11d • General discussion
How Emotion and Chemistry Shape Your Dog’s Behavior | Leash Reactivity
1. Arousal
The dog sees another dog and arousal rises. The body switches from calm observation to heightened alertness and faster reactions.
2. Neural Pathways
Signals travel from the senses through neural pathways to the brain, carrying information about what the dog sees and how close it is. These pathways determine how quickly the emotional centers activate.
3. Amygdala
The amygdala interprets the situation. If past experiences, uncertainty, or frustration are stored in memory, the amygdala labels the other dog as something to react to rather than something safe.
4. Hippocampus
The hippocampus pulls emotional memories. If the dog has rehearsed barking or pulling in the past, the brain remembers that pattern and prepares the same response.
5. Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus sends instructions to release chemicals into the body. If the situation feels threatening or overstimulating, it signals for stress-based hormones.
6. Sympathetic Nervous System
This system activates and prepares the dog for action. Muscles tighten, breathing increases, and the dog becomes physically ready to bark, lunge, or pull.
7. Prefrontal Cortex
This is the problem-solving part of the brain. During reactivity, it shuts down because the dog is no longer thinking, only reacting. Listening and learning are no longer available.
The Chemical Release Behind the Behavior
When the dog feels unsafe or overwhelmed
• Adrenaline surges• Cortisol rises• The body moves into readiness• Reactivity becomes the output
When calm associations are built over time
• Oxytocin increases• The nervous system softens• Focus returns• Calm behavior becomes possible
Why This Matters for Families
The barking and lunging are not the root issue. They are the outward expression of what the nervous system is experiencing inside. When we lower arousal, build new emotional associations, and help the brain feel safe, the chemicals change and so does the behavior.
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How Emotion and Chemistry Shape Your Dog’s Behavior | Leash Reactivity
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