Are you looking for a book that will give you a deeper understanding of animal behavior and emotions? Look no further than “Animals Make Us Human” by Temple Grandin.
As a certified master dog trainer, I’ve seen how understanding a dog’s behavior can transform training and strengthen the bond between pet and owner. But behavior is just the surface—what truly drives it are emotions. In her seminal book, Animals Make Us Human , Temple Grandin, co-authored with Catherine Johnson, explores the emotional lives of dogs, offering insights that can revolutionize how we care for and train our canine companions. Published in 2009, this book remains a cornerstone for dog trainers and pet owners seeking to improve their dogs’ lives.
In this enhanced guide, I’ll dive into the emotional systems that underpin canine behavior, drawing from the groundbreaking work of neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp. His research, detailed in Affective Neuroscience , identifies seven core emotional systems in mammals: SEEKING, RAGE, FEAR, LUST, CARE, PANIC/GRIEF, and PLAY. These systems are measurable brain processes that shape how dogs think, feel, and act. By addressing these emotional needs, we can create environments that promote well-being, reduce problem behaviors, and enhance training effectiveness. This approach is invaluable for dog trainers and owners who want to go beyond obedience to foster a deeper, more meaningful relationship with their dogs.
The Power of Emotional Understanding
Why do dogs chew furniture, bark excessively, or cower during storms? These behaviors often stem from emotions like boredom, frustration, or fear. In Animals Make Us Human, Grandin argues that by understanding and addressing these emotions, we can prevent problem behaviors and improve canine welfare. She builds on Panksepp’s research, which shows that mammals, including dogs, share emotional systems rooted in ancient brain structures. These systems are not abstract feelings but biological processes that help dogs survive and thrive.
By creating environments that activate positive emotions (like curiosity and joy) and minimize negative ones (like fear and frustration), we can foster happier, healthier dogs. This approach also enhances training, as dogs in a positive emotional state are more receptive to learning commands and building trust with their owners.
Recent research supports this idea, showing that dogs can distinguish between human emotions like happiness and sadness, adjusting their behavior accordingly.
This mutual emotional intelligence highlights the importance of owners being aware of their own emotional states, as dogs are highly attuned to them.
The Seven Emotional Systems in Dogs
Panksepp’s seven emotional systems provide a framework for understanding canine behavior. Below, I outline each system, how it manifests in dogs, and practical ways to support it, drawing from both Grandin’s insights and recent research .
| Emotional System | Description | Role in Canine Behavior | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEEKING | Drives exploration and curiosity, linked to dopamine. | Encourages dogs to sniff, explore, and engage with their environment, like during walks or play. | Provide daily walks, scent games, or puzzle toys to stimulate curiosity and prevent boredom. |
| RAGE | Triggered by frustration, restraint, or pain. | Leads to aggression, such as growling or snapping when confined or teased. | Ensure adequate exercise (30–60 minutes daily) and avoid frustrating situations like prolonged confinement. |
| FEAR | Protects against danger but can cause anxiety if overactive. | Causes cowering, trembling, or hiding during loud noises or unfamiliar situations. | Gradually expose dogs to feared stimuli with positive reinforcement. |
| LUST | Drives reproductive behaviors and territorial marking. | Seen in intact dogs through mating interest or marking. | Spay or neuter to reduce these behaviors and simplify emotional management. For intact dogs, effective management of reproductive behaviors can be achieved through dedicated training, vigilant supervision, and strategic environmental controls. |
| CARE | Promotes nurturing and social bonding. | Drives dogs to seek closeness with owners or other dogs, strengthening bonds. | Spend quality time with your dog through play or training to foster connection. |
| PANIC/GRIEF | Activated by separation or loss, leading to distress. | Causes separation anxiety, shown through whining or destructive behavior when alone. | Gradually acclimate dogs to alone time with short absences and comforting items like toys. |
| PLAY | Fosters joy, social development, and exercise. | Encourages play behaviors like fetch or tug-of-war, enhancing obedience and well-being. | Engage in daily play sessions with games like tug-of-war or fetch, rotating toys for variety. |
Key Insights from Research
- SEEKING: This system is critical for learning and motivation. Engaging it through activities like scent work can prevent boredom-related behaviors like chewing .
- PLAY: A study cited by Grandin found that golden retrievers were more obedient after playing tug-of-war, regardless of winning or losing, due to endorphin release .
- PANIC/GRIEF: Panksepp’s work on separation distress in puppies shows that low doses of morphine can reduce vocalizations, suggesting a link to opioid systems in the brain . This underscores the importance of addressing separation anxiety early.
- FEAR: Dogs have lateralized responses to emotional stimuli, showing left-gaze bias for negative expressions and right-gaze for positive ones, which can help trainers interpret their emotional state .
- Positive Emotions: Recent studies emphasize the need for assessing positive emotions in dogs, using tools like DogFACS (Dog Facial Action Coding System) to analyze facial expressions and behavioral indicators like tail wagging and play .
Practical Applications for Dog Owners and Trainers
Applying these emotional insights can transform how we interact with dogs. Here are actionable strategies:
- Mental Stimulation: Use puzzle toys, scent games, or training exercises to engage the SEEKING system. For example, hiding treats around the house encourages exploration and keeps dogs mentally active.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play to activate SEEKING and PLAY systems. This makes training more effective, as dogs associate learning with positive emotions.
- Exercise: Provide at least 30–60 minutes of daily physical activity to burn off energy and reduce RAGE. Activities like running or agility training are ideal.
- Safe Spaces: Create a quiet, comfortable area (e.g., a crate or bed) where dogs can retreat when overwhelmed, helping manage FEAR and PANIC/GRIEF.
- Consistency: Maintain a predictable routine to provide security and reduce anxiety, supporting all emotional systems.
- Observe Body Language: Watch for signs of distress, such as excessive panting, whining, or aggression. These may indicate overactive RAGE, FEAR, or PANIC/GRIEF systems, requiring adjustments to the environment or training approach.
- Engage in Play: Regular play sessions stimulate positive emotions, reduce stress, and enhance the bond between dog and owner.
- Use Facial Expressions: Learn to recognize subtle emotional cues using resources like DogFACS, which can help identify a dog’s emotional state more accurately.
- Recent Research Applications: Recent studies show dogs can distinguish human emotions, adjusting behaviors like gazing or jumping based on the owner’s state . Observe behavioral indicators like tail wagging and play to gauge positive emotions, and consider lateralized responses for emotional interpretation.
Training Tip
As a trainer, I’ve found that aligning training with a dog’s emotional state enhances outcomes. For example, a fearful dog responds better to gentle, patient methods than forceful corrections. Recognizing that emotions are true reinforcers—meaning the emotional context (e.g., who gives the command, the setting) impacts behavior—can make training more effective .
Socialization and Training Tips
Early socialization is critical for shaping a dog’s emotional responses. The 5–13-week period is a sensitive window when puppies are most receptive to new experiences. Expose them to diverse people, animals, sounds, and environments in a positive way to prevent fear-based behaviors later . For example, introduce puppies to friendly dogs or gentle handling to build confidence.
When training, consider the dog’s emotional state:
- Fearful Dogs: Use slow, positive reinforcement to build trust, avoiding punishment that could heighten FEAR.
- High-Energy Dogs: Channel SEEKING and PLAY through structured activities like agility or fetch to focus their energy.
- Anxious Dogs: Address PANIC/GRIEF by gradually increasing alone time and providing comforting items like a favorite toy or pheromone diffuser.
If behavioral issues persist, consult a veterinarian to rule out medical causes or a professional trainer for tailored interventions. Early action can prevent long-term problems.
Ongoing Relevance of Grandin’s Work
While Animals Make Us Human was published in 2009, its principles remain highly relevant in 2025. Recent research in affective neuroscience continues to validate Panksepp’s emotional systems, with studies exploring their links to canine welfare
Grandin’s focus on practical applications for dogs makes her advice particularly valuable for trainers and owners. By staying informed about the latest research, we can refine our approaches to better support our dogs’ emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Understanding your dog’s emotions is like learning the rules of a game—it empowers you to play it well. By applying the insights from Animals Make Us Human and Panksepp’s research, you can create environments that nurture your dog’s emotional well-being, leading to fewer behavioral problems and a stronger bond. As a trainer, I’ve seen how this knowledge transforms training, making it more effective and rewarding for both dog and owner.
If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of your dog’s emotional world, I highly recommend Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin. It’s an accessible, insightful read packed with practical advice and cutting-edge research. For more resources, check out my recommended books for dog trainers and owners. Let’s work together to give our dogs the best lives possible!
Key Citations:
The Dog Nose “KNOWS” Fear by Siniscalchi et al.
Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson
Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions by Jaak Panksepp
Animal Emotions – The Driving Force Behind Our Dog’s Behaviors by Smart Animal Training Systems
Affective Dog Behavior – A New Concept by High 5 Canine Coaching
Jaak Panksepp Lectures on Emotions in Animals, Humans by Cornell Chronicle
The Basic Emotional Circuits of Mammalian Brains by PubMed
Selected Principles of Pankseppian Affective Neuroscience by Frontiers
5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy and Out of Trouble by PetMD
The Emotional Lives of Animals by The New York Times
Canine Emotions as Seen Through Human Social Cognition by Miiamaaria V. Kujala
Dogs Distinguish Authentic Human Emotions Without Being Empathic by D’Aniello et al.
Where Do We Stand in the Domestic Dog Positive-Emotion Assessment by Caeiro et al.