Canines and Chemistry

Dopamine, Serotonin, and Cortisol: How These Hormones Affect Your Dog’s Behaviour

When we think about dog training and behaviour, we often focus on cues, consistency, and clear communication. But what about the chemistry behind it all? Your dog’s behaviour is deeply influenced by hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol, which play a vital role in their emotional and mental state. Understanding these can give us incredible insights into how dogs learn, respond, and thrive.

Dopamine: The Reward Hormone

Dopamine is central to motivation and learning. When your dog achieves something rewarding—whether it’s mastering a trick, receiving a tasty treat, or enjoying your praise—dopamine is released. This hormone strengthens the association between the action and the positive outcome, encouraging your dog to repeat the behaviour.

Why it matters:
In training, using positive reinforcement (reward-based methods) harnesses the power of dopamine. When your dog understands that sitting politely or walking calmly leads to something enjoyable, dopamine helps embed this as a desirable habit.

Serotonin: The Feel-Good Hormone

Serotonin helps regulate mood, social behaviour, and a sense of calm. High serotonin levels contribute to a relaxed, content dog, while low levels may be linked to anxiety or reactivity. Activities like exercise, consistent routines, and even positive social interactions can boost serotonin production in dogs.

Why it matters:
Building trust, creating a predictable environment, and providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation help increase serotonin. Dogs that feel safe and secure are less likely to develop problem behaviours.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Cortisol is released when a dog feels stressed or anxious. In short bursts, it’s a helpful hormone, preparing the body to handle challenging situations. However, prolonged or frequent spikes in cortisol can lead to chronic stress, impacting your dog’s overall health and behaviour.

Why it matters:
Excessive barking, destructive behaviours, or fear-based reactions may indicate a dog experiencing chronic stress. Identifying triggers and helping your dog manage them through desensitisation or calming strategies can reduce cortisol levels.

Bringing It All Together

When working with your dog, it’s important to aim for balance:

• Boost dopamine by rewarding positive behaviours.
• Encourage serotonin production through regular exercise, enrichment activities, and consistent routines.
• Minimise cortisol spikes by avoiding punishment-based training methods and addressing stress triggers with patience and compassion.

Practical Tips for Supporting Your Dog’s Emotional Health

1. Reward the good: Reinforce behaviours you want to see more of, using treats, praise, or toys to trigger dopamine.
2. Routine matters: Dogs thrive on predictability. Regular feeding, walks, and downtime help maintain serotonin levels but not too rigid. - We need flex in routine to prevent changes causing anxiety
3. Address stress early: Watch for signs of stress, such as panting, pacing, or whining, and respond with calming activities like sniffing games or quiet time in a safe space.
4. Focus on positivity: Avoid punishment or aversive methods, as these can increase cortisol and undermine trust.

Understanding the role of dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol helps us tailor training and care to each dog’s needs. By working with your dog’s natural chemistry, we can nurture their confidence, reduce stress, and build a stronger, happier bond.

If you’re looking for advice on supporting your dog’s emotional wellbeing or addressing specific behaviours, I’d be happy to help—just get in touch.