Dr. Laura Donaldson - Compliance is not Cooperation

02/17/25 • 43 min

Unpacking Canine Trauma with Dr. Laura Donaldson

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Donaldson to delve into the crucial topic of becoming trauma-informed when it comes to our dogs.

Dr. Donaldson shares her extensive knowledge on what trauma is, how it manifests in dogs, and the often-overlooked microtraumas that can significantly impact their well-being.

We discuss the parallels between human and canine trauma responses and the fundamental importance of ensuring safety and trust for traumatised dogs.

Dr. Donaldson offers practical advice on recognising signs of trauma, the importance of respecting a dog's need for agency, and ways to create a healing environment. Lastly, she highlights some valuable resources, including her Thinkific webinar, 'Why Becoming Trauma Informed Will Change Everything You Do With Dogs,' for those interested in a deeper dive into the subject.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Laura Donaldson
01:08 Dr. Laura's Background and Life in Upstate New York
03:37 Understanding Trauma in Dogs
05:48 Recognizing and Addressing Trauma Responses
09:35 Microtrauma and Its Impact on Dogs
17:08 Building Trust and Safety for Traumatized Dogs
21:10 Practical Steps for Trauma-Informed Dog Care
39:00 Resources and Further Learning
42:00 Conclusion and Farewell

Find out more and connect with Dr. Donaldson:

Website: https://fourpawsfourdirections.com

Bio: Dr. Laura Donaldson, PhD, CDBC, KPA CTP, CCUI is a Professor Emeritus from Cornell University located in Ithaca, New York, northeastern United States. She is an award-winning writer on dog behavior who has worked as a canine behavior specialist for 20+ years. Laura is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), a Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and a Certified Trauma Professional.
She created the popular program called Slow Thinking is Lifesaving for Dogs®. Laura currently resides in upstate New York with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and an African Gray Parrot named Obi. When she isn’t speaking, teaching or writing, you will find Laura partnering with her working Border Collies to tend her flock of Navajo Churro sheep.

Your FREE gift: Free Webinar on GROUNDING: dogs healing from trauma. To register, click on this link: https://laura-s-school-1f3f.thinkific.com/courses/grounding-dogs-healing-from-trauma

Social media links:https://www.facebook.com/ledonaldson

Additional resources:

Dr. Laura Donaldson's almost-free webinar:
Why Becoming Trauma Informed Will Change Everything You Do With Dogs
https://laura-s-school-1f3f.thinkific.com/courses/why-becoming-trauma-informed-will-change-everything-you-do-with-dogs
The series of articles on canine trauma for Happy, Healthy Dog mentioned during the episode
Hidden in Plain Sight: Is Your Dog Experiencing Microtrauma?
https://happyhealthydog.org/drlauranov
Traumatized Dogs Need Empathy, Not Toxic Labels
https://happyhealthydog.org/drlauraddec
Why Becoming Trauma Informed Should Be Your 2025 New Year’s Resolution
https://happyhealthydog.org/drlaurajan
The Neurobiology of Trauma: Why It Is Important & What You Need to Know
https://happyhealthydog.org/drlaurafeb

And as always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Unpacking Canine Trauma with Dr. Laura Donaldson

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Donaldson to delve into the crucial topic of becoming trauma-informed when it comes to our dogs.

Dr. Donaldson shares her extensive knowledge on what trauma is, how it manifests in dogs, and the often-overlooked microtraumas that can significantly impact their well-being.

We discuss the parallels between human and canine trauma responses and the fundamental importance of ensuring safety and trust for traumatised dogs.

Find out more and connect with Dr. Donaldson:

Website: https://fourpawsfourdirections.com

Your FREE gift: Free Webinar on GROUNDING: dogs healing from trauma. To register, click on this link: https://laura-s-school-1f3f.thinkific.com/courses/grounding-dogs-healing-from-trauma

Social media links:https://www.facebook.com/ledonaldson

Additional resources:

And as always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Previous Episode

Lisa Waggoner - The Gift Every Dog Wants From Their Human

In this enlightening episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Waggoner, co-founder of Cold Nose College, about her journey in dog training and the importance of positive reinforcement.

We discussed everything from her rural North Carolina base to the impactful work she and her husband Brad do through the Victoria Stilwell Academy.

Lisa shared how important it is to make dogs feel physically and emotionally safe, the value of mental enrichment, and how her personal experiences have shaped her training methods.

We also touched upon her popular book, Rocket Recall, and the misunderstandings around dog needs. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with valuable advice for dog parents and trainers alike.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:16 Lisa's Background and Cold Nose College
01:54 The Importance of Emotional and Physical Safety for Dogs
04:50 Lisa's Journey to Positive Reinforcement Training
10:09 Understanding Dog Body Language
18:44 The Significance of Time and Enrichment for Dogs
26:06 Debunking Dominance Theory
31:25 Conclusion and Resources

Find out more and connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.coldnosecollege.com

Bio: Lisa Lyle Waggoner is a passionate advocate for humane, science-based, force-free dog training. She’s the author of The Original Rocket RecallTM: Teach Your Dog to Come. She’s a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, a Pat Miller Certified Trainer-Level 2, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, and faculty member of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior, and an Ordained Interspecies Animal Chaplain.
Lisa is the founder of Cold Nose College, a labor of love that blossomed into a world-renowned center of education for both dog owners and professional trainers. She’s well-known for her clear, compassionate, and engaging teaching skills and is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners form a strong bond and enjoy their lives together.
She lives in western North Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and shares her life with her best friend, husband, and business partner, Brad, and their Australian Shepherd, Keaton.

Lisa's FREE gift: https://www.coldnosecollege.com/12-rules-of-rocket-recall

Are you tired of calling your dog’s name into thin air only to be met with indifference? Say goodbye to frustration and hello to harmony with our exclusive free resource: The 12 Rules of Rocket Recall Quick Reference Guide.

Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/coldnosecollege https://www.instagram.com/coldnosecollege/

The Special Valentine's offer:

60% savings on both offerings found on the website (both coupon codes are the same) and both valid Feb 9 through February 16, 2025.

Rocket Recall Instructor’s Handout Kit, Coupon Code LOVE2024
- The Rocket Recall Self-Paced Online Program LOVE2024

As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Next Episode

Mark Bridger-Pescott - BoneCanis - Barks 'n Words: Better Communication Between Humans and Dogs

This week's Pawsome Human: Mark Bridger-Pescott - BoneCanis - Barks 'n Words: Better Communication Between Humans and Dogs

In this fun and informative episode, I chat with Mark Bridger Pescott, founder of Bone Canis, a dog training and behavior company based in West Sussex, UK.

Mark introduces his talented team and shares how they've been helping dogs and their owners both locally and internationally via Zoom.

We delve into the common behavioral issues he encounters, such as anxiety, and the importance of understanding dog body language. Mark also explains how dogs can be taught to read and discusses the amazing cognitive abilities dogs possess.

He emphasizes the importance of training methods being fun, engaging, and rewarding both for the dogs and their owners.

Tune in for an episode filled with giggles, insights, and plenty of practical tips for improving your relationship with your furry friend.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:23 Meet Mark Bridger Pescott and Bonne Canis

01:33 Services Offered by Bonne Canis

02:55 Understanding Dog Behavior and Body Language

07:53 Challenges in Dog Training and Behavior

10:50 Innovative Training Techniques

18:33 Rewarding and Managing Dog Behavior

21:47 Where to Find More Information

23:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find out more and connect with Mark

Website: https://www.bonecanis.com

Bio: "Bone Canis is owned, and run, by me , Mark Bridger-Pescott. We are a modern, force-free team that uses science-backed methods. We are proud members of and/or have been certified by The Association of INTODogs (https://www.intodogs.net);The Pet Professional Guild British Isles (https://ppgbi.com); The Dog Welfare Alliance (https://www.thedogwelfarealliance.co.uk); CAM advocate https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis) British College of Canine Studies (https://www.britishcollegeofcaninestudies.com); Doggone Safe Educator (https://www.doggonesafe.com) and the UK Dog Behaviour And Training Charter (https://ukdogcharter.org).

I have a degree-level qualification in Advanced Canine Behaviour (distinction) from Animal Jobs Direct. I serve as vice-chair for INTODogs, and I am the patron of German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund (https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/ ). I have an extensive, multi-faceted background in working with dogs that spans over 30 years. I have worked with a variety of rescues, and my main aim is to help people and their dogs using a professional, force-free, kind, and safe approach that focuses on the welfare of the dog."

Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/BoneCanis

As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Soul Touched by Dogs - Dr. Laura Donaldson - Compliance is not Cooperation

Transcript

00:00:00.789

Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but wise souls worth our respect and care. I'm an Herrmann, and I'm your host. I talk to poor some humans, people who do great work for dogs and their people. So come and join us for today's conversation.

Anke00:00:25.802

Hello and welcome, Dr. Laura Donaldson. I'm super excited to have you with me.

Laura00:00:3