Slow Thinking & Social Problem-Solving: Sniffing as Social Problem-Solving for Trauma

Social Problem-Solving (SPS) is one of the central habits/skills that I emphasize in my Slow Thinking is Lifesaving for Dogs® program. SPS provides dogs with coping mechanisms enabling them to navigate any environment calmly and to make much better decisions about their behaviour. In this webinar, I will offer a deep dive into the process of SPS through the real-life story of a dog who is also a trauma survivor. For this 15-year-old rescue from a Bulgarian shelter, the practice of everyday sniffing functioned as not only a powerful social problem-solving behaviour but also an effective therapy for C-PTSD (canine post-traumatic stress disorder). Sniffing is the primary way that dogs process information about the world and traumatic experiences represent some of the most devastating social problems that dogs (and humans) can face. Come join me as I pair these two phenomena and prepare to be inspired at how one dog was able to attain a much higher quality of life.

About Laura Donaldson

Laura is a Professor Emeritus from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who has also been a dog trainer and canine behaviour specialist for over 15 years. She is an IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, a Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner, a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor, and an award-winning writer on dog training and behaviour. She is the founder of Four Paws, Four Directions Dog Training & Behavior Consulting LLC, located in Ithaca, NY, and the Slow Thinking is Lifesaving for Dogs™ program. Laura focuses on dogs struggling with aggression issues in her full-time behaviour consulting practice. Her Slow Thinking program features a webinar, an online course and a forthcoming book. Laura has been a partner to more than a few working Border Collies over the past twenty years and currently lives with two of them, along with her husband, an African Gray parrot named Obi, a Working Bearded Collie and a flock of Navajo Churro sheep. You can contact Laura through her website, https://fourpawsfourdirections.com or email fourpaws@twcny.rr.com.

Did you know that APDT Australia members can attend this event for FREE? Check your inbox or visit the member's Facebook page for your discount code for this event.