Trauma Bonding and the Quadrants - From Humans, to Dogs, to the Asian Elephant.

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

https://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk/

Further reading

What is Traumatic Bonding: https://psychcentral.com/relationships/what-is-trauma-bonding

Caring for a dog with PTSD: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/caring-for-a-dog-with-ptsd/

How to Heal and Emotionally Traumatised Dog: https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/how-heal-emotionally-traumatized-pet

Social structure within an elephant herd: https://herd.org.za/blog/elephants-their-families-the-importance-of-social-structures-within-a-herd/

Recommended Elephant Sanctuaries:

Completely hands off and ethical santuary - Somboon Legacy Foundation

https://somboon.org/

Find a professional trainer or behaviourist:

The Animal and Behaviour Training Council:

https://abtc.org.uk/

The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers:

https://www.imdt.uk.com/

Paws with a Purpose! All about Assistance Dogs

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.

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.

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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!)

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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.
   

5. 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.
   

6. 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).

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

https://surreycaninecorner.co.uk/

Understanding Dogs: The vital role of emotions in dog training

Dog training goes way beyond just teaching your dog commands. It's a journey that extends past verbal cues and obedience drills; it involves a unique interplay of emotions between you and your dog. Emotions really do matter when it comes to successful dog training, both yours and your dog's!

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Here's why emotions are integral for successful training and for helping to shape a well behaved, happy dog:

Communication Beyond Words:

Dogs are incredibly sensitive to human emotions. They can pick up on your feelings through your body language, tone of voice, and your overall demeanour. When you train a dog with positive emotions and have patience, enthusiasm, and encouragement, it helps in conveying your intentions effectively. This can really help your dog understand what is expected of them and how they should respond.

Building Trust and Bonding:

Training isn't just about teaching; it's about building trust and a life-long bond. Training sessions are a platform for building a strong and trusting relationship between you and your dog. Feelings of trust and respect create a deep bond and a sense of security in your dog. When training is practised with positive emotions, your dog will feel more connected to you and will be more willing to listen and learn!

Building mutual trust is a crucial part of training your dog

Motivation:

When your dog sees you happy and excited during training, they get excited too! Positive emotions like joy and excitement are huge motivators in dog training. It makes the process more engaging for them and makes learning new things fun! Using rewards like treats, toys, and verbal praise creates positive associations with the behaviours that you want to see more of. Dogs are much more likely to eagerly engage in and repeat actions that lead to positive emotional rewards , which can improve their overall behaviour tenfold (3).

Reducing Stress and Anxiety:

Just like you, your dog can feel stressed, frustrated or worried. But when you're patient and calm during training, it helps your dog relax and focus better. Dogs are highly attuned to their human's emotions, so the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed and able to learn your dog will be (2).

Consistency and Predictability:

Consistency is key in dog training, and emotions play a pivotal role in maintaining it. Predictability creates a sense of security and will make you a stable and constant figure in your dog's life. When you're consistent in your emotions and responses, your dog learns what to expect much more quickly, making it easier for them to understand cues and behaviours and learn more efficiently.

Training will be more enjoyable if both you and your dog are experiencing positive emotions

Understanding What Your Dog Needs:

Every dog is different! Some like playful training, while others prefer calmness. Knowing and showing the right emotions help you communicate better with your furry friend. I have worked with dogs who learn fast when given feedback in the form of negative markers such as “oh oh”, or “try again”, and others that will shut down and become anxious when such feedback is given. It's important to tune into the emotions of the dog in front of you, be flexible when you can and not try train every dog you have in the same way.

Building a solid bond with trust, patience and understanding is a game changer when it comes to training your dog <3

Do negative emotions effect training?

Research shows that using anger, fear, or frustration during training can in many cases be counter productive and have an adverse effect on your dog's behaviour, trust, and willingness to learn (2)(3). Trainers like myself often have to deal with the fallout of this kind of training as it can result in higher rates of aggression, reactivity and generalised anxiety in our dogs. Dogs don't actively choose to misbehave or be "naughty", there is usually an underlying issue that drives these behaviours.

Training a dog through force and fear can be incredibly demotivating to dogs and can lead to further behavioural problems.

Pain, trauma and previously bad experiences can all lead to what we consider to be "bad behaviour" in dogs. Each of these issues should be addressed professionally through your vet or a clinical animal behaviourist and should never be attempted to simply "correct".

In a nutshell:

In short, emotions are super important in dog training. They help you and your dog understand each other better, making training a happy and successful experience for both of you.

Always use positive reinforcement training alongside taking into consideration your own emotions as well as your dog's. A calm, patient, and understanding approach will help your dog to succeed. By harnessing positive emotions, creating a nurturing environment, and understanding the importance of emotional cues, you can establish a strong bond and achieve remarkable success in and training your dog and shaping them into stable well adjusted pets.

Becki Gude BA(hons) PACT-ksa ABTC-ATI https://surreycaninecorner.co.uk/ https://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk/blog

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Find a positive reinforcement trainer near you:

Professional Association of Canine Trainers: https://www.pact-dogs.com/find-a-trainer

Animal Behaviour and Training Council: https://abtc.org.uk/practitioners/

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References:

(1) Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro et al (2020) "Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7743949/

(2) Nicola Jane Rooney & Sarah Cowan (2011) "Training methods and owner–dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability" http://cdn-origin-etr.akc.org.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/01164443/2011-Training-Methods-and-Owner_Dog-Interactions.pdf

(3) Hiby et al (2004) "Dog training methods: Their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare."https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2004-10850-010