-
Neurobiology & Emotions – "Everything else is just tricks" – Bounce-Back Clip 1
Bobbie Bhambree & Ferdie Yau gave some great perspectives on how our dogs can be more successful in our “human-focused, restrictive” world. ????
This week, we’ll begin unpacking the tips they shared. To get us started, take a look at this short clip ???? and jump into the conversation.
Bobbie’s focusing on the neurobiology of stress (and recovery) – how we can measure stress and ways we can increase agency. Ferdie dials right to the key message that “emotions drive behavior.” ????
➡It wasn’t that long ago that scientists refused to believe dogs even had emotions, so this is a HUGE statement, and one worthy of reflection.
Brain research – MRI studies – by Dr. Gregory Berns and his team of well-trained dogs has borne out the theory that dogs experience the same spectrum of emotions that humans have, if not exactly the same emotions. Here’s an article about that.
Let’s chat – what emotions have you observed in your dogs?
2:37
-
13 Replies
-
Thank you for sharing the clip! ???? I love how they talked about the neurological part of dogs. I think most people don’t think about
why the dog reacts a certain way. It is very neat to hear that there is a science behind it.
I do believe that dogs have emotions. Some I have seen are the more common, fear and excitement. There are others too, even combinations of emotions, just like humans! Some are, cautious + interest, happy + worried, nervous + scared, and many more! There are even emotions of depression and PTSD. Dogs like humans also have levels of triggers. For example, a level 1 trigger would not really bother the dog. Whereas a level 10 trigger, might have to be cured with medication.
-
Excellent observation, @Keala_Wai – You are bringing up the levels of triggers. That’s a very important component, for sure. Being startled is not the same as being overwhelmed.
This is where body language can really help us figure out what the dog needs.
-
-
Yesterday I took the girls out to the lake. I gave them a job to do – to help me find and pick up trash. I rewarded them for every find, dig, assist or deliver of plastic, metal (I didn’t let them pick up shredded cans!), styrofoam and plastic. After we were done, I snapped a photo of our haul – and then loaded them up. Joy got to ride shotgun in the truck.
I noticed Joy looking intently at me on the way home. She had this look on her face that was simply… satisfaction – pleasure – gratitude? I can only guess at what her real emotions were. It was happiness, but more. She was giving me that long gaze “love look”. ????
Does anyone know what I’m talking about?
-
Oooooh, I turn to mush when my dogs give me that “love look!”
What a fine outing for your sweet girls. ????
-
???? ❤️ aww, so sweet. I love the love look! ❤️ Also that is very cool how you did a clean up at the lake with your girls. ????
-
-
I have always wondered… ???? do you think that dogs are capable of emotions humans can’t feel?
-
What a deep question @Keala_Wai .
Insects can see colors we can’t see.
Mice and whales (and dogs and cats) hear sounds we can’t hear.
There are differences in sensation and taste too.
Why not the emotional experience!? How very limiting we are, when we stop at “do they feel like we do”… what if they are feeling MORE!?
What makes you think they might be?
-
Some times I don’t quite know what they are expressing. It is most likely that I am still learning how to “read” dogs. Or I am just seeing other dogs who are not as expressive. My friend has a pup who is so quiet in body language. It was hard to “speak” to her through my own without understanding what she was trying to tell me.
-
@Keala_Wai you are so right – dogs do vary with their expressions! Some dog breeds – like English Bulldogs have so little to go on – their body shape, facial construction and lack of tail make it really difficult to pick up on the more subtle signals. Other dogs can be “quiet” with body language because they are shut down or anxious.
Look for body tension vs. fluidity. Watch the breath – is it fast or slow? Watch the nostrils – are they relaxed or flaring? Look at the pupils – if they are dilated (broad) then that dog is highly aroused. And if they are highly aroused and stiff or not moving around, watch out! Give them space.
It’s so cool that you are thinking about what the dogs are saying to you. Keep asking them. They are the experts! ????
-
-
-
-
I agree, also that other animals can see, hear more than humans can… I don’t know. Maybe they do have more emotions? ????????♀️ This would be a great discussion in the future hound tables. ???? I would love to hear others perspectives on this! ???? Thank you @catherine! ????
-
This conversation (thanks, @Keala_Wai !) has got me thinking, so I did a little digging and found this really cool infographic I just had to share.
I also just bought another Marc Bekoff book – Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do, which promises to cover all the latest (as of 2018) research on canine emotions, in Marc’s easy-to-read style. Can’t wait til it gets here!
-
For easiest viewing of that infographic, download it first, then you can enlarge it.
-
Thank you @catherine ! ???? This is SO cool!!! ????
-
-
Log in to reply.