I talked about Polyvagal theory - a framework that explains how the nervous system responds to stress, trauma, and emotional states. This article considers an important, related, area - The Window of Tolerance - and, how it can apply, equally, to dogs as it does humans.
If you are a dog owner, you may have heard of the term "window of tolerance.” This concept, originally developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, refers to the optimal zone of arousal where a person (or a dog) can function effectively and cope with stress. When we are within our window of tolerance, we are calm, alert, and engaged. We can respond to challenges and emotions in healthy and adaptive and appropriate ways.
However, when we experience too much stress or trauma, we may exit our window of tolerance and enter a state of dysregulation (abnormality or impairment in the regulation of a metabolic, physiological, or psychological process). This can happen in two ways: we can become hyper-aroused or hypo-aroused.
Hyper-arousal is the state of being overstimulated, anxious, agitated, or angry. It is associated with the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system
Hypo-arousal is the state of being understimulated, numb, depressed, or disconnected. It is associated with the freeze or collapse response of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Both hyper-arousal and hypo-arousal are signs of distress and can impair our ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, and regulate our emotions. They can also affect our physical health, causing symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, fatigue, or digestive issues.
But what does this have to do with dogs? Well, dogs have a window of tolerance too. And just like humans, they can become dysregulated when they face more stress than they can handle. This can affect their behavior, mood, and well-being.
Some signs that your dog may be hyper-aroused are:
Barking excessively
Pacing or panting
Showing aggression or reactivity
Being overly excited or impulsive
Having difficulty settling down or relaxing
Some signs that your dog may be hypo-aroused are:
Avoiding eye contact or interaction
Shutting down or freezing
Showing signs of depression or apathy
Having low energy or motivation
Being easily startled or scared
It is important to recognize these signs and help your dog return to their window of tolerance. This can be done by providing them with a safe and comfortable environment, reducing sources of stress or stimulation, offering them choices and control, and using positive reinforcement and gentle guidance.
I experienced an example of this, only this morning while walking my dog, Clint, a Lurcher. We met a lady with her dog, a Labrador, who was of lead. Clint was on his lead, and lunged at the other dog, seeking to lay with him. The other dog was worried and responded by grumbling at Clint. we kept the dogs apart (no real problem here) and the owner apologised, saying her doh had recently become very anxious around other dogs. She was not sure why. I told her there was no need to apologize, this was just dogs being dogs.
Both dogs calmed again, very quickly. I kept Clint on the lead and allowed the other dog to keep to a distance that he was happy with (in his ‘window of tolerance’). His owner and I, continued to chat, using gentle, quiet tones. Her dog, visibly, relaxed and approached Clint for a sniff. At this point, I praised him and gave him a little biscuit as a reward. This was an example of the window of tolerance and polyvagal theory working in tandem. Both my and his owners’ responses allowed this dog to lower his aroused state and to feel safe and more relaxed about his situation. I would stress, that we did this with minimal intervention and, certainly, not by keeping him distracted and far away from Clint. Of course, each situation needs to be handled as the conditions dictate. As with most canine-related issues, one size does not fit all.
By understanding your dog's window of tolerance and how it can change depending on the situation, you can help them cope better with stress and enjoy a happier and healthier life.
This post has been written with the valuable assistance of Sue Wright https://www.firstintheq.co.uk
For any help with relaxing and keeping calm with our dogs, contact Sue or Mike to see how we can help.
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Does your dog find it hard to mix with other dogs? Is it scared? Aggressive? Or destructive?
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Sources:
Animal Humane Society (n.d.). Understanding Dog Tolerance. Retrieved from https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/understanding-dog-tolerance
McConnell, P. (2017). HAI. The Window of Tolerance. And Life. Retrieved from https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/hai-the-window-of-tolerance-and-life
Psychology Tools (n.d.). Window Of Tolerance. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/window-of-tolerance/
Siegel, D.J. (1999). The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are. New York: Guilford Press.
BADRAP (n.d.). Dog/Dog Tolerance. Retrieved from https://badrap.org/training-resources/dogdog-tolerance