Is the protocol designed for dogs?
SSP was created for use in humans and is mostly used in humans. However, dogs share a similar neurobiology and case studies have shown that they can benefit from SSP in similar ways. K9ease has adapted the intake forms to determine the suitability of the dog/human partnership for SSP, and devised a dog specific delivery method. We have also included psycho-education in our materials so that we can share this powerful intervention more widely and increase awareness of nervous system regulation for the health and well-being of all.
How can I keep people in my household safe while delivering SSP?
SSP listening experience can affect all humans in the same room or area of the house, even if they cannot hear the music (which is likely). To protect others, steps must be taken, such as using ear protection. This can be achieved by having others wear their own headphones and listen to something else, or by using industrial earbuds or ear defenders. Alternatively, others can leave the room for the duration of the listening session.
Where can I get advice on using SSP for myself?
There are numerous certified SSP providers worldwide. If you are in the USA, you can visit the iLs website, while Australians can visit iLs Australia. Many providers can also deliver their services remotely, so location may not be an issue depending on your circumstances. Your chosen provider will be able to determine whether remote or in-person delivery is more suitable for you.
Is it okay if I miss a day of SSP?
How long does SSP take?
The entire protocol consists of 5 hours of listening. The period over which listening occurs depends on you and your dog’s specific circumstances. We recommend a maximum of 30 minutes of listening per day for any dog, which means the minimum commitment is 10 days of listening. However, the listening period can be longer depending on your dog’s level of nervous system arousal during the listening experience. Our intake forms are designed to help us determine the level of support you may need and the speed at which it is benefical to deliver it. When you buy the product we will coach you through the signals to watch for in order to deliver the best results with the SSP.
Can I do SSP on my cat, or other animals?
At K9ease we have not conducted case studies on other animals and therefore we cannot recommend it. When comparing variation in the range of hearing between humans and other animals, dogs come in as some of the most similar, which could account for the widespread efficacy of SSP in dogs when delivered judiciously along similar principles to humans.
Is there any evidence that SSP works for dogs?
We have conducted over 30 case studies (as of April 2023) and have seen a whole range of improvements. This is not a scientifically sanctioned trial, but rather based on individual experience and reporting. We have many happy humans with their happier, healthier dogs in our testimonials.
Is there any evidence that SSP works for humans?
There is ample evidence from rigorous scientific trials that SSP is effective in humans.
I’ve read there’s a risk to humans, what about the other animals in my home?
How we recommend delivering SSP in a home with many animals will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We have had participants who stayed with their ‘support dog’, as separating them would have been distressing. In other cases, it has been best for the owner and participant to use a quiet room alone to listen to the music.
Can I play SSP with my dog when they are sleeping?
We do not recommend playing SSP to your dog while they are asleep. Although SSP is partly beneficial from a passive perspective (it stimulates the vagus nerve directly via the stapedius muscle of the middle ear), there is an active aspect that is also beneficial. When we sleep, we are in a restful ‘dorsal vagal’ state, which may mean that we are not experiencing the benefit of the active cues of safety and our response to them.
If your dog falls asleep while listening, it’s okay. Just end the session for the day and resume the next day.
My dog is deaf, can I use SSP?
Our founder, Julia, is partially deaf herself (and uses a hearing aid) and has experienced huge personal benefits from SSP!
We make decisions on a case-by-case basis and will need to consult with you. We suggest visiting your vet to determine the cause of the deafness, as the ear is a remarkably complicated organ and deafness can stem from different regions, so this is useful information to have.
Do I need headphones or can I play it directly from my phone?
You can play SSP directly from your phone, although it’s possible the experience is diminished. We recommend using headphones, as they tend to provide a richer range of sound quality. However, people have benefited from listening solely through a phone speaker. Pictured is Lulu, from Sydney, listening directly from her human’s phone.
Do I put the headphones on my dog?
You do not need to put headphones directly on your dog. Laying them beside your dog while they are resting is fine. Pictured is Maya, from Northern California, listening with the headphones beside her.
Will SSP calm my dog down?
SSP is not a tool to calm down the participant while they are activated. The rule of thumb is ‘safety before sound’, and your dog must know the experience of safety in their body. SSP is delivered when your dog is feeling calm and safe and the experience of listening is designed to increase their tolerance to distressing events, by toning their vagus nerve to interpret cues of safety as safe, resulting in less anxiety and reactive behaviour.
I’ve not had my dog long, can I use SSP?
We follow the 3-3-3 rule of adoption, where we need you to wait 3 months before commencing SSP with your dog so they have had the best chance of assimilating to their ‘new normal’ and being able to rest safely.
I have a rescue dog, will SSP help my dog?
Safe and Sound Protocol can be used in dogs from all backgrounds. However, the dog must know a certain degree of safety and security BEFORE they can undertake SSP. The golden rule is ‘safety before sound’. You need to ask yourself if there are times in the day where your dog is able to relax and feel safe? If the answer is yes, then SSP could be a great tool to increase your dog’s resilience, decrease their anxiety and help them find more ease.
Can I repeat the program?
Some mammals will benefit from repeating SSP for a second time. We always recommend waiting for 3 months after completing a round before beginning again. This is because your dog needs time to integrate the neurological changes that have occurred into their day-to-day living.
What’s the difference between the CONNECT and the CORE program?
As the names suggest the CONNECT program provides a baseline level of available connection between your dog and their world. For very anxious dogs, it gets them used to the routine of putting aside time to rest and connect quietly together, whilst familiarising them with the music they will hear in the the CORE program.
The CORE program is where the major nervous system recalibration takes place. The music is computer filtered to stimulate the vagus nerve with cues of safety. When a mammal experiences trauma, or their base level anxiety is high, they can sometimes respond to non-threatening situations as if they are being threatened. This is why it is essential that your dog is feeling safe and calm when they listen, and why you need to pause if they become agitated. We want them to experience these ‘stressful’ cues of safety as safe. That experience is what makes the protocol work.
