From there, we did the following:

1. Vet Visit & Medication. Mandu’s parents had continued exploring digestive issues with a new vet who prescribed a prescription diet. They also got a medication to reduce anxiety related to noise sensitivity.

2. Sensory Diet. I prescribed Leslie McDevitt’s Pattern Games and sniffing exercises to help the nervous system shift to a calmer state.

3. Building the coping strategy toolbox. I recommend that Mandu and his parents breathe together to develop Mandu’s self-regulation skills, educated them on how to teach a chin rest to build Mandu’s communication skills, and outlined practical strategies like verbally affirming Mandu’s feelings, tending to the human sensory needs, and adjusting feeding tools.

4. Recommendation to see a nutrition expert, since there was still so much difficulty around feeding and Mandu’s parents had lots of questions about how much to feed, enrichment with food, and what treats could they safely provide.

5. Nervous system education. I broke down how the nervous system responds to stress, how sensory sensitivity contributes to anxiety, and how their nervous systems communicate with Mandu’s nonverbally. I also created a worksheet to track Mandu’s behavior and nervous system states, which allowed them to understand Mandu’s needs and communication better.

After 6 sessions in just 2 months, Mandu improved tremendously! Here is the POST Co-Regulation Coaching C-BARQ report:

Mandu’s scores for nonsocial fear (which indicates noise sensitivity), touch sensitivity, and aggression went down! The trainability score went up (this is really a measure of processing speed and response time), and excitability and energy went up, too, indicating that Mandu was more responsive, resting better, and less anxious overall.

Here’s what Mandu’s parents had to say about the transformation:

“Feeding is definitely better and Mandu is more frequently asking for things. I feel like we’re pretty good now at knowing when he’s asking for food. He’s been asking for pets more! And he’s been hanging outside with us. It’s been great! He even will hang out with us while we watch TV, and there was so much anxiety around that before [because of the sound]. All the things that used to be the initial triggers for an anxious episode just aren’t a thing anymore. That thing where he was getting anxious around lunchtime is gone for good, and we’re all less frustrated.”

Sensory Beings Part 2: Tuesday, September 12!

For dog guardians and dog care professionals.

In part 2 of this series, we’re going to talk about how to assess a dog’s sensory processing patterns using the C-BARQ and the Highly Sensitive Dog Questionnaire. I’m also going to share about how I am modifying an OT assessment called the Sensory Profile to more deeply understand what’s going on with each of your dog’s senses. Then, we’ll learn about Balance, Deep Pressure, and Movement as core senses for nervous system nourishment, we’ll explore how Sensory Diets work for dogs, and how Leslie McDevitt’s Pattern Games and Linda Tellington’s TTouch employ structured, predictable, rhythmic sensory input to help dogs feel calmer and safer.

*When you register, you’ll also get access to the recording of Part 1!

Season 2 is here!

Plus, you can still access the subscription for FREE through September 11. That means you have access to 20 Care Tips (little self-care tutorials you can keep in your pocket!) Plus 5 “mini episodes” called After Thoughts, in which we go deeper on our favorite topics, reflect on our previous episodes, and connect more authentically with each other.

Upcoming Availability

for affinity calls, consulting, or coaching

Wednesday, 9/6, at 12pm EST

Thursday, 9/7 at 4pm EST

Saturday, 9/16, at 10:00 am EST

Thank you so much for being here.

Please use the code COLLAB to get 10% off any services.

Many thanks for reading this - I look forward to collaborating with you!

In warmth and light,

~ Sharon ~