Here's the truth about what really drives behaviour.
Let me begin by telling you about Max, introduced in our podcast, the Dog Parentology Podcast, episode one, part one. A dog whose story is a powerful example of why Systems Thinking is so critical in understanding complex behaviour. Max wasn’t just an anxious dog; he was a dog caught in systems, layers upon layers of trauma and fear that no amount of simple desensitisation could resolve.
Max's caregiver reached out to me after a serious incident: Max had delivered three puncturing bites to his dog walker in just a few seconds. This wasn't the first time Max had bitten the dog walker; it had happened twice before, with each incident escalating in intensity and aggression. Despite the efforts of multiple trainers and behaviourists, Max's anxiety only seemed to deepen, leaving everyone involved searching for answers that eluded them.
But none of these strategies worked for Max. Why? Because the problem was far more complex than just separation anxiety.
The strategies employed by these well-intentioned professionals focused on managing Max's anxiety. They tried desensitising him to being alone when his caregiver went to the gym, arranging for a dog walker to take him out of his crate and join group walks. They even tried ignoring Max's over-excited greetings after hours of confinement, hoping he would calm down on his own. But none of these strategies worked for Max. Why? Because the problem was far more complex than just separation anxiety.
Max’s anxiety wasn’t limited to his time alone. He exhibited stress both when with and without his caregiver. Neighbours reported frequent howling when Max was left alone, and he even used his mouth to pull the caregiver's son away from rough play with friends. These behaviours weren’t random; they were rooted in something much deeper.
Max’s caregiver, understandably, began to feel overwhelmed by the situation. She found herself questioning whether she was the cause of Max’s problems, wondering if perhaps rehoming him would be the best solution.
But here's the reality ... dogs like Max ... are unlikely to be rehomed.
But here’s the reality: dogs like Max, who have a history of biting, are unlikely to be rehomed. Most experienced shelters will not take in a dog with a bite history, as it leaves them vulnerable to liability if the dog bites again, either in a foster home or with a new family.
And the ideal vision of surrender—where a dog finds a new, loving home and lives happily ever after—is often far from the truth. In reality, when a dog is surrendered, they experience profound emotional and physical pain of abandonment. The grief and depression that follows can worsen their behaviour, leading to new challenges born out of the trauma of being surrendered. Just like a small child who loses their caregiver, a dog experiences deep emotional scarring. When taking on a dog, it’s essential to understand that you are taking on a responsibility akin to caring for a young child. Surrendering a dog should carry the same gravitas as giving up an infant to the system.
Surrendering a dog should carry the same gravitas as giving up an infant to the system.
In Max’s case, the trauma wasn’t just external; it was deeply linked to his caregiver. Surrendering him would likely have only deepened his emotional wounds. This was a situation where the caregiver’s choices could either resolve or worsen Max's issues. By choosing to work through the challenges instead of giving up on him, she had the opportunity to help him heal rather than leaving him to spiral further into trauma.
After conducting a thorough review, it became clear that Max was suffering from PTSD—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—triggered by the family violence he had witnessed during a messy divorce. The presence of males, particularly when they adopted an attitude of dominance, only exacerbated Max’s trauma. The dog walker, likely unknowingly, triggered Max’s deeply ingrained fears by attempting to control him through dominance—a method that only deepened the psychological wounds Max carried. As we've often said, dominating a dog, especially one with trauma, is the worst approach you can take. It's not just ineffective; it's harmful, as scientifically proven.
This is where Systems Thinking comes into play. We didn’t just look at Max's behaviour in isolation. We, meaning myself and our Toronto-based behaviourist, Jonah, examined the entire system—inside and outside the dog. Biologically, Max was dealing with the effects of trauma on his brain and body. But we also considered the broader environment: the caregiver, the fractured family dynamics, the community pressures, and even the regulations that dictated how Max should be handled in public. All of these elements were interconnected, creating complex layers that needed to be carefully untangled.
To ensure Max received the most comprehensive care, I partnered closely with his veterinarian. This partnership was crucial in addressing the neurochemical imbalances that were contributing to Max’s symptoms. Together, we explored potential pharmaceutical options that could support his recovery, while being mindful of the need to avoid medications that might exacerbate his already heightened sensitivities. The vet’s expertise allowed us to fine-tune a treatment plan that was both targeted and compassionate, addressing Max's PTSD at its core.
Through this collaborative approach, combining our understanding of Max's behaviour with the vet’s medical insights, we were able to create a wholistic treatment plan. To activate wholism in behaviour investigations, you must know the set of principles in which it co-exists. In doing so, we had the ability to find the root cause of all of Max's symptoms, and put together an effective pathway forward. The plan not only aimed to manage his symptoms but also to heal the underlying trauma that had shaped his behaviour.
To activate wholism in behaviour investigations, you must know the set of principles in which it co-exists.
Max’s story is ongoing, with the caregiver making the right choices and working diligently on how to teach Max that he is safe. Max's dog parent works on positive experiences to develop his confidence to remain emotionally detached from things that he used to worry about. He stays by himself now without concern that his people are out of his protection. He has a new dog walker who specialises in traumatised dogs, from entering to bringing home and all the experiences in between. In addition, the dog parent is practising self-care, leading to better self-awareness of what is being communicated. Those messages that are said without words, through our bodies, expressions, tones and how Max receives it. They now partner-up with established rituals they enjoy together while maintaining their relationship. With the right interventions, there is hope for dogs with PTSD, and certainly a much rosy life for Max.
Through a combination of careful environmental adjustments, structured routines, targeted therapeutic approaches, and a vital partnership with his veterinarian, Max is on the path to recovery. His caregiver now understands that Max's behaviours are not just reactions, but cries for help—signals that, with the right responses, can lead to healing and harmony in their home.
In our podcast you’ll hear more stories like Max’s, where Systems Thinking and strong partnerships with veterinary professionals reveal the hidden layers of complexity in dog behaviour. These stories show how we can untangle the systems that trap dogs like Max and help them find peace and safety in a world that often feels overwhelming. Understanding the canine brain is a complex endeavor that pulls principles from both human and animal neuroscience. By exploring parallels with human brain development, especially in children, and leveraging the latest research in canine cognition, we can gain a deeper understanding of dog behavior. However, to truly address complex behavioral issues, we must also apply systems thinking—a holistic approach that considers the entire ecosystem surrounding the dog, the interactions between various factors, and how behaviors evolve over time. In part two of our podcast, we delved into the brain's architecture, the relationships between different brain areas, and how systems thinking can help us identify and address the root causes of behavioral problems.
The Architecture of the Canine Brain: A Shared Blueprint
The structure of a dog’s brain shares remarkable similarities with the human brain, particularly in its functional areas and communication pathways. The limbic system, which includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, plays a crucial role in processing emotions and forming memories. This system is responsible for many of the behaviors we observe in dogs, from their emotional bonds with caregivers to their reactions to fear and stress.
Tom, as we personify him, represents the amygdala in this system. Like a hyper-vigilant watchman, Tom is always on high alert, scanning the environment for potential threats. His job is to ensure survival, but his overactive nature can sometimes lead to exaggerated fear responses in dogs.
As Robert Sapolsky discusses in Behave, this rapid response system is vital for survival but also explains why both humans and dogs can overreact to perceived dangers, even when those dangers aren't immediately present (Sapolsky, 2017). Tom’s influence is evident when dogs become reactive to everyday stimuli, interpreting them as threats.
The Role of Systems Thinking in Addressing Complex Behavior Problems
Complex behavior problems in dogs, such as chronic anxiety, aggression, or impulsivity, cannot be effectively resolved with a narrow focus on immediate symptoms. Traditional training methods often target specific behaviors in isolation, without considering the broader system in which those behaviors emerge. This approach can lead to temporary fixes, but it rarely addresses the root causes of the problem, which means the behaviors are likely to reoccur.
Systems thinking offers a more comprehensive framework for understanding and solving complex behavior problems. By examining the entire 'ecosystem' (or simply, systems) surrounding the dog—its environment, family dynamics, past experiences, genetic predispositions, and even societal influences—we can begin to identify the underlying causes of problematic behavior. This holistic approach also requires us to consider how behavior evolves over time and how different factors interact to sustain or exacerbate the issue.
For example, Reggie, representing the hypothalamus, regulates the body's response to stress. When Tom (the amygdala) signals a threat, Reggie orchestrates the release of stress hormones. If a dog is exposed to chronic stress—whether due to environmental factors, poor socialization, or unresolved trauma—Reggie’s constant activation can lead to persistent anxiety. A narrow focus on training the dog to "behave" in specific situations might temporarily suppress symptoms, but it won't address the ongoing stressors that are fueling Reggie's response.
Involvement of the Dog Parent: A Non-Negotiable Factor
In systems thinking, we recognize that the dog parent is always a critical component of the system. Complex behavior problems cannot be resolved without considering the dog parent’s role, including their attachment style, emotions, preferences, and traits. These human factors are intertwined with the dog’s behavior, influencing how the dog responds to different situations. By involving the dog parent in the behavior modification process, we can create a more supportive and consistent environment for the dog, ensuring that the interventions are effective and sustainable.
Conrad, representing the prefrontal cortex, plays a crucial role in regulating behavior by controlling impulses and making rational decisions. However, if Conrad is underdeveloped due to trauma or chronic stress, the dog will struggle to manage its emotions and impulses. In such cases, behavior modification must focus not just on training but also on creating a stable, supportive environment that allows Conrad to develop and function properly. This is where the dog parent’s involvement becomes indispensable—they must help provide that stability and reinforce positive behaviors.
Drawing on the work of Seth Perler, an executive function coach who specializes in helping children with complex needs, we can see clear parallels between how trauma affects both human and canine brains. Just as trauma disrupts executive functions in children, it similarly impacts dogs' ability to regulate their behavior. The amygdala (Tom in our analogy) plays a key role in both species, triggering hyper-vigilance and anxiety in response to perceived threats. These trauma responses are not just fleeting reactions but deeply ingrained patterns that require thoughtful, long-term interventions. As Seth Perler points out in his work with children, the support of a stable, empathetic caregiver is crucial in helping them navigate their trauma. The same applies to dogs. Systems thinking teaches us that addressing these complex behaviors isn't just about managing the dog—it's about involving the dog parent, creating a secure attachment, and ensuring that the entire environment supports the dog's recovery over time.
Behavior Over Time: The Importance of Long-Term Solutions
One of the key principles of systems thinking is that behavior must be understood and managed over time. A quick fix might suppress undesirable behavior temporarily, but without addressing the underlying causes, the behavior is likely to resurface. Long-term solutions require us to monitor how behavior evolves, consider the dog’s changing environment, and adapt our strategies as needed.
Viv, representing the vestibular system, is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. In the context of behavior, Viv’s role is crucial for helping the dog maintain a sense of stability and calm. When a dog is anxious or stressed, their vestibular system can become overactive, leading to physical manifestations of stress such as pacing or disorientation. Addressing these physical symptoms is just as important as addressing the emotional and cognitive aspects of behavior. Over time, as the dog’s environment becomes more stable and supportive, Viv can help the dog regain their sense of balance—both literally and metaphorically.
By taking a systems thinking approach, we can develop long-term strategies that not only address the immediate behavior but also create an environment where positive change is sustainable. This might involve working with the dog's caregivers to ensure consistency, addressing any environmental stressors, and providing ongoing support as the dog learns to regulate its emotions and behavior.
The Power of Systems Thinking in Canine Neuroscience
Incorporating systems thinking into our understanding of canine neuroscience allows us to move beyond symptom-focused approaches and toward comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of behavior problems. By considering the broader context, examining how behavior evolves over time, and identifying key leverage points, we can develop interventions that lead to lasting change.
As we continue to explore the canine brain through the lenses of neuroscience and systems thinking, we can better understand the complex interactions between different brain areas—such as Tom, Reggie, Conrad, and Viv—and how they influence behavior. This holistic approach not only helps us solve complex behavior problems but also fosters a deeper, more compassionate understanding of our dogs as sentient beings who are shaped by their environments, experiences, and biology.
Bridging Neuroscience, Systems Thinking, and Canine Behavior
By leveraging our understanding of human neuroscience, applying systems thinking principles, and integrating the roles of Tom, Reggie, Conrad, and Viv, we can better comprehend the complexities of the canine brain and better help dogs like Max.f The relationships between brain areas, the role of neuroplasticity, and the importance of considering behavior over time all play critical roles in shaping how dogs respond to the world around them. Whether dealing with impulsivity, aggression, or anxiety, the key lies in understanding the brain's architecture and using that knowledge to create positive, lasting change. Remember that Tom (amygdala), Reggie (hypothalamus), Conrad (prefrontal cortex), and Viv (vestibular system) are all at work in your dog's brain, and helping them work together more effectively is the key to overcoming complex behavior challenges—especially when guided by a systems thinking approach.
Key Takeaways:
Complex Behaviors Require a Wholistic Approach: Behavior problems aren’t just about the dog. You need to consider the entire system—biological, environmental, social, and the role of the dog parent. Quick fixes and isolated methods often fail because they do not address the true root causes.
Collaboration and Compassion are Key: Effective behavior modification in persistent problems requires more than just training. It involves working closely with veterinarians, caregivers, and other professionals to address everything from neurochemical imbalances to environmental factors, with a focus on compassionate, science-based methods.
Surrendering and Dominance Approaches Have Lasting Consequences: For both dog parents and professionals, it’s crucial to recognize that surrendering a dog or using dominance-based methods can cause deep, lasting harm. Approach behavior challenges with the gravitas and empathy they deserve, focusing on healing rather than control.
About the Author
Sparky Smith is a pioneering Canine Psychologist, with over 30 years of experience. Known for her innovative approaches to dog behaviour therapy, Sparky combines system dynamics, cybernetics, systems theory, neuroscience, biology and psychology to develop groundbreaking methods for treating complex behavioural issues. Her work encompasses a wide range of cutting-edge techniques designed to address the deep-seated emotional and cognitive challenges faced by traumatized dogs and the families who adopt them. Sparky's expertise has earned her multiple accolades, including "Best Human-Centric Canine Psychologist" and "Pet Psychologist of the Year." Her focus is now on producing the Dog Parentology Podcast to democratise information and allow dog parents to find solutions to challenging complex problems.
(See answer Did I Use AI to Write This Blog? below)
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Sapolsky, R. (2017). Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst. Penguin Press.
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Did I Use AI to Generate This Blog?
Yes I did and why not. I am even surprised that I must identify this as a thing. So here's the down-low: all the ideas here are mine, except for the ones I borrowed from brilliant minds and cited accordingly. I’ve teamed up with AI to dig through my own innovations and other scientific breakthroughs. I’ve even had AI study my writing style to keep that Sparky flair alive. And let’s be honest, AI is a lifesaver when it comes to turning my brilliant, slightly chaotic thoughts into sentences that actually make sense. I review everything to make sure it’s accurate, and that sources and other innovators are credited, because, you know, integrity matters. I’m all about using AI for good—after all, when you’re a lifelong innovator, why not let AI handle the heavy lifting so I can keep doing what I do best: helping dogs and their humans thrive.
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