Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - How It Manifests in Dogs, and How We Can Help Them. Presented by Alexandra Santos

CEUs: PPAB 1.5, CCPDT 1.5, IAABC 1.5, KPA 1.5

Post traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety-related mental health condition, triggered by a terrifying or traumatic event that has been experienced, witnessed, or both. Neolithic people suffered from it, just like people in all epochs ever since. But it was only after the Vietnam war that it gained attention. Later, it was discovered that dogs can also be afflicted by this condition. In fact, it is more common in dogs than it was believed, at first.

Not to be mistaken for separation distress, or a phobia, post traumatic stress disorder is characterized, among other things, by repeated memories of the traumatic experience. Due to its long term nature, and to being a major contributor to negative neuroplasticity, this condition is very resistant to treatment.

In this webinar, I will discuss some biological mechanisms behind post traumatic stress disorder, its typical signs, and what we can do to help dogs suffering from it.

Learning Objectives

• Become acquainted with the mechanisms involved in a stress response.
• Learn to distinguish the difference between a phobia, separation distress, and post traumatic stress disorder.
• Become aware of the three different types of post traumatic stress disorder.
• Learn some biological mechanisms behind it.
• Become acquainted with the typical signs.
• Understand the main reasons why it is so resistant to treatment.
• Understand the role and importance of play in treating dogs suffering from it.
• Develop skills for helping them.

About Your Presenter

       

Alexandra Santos

Alexandra Santos is a professional canine behavior consultant and trainer, with formal education through The Animal Care College in the U.K. where she graduated with honors for the Diploma of Advanced Canine Psychology, and through The Companion Animal Sciences Institute where she graduated with distinction for the Diploma of Advanced Dog Training.

She is the author of the books “Puppy Problems” and “Puppy Training: How to housetrain your puppy effectively”, and has also authored and co-authored several articles for the Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior and for the International Institute for Applied Companion Animal Behavior.

Alexandra lives and works in Lisbon, Portugal, has been a presenter at several seminars in Portugal and Brazil on positive reinforcement-based training, regularly presents webinars for the Pet Professional Guild, is a professor at Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias and provides individual coaching for dogs and their people.