According to Jaak Panksepp, the mammalian brain has seven distinct emotional systems. SEEKING is a background system which contributes to the actualising of the other systems, providing motivation and drive. Of the remain six systems, three lead to aversive sensations – FEAR, GRIEF and RAGE and three lead to pleasurable sensations – CARE, LUST and PLAY. (The emotional systems are written in block capitals to differentiate the system from the emotion). As neuroscience progresses it is becoming more apparent that Panksepp’s theory is an over-simplification of our biology and there is far more overlap and nuance than he claims. However, as a framework, I believe his work is valuable, providing a valid structure from which to hang behavioural work and training.

Originally, PLAY was named social joy by Panksepp, hence its relevance to the name of this business. Some researchers have identified this system as the most important emotional system. So why is PLAY so vital for the well-being of a mammal?

PLAY is a critically important system physically for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps with developing balance and dexterity. It provides a safe context in which young animals can practice vital practical skills such as pouncing, chasing and climbing. In young animals, it is also essential for the healthy wiring of the brain, maintaining neural plasticity. Neuroplasticity, or changes in the nerve network found in the brain, it a vital physical component of learning indicating how vital PLAY is when training animals. PLAY speeds up recovery of both physical and emotional sickness and decelerates the aging process. It generates laughter which is an indication of overall well-being. In experiments where rats were tickled, although the sound waves were at a frequency outside of humans’ capacity to hear, their laughter was registered as activity in a deep area of a brain. In these experiments, these tickled rats demonstrated a positive association with the scientist who tickled them, suggesting that PLAY supports social connections.

PLAY also supports the learning of life skills like self-confidence, impulse control and flexibility which is one reason why so much of the training I offer is games-based, and promotes social well-being. It encourages cooperation between animals, building relationships and maintaining complex social bonds.

Emotionally, PLAY cannot occur if FEAR, RAGE or GRIEF is activated and therefore acts as a useful diagnosis tool on how an animal is feeling; if he won’t play with his favourite toy, he is probably feeling something aversive (or is in physical pain). When PLAY does occur, it promotes confidence and social independence.

It also just feels good.

This is due to the neurochemicals which are released when an animal plays and the subsequent social connections which are formed, reducing stress and bringing joy.

A key feature of my work is the inclusion of games to support learning. Of course, the terms ‘games’ and ‘play’ are used fairly loosely, but nevertheless, the importance of PLAY is central. By utilising this biological system, using games allows learning to occur in a way that the dog and owners enjoy, without the tension and frustration associated with some alternative approaches to dog training. This is motivating for everyone but it also protects and promotes your relationship with your dog building trust and, in my view, this is what it’s about!

So, this business is not named ‘Dogs with Joy’ just as a cute play on words. There is a more scientific reason behind the name, supporting my overall philosophy that dogs and their owners should have joy and this can be achieved through a positive, trust-based relationship and learning which is fun, motivating and effective.