Dog Therapy
Becoming more resilient
Recently, I had the opportunity to dog sit for a neighbor’s Airedale, a much larger and more energetic dog than our two small dogs. This experience gave me valuable insights into managing sensory processing differences and coping with situations that initially seemed overwhelming.
Initial Challenges and Intimidation
At the beginning of my dog-sitting adventure, I found the Airedale’s size and energy quite intimidating. His loud barking, especially indoors where it echoed across the room, felt menacing. Unlike our two dogs, who weigh around 8 and 12 pounds, the Airedale’s 120-pound frame was imposing. When he got excited and started barking, he would also jump slightly and try to climb on me, adding to my unease. The sight of his enormous teeth and his loud bark were initially unnerving.
Adapting and Establishing Control
I had to change my mindset to manage the Airedale’s energetic behavior. I became more assertive and gave explicit commands to sit or stop jumping. Walking him also required adapting to his size. A choke collar became necessary to maintain control, especially in areas without sidewalks. Initially, I struggled with the choke collar as we don’t use these on our two dogs, but I learned to use it effectively with practice.
At first, I was afraid that using the choke collar would harm the dog, but I quickly found that this simple tool helped both the dog and me safely take walks. The Airedale walked next to my left leg instead of trying to spontaneously weave in front of me, nearly causing me to trip over him--which he almost did on our first walk together. He was also more manageable around other people and dogs. Once I figured out how to effectively utilize the choke collar instead of lunging at others and causing a potential incident, the Airedale stayed beside me as I told him to “leave it” while slightly nudging the collar.
Sensory Processing and Emotional Resilience
One of the most significant challenges was dealing with the loud barking. Over time, as I got used to his bark, I realized the importance of managing my sensory processing differences. Loud noises have always triggered me, both connecting to past experiences with booming voices and childhood traumas and my sensory challenges with overwhelmingly loud noise.
I practiced dealing with his barking during the nearly two weeks I looked after the dog. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the loud and obnoxious barking. However, with time, I began to understand that it wasn’t just the noise overwhelming me; instead, it was triggering emotional trauma from my childhood. I realized that my past experiences around loud and overwhelming sounds complicated my sensory reactions to the barking.
I’ve been journaling daily and practicing meditation to stay present, which has allowed me to catch my reactions to the barking and explore the entire gamut of emotions and inner reactions I sensed within me. Understanding why I initially felt these unpleasant sensations has helped transform these experiences into something I looked forward to. Ultimately, I enjoyed spending time with the dog and completing a task I promised our neighbors, and the Airedale and I became buddies.
Techniques for Managing Sensory Overload
Gradual Exposure: Gradually exposing myself to the Airedale’s barking helped lessen its impact. Instead of avoiding the barking altogether, I allowed myself to experience it in controlled intervals over two weeks, which helped diminish its overwhelming nature over time.
Meditation and Breathing Techniques: Practicing meditation and breathing techniques helped me stay present and reduce anxiety during particularly loud barking episodes. Deep breathing, focusing on physical sensations, and exploring the emotional aspect triggered by the barking were all helpful.
Redirecting Attention: Redirecting the dog’s attention to more positive behaviors also helped manage his barking. Commands like “sit” or engaging him in play redirected his energy and reduced the frequency of loud barking bouts.
Reflecting on Personal Growth
Through this experience, I not only helped care for a dog but also confronted and processed sensory challenges linked to my past traumas. Working with the Airedale served as a form of therapy, allowing me to practice emotional regulation and resilience. The loud barking, a significant source of stress, became less overwhelming as I learned to manage my sensitivity and reactions.
Takeaways
Dog-sitting an energetic and loud Airedale taught me valuable lessons about dealing with my sensory processing differences. By gradually adapting, establishing control, and practicing specific techniques to handle sensory overload, I was able to turn a challenging situation into an opportunity for personal growth and emotional resilience.
For anyone with sensory processing differences facing similar challenges, remember to:
Gradually expose yourself to the triggers in controlled settings.
Use mindfulness and grounding techniques to stay present.
Redirect negative stimuli towards positive actions.
Reinforce good behavior with rewards.
Create a soothing environment to mitigate sensory overload.
By implementing these strategies, you can navigate and thrive in situations that initially seem overwhelming.
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About David Rich Sol:
As a child, I wished to exchange my brain for someone else’s. Growing up, I felt misunderstood and lonely. If only I had received my confirmation of neurodivergence when I was a child, I could have avoided some trauma and emotional pain.
Now, as a late-discovered (and diagnosed) Autistic ADHDer, everything is finally making more sense, and I’m rediscovering and loving myself. I spent many years figuring out “what’s wrong with me,” only to discover nothing was “wrong with me.” I’m just not neurotypical (that is, I’m neurodivergent). Not better, not worse—just different.
My intent with Courage To Love Yourself is to rewrite and share my story and insights and help others better understand and accept themselves. I hope you learn to love and accept yourself to live a healthy, happy, and joy-filled life.
Check out my website: https://couragetoloveyourself.com.