Annie Phenix - Trauma Recovery for Dogs: Focus on Healing, Not Just Training

In this episode, I sit down with Annie Phenix, a seasoned dog trainer and best-selling author based in Utah, to discuss her journey and extensive experience in working with dogs, particularly those with traumatic backgrounds.

Annie shares her transition from Texas to Utah, her long-standing involvement in dog rescue, and her unique insights into canine behavior.

We delve into her experiences fostering over 400 dogs, the lessons learned from shelter dogs, and her acclaimed books that address aggressive and reactive behavior in dogs.

Annie emphasizes the importance of understanding canine trauma, the impact of genetics, and the necessity of creating a safe and nurturing environment for dogs. She also introduces her 30-day reset program and her community platform designed to help dog owners heal their pets from trauma.

Join us as we explore the profound ways in which trauma influences dogs and how positive reinforcement and compassionate care can lead to recovery and deeper connections.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:23 Annie's Journey to Utah
01:33 Rescue Work and Dog Training
03:34 Writing and Teaching
05:35 Understanding Dog Trauma
09:23 Trauma Responses in Dogs
11:58 Genetics and Trauma
15:19 Adopting and Adjusting Dogs
20:16 Understanding Safety and Bonding with Your Dog
20:48 The Controversy of Shock Collars
21:13 Training Techniques and Emotional Regulation
21:36 Addressing Trauma in Dogs
22:07 Dealing with Pain and Behavioral Issues
22:45 The Importance of Growling and Communication
23:10 Cooperative Care and Nail Clipping Challenges
25:28 Adolescence and Behavioral Changes
26:51 The 30-Day Reset and Healing Steps
28:49 Reactive Dogs and Trauma Signs
32:33 The Impact of Trauma on Dogs
34:05 Conclusion and Resources for Dog Owners

Find out more and connect with Annie:

About Annie: Trainer and Bestselling Author Annie Phenix knew a lot about dogs when she took in her two Heeler-Border Collie brothers Finn and Cooper.

They were taken from their mother at 5 weeks of age and thrown into a backyard with no supervision or enrichment. They came to her with several types of worms and fear in their eyes and little bodies.

Finn and Cooper were a LOT of work for Annie and her husband. But they were happy to put the time into showing them they were safe. Eventually (it took 7 months) they believed them and now they are thriving.

It's what inspired Annie to focus on what comes BEFORE training and develop the Phenix Healing Protocol where she takes dog owners through the process of healing their dogs - in just a 5-10 minutes a day, one tiny step, one day at a time.

Your first step: 7 Steps for Quick Healing
https://choosetotrainhumane.com/7-steps

Need step-by-step help with a new puppy or rescue dog, or to help your dog feel safe and calm again after a scary incident:
Check out The 30-Day Canine Trauma Reset
https://choosetotrainhumane.com/30-day-trauma-reset

The website: https://choosetotrainhumane.com/

The books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Annie-Phenix/author/B09R9PN18Z

On Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/phenixdogs

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1713528972260741

For professionals: https://www.facebook.com/phenixadvocacycenter/

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