What an interesting read, I only heard about this yesterday I’m interested in everyone’s thoughts, when you have time ! http://thespiritualdogtrainer.com/why-reducing-your-dogs-resting-cortisol-levels-is-crucial/
Studies have been carried out that suggest reactive dogs should have a Cortisol vacation and if rested for 4 days or longer things improved. Though it doesn’t say how long the improvement lasted. Reactive Dogs and Exercise http://theiscp.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Linda-Cooper-Thesis-2a.pdf
A very interesting study Vee. I am sure that reactive dogs - and people - do have raised cortisol levels. However, I would take a lot of persuading not to exercise my dogs every day, as it is the way I have always kept them, (and us), fit. I'm also not sure that the holiday method would be a match for my lad, who does react quickly, but comes just as quickly down again, - as long as I use the 'watch the ***, watch me', diversion technique. (Our breakthrough was down to Lesley McDevitt and 'Control Unleashed'). The method doesn't work as well for Chas as it does for me, but I think it is because he is reluctant to trust Ed enough to allow him a slack lead.
Basically this is what happens when there is a build up of cortisol in a dog's body. For example if say you take your dog for a walk twice a day and each time your dog is exposed to a stressful situation then the cortisol build up in his/her body will be twice as much as it would be if you only took them for a walk once a day. Like humans, dogs need time to relax to allow the cortisol build up to dissipate rather than being exposed to it again after too short a period of time! In this respect dogs and humans are very similar! Here's another article which is interesting http://thespiritualdogtrainer.com/why-reducing-your-dogs-resting-cortisol-levels-is-crucial/ And then there's oxytocin the "love hormone"! https://www.almonature.com/en_GB/blog/dog-human-chemistry-the-role-of-oxytocin/ If you go to the Family Dog Project website and look under "publications" you'll find some interesting studies on dog behaviour. https://familydogproject.elte.hu/#
Luckily Tikva is not the slightest aggressive towards me but I always know if she does not like something as she gives me the stink eye! She can get aggressive if a stray dog tries to come into the yard but small as she is she frightens them off with her body language and verbalisation and she would definitely go for one if it came close enough to her. She certainly looks and sounds aggressive at times like that.
