The Seven Ingrained Emotional Systems -Why ignoring the bad and rewarding the good doesn’t work.

Scientists have pinpointed seven fundamental emotional systems in mammals, including dogs, all stemming from similar areas deep within the brain. These core emotions act as building blocks, influencing basic behaviors that are crucial for survival and procreation across all mammal species. The "seeking" system, for instance, motivates us to search for food, water, and shelter. Playful behavior, fostered by the "play" system, helps develop essential skills and social bonds. The "care" system drives nurturing behaviors that ensure the well-being of offspring. Lust, panic, rage, and fear all play their part in this complex emotional tapestry.

Feelings aren't just reactions; they fuel our actions. Forget carrots and sticks - emotions are the true drivers of behavior. Imagine them as the engine powering our thoughts, pushing us to flee danger or explore the unknown. Just like your dog fixates on that distant stick, emotions are the force behind our own desires and determination. They shape our entire experience of the world.

This research shows why ignoring or punishing unwanted behaviors isn't the answer.  Dogs communicate through their actions, not words. They can't tell us when they're scared or overwhelmed, so we need to be detectives, not disciplinarians. Asking ourselves 'why' a dog is acting out is the first step towards understanding them, and ultimately, helping them. The positive emotional systems can be harnessed to aid a caregiver in dealing with your canines behavioural issues and I will therefore discuss the 3 most powerful positive emotional systems.

The Care System 

The care system is the foundation of a healthy bond. It thrives on secure attachment, built through consistent and emotionally responsive interactions. Think of it as being a safe haven – responsive, empathetic, and always there to help your puppy when they need it. This secure base is vital for developing a balanced nervous system, strong learning skills, and the ability to manage stress effectively.

Rewarding the good and ignoring the bad seems logical, but our understanding of brain development shows us why this falls short. Imagine a startled, crying baby. We instinctively comfort them, not ignore them. This supports the building of pathways in the brain that help them cope with similar situations in the future. Puppies deserve the same understanding. When they bark at a passerby, they're signaling they need our help. Turning away misses a chance to teach them that we'll keep them safe, ultimately leading to a more fearful, reactive adult dog.

The Play System

The play system is all about the magic of connection.  Simply tossing your dog a toy to keep them busy won't trigger the same powerful feel-good chemicals. True joy comes from interacting with another mammal – that could be you or another dog!  These playful interactions release oxytocin and opioids, creating feelings of happiness and bonding.  Add in dashes of dopamine and adrenaline and you have a recipe for confidence and well being.  Play is especially transformative for anxious or insecure dogs! It shifts a dog from mistrust to trust, turning scary situations into fun ones and making difficult moments easier. When a dog (or even humans) is truly engaged in play, the fear, rage, and grief systems simply cannot operate.

You may have been advised to ignore an excited dog to 'calm them down.' But to truly help your dog regulate their emotions, you need to engage, not disengage. It's about teaching them how to navigate their energy with your guidance and support. Animals who feel safe expressing their emotions and are supported through the process develop fewer defensive behaviors than those who are constantly suppressed.

If play is lacking, that playful energy will still seek expression, often in disruptive ways. This system isn't just about fun; it's fundamental for brain development,  strong social skills, boosted focus, and the ability to set and work towards goals.

The Seeking System

The seeking system is our inner explorer! It's the force that drives us to investigate, discover, and chase after what we desire. This system fuels our curiosity, motivates us to learn, and fills us with the thrill of the hunt.

The seeking system fuels your dog's nose-to-the-ground explorations just like it fuels our own ambitions.  Whether it's chasing a squirrel or chasing that dream promotion, this system is all about the thrill of the pursuit. Dopamine is the key player, making us feel capable and energized to achieve our goals – big or small!

A lack of support and connection shuts down the seeking system. Being ignored when excited, or constantly surrounded by people who don't engage with you emotionally, blocks that natural drive and sense of purpose.  This can lead to a dog losing their spark and becoming less motivated.

It's vital to guide your dog through those intense emotions, offering support and helping them calm down. Fear and anxiety shut down the seeking system.  Criticism or ignoring their playful energy has a similar effect. Instead of feeling motivated, they end up flooded with stress hormones.

A constant stream of "no's" and negative commands damages the seeking system.  It might seem normal to tell your dog off, but it blocks their natural curiosity and drive. This negativity stifles their desire to learn and explore, which is essential for healthy development.

Chronic stress throws a wrench into the emotional mix.  When the "good" systems are constantly overpowered by stress chemicals, both humans and dogs can suffer.  We might feel stressed and angry, while dogs may become reactive, fearful, or aggressive.  Understanding this balance is critical – it's the foundation for creating a happy, emotionally healthy life for you and your dog. 

Negative emotions are a necessary part of survival, but they shouldn't rule our lives.  For many, these systems are on overdrive.  When fear, grief, or rage takes over, it blocks access to those systems that bring joy, connection, and a sense of well-being. This is why understanding and managing our emotions is so crucial.

Think of these systems like muscles – the more you use them, the stronger they get. If I ignore my dog's fear on a walk, I'm reinforcing that fearful response. But by noticing the shift and using our connection and play to activate those feel-good systems, I'm literally rewiring his brain. It's about recognizing the emotional state and consciously shifting him into a positive one.

Whether it's mental health issues in people or negative behaviors in dogs, there's always an underlying emotion driving them. Focusing only on punishment or training misses the point. For lasting change, we need to identify and address that core emotion.  This is about working with the brain, helping it develop healthy responses and become resilient.  Remember, transformation takes time.

While rewiring the brain takes commitment, it's incredibly empowering to know that change is possible. We see it time and again, in both humans and dogs.  Understanding these systems is your key to helping your dog, or yourself, build a more balanced and resilient brain.