Biofeedback & relaxation technique

[Kyoko]

OK, so, this is what I do for living, right? So why not apply to my nervous/autistic/ADHD dog?

Charlie is reactive, nervous, and easily stressed. She does not like direct eye contact and changes in the environment. So, I am trying to teacher her some relaxation techniques to reduce her anxiety and nervousness... Don't laugh!! It is my little experiment!!! ( I know it may seems silly )

 

1) Look at her in her eyes and blink very very slowly with heavy eye lid. ------- failed. no reponse.

2) Look at her and pretend to yawn to see if I can get her to yawn.--------------  failed. no response.

3) Blow warm breath in her face slowly. ---------------------------------------------------- YES! She closed her eyes with heavy eye lids!!! ( Heavy eye lids meaning looking sleepy )

4) Mock her high pitch yawning noise -------------------------------------------------------- YES! She put her head down on the floor!!

 

If the muscle relaxes, individuals cannot stay worked up or angry emtionally. ( Try smiling when you are mad. You cannot stay mad!! ) So, my thinking is that, if I can get her muscle to relax, then her anxiety level will reduce. I think I should clicker train this, and click when she closes her eyes, or relaxes her head.... What do you think? Do yo think it will work?

[Lauria Orr]

Wow, Kyoko, That is really moving. You have a big job! It sounds like you are learning a lot with your ASD kids and also with Charlie. Have you seen the Temple Grandin HBO movie I was talking about? Or the You Tube video of her talk at UC Davis? I think it would be right up your alley. You know about all of this already.

My background has been so different! I have been a cancer RN most of my career, and have mainly done chemo therapy. I got sick myself a few years ago, and have been able to continue that kind of nursing. I thought I could visit the Cancer Center with my Goldendoodle as a therapy dog. She is too nervous for that, and so we are working a different path. Interesting what springs out of our circumstances! Melody is a very sweet girl, and we are pleased to have her no matter what!

[Kyoko]

Oh, I just realized that this discussion should have been posted on the dog mental health group!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I was hoping you would cross post this....

That would be really great. Thanks

[Kyoko]

How do I do that Joanne? Just copy and paste it?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I don't know? I think so. That would be acceptable for me. I'm simple. But maybe there is a real way to do this? I'll try to find out

Going back to techniques, I'd really like to hear more. Just the look or watch me command seems to be working. Remember, I was trying to do this a month ago when Starlit needed more focus on me in public. You stepped in and help A lot :)

[Kyoko]

I found this book written by the woman by the name of Linda Tellington. She talks about T Touch - which is massage techniques and thus relaxations. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0140117288/dogownersguide
I think I am going to buy it when I am done with the book I am reading.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84tW1XjuKnk
Here is the youtube link to TTouch.

http://www.newholisticway.com/biofeedback.htm
It looks like there are people who is really studying this.

As far as Charlie is concern, I started to make high pitch yawning sound and blow some air in her face. She seems to connect that with some good relaxing feelings...I immediately give her the ear rub following that. Now, I have done this only over this weekend.... I am also trying to breath deeply in a exaggerated manner, so she can see. I don't know if that will work or not. I will try the T Touch, too. But I want to read the book.....Today I bought Kong Zoom Groom. I am going to see if this will have a good effect if I use it as sort of massage tool....

[Lauria Orr]

Kyoko! So there is biofeedback for dogs! Very interesting! Gosh...maybe you will go down that path,too! (3 jobs!) LOL! Fascinating!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'll have to read about ttouch and some massaging tools for dogs. I do massage Starlit and Spud.

In the Mental Health Group I posted a video with a woman showing techniques of dog massage. It had some things I could use and others... well they were just okay. Worth seeing though. I think it was an entire discussion--Massage? I'll check later. I working in the background here tonight.

[Kyoko]

We need TTouch!!! So we can be a nice & relaxed doodle moms!!

[BG and Gavin]

When Gavin was a puppy and fretting in his crate over night I did big exaggerated breathing sounds which seemed to help immediately. I thought I was emmulating the sound of his puppy pack sleeping to sooth him.

[Kyoko]

I guess the sound / purpose of the puppy pack as well is to give the puppy a cue to relax, because it reminds them of their mom.... So, I am wondering that if I can put a cue on some relaxation technique and for example, Charlie will relax as soon as she sees me blink, or some thing like that....

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My husband and I attended a conference on Autism a few years ago and heard Temple Grandin speak in person. It was so awesome, so inspiring, so spirited, so funny. She isextremely gifted to have accomplished so much in spite of her difficulties. She truly is a role-model for others.