Episode 9: If you think you are working on emotions you are wrong

June 29, 2023

Gosia Królicka

Welcome to the ninth episode of the AGA podcast! I know catchy title! But it was all on purpose, to draw your attention to this important topic. Too often we use superficial references to the brain, neurobiology. As trainers, we have little knowledge on this topic. When we talk about emotions we make assumptions and risk errors.  To change sensation first focus on changing the contingency that is facilitating it. Always operationalize what you mean when you say “he is angry”. otherwise “angry” is just another label. It’s not debatable that animals experience sensations, emotions, and present emotional behaviors. But the meaning of these sensations is what we, humans, are adding into it. Always operationalize what you mean when you say “he is angry”. otherwise “angry” is just another label. Labels won’t help you solve problems. They are just muddying the waters.  I hope that this episode will you “emotional about emotions” and help you look into his topic from the perspective of how we can use this knowledge to help our animals! See you in two weeks! In the meantime… BEHAVE yourself!