In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Congdon and Dr. Jessica Owens describe how play therapy reduced salivary cortisol levels in shelter dogs and improved behavioral responses and emotional regulation. We discuss:

• Study design with Calmr dog toys and goals
• How play with improved relationships and wellness for shelter dogs
• Special design of Camlr toy mimics prey
• How cortisol affects behavior
• Thoughts on developing programs for shelters involving play therapy

Dr. Elizabeth Congdon's bio and links:
Dr. Elizabeth Congdon is an Associate Professor of biology at Bethune-Cookman University with an extensive background in behavioral ecology, conservation biology, and science education. She is particularly interested in the relationship between social structure and dispersal in neotropical mammals, specifically capybaras. Locally, Dr. Congdon works with animal shetlers to use data-driven strategies to improve the quality of life and adoption rates for the dogs and cats - especially the large dogs and 'bully breeds'. The latest results from her team show that therapeutic play as an enrichment strategy can bring down cortisol with a lasting effect. She founded BEC Research, Inc to help fund these efforts and support student research projects.

APDT 2023 session description:
Using interactive and therapeutic play leads to improved health and wellness in shelter dogs
BEC Research, Inc www.becresearch.org
Calmr Dog Toys www.calmrdog.com

Dr. Jessica Owens' bio and links:
Dr. Jessica Owens is an Experimental Psychologist studying animal behavior and communication. Their day job is serving as the lead behaviorist and CEO of Unleashed Training. They specialize in working with dogs and their guardians to overcome behavior and emotional challenges resulting from trauma – including abuse, neglect, lack of socialization, etc.

www.unleashedtraining.org
[email protected]

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