I’ve posted this information to a few “quadrant based” trainer run dog groups on facebook and reddit. It was either deleted right away or never gets approved. This is pertinent information for dog owners – but yet, trainers don’t want it out there. The question is why. I know the answer, chew on it for a bit.
Through my journey of working with dogs, I’ve found that cortisol is likely the number one issue that creates bad behaviors in dogs. Cortisol is the bodies fire alarm, the fight or flight hormone – or the stress hormone.
Think back to the last time you had a really bad day, mentally stressed, getting grumpy – reactive or aggressive. That’s your behavioral reaction to the body producing cortisol – you can’t help your reactions. Now many people will go for a workout, go for a run, they need exercise to blow out the lines. Good exercise creates endorphins, and endorphins naturally counteract the cortisol. This is why we feel better.
Now imagine the dog showing reactivity or aggression – day after day after day, their body is pushing cortisol – and they have no way to get rid of it. That would drive a human insane – and it’s not healthy. Read up on the medical issues alone of running hot on cortisol.
Environment creates a stress, body creates cortisol in response to that stress – dogs behavior is the result or the outcome of the cortisol. The dog is reacting to the cortisol. What’s the problem? Cortisol. Get rid of it any way you can.
Real human grade CBD works like endorphins – it’s a great tool for reducing the cortisol load – and in return, change behaviors. Combined with good physical and mental exercise – not mental stimulation – you will likely see a different dog.
The first thing I do when meeting aggression or reactivity is find a way to reduce that cortisol load. It’s impossible to work with a dog that is running hot on cortisol – the brain isn’t engaged. And it’s not possible for a dog to learn anything in that state. Humans are the same.
Sometimes the best way to get rid of the beast is to let them bark it out. Flirt poles are awesome if your dog likes to chase. Tread mills can be a life saver.