22/06/2021
We humans love to simplify things. Always categorizing, labeling, searching for fixed formula’s, theories, rules, laws, systems.
It is understandable, because the predictability and explanations we try to provide ourselves with, will make us feel more in control.
Though it can be helpful and valuable, we must never forget that when working with humans and dogs, we are working with complex mammals. Unique individuals.
Some scientists call emotions ‘systems’. This can be very helpful in understanding functionality, but in reality emotions are not fixed systems, but complex neurological networks within the brain. Not universal, but individual. Though many mind blowing similarities in brain and behaviour of all mammals have been discovered and proven, emotional arousal can arise in countless variaties and in many different intensities within each individual brain.
Some biologists analyze and categorize the behaviour of wild social animals living in family groups using dominance theory. This may be helpful in order for biologists to predict behaviour outcomes around scarce resources, but I reckon survival and individual needs are far more likely to drive the behaviour of animals than (in my humble opinion, strongly humanized) social systems.
Many animal trainers analyze and categorize behaviour outcomes using behaviorism laws and theories. This can be very helpful and valuable, especially during training, but not all behaviour is learned through interactions with the environment. Not all behaviour is functional and not all behaviour is driven by consequences.
After years of studying, years of practical experience and spending a fortune on gaining knowledge and still I keep learning and evolving which I hope and expect to never stop.
I can only come to one conclusion: understanding and influencing behaviour can be complex.
So many influences, so many factors, so many variaties, it can be quite a puzzle!
We are all unique, individual, complex mammals.
I find it fascinating.🤓
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