Safe and Sound Program for our furry friends
The Safe and Sound Protocol is a music therapy program that works on the basis of the polyvagal theory, a scientific framework that provides an explanatory model for the nervous systems of mammals and humans. This protocol has been carefully layered with musical prosody in a sequential format to help to regulate and reset the nervous system.
In a nutshell, it helps organize and classify the information that is coming in (sensory, auditory, visual, verbal) in a way that makes sense and is not activating so what comes out is regulated. Wouldn't you like the training and the reinforcement you do to actually stick? Wouldn't it be great if your pet was in a state to take it in and learn? The Safe and Sound Program can help to make that happen.
The Science Behind Safety
The Polyvagal theory is used by many scientists to explain the functioning of the nervous system and it forms the basis for various therapies. Generally, it describes how humans and other mammals (including our pets and animals) have three states that our nervous systems can be in.
First there is the Dorsal State. This is the state that provides recovery and rest. But it is also the frozen state that a person or animal can have when it is in danger of being killed. In people, this often manifests itself in depression and burnout, for example. This condition can also occur in dogs.
Secondly, there is the Sympathetic State. This is the state that moves us to take action. But also the state that we use to flee in times of great danger. If we remain in this state, it wears on us. We can no longer think properly, sleep well and will always be vigilant. If this state lasts too long, our body collapses. In dogs that are in this state for too long, it can lead to fight and flight behavior which is sometimes unpredictable.
Lastly, there is the Ventral State. This is the state of security. In this state we enjoy being with other people. We are relaxed and our body is working optimally. In dogs, this state is characterized by a relaxed and happy attitude. Dogs are also able to make contact with other dogs more easily in this state and they can learn new behavior easily
Dogs and the Polyvagal Theory
Dogs (and other animals like cats, horses and rabbits) can become stuck in sympathetic or dorsal states. They are then anxious, reactive, frightened or depressed and can react unpredictably. The order and musical prosody in the Safe and Sound Protocol can help dogs return to their ventral state of safety.
Using the Safe and Sound Program is best used in conjunction with a trainer (for serious issues) or best practices training protocols.
Getting started is easy!
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After discussing the unwanted or fearful behaviors, I will develop a listening protocol for your pet.
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You will receive detailed instructions on how to deliver the Safe and Sound Protocol as efficiently as possible along with delivery support along the way.
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Generally, for pets, listening needs are around two months (self delivered in your home) and you can begin right after the assessment and account creation.
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Your pets listen daily either through a speaker at low volume or with headphones at a low volume around their neck in whatever location works best for them and you (gated area, crate, laying at your feet, etc)
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The music program is downloaded via an app.
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COST: $75 for the first 2 months and $35 for each additional month after that
Call 503-312-4223 or email: info@littleowlmedicine.com today to get started!
Are you ready for peace?
Here are some results from people who have used SSP with dogs
Maggie, my almost 15 year old schnoodle, finished SSP on Sunday.
I hadn't really been aware of any difficulties as a result other than that she had a few moments where she was maybe slightly more clingy than normal. She tends to be my velcro dog though, so that was difficult to assess.
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However, there has been a MASSIVE reduction in chronic pain! She has jumped off the couch three times now, something she hasn't even attempted to do in 3-4 years before SSP.
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She is a LOT more active, following me around the house and managing to keep up.
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I work from home and she has always barked when people arrive and then, since her dementia started a few years ago, barks at them again when they stand up to leave - I let people know this may happen.
Lately she is not barking when people arrive but has still barked most times when the client is leaving - but now it is a much softer bark and only 1-2 rather than 3-4. And she is still in the phase in which I would not have been surprised had she been barking more rather than less. So I am interested to see how things unfold over the next few weeks.
How it works
​​​
-
After discussing the unwanted or fearful behaviors, I will develop a listening protocol for your pet.
-
You will receive detailed instructions on how to deliver the Safe and Sound Protocol as efficiently as possible along with delivery support along the way.
-
Generally, for pets, listening needs are around two months (self delivered in your home) and you can begin right after the assessment and account creation.
-
Your pets listen daily either through a speaker at low volume or with headphones at a low volume around their neck in whatever location works best for them and you (gated area, crate, laying at your feet, etc)
-
COST: $75 for the first 2 months and $35 for each additional month after that
Call 503-312-4223 or email: info@littleowlmedicine.com today to get started!
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Carrie Crimin
Carrie is a pediatric nurse and licensed acupuncturist who specializes in pediatrics and families. She is the owner of Little Owl Medicine, littleowlmedicine.com, a private practice, and serves families with a wide range of health needs. She loves integrating multiple modalities and blending Eastern and Western Medicine to provide the best outcomes for children and their families.