Behavior Problems in Dogs by William E. Campbell

Author:William E. Campbell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Dogwise
Published: 2011-08-13T00:00:00+00:00

Perceptions and Mental Images

These findings provide insight into canine thought processes. Most of us can envision, say, a loved one, even with our eyes open. Further, we can usually “hear” the sound of their voice as they say our name. It is also possible to create such mental images regarding emotionally pleasant or unpleasant experiences. For instance, I can vividly envision my first bicycle, as well as the wild-eyed motorcyclist who separated my knee joint one day. Such mental images are etched in all our memories.

The term “perception” refers to the sensory information that registers in our brain, as well as the way we interpret this information. “Images” are what we retain and can readily recall of those perceptions, including all of their sensory elements. Some images (memories) can be repressed beyond conscious recall, such as often happens after traumatic experiences.

Such imagery is not limited to incoming sensory perceptions. It also includes emotions stimulated by the original perceptions. For example, we can recall and feel again the happiness of seeing a loved one after their absence, or the sadness of hearing about another’s death. By the same token, I readily re-experience the anger, though at a reduced level, I felt if I recall a man I once saw whipping his dog.

Mental images associated with painful experiences may not be accompanied by actual pain, but they can produce negative emotional impressions. On the other hand, recalling a favorite comedian may not actually make us laugh, but we will usually feel emotionally positive. It is these positive and negative emotional aspects that have an important effect on dog behavior and behavioral problems, as we will see.

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