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Writer's pictureSparky Smith

Ep. 3 - Stop Millions of Dogs From Surrender: The Hidden Brain System That Holds The Key To Keeping Dogs in Homes


When we consider why millions of dogs are surrendered each year and why shelters are overflowing with dogs returned after being placed in loving homes, one key reason stands out: persistent behaviors that seem overwhelming to unprepared adopters. These behaviors—whether it’s anxiety, aggression, or withdrawal—are often seen as problems to be “fixed,” as if the dog is broken. But this mindset overlooks a crucial reality: dogs are not broken. They are beings hardwired to bond with humans, and when these behaviors surface, it’s a signal that they need help adjusting, not punishment or abandonment.


The real question isn’t, “How do I fix my dog?” but, “What do they behaviours tell me about what is going on inside the dog? How can I help them adapt and become a cooperative member of the family?” Beneath these visible behaviors lies a complex system in the dog’s brain, mirroring the trauma responses we see in humans (Teller, n.d.) This system governs emotional regulation, impulse control, and decision-making—factors that, when disrupted, lead to behaviors that can overwhelm caregivers and eventually result in surrender.


By moving beyond surface-level behavior and applying Systems Thinking, we can understand the interconnected factors at play—such as the dog’s neurobiology, environment, and past experiences (Mills, 2022; Saqr et al., 2024). This approach allows us to address the root causes of these behaviors, offering a more effective path to recovery and ensuring that more dogs stay in the loving homes they deserve.


Just like humans who may avoid social situations after trauma, dogs might react aggressively or withdraw entirely when faced with similar stressors. The way the brain processes and predicts events, and how executive functions, such as impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making, develop and are impaired, plays a crucial role in how trauma manifests over time in dogs (Beerda et al., 1999; Buttner et al., 2023; Fallani et al., 2007; Mills et al., 2013). To truly understand adopted dogs who have been stressed without resilience, we must move beyond surface-level behaviors and use Systems Thinking to address neurobiology, environment, and past experiences, the shapes the dogs responses to trauma (Mills, 2022; Saqr et al., 2024). This holistic approach is key to healing and helping dogs recover.



A picture of the Neurobalance wheel identifying all six factors in both the emerging side and the impaired side, outlined in the article below. The right side of the picture has a half-green circle representing the green pathway, the left side of the circle is in red depicting the red-pathways. In the center are six pie shapes numbered 1-6 of each factor described in the article. On the left side of the picture about half-way down is a picture of a man with a nice face with his finger to his temple. This represents Conrad as explained in the article. On the left side is Tom the limbic systems and our emotional sensor as explained in the article.
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Trauma Disrupts a Dog’s Ability to Predict and Process the World Around It


Trauma affects a dog’s ability to interpret and anticipate its environment correctly. Instead of seeing neutral situations as safe, the dog’s brain starts making errors in its predictions, leading to heightened stress and overreaction. Think of the brain as a prediction machine. When it works well, it helps the dog feel calm in familiar, safe environments. However, trauma can break this system, making the dog feel constantly on edge, as if danger is always present—even when nothing is wrong. These misinterpretations, called predictive errors, happen when the brain sees a threat where none exists. Frequent predictive errors can be a confusing sight for caregivers, trying to understand reactivity or odd behaviours that don’t make sense in otherwise harmless situations. These errors cause the dog’s brain, to misinterpret safe or neutral situations as threats, keeping the dog in a heightened state of stress and reactivity (Joiner, et al, 2017).


In other words, trauma affects a dog’s brain in ways we can’t see, changing how they react to the world, Much like how trauma affects humans who have been through difficult times.


Predictive errors happen when there’s a gap between what the dog expects and what actually happens. These mistakes come from a process called associative learning, where dogs connect certain sounds or events with outcomes—for example, expecting food when they hear a can opener. In simple terms, dogs learn to connect certain events or actions with specific outcomes. For instance, if a dog expects food every time it hears a can opener, its brain predicts that event. Trauma disrupts this ability, leading to unpredictable and confusing responses. Understanding these errors is crucial for interpreting the potential that behaviour issues maybe trauma. When a dog experiences a stable, predictable environment, this system works efficiently. But when trauma strikes—through abuse, neglect, or chronic stress—the brain becomes stuck, or impaired, in survival mode, expecting danger at every turn (Riggio et al., 2022; Foraita et al., 2021).). This disruption keeps the dog constantly on edge, overreacting to even minor stimuli.


While humans reliably agree in interpretations of dog emotional expressions, such as wagging tails or barred teeth (Bloom & Friedman, 2013), these signals can be misleading when trauma is involved. Internal biological systems, influenced by trauma, may cause behaviours that do not align with the dog’s outward emotional cues.

In other words, trauma affects a dog’s brain in ways we can’t see. It rewires it altering the ways they perceive and react to the world, just like it does in people who have been through difficult times (Joiner, et al, 2017).


A traumatized dog may perceive harmless situations, such as a visitor entering the home, as threatening. This is due to the way trauma affects the brain’s ability to predict and process events accurately. The dog’s brain, conditioned by past negative experiences, interprets neutral situations as potential dangers. This misinterpretation leads to aggressive responses—not because the situation is inherently harmful, but because the dog’s brain has learned to expect harm (Cooper H, et al, 2024; Meamor, M, et al, 2023). You can think of this like a fire alarm going off in response to burnt toast—it’s overreacting to a non-threatening event. Research supports this: The study on nocturnal activity as an indicator of adaptability in dogs shows that dogs experience stress and require time to adapt to new environments, such as shelters or new homes. This suggests that trauma or stress can impact their ability to settle into new settings (Laan et al., 2023). Similarly, other studies have observed that dogs with histories of abuse or neglect show heightened aggression, fear, and anxiety, even in everyday non-threatening situations (Buttner & Strasser, 2023; Buttner & Strasser, 2022). These studies reinforces the idea that trauma reshapes how dogs perceive their world, often causing them to react defensively to harmless events (Meamor, M, et al, 2023)


Once the executive functions are disrupted by trauma, a dog’s ability to control impulses and regulate emotions becomes impaired. This means that behaviours like lunging, excessive barking, or social withdrawal often appear erratic or impulsive (Swick, S, et al., 2024), reflecting a brain that struggles to process events logically or calmly, much like humans who have experienced trauma. These reactions are rooted in the brain’s altered functioning, making it challenging for the dog to adapt to a typical family environment. These reactions are not signs of a dog being uncooperative or unwilling, but rather indicators that their ability to process and manage stress has been compromised. Without understanding the trauma’s effects, caregivers may find these behaviours challenging, but with the right approach, they can support the dog in regaining emotional balance.


Take Jojo, a rescued poodle who developed an excessive licking habit. At first, her caregiver thought it was caused by boredom or separation anxiety. However, through a Systems Thinking approach, they discovered that Jojo’s licking was due to anxiety linked to past trauma—a condition known as Abnormal Repetitive Behavior (ARB). ARB often appears in dogs with histories of neglect, abuse, or confinement. Once her environment was adjusted, and she was given structured activities and positive sensory experiences, Jojo’s compulsive licking decreased.


The underlying causes of persistent behaviours requires a more more comprehensive lens found in Systems Thinking, where it reveals the importance of looking beyond surface signals and understandings. It means seeing the bigger picture and understanding that behaviour doesn’t happen in a vacuum.


Systems Thinking: The Bigger Picture in Persistent Behaviours Issues


Understanding trauma in dogs through a Systems Thinking lens reveals how various interconnected factors—like neurobiology, family dynamics, and the dog’s environment—shape their responses. By looking at these layers holistically, we begin to see how trauma affects the entire system, not just the individual dog.


While this article introduces the core layers of Systems Thinking, the next level of understanding involves something called Systems Dynamics, which digs deeper into identifying feedback loops, relationships, and leverage points within the system. It’s a more advanced tool that allows us to measure and predict how interventions might play out over time, and how seemingly small changes in one area can create larger shifts across the whole system.


Systems Dynamics Helps Identify:

1. Feedback Loops: Think of trauma as a cycle. Some interactions reinforce the trauma response (negative feedback), while others help break the cycle (positive feedback). Systems Dynamics helps us map these loops so that we can disrupt harmful cycles and strengthen helpful ones.


2. Leverage Points: This is where small interventions can make a big difference. It’s like finding the spot where a little push can move the entire system towards healing.


3. Adaptive Interventions: Systems Dynamics allows us to adjust and tweak interventions as the dog’s condition changes, making sure that we’re always supporting long-term recovery.


For now, understanding that trauma works across multiple levels (and how they interact) is essential for anyone working with traumatised dogs. But for those who want to dive deeper into how we can map and measure the dog’s recovery across time—Systems Dynamics will open the door to even more tailored, impactful interventions.


Looking In-Depth At Trauma Through the Systems Thinking Lens


Systems Thinking shows us it’s not just about what’s happening in the moment – it includes everything from how their brain and body work, to their family life, the community around them, and even things like the weather or changes in the environment. Trauma in dogs isn’t just a singular event affecting the brain. It is a multi-layered phenomenon impacting various aspects of a dog’s system—from their neurobiology to their environment, family dynamics, social interactions, and history (McMillan et al., 2020). By looking at the whole picture, we can better understand why a dog behaves the way they do and what might help them feel more balanced and secure, providing a clearer understanding of why trauma manifests the way it does and, crucially, how to address it effectively (Widom,C, n.d). Consider that just because a dog’s body language seems clear, that doesn’t mean the emotions behind it are. A wagging tail doesn’t always mean happiness, nor sitting quietly in a corner doesn’t mean calmness, especially if trauma has shaped how the dog responds to stress. This underscores the need to investigate beyond signals and expressions to understand dogs' persistent behaviour with greater discernment by the dog’s caregiver.


The Individual Level: Trauma causes profound neurobiological changes in a dog’s brain, altering its structure and function, as well as its behavioural responses (Theodoartou, H, et al, 2023; Elias, N, et al 2019; Lester, P, et al 2023) . In other words, it changes the way a dog’s brain works, affecting how it thinks, learns, and reacts to the world. It’s like a car engine misfiring—not running smoothly—making it hard for the dog to act or think the way it should. Trauma-affected dogs may exhibit signs like fear, anxiety, aggression, or cognitive impairments such as hyper-vigilance and difficulty learning (Weber, D, et al, 2004). This means that dogs’ heightened emotions make it challenging to concentrate and learn as they normally would. The next time you desperately wish to have your dog remain calm like the one across the street, remember that yours may not have had the benefit of early-life experiences like consistent support, socialization, or emotional security, which help a dog feel safe and confident in different environments.


Beyond this, trauma also affects a dog’s physical health, making them more likely to get sick and have stomach problems, with immune system changes and gastrointestinal issues (Claire, L, et al., 2024; Qinyuan, Chen, 2023). The dog’s body, brain, and experiences work together, often creating a cycle—what happens to the dog affects its health, its cognition, which in turn affects its behaviour and emotional health. Picture it like a spinning wheel: once it’s in motion, it’s hard to stop without a big intervention. Studies show that the way a dog is raised, including how it’s cared for and socialized as a puppy, can have a huge impact on whether it becomes anxious or behaves well as an adult (Tiira & Lohi, 2015; DL Mai et al., 2021). It’s like planting a tree—the way it’s nurtured early on affects how strong and resilient it will grow.


The Family and Household Level: Trauma doesn’t just affect the dog in isolation; it seeps into the entire family dynamic (Zilcha-Mano et al., 2018). Imagine a stone being dropped into water—the ripples represent how trauma spreads through the household. Relationships between the dog and their caregivers can become strained, especially when trauma-induced behaviours—like aggression, withdrawal, or submission (Flint, H. et al., 2024) are misunderstood. Just as a misread message can lead to confusion between people, misunderstanding these behaviours can create frustration and tension. A chaotic or unpredictable home environment can act like fuel to the fire, reinforcing the dog’s trauma responses. On the other hand, a safe, structured environment—one with routines, predictability, and calmness, with trusted relationships - can help soothe and ease those responses, allowing the dog to feel more secure and relaxed.


The Social and Environmental Levels: Trauma affects a dog’s ability to interact with the world outside the home, influencing how they engage with other dogs, humans, and their response to external stimuli such as loud noises or unfamiliar environments (Claire, L. et al., 2024). In these cases, even a routine walk through the park can become a stressful experience, as the dog’s brain remains hyper-vigilant to perceived threats. However, Systems Thinking teaches us that resolving trauma isn’t just about changing behaviours on the surface. It involves creating a safe and supportive environment, both at home and in social settings (Claire, L, et al, 2024). The way a dog interacts with family members, the structure of the household, and social exposure all play critical roles in the recovery process. Think of each interaction as a transaction, where consistent, nurturing engagement fosters trust and reduces the dog’s fear-based reactions (Claire, L, et al., 2024; Philip, T, et al., 2019).


These are the top-level areas of focus, but there are other areas as well that we will briefly cover here. For further detailed review please refer to our Dog Parentology Podcast (ep. 3);


Genetic Level: Genetic predispositions can make some dogs more vulnerable to anxiety and stress, shaping their resilience to trauma. Certain breeds, for example, might be more prone to anxiety due to their genetic history.

Neurobiological Level: Trauma affects the brain’s neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and cortisol, which govern stress responses. This creates a ripple effect through the dog’s entire body, impacting everything from digestion to sleep patterns.

Community and Cultural Level: The broader environment, including access to veterinary care, societal attitudes toward dogs, and even noise levels in the neighborhood, can influence a dog’s recovery. For example, dogs living in high-stress urban environments may face additional trauma triggers compared to those in rural settings.

Environmental/Global Level: Climate or natural disasters, for example, could exacerbate trauma in a dog by drastically altering their routine or sense of security.


By understanding the entire system—how a dog’s genetics, neurobiological, brain, home environment, cultural, environmental and social experiences are all intertwined—we can design interventions that address the root causes of trauma. This holistic approach allows us to move beyond simply managing symptoms, focusing instead on helping dogs recover and rebuild emotional security from the inside out.


Human and Dog Trauma: Striking Similarities and Shared Pathways


When we talk about trauma, it’s easy to assume that it is a purely human experience, but dogs share many of the same cognitive and emotional disruptions. One of the most striking aspects of canine trauma is how closely it mirrors trauma in humans. In both species, trauma interferes with the ability to regulate emotions, control impulses, and form secure attachments. As a result, trauma’s effects are not only deeply felt but also widely visible in their behavior. For example, trauma often leads to heightened anxiety, emotional instability, and even aggression or withdrawal (Katembu, S, et al., 2023; Julsar, T. et al., 2024)


Drawing on research from both human and canine brains allows us to provide better, more empathetic care for traumatized dogs. Our approach of using character-based explanations for complex brain functions is grounded in scientific research on effective science communication. Studies have shown that storytelling engages both imagination and emotions, making scientific concepts more relatable and memorable (Martinez-Conde et al., 2019). Furthermore, non-directive communication forms, such as metaphors and narratives, have been shown to positively impact brain processing, facilitating better understanding (Kolenda-Sujecka, 2023). By applying these methods, we can explain complex neurological processes in a way that caregivers can easily comprehend and apply in their care for traumatized dogs.


Note: These characters provide an approachable way to understand brain functions, though actual neurological processes are far more complex. This method helps caregivers not only grasp how trauma affects their dog but effectively emphasizes the importance of addressing these brain systems during recovery.


By breaking down complex brain functions into understandable characters we have the following core characters:


Reggie (the Regulator): Reggie who represents the autonomic nervous system. Reggie's job is to regulate the body's involuntary functions, like heart rate and digestion, in response to stress or relaxation (Loget et al., 2014; Volkmann & Volkmann, 1986; Swardson, 1984).


Conrad (The Decision-Maker): Conrad represents the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which handles decision-making, impulse control, and higher-level thinking (Rodrigues et al., 2024). Normally, Conrad helps Tom (the emotional sensor) and Reggie (the regulator) stay balanced. But during trauma, Conrad struggles to control their overreactions, which mirrors how the prefrontal cortex and amygdala stop communicating properly in both humans and animals after trauma (Kredlow et al., 2021; Shin et al., 2006).


This breakdown in regulation is common across mammals (Shin et al., 2006), showing that the brain’s response to trauma is similar in humans and dogs. It also means that studying trauma in animals can offer valuable insights for humans, and treatments targeting these brain systems may help both recover. Trauma creates a state of heightened stress and difficulty with emotion regulation—key features of trauma-related disorders in both species.


Tom (the Emotional Sensor): Tom represents the amygdala. His job is to continuously scan the environment for potential threats. When Tom senses danger, he alerts Reggie to prepare the body for action, even if the danger is minimal. In dog’s with chronic stress, Tom is hyperactive, like an overactive amygdala, (Giotakos, 2020) (Kimble et al., 2023) (Lane & Reynolds, 2019).

Viv (the Vestibular System): Viv plays the part of the brain that helps control balance and spatial orientation and sleep (S. Besnard, 2018, T. Cronin 2017). Viv’s job is to keep the body steady and coordinated, ensuring that a dog can move smoothly through its environment. But when stress or trauma disrupts Viv’s function, a dog might feel disoriented, both physically and emotionally. In both humans and animals, this sense of imbalance can lead to feelings of instability, increasing anxiety and stress (Lopez, C., 2016).


Research has shown that activities that promote balance can help PTSD survivors regain a sense of control. Engaging the vestibular system through balance-based exercises can calm the nervous system, giving individuals a way to regulate both their body and emotions (Levine & Land, 2017). This suggests that, for both humans and dogs, working on balance is not just a physical exercise but a tool for emotional recovery, especially after trauma.


In both species, trauma often disrupts Tom (representing the limbic system and emotional sensor). When Tom (our emotional sensor) becomes overly sensitive, it's akin to an overactive amygdala, which has been observed in both humans and animals with PTSD (van der Kolk, 2000). Tom’s heightened reactivity means that even benign events can trigger fear and defensive behavior. Reggie acts on Tom’s signals, often overreacting by putting the body into a state of hypervigilance. This is why a traumatized dog may appear defensive or withdrawn in seemingly harmless situations—Reggie is in constant overdrive. Meanwhile, Conrad (the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control) struggles to regulate these extreme reactions, leading to impulsive behaviors. Finally, Viv (the vestibular system) represents the physical sense of balance. Under stress, Viv also struggles to maintain equilibrium, contributing to the dog’s physical and emotional instability (Hall, K, et al., 2024, Katembu, S, et al., 2023, Eko, S, et al., 2023).


Research shows that these same disruptions occur in humans. Just like dogs, humans with trauma struggle with emotional regulation, leading to behaviors such as aggression, avoidance, or impulsivity. Tom’s overactivity makes it difficult to distinguish between safe and unsafe situations, while Reggie’s hypervigilance keeps both species on edge, constantly expecting danger. Conrad, who would usually step in to moderate and guide rational decisions, often becomes overwhelmed in the face of this continuous stress, leading to a lack of control over impulses and emotions (Julsar, T, et al., 2024, Eko, S, et al, 2023).


Both dogs and humans share key brain structures that are involved in stress responses. For example, the hippocampus (managed by Tom) is crucial for memory and stress regulation. When trauma affects Tom, the hippocampus can no longer process safety cues accurately, leaving the dog in a cycle of hypervigilance. Conrad, the decision-maker, represents the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which is responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making. In both humans and dogs, trauma impairs the ability of the mPFC to function properly, resulting in impulsive and erratic behaviors (Hall, K, et al., 2024) Katembu,S, et al., 2023;, Kotrschal 2023). Lastly, Reggie, standing in for the HPA axis, regulates the release of stress hormones like cortisol. In both species, prolonged trauma keeps Reggie in a state of hypervigilance, contributing to long-term anxiety and emotional instability (Chen et al., 2023, Gnanadesikan et al., 2024).


Neuroplasticity and the Path to Recovery


Neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself, is essential to recovery from trauma in both humans and dogs (Maria Diţa,Libi Bubuioc, 2024) . Much like in humans, dogs can heal through positive experiences, secure social bonds, and therapeutic interventions. Just as a forest path becomes clearer the more it’s walked, repeated positive interactions help rewire the brain and reduce stress responses over time. This means that dogs can learn new, healthier ways to cope with stress when given the right environment and care.


Building secure bonds between dogs and their caregivers is key to this recovery process. Just as human relationships play a central role in emotional healing, a dog’s relationship with its caregiver can help reduce stress and foster resilience. Reggie can begin to relax, and Conrad regains the ability to make calm, rational decisions. This mirrors how strong, supportive human relationships can alleviate trauma-related symptoms and promote recovery (Julsar, T, et al., 2024; Eko, S, et al.,2024).


In both species, social support enhances resilience. Whether it’s a child relying on family members or a dog bonding with its caregiver, these connections help provide emotional stability and reduce the long-term effects of trauma. However, while dogs process trauma more instinctively and emotionally, humans’ more advanced prefrontal cortices offer additional pathways for cognitive processing and therapeutic intervention. Still, the underlying stress responses—heightened by Reggie and Tom—remain strikingly similar across both species (Eko, S, et al.,2024).


By drawing on research across both species, we can help dogs recover more effectively, especially by humanizing complex brain functions through relatable characters like Reggie, Conrad, Tom, and Viv. This approach gives dog parents a clearer understanding of what’s happening in their dog’s brain and equips them with the knowledge to support their dog’s recovery (Katembu, S, et al., 2023, Cimarelli, G, et al., 2024).


Addressing Trauma Through a Systems Approach


To truly help dogs recover from trauma, we must adopt Systems Thinking, which takes into account the multi-layered effects of trauma on the brain, body, emotions, and environment. This approach goes beyond focusing solely on the dog’s visible behaviours to understanding the root causes behind them—such as how trauma affects the dog’s predictive processing, emotional regulation, and ability to form relationships.


One of the most effective tools in this process is the Bio-Coloured Framework, which helps us understand how trauma traps dogs in either the Red Pathway (fear and reactivity) or the Blue Pathway (withdrawal and freeze response). Many traumatised dogs fail to access the White Pathway, which provides a pause for uncertainty and allows caregivers to intervene effectively before the dog moves into a reactive state. The goal is to guide the dog to the Green Pathway, where they can feel calm, socially engaged, and safe. However, achieving this goal requires addressing the entire system around the dog, including neurobiological impacts, family dynamics, social interactions, and environmental consistency.


By adopting Systems Thinking and utilizing these frameworks, we can create recovery plans that address trauma more comprehensively. This holistic approach not only helps dogs heal but also strengthens the caregiver-dog relationship, fostering the secure bonds that are essential for the dog’s well-being. In addition, this process helps caregivers improve their dog’s executive function and prediction accuracy, critical components of trauma recovery. To assist in this recovery journey, we introduce the NeuroBalance Wheel as a new tool.


The NeuroBalance Wheel: A Comprehensive Systems Gauge for Canine Emotional Resilience and Behavioural Stability


The NeuroBalance Wheel is a brain-based tool designed to gauge and improve a dog’s executive function capabilities by addressing the root causes of behavioural instability, particularly in traumatised dogs. This model, grounded in neuroscience, systems thinking, and canine psychology, integrates physiological, emotional, and social components to promote the development of positive neural pathways, emotional regulation, and resilience.


Charlie Finding Renewed Hope and Stability


Through a real-life case study of Charlie, a rescue dog, we can see how each factor in the NeuroBalance Wheel plays a crucial role in improving executive function and emotional health. Grounded in neuroscience, this gauge assesses six key factors that influence a dog’s ability to self-regulate and navigate stress.


A quick reminder for our loyal readers: we have intergrated the above-mentioned Brain Characters—Reggie (the regulatory system), Tom (the emotional sensor), Conrad (the decision-maker), and Viv (the vestibular system). These characters will appear throughout the article to help readers understand the brain’s role in trauma and recovery.

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The Six Factors of the NeuroBalance Wheel


The wheel consists of six key factors— Impulse Control, Body Regulation, Social Connection and Support, Delayed Gratification, Cognitive Development, and Cognitive Flexibility— each representing a key element of a dog’s behavioural and emotional health. These factors can either manifest positively through Top-Down processes, led by Conrad, or show signs of stress and imbalance through Bottom-Up responses, managed by Tom. These areas are interconnected, and when balanced, they foster emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility, reducing maladaptive behaviours such as aggression, anxiety, or hypervigilance.


In the next section of this article, we’ll explore each factor individually, reviewing what dog parents can expect to observe from both perspectives: Top-Down and Bottom-Up. We’ll highlight the behaviors associated with Top-Down regulation, where the dog is calm, focused, and responsive, versus Bottom-Up reactions, where stress and imbalance lead to impulsive or anxious behaviors. To illustrate these concepts, we’ll follow the case of Charlie, a dog who experienced significant behavioral challenges, and show how each factor of the NeuroBalance Wheel played a role in his recovery. This structured approach will provide dog parents with practical insights into identifying where their dog falls on the spectrum and how to support their emotional and behavioral balance.


When Charlie arrived at our practice, his behaviours were a significant concern. His anxiety increased over the course of the day when alone, cresting into pacing, whining and destructive behaviour. This reaction wasn’t due to separation, per se; it was a result of his anxiety founded in past trauma of unpredictability, creating an intolerance to uncertainty. Charlie lived with another family dog, who was ill, blind and had seizures. When left alone, it took approximately 1.5-2 hours for the behaviour to begin.


Using the NeuroBalance Wheel to gauge areas of development, we helped Charlie to find ways to strengthen his executive functioning on all six factors, and helped him to manage his restlessness and reduce his overall anxiety.


1. Impulse Control

• Top-Down:
What Dog Parents See: The dog pauses and thinks before reacting to a trigger. For example, rather than barking at the doorbell immediately, the dog looks to the caregiver for cues.

• Bottom-Up:
What Dog Parents See: Immediate, instinctual reactions to stimuli, like lunging or barking uncontrollably at small triggers.


Charlie's Case:


We focused on developing Charlie’s impulse control by identifying key areas for growth through the NeuroBalance Wheel. Utilizing Sensory-Based Positive Experiences and Balance Exercises (SPE&BE), Charlie engaged in activities like structured hikes, scent trails, and sensory engagement games. These exercises helped him transition into the white pathway, a state of indecision where he was thinking more before reacting. While many traumatized dogs quickly move into either the red pathway (reactive/aggressive) or blue pathway (shutdown/freeze), the white pathway showed that Charlie was starting to process his experiences more thoughtfully. This moment of indecision provided Pauline and Hugh with the opportunity to intervene with guidance, using past positive experiences to help him pause and make better choices. Through consistent calming intervention during these white pathway moments, Charlie eventually began shifting into the green pathway more quickly and more often, where he became calmer, more focused, and emotionally balanced. This progression significantly reduced his impulsive behaviours and improved his overall emotional regulation.


2. Body Regulation

• Top-Down:
What Dog Parents See: The dog moves calmly and with control, such as walking peacefully on a leash or sitting calmly at home.

• Bottom-Up:
What Dog Parents See: Frantic, uncontrolled movement, such as zoomies or pacing when anxious, destructiveness.


Charlie's Case:


Charlie’s early trauma, including a broken hip, contributed to his heightened stress levels and lack of body regulation. His nervous system was constantly on high alert. By using balance exercises—like walking on uneven surfaces—we engaged Charlie’s physical and vestibular systems to help him regain control over his body. This reduced his physical restlessness and helped him feel more secure.


3. Asking for Assistance

• Top-Down:
What Dog Parents See: The dog checks in with the caregiver when uncertain, using eye contact or gentle nudges to ask for guidance.

• Bottom-Up:
What Dog Parents See: The dog isolates, avoids help, or tries to manage stress independently, often leading to more anxiety.


Charlie's Case:


Charlie struggled with seeking help when stressed. Initially, he would quickly move into either the red pathway (reactive/aggressive) or the blue pathway (withdrawal/shutdown) when faced with stress, leaving no room for consideration or help-seeking. Bella’s unpredictable behavior worsened his anxiety, leading to hyper-vigilance and causing him to bypass the opportunity for calm decision-making. Pauline and Hugh misinterpreted his behavior, assuming he was managing on his own, when in fact, he was overwhelmed by stress and unable to rely on them.


Through co-regulation techniques, Pauline and Hugh learned how to recognize Charlie’s triggers and intervene at critical moments. Over time, as Charlie’s executive function began to develop and he learned that his dog parents were reliable sources of support, he started to experience the white pathway—a state of indecision where he was able to think more before reacting. This gave Pauline and Hugh opportunities to offer guidance, helping Charlie move toward the green pathway, where he could calmly seek help through eye contact and other calm behaviors when stressed.


4. Delayed Gratification

• Top-Down:
What Dog Parents See: The dog patiently waits for a rewards or praise, understanding that cooperation will lead to a positive outcome.

• Bottom-Up:
What Dog Parents See: The dog reacts impulsively, grabbing food or barking immediately when they want something.


Charlie's Case:
Charlie struggled with delayed gratification, driven by the unpredictability of his environment. The irregular schedules of Pauline and Hugh, combined with the stress of Bella’s condition, made Charlie react impulsively, unable to wait for rewards. His anxiety conditioned him to expect instability, making delayed gratification impossible. To address this, we introduced structured routines, with verbal and sensory cues, that allowed Charlie to anticipate positive outcomes calmly. With consistent patterns, he began to understand that rewards were predictable and didn’t require immediate action. Over time, his ability to wait grew, reducing his stress and helping him move from impulsive behaviors to a more balanced emotional state.


5. Working Memory

• Top-Down:
What Dog Parents See: The dog retains important lessons and behaviors that have been taught.

• Bottom-Up:
What Dog Parents See: The dog forgets previous lesson, requiring constant reminders and recurring teaching requirements.


Charlie's Case:
Charlie had difficulty retaining lessons, especially under stress. He would forget ways he had been taught to cope when overwhelmed, making consistent behaviour nearly impossible. Through Sensory-Based Positive Experiences and Balance Exercises (SPE&BE), we established trust between Charlie with his caregivers. The trust through co-regulation, allowed guidance and experiences to become predictable and retainable, which gradually strengthened his working memory. With improved working memory, Charlie could recall these lessons during stressful situations, leading to better emotional and behavioural regulation.


6. Cognitive Flexibility

• Top-Down:
What Dog Parents See: The dog adapts to new situations or environments with ease, handling change without stress.

• Bottom-Up:
What Dog Parents See: The dog becomes rigid and stressed by changes, reacting poorly to new people, environments, or routines.


Charlie's Case:
Charlie’s anxiety made it difficult for him to cope with changes in routine, particularly due to the unpredictable nature of Bella’s seizures and the inconsistent schedules of Pauline and Hugh. He often became anxious and reactive when his environment shifted unexpectedly. To address this, we introduced increased physical exercise, along with balance exercises and structured sensory experiences, such as scent tracking during hikes. These activities helped Charlie improve his ability to adapt to new situations, such as occasional stays at daycare, without experiencing excessive stress.


Applying the Systems Thinking NeuroBalance Wheel in Charlie’s Case


Initially, Charlie’s behavior was misunderstood as separation anxiety. However, by applying Systems Thinking, we uncovered that multiple interconnected factors were contributing to his anxiety and impulsiveness. His trauma, Bella’s seizure disorder, and the way Pauline interacted with him all reinforced the cycle of stress he was trapped in.


Focusing on the NeuroBalance Wheel as a tool to gauge areas for development, alongside several other support structures—such as Sensory-Based Positive Experiences (SPE&BE), co-regulation techniques, and personalized lessons for both Charlie and his caregivers—we were able to address his anxiety holistically.


By integrating these methods, Pauline and Hugh became active participants in Charlie’s recovery. They learned to regulate their own emotions and provide consistent, calm guidance through stress. Over time, with the consistent application of the NeuroBalance Wheel, Charlie developed better impulse control, body regulation, and cognitive flexibility, leading to long-term emotional stability.


The NeuroBalance Wheel as a Gauge for Change


The NeuroBalance Wheel is not just a tool for diagnosing behavior; it’s a gauge for understanding and guiding a dog’s emotional recovery. By breaking down the behaviors into six manageable factors, dog parents can observe where their dog needs the most support and apply tailored interventions. Just as we did with Charlie, caregivers can help their dogs shift from Bottom-Up reactivity to Top-Down control, building stronger, healthier relationships based on trust and cooperation.


If your dog, like Charlie, is struggling with behaviors that seem insurmountable, using the NeuroBalance Wheel as a guide can provide clarity and direction. For more detailed insights into the earlier version of these strategies, check out our podcast, where we explore each factor in depth. While the NeuroBalance Wheel has since evolved, the foundational techniques and tips discussed are still highly applicable and can be used at home

Reviewing the case of Charlie is helpful in seeing how one of many dogs, showed significant recovery, when dog parents used the NeuroBalance Wheel to assess and plan for areas of development impairments in their dog’s brain. It illustrates the significant improvements in emotional stability, cognitive flexibility, body regulation, and enhanced capacity for social engagement. This is particularly true for traumatized dogs, where resilience often hinges on reconstructing emotional security through relational and environmental consistency.


The NeuroBalance Wheel represents a pioneering approach in canine psychology, weaving together elements of neurobiology, systems theory, and behavioural science. These scientific principles translate directly into daily practices, such as how caregivers can support their dog’s emotional recovery through consistent co-regulation. By addressing the interconnected components of physiology, emotion, cognition, and social connection, it offers a robust framework for promoting emotional health and behavioural stability in dogs. The caregiver’s role in co-regulation, paired with structured sensory-based exercises, ensures that dogs not only recover from traumatic experiences but thrive in their relationships and environments. Through this balanced approach, the NeuroBalance Wheel positions itself as an essential tool for canine psychologists, behaviourists, and caregivers working with traumatized and rescued dogs.


The Role of the Caregiver in the NeuroBalance Wheel


One of the unique elements of the NeuroBalance Wheel is its emphasis on the role of the caregiver in supporting the dog’s recovery and behavioural health. Caregivers are not passive observers but active participants in co-regulation. It is why the term, ‘dog parent’ was established in our practice, to ensure accountability to participate and develop the dog. They provide the structure and emotional support needed to recalibrate the dog’s neurobiological responses. Techniques such as the SPE&BE (Sensory-Based Positive Experience and Balance Exercise) further empower caregivers to provide experiences that soothe and engage the dog's neural pathways constructively.


Applications and Outcomes


The NeuroBalance Wheel has been particularly effective in treating dogs with complex behavioural challenges such as chronic aggression, separation-related disorders, generalized anxiety and fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder. By systematically addressing the various physiological, emotional, and cognitive aspects of a dog’s behaviour, the gauge moves beyond traditional training methods, which often focus on symptom management or surface-level causation, to deeper investigative root causes.

Trauma in dogs is far more complex than surface-level behaviours like aggression or anxiety. It disrupts the brain’s predictive processing and executive functions, affecting every layer of the dog’s life—from their internal biology to their relationships and environment. Using Systems Thinking, the BioColoured Framework, and the NeuroBalance Wheel, we can not only understand the depth of trauma and how it mirrors trauma in humans, but we can clearly see the gaps and bridge them. This means helping dogs from emotional dysregulation, impaired impulse control, and difficulties forming secure relationships. By addressing these interconnected factors through empathy-based, trauma-informed care, we can help dogs recover and lead healthier, more secure lives. As we continue to refine the NeuroBalance Wheel, its potential to transform canine behavior and emotional health becomes clearer. With ongoing research and practice, this framework will only deepen our understanding of dogs and their recovery, offering even more tailored support for traumatized and rescued dogs.


What You Can Do Now


In veterinary offices, training centers, and homes alike, the challenges of working with dogs who exhibit persistent behavioral issues can feel daunting. Whether it’s chronic aggression, separation-related anxiety, or generalized fear, the solution often lies deeper than surface-level symptoms. That’s where the NeuroBalance Wheel and Systems Thinking come into play.


For vets, the NeuroBalance Wheel serves as a gauge—a practical tool that helps pinpoint where a dog needs support in their emotional and behavioral recovery. It goes beyond simple diagnostics. It provides an ongoing measure of the dog’s progress, allowing veterinary professionals to recommend interventions that target emotional stability, cognitive flexibility, and physiological regulation. When used in combination with the Systems Thinking framework, vets can better understand the multifaceted issues affecting a dog’s behavior—whether it’s rooted in their environment, relationships, or internal biology. This collaborative approach, integrating medical care with behavioral recovery, sets the stage for long-term success.


Similarly, for dog professionals, Systems Thinking offers a way to break free from traditional behavior management techniques that often only scratch the surface. By looking at the bigger picture, trainers and behaviorists can assess how a dog’s emotions, cognition, social connections, and environment interrelate. Instead of focusing solely on symptoms, Systems Thinking delves into the root causes, guiding more effective and compassionate behavior plans.


Once these root causes are identified, the NeuroBalance Wheel becomes the key to monitoring progress. As professionals track a dog’s recovery, they can see how interventions, sensory-based exercises, and co-regulation practices improve emotional health, enhance cognitive flexibility, and restore physiological balance. Every step of progress moves the gauge, offering reassurance that the approach is working. And when these methods help dogs like Charlie move from reactive responses to regulated, secure behaviors, we start to see the true power of this integrated approach.


But the role of the caregiver—the dog parent—cannot be overlooked. Our practice introduced the term ‘dog parent’ for a reason. It’s not just about caring for your dog but taking on an active role in their emotional recovery. Systems Thinking reveals how deeply your relationship with your dog affects their well-being. By providing structure, emotional support, and co-regulation, you help your dog recalibrate their neurobiological responses, ultimately steering them toward recovery.


The NeuroBalance Wheel, when used at home, becomes a tool to gauge your dog’s recovery progress. It offers a way to see where your dog needs more support and provides clarity on how to address those needs. And for those feeling overwhelmed by their dog’s behavior, this gauge can be the key to unlocking a better understanding, giving you the confidence to help your dog through their emotional struggles.


This brings us to a critical part of our mission: keeping dogs in homes. Too many dogs are surrendered because their caregivers feel they can no longer manage their behavior. By educating dog parents, vets, and professionals on how to use the NeuroBalance Wheel and the Systems Thinking framework, we are shifting this narrative. Persistent behavior problems don’t have to lead to surrender. With the right tools, dogs can recover, and caregivers can feel empowered to support that recovery.


For those looking to delve deeper, our Dog Parentology Podcast provides detailed insights into how these methods work, and how you, as a dog parent or professional, can be part of this mission. It’s not just about listening. It’s about becoming part of a community that believes in the potential for dogs, even those with the most persistent behavioral challenges, to thrive in loving homes.


By applying Systems Thinking, using the NeuroBalance Wheel as a gauge, and embracing the role of active co-regulation, we can make real, lasting change. Together, we can reduce surrender rates and keep dogs where they belong—at home, thriving in relationships built on trust and cooperation.


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)


( Did I use AI to write this blog? See below)


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Did I Use AI to Generate This Blog?


Yes I did and 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 often slightly chaotic thoughts, ideas and innovative connections into sentences that actually make sense. I do my own research but use AI to help ensure I don't have gaps in my understanding and also, understanding where a paper may be flawed in its interpretations of its research outcomes. 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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