Part II – Dealing with Pet Behaviour Challenges

Defining behaviour problems

In the research world, there are various models used to define and diagnose behaviour problems in pets. These models are developed from different perspectives from which animal behaviour is analysed. There are three main areas: a biological, medical, or ethological standpoint.

The method I primarily use to diagnose behaviour problems in pets is one taught at Lincoln University. This approach is centred on identifying the underlying emotional-motivational system that drives a particular behaviour. Every emotion, be it fear or joy, serves as a signal about our needs. And emotions, both in humans and animals, are crucial for navigating the world around us. For instance, when your pet displays signs of fear, it is telling you that they want/need to protect themselves and feel safe. By carefully observing your pet’s body language and behaviour, you can gain insights into their emotional experiences and better understand their needs. This understanding, in turn, empowers you to effectively manage any behaviour concerns you may have about your pet.

The model I use to define behaviour problems in pets is based on the work of neuroscientist Panksepp, who identified specific neural pathways associated with primary emotions: Desire or Seeking, Social play or Joy, Care, Lust, Fear and Anxiety, Rage or Frustration, and Panic/ grief or Sadness. These emotions are innate and not learned, though their intensity can vary based on experiences, learning, environmental factors, and the activation of the nervous system (this is arousal or excitement levels).

 

Here’s what each of these emotions means:

– Desire or Seeking: This is the drive to acquire resources, motivating behaviours like object play, scent work, predatory behaviour and searching for food or a place to relieve themselves.

– Social Play or Joy:  This is positive interactions with members of their own species.

– Care: Typically, this involves nurturing offspring.

– Lust: This is the reproductive motivation.

– Fear and Anxiety: These emotions that serve as protective responses to potential or real threats.

– Rage or Frustration: This emotion arises when expectations or goals are thwarted.

– Panic and Grief or Sadness: This is activated by the loss of proximity to a nurturing caregiver.

To illustrate how these emotions relate to behaviours, let’s consider examples in dog and cat behaviour problems:

Dog Behaviour: Reactivity on the Lead

Possible Emotions

  – Play/Seeking: Predatory behaviour, chasing after the person, dog or bike (moving towards the trigger).

  – Fear: Fear of the person, dog or bike, causing the dog to move away from the trigger.

  – Frustration: Often accompanied by fear or seeking, as the dog cannot resolve the emotion (by moving closer or escaping), leading to lunging or barking at the trigger.

  – Lust: When an uncastrated dog is drawn towards a female in heat.

  – Pain/Medical: Usually, this contributes to fear, creating a negative association with the trigger due to pain or discomfort.

Cat Behaviour: Cat Biting Your Arm

Possible Emotions

  – Seeking/Play: The cat seeks attention or engages in predatory behaviour.

  – Fear: The cat is afraid of people, or something associated with people and cannot escape quickly, leading to frustration.

  – Frustration: This occurs when the cat cannot escape and feels the need to defend itself, often seen when moved from a comfortable spot.

  – Pain: A cat may show signs of frustration or fear when they are in pain.

While emotions are explained individually here, in reality animals can experience multiple emotions simultaneously. Understanding the primary emotion governing a situation is key to resolving behaviour problems. For instance, in the case of a dog fearing the vet, addressing the underlying fear and making the dog feel safe can eliminate the need for defensive behaviours.

As each emotion has different needs that will determine the methods used to regulate these emotions, methods such as creating a sense of safety for fearful pets or providing opportunities for play in more playful situations. Knowing the main emotion can guide you in helping your pet manage it the right way.

In the next part of this series (Part III), we will delve into the importance of arousal levels in managing behaviour problems. Stay tuned for more insights next week.