assist people with disabilities in various ways, depending on that person’s needs. These highly skilled dogs provide physical, emotional, and practical assistance to their handlers, making daily tasks more manageable and helping to increase their independence. There are several types of assistance dogs, each trained to perform specific tasks tailored to their handlers’ requirements.



assistance dog puppies in training


Labradors, Golden retrievers and other gundogs make excellent assistance dogs due to their gentle nature, intelligence and eagerness to work. But other dog breeds can be equally as suitable with the right upbringing and training. Different breeds may be suited to different tasks, due to their size, their natural skills sets and their stamina.



 


It is important to remember that assistance dogs are not pets, and are instead highly skilled working animals. If you see an assistance dog out in public working with its handler, it is important to allow the dog to do its job without trying to distract it (as tempting as it is to ask for a cuddle!)



 

assistance dogs uk

Types of Assistance Dogs in the UK


  1. Guide Dogs: These dogs assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired, guiding them safely through their daily routines. They help navigate obstacles and ensure their handlers’ safety when crossing streets and manoeuvring through various environments.

  2. Hearing Dogs: Hearing dogs support individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds, such as doorbells, alarms, and approaching vehicles. They provide their handlers with a heightened awareness of their surroundings.

  3. Mobility Assistance Dogs: These dogs are trained to help their handlers with physical tasks such as retrieving dropped objects, opening doors, carrying things and even assisting with transfers in and out of wheelchairs. Helping with physical tasks can help increase their handlers independence if they struggle with these tasks alone.

  4. Medical Detection & Response Dogs: Individuals with medical conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or severe allergies find invaluable companionship in medical alert dogs. These dogs literally save lives. They are trained to detect changes in their handlers’ body chemistry or behaviour that signal an impending medical emergency, enabling early intervention. They can also be trained to sniff out trace elements of allergens in their surroundings to alert those who suffer with severe allergies.

  1. Mental Health Assistance Dogs: Those struggling with mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression may receive support from psychiatric assistance dogs. These dogs provide emotional comfort, interrupt destructive behaviours, and offer a sense of security in challenging situations.

  2. Autism Assistance Dogs: Autism assistance dogs are trained to provide a sense of security and emotional stability, assisting in reducing anxiety and sensory overstimulation for those who are autistic. They are also skilled in helping with tasks like interrupting repetitive behaviours and promoting social interactions. They can help increase independence and confidence in autistic individuals, creating a stronger connection to the world around them and enhancing their ability to engage with others.



The Training Process of Assistance Dogs


Training assistance dogs is an intensive process that requires dedication, patience, and expertise. These dogs all undergo rigorous training programs, often taking 24 months or longer to complete. Here are the key stages involved:


Puppy Raising:

Assistance dog organisations often rely on volunteers to foster and raise puppies destined for service. During this stage, the puppies are socialised, exposed to various environments and taught basic obedience commands. The puppy’s early months are crucial and can be pivotal in whether the puppy qualifies or not later on.


Specialised Training:

Once the puppies reach a certain age, they are placed with professional trainers who teach them specific tasks and commands tailored to their intended roles. For example, guide dogs learn to stop at curbs, avoid obstacles, and follow directional commands.


Customisation:

The training is customised to meet the unique needs of each individual handler. Training programs may vary depending on the handler’s disability and requirements.


Graduation:

After completing their training through a charity, assistance dogs are then paired with their handlers. The training continues as the dog and handler work together to build a strong bond and fine-tune their partnership. If the handler has decided to train their own assistance dog, there are also options to qualify through independent assessment charities like the Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA).



assistance dog puppies in training

One of our lovely puppies in training at Surrey Canine Corner. Practising focus around things that would normally be distracting is key in the early development of assistance dogs. Here she is learning to focus on her handler and to ignore all of the tasty treats and toys in a local pet shop.



The Remarkable Impact of these Amazing Dogs


The impact of assistance dogs on the lives of individuals with various disabilities cannot be overstated. These superdogs serve as loyal companions, providing not only physical assistance but also emotional support and an unrivalled sense of connection. Their dedication to enhancing the well-being and independence of their handlers is a testament to the incredible bond that exists between humans and dogs.


Assistance dogs not only change lives, but they also inspire hope, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the pivotal difference that a furry friend can make in our world.

Seeing the bonds that develop between assistance dog and their handler is something that will never ever get old for me <3


Becki Gude Ba(hons) PACT ABTC- ATI

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