About the talk

Every young animal has an alarm system in their body that is designed to keep them safe from harm. When activated, the alarm system prepares the body to fight or run away. If a very young animal experiences trauma – the impact can be far reaching. Executive function, immune system competency & emotional regulation can all be negatively impacted.  Trauma affected dogs may perceive threat when there is none in our eyes. They are primed to see any change in their world as a threat. Their stress response is bigger and more sustained than in normal individuals.

- How might we- as primary caregivers - help mitigate the outcomes of trauma?

- How might we - as professionals in the field - incorporate this knowledge into the choices we make and what we do, to help young animals develop into more resilient adults.

It really does take…