Stress Release Protocol - Canine Emotional Detox

Stress has a profound effect on our dogs. It’s not something most of us think about, and unfortunately, it's not something that is commonly addressed in the canine world. It is, however, at the root of many behaviour problems I see, and the resulting emotional and physical ailments associated with stress can be debilitating for dogs…and their families. 

When a dog is stressed, they can be impulsive and hyperactive, or depressed and non-responsive; they are physically unable to think, unable to listen, unable to offer well-rehearsed behaviours and most certainly not capable of changing what they are doing nor learning new behaviours. They are locked in what is commonly referred to as ‘fight or flight’ mode, and their brain is telling them everything is an emergency. It’s not bad behaviour; it’s biology. 

To be really successful with a behaviour modification program, first you need to address stress.

The protocol I use for stress release in dogs has had documented success with hundreds of dogs around the world, but more over, I’ve had huge success with it with many dogs. 

The Canine Emotional Detox (CED) is a science-based, fear-free, systematic stress release protocol developed by Diane Garrod, owner of Canine Transformations in Washington State, USA. Stress matters, and the CED is the first systematic three-day stress release protocol of its kind.  

CED follows a strict programme of activities, individualised for each dog, with the end goal of relaxation and homeostasis. This program not only aids in preparing a dog for behaviour modification, but it also provides a huge amount of information about each dog, how they learn, if they relax, what type of activities might help them the most, etc.

How do you know if your dog is stressed?

Stress can be acute and brought on by a sudden trauma, or it can be chronic and have been building over a long period of time with multiple triggers stacking upon each other.

Symptoms include:

•    Hyperactive

•    Over-reactive

•    Scared

•    Lacking impulse control

•    Over-cautious

•    Hypervigilant

•    Gets sick a lot

•    Trouble eating

•    Skinny/Can’t keep weight on

•    Restless/Pacing

•    Lack of concentration

•    Sleeps in a ball

•    Shy/lacking confidence

•    Depressed

•    Appears to sleep a lot but no deep sleep

•    Anxious

•    Panting

•    Above average pulse

•    Above-average resting respiratory rate