Why healing trauma benefits our dogs behaviorally.

Watch video here: https://youtu.be/rzaU1lstfd4

Although it was cut out of this clip, the brilliant Dr. Gabor Mate is who is credited for the quote: "Trauma isn't what happens to us, it's what happens inside of us as a result of what happens to us."

And it's true.

Having a trauma-informed and *holistic* (meaning: we pay attention to ALL contributing ingredients) approach to behavior: behavioral training, conditioning, modification, and rehabilitation in working with dogs is important. Why? Because *both* ends of the leash are in constant conversation with each other. And both ends of the leash are usually responding, sharing, and exchanging from the residue trauma has left behind (aka skewed interpretations, perceptions, and filters).

We're not just working with the dog in behavioral work. We're also, very much, working with the human(s) with the dog. The human(s) responsible for raising the dog. Teaching and equipping the dog. The one(s) the dog is looking to for what to do, how to be, and how to feel about every situation. We're *always* training; even when we're not actively training in session.

This is why our own healing is so important.

But most won't look at this.

"Ignorance is bliss"....but is it really?

It's easier to ignore, deny, avoid, numb, and resist.

More often than not, our responses, reactions, and trauma-based perceptions (misperceptions; perceptions not founded on truth but upon unprocessed wounding and pain) are what's teaching (or not), leading (or not), and guiding (or not) our dogs.

The human ingredient is such an important part to address in any behavioral equation, which is why "The Human End of the Leash: Dog Training's Missing Link" is being written (God, I cannot wait to officially birth this book into the world!).

We do not have to be afraid of these parts of ourselves. They're here to help us grow, learn, and evolve.... as are our dogs.