In the course of my dog training career I've trained and treated -- along with certified
A canine brain includes all structures of those located in the human brain. In fact, all mammals share similar brain structures. It is only the primate brain that contains the Broca’s area that gives humans the ability to form speech and communicate through language. Similarly, both species' fight/flight responses are generated by interactions between the amygdala (which governs fight/flight/action) and the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for storing memories. If this weren't confusing enough, both species share a mechanism called the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, or HPA Axis. This area is responsible for the release of adrenalin/epinephren, which gives us the energy we need to flee from, or fight off, that which we fear.
Increasing evidence suggests that the detrimental effects of glucocorticoid (GC) hypersecretion (stress hormones) occur by activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in several human pathologies, including obesity, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS dementia, and depression*. Chronic HPA axis activation and GC hypersecretion affect hippocampal function and contribute to the development of obesity among other diseases. Canine pathologies similar to such diseases include obesity, canine cognitive dysfunction (Alzheimer’s), and depression.
While most humans can muster up the ability to feign happiness when they may be depressed, frightened or angry, dogs are a bit more honest when it comes to expressing emotions associated with an overactive HPA Axis or amygdaloid and hippocampal over stimulation. Such emotions and symptoms usually are presented through growling, lunging, aggression, shyness, the inability to control their bladder (urination) during moments of fear or excitement, among other symptoms. These are the behaviors that alarm and frighten most owners of issue dogs and is one of the leading reasons why dogs are surrendered to a shelter or euthanized.
Everyone who ever dreamt of having a dog imagined the Disney dog of our childhood. The friendly dog who loved everyone, feared nothing and was an outstanding member of the family. More often than not, however, our dogs have some sort of issue. Some we find easier to deal with than others, such as housebreaking or excessive barking. It’s those dogs who bite, snarl and act out in frightening ways that can send the average owner, and their dog, to the nearest dog shelter.
In a wonderful little book called "Hope and Help For Your Nerves," by Dr. Claire Weekes, the author does an exceptional job of making sense of chronic nervous issues by explaining in laymen's terms what happens to the human nervous system when a person is experiencing a panic attack, engages in obsessive behaviors and more. While this book delves into the mysteries of the cause and effect is of an overactive nervous system and how it affects behaviors/emotions in humans, I found the book just as handy in my efforts to explain complex canine behaviors to dog owners. Not because I think dogs are human, nor because I believe they reflect on the past, but because of the way in which Dr. Weekes explains how the nervous system affects mood and fear responses.
Since behavioral theorists such as B.F. Skinner, and Ivan Pavlov came onto the behavior/learning theory scene behaviorists have warned animal behavior professionals against explaining canine behaviors in anthropomorphic terms (attributing human emotions to canine behaviors.) An example would be “my dog gets even with me by peeing on my carpet because he’s mad that I left him alone,” and other such explanations. While Dr. Weeke’s book focuses on humans, I think it can provide the proverbial window in which to view and understand how a nervous system can cause nervous behaviors. It’s not a dog training book, nor is it a guide to animal psychology, or neurology of chronic behavior conditions in pet dogs. But for those dog owners who can't get past the emotional turmoil they experience when Fluffy bites them, this book may help such owners keep perceived emotional insults in great perspective.
For me, I call Dr. Weekes' book a lesson in empathy. Because, even though she explains what causes many human anxiety disorders, this book has helped me to understand some of the more complex emotions I suspect some of my doggie clients may be suffering from, but are unable to verbalize them to their humans humans, such as growling, snarling, lunging, fleeing, charging or shaking in the corner on the 4th of July.
Some of my peers may now be choking on their coffee at my seemingly misguided attempt to provide anthropomorphic explanations of complex canine behaviors by comparing animal thoughts, actions and emotions with that found in a book on human psychological conditions. Such is not my intent. What I am conveying to my audience is that owning a dog with complex or disturbing canine behaviors doesn’t have to impact your life with sadness, grief and feelings of remorse once you can understand how the nervous system governs certain behaviors. Call it a lesson in Empathy 101.
In order to prove that I have not found myself stuck in the proverbial muddy anthropomorphic ditch on the side of the road, below are some common canine behavior issues accompanied by brief explanations, along with excellent books written by veterinarians, behaviorists and certified trainers alike, that explains canine disorders, as well as offer sensible training and treatment advice — many, with scientific data to back it up.
Below is a list of commonly misunderstood canine behaviors, along with books to help you understand more about them and what you could do to help your dog overcome them.
1. Separation or isolation anxiety -- Similar to children who have difficulty leaving their parents for schooling, being left with a babysitter, have difficulty sleeping alone or simply have a fear of being alone even when family members are close by: "Don't Leave Me! Step-By-Step Help for Your Dog's Separation Anxiety," by Nicole Wilde, CPDT-KA.
2. Hyperactivity, difficulty learning new tasks -- Similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. "The Culture Clash," by Jean Donaldson.
3. Repetitive Behaviors, Rage, Unexplained Aggression After Moments of Excitement --- These disorder may be related to a neurological issue, such as epilepsy and some closely resemble the symptoms associated with Autism. Some behaviors are accompanied by some form of obsessive compulsive disorder, such as spinning, shadow or light chasing behaviors. "The Dog Who Loved Too Much," By Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman; Help For Your Fearful Dog," by Nicole Wilde.
4. Neophobia. --- Fear of new experiences or sudden changes in the environment. This may include fear of new people, objects that suddenly appear where none was before, such as a moved trash can or relocated chair in the home. Often an increase in fear levels may appear as the animal ventures further from the home with its owner, a condition closely resembling agoraphobia (fear of open or public places, or fear of leaving a place of safety). "The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears," by Dr. Patricia B. McConnell, PhD.
While dogs are a separate species we must also try to keep in mind that many of them suffer from the same emotional challenges that we do. Having empathy for a dog who's suffering psychologically is the first step in understanding that the animal's behavior isn't a personal insult toward you. The second step is understanding why those behaviors occur (a veterinary behaviorist can help), and third, how you can help your dog overcome them with training and behavior modification with a qualified trainer. These three steps may very well lead you both on the road to success....and happiness.
* Source: Detrimental effects of chronic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation. From obesity to memory deficits, by Rabr J. Gladstone, Institutute of Neurological Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94141-9100. Mol. Neruoriol. 1998, Aug; 18(1): 1-22.
The writer, Karen Fazio, is a professional dog trainer and owner of My Best Friend Dog Training LLC
in Keyport, New Jersey. Fazio specializes in fear, aggression,
obsessive behaviors and other challenging behavior issues. She can be reached at
email@example.com or at www.mybestfrienddogschool.com.