Training Animals and Nutrition - What's the Connection?

Many studies have shown a direct correlation between diet and academic performance in children so no one is questioning that a good diet equals better grades. Although little scientific research has been done on the relationship between dog nutrition and training, there is ample anecdotal evidence that the relationship between feeding and performance is not true, and research done is sufficiently convincing that dog trainers and dog behavior should not ignore that connection.

Animal diets affect his ability to learn because his diet affects his brain's efficiency, especially the body's neurotransmitters. A neurotransmitter is an electrical chemical secretion that transmits direction from cell to cell. There are several types of neurotransmitters and each has different effects on animal behavior. The dog produces neurotransmitters with the help of essential nutrients obtained through a regular diet. Dopamine and serotonin are two major neurotransmitters. Dopamine is used by the dog's body to help regulate motor skills, attention, reinforcement and reaction time and it has an effect on the mood of the brain where "good feelings" originate. Serotonin helps regulate arousal levels and helps control feelings and sensations of pain.

When animals are in poor quality or inadequate diets, especially if they are unwell, the body becomes depressed. Dogs can actually be less nutritious even if they receive a good amount of food if they are given low quality food. Low quality foods use ingredients like corn and fillers that can reduce serotonin levels in the brain due to low tryptophan and high tyrosine. The body requires tryptophan to help produce serotonin and dopamine while tyrosine inhibits serotonin production. It is also important that animals are provided with high quality food and complete nutrition to ensure that all essential amino acids are provided to the body. Amino acids affect neurotransmitter integration. If the neurotransmitter becomes unbalanced then the chemical balance in the brain will be affected which will affect the mood, urge, reactivity and control of animal impulses.

Dog Trainers need to understand that if the neurotransmitter releases too much dopamine then the animal can become restless, impulsive and more reactive. On the other hand, if the level of dopamine is too low, the animal may become reactive. Similarly, too little serotonin can cause behavior, obsession and difficulty in learning and can also reduce animal impulse control. Low impulse control can lead to frustration. When animals are frustrated, they are less able to prevent aggression. Studies show that lowering serotonin can actually increase aggressive behavior.

Therefore, when training dogs, especially when dealing with behavioral problems, always consider the whole dog, a holistic approach. Consider diet, the environment, general health and any other factors that may influence its behavior. And by ensuring that your customers are fed high quality foods, you can reduce the likelihood that your diet works against you.

------------------