Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals

The core emotional systems are the “blue-ribbon” systems that drive all animal and human behavior. They have been the subject of extensive scientific research, although the author argues that these systems can be better understood and implemented by pet owners, commercial animal operations, zoo handlers, and wildlife researchers. The first core emotional system she identifies is fear. Fear alerts animals to the presence of danger and can keep them safe from predation. It tells animals when they or their young are at risk and can motivate them to either fight or flee. Different animals experience fear differently: A horse may become easily startled by rapid movement in their peripheral vision, while a predatory animal like a large cat might respond to the fear by fighting. 

The second system is rage. Animals experience rage when they are caged or confined. Some animals, like dogs that have been crate-trained, might not experience rage in this context , but it is helpful for anyone who owns, studies, handles, or raises an animal to understand how and when an animal is likely to experience a rage trigger. 

Panic is the third core emotional system. Animals, including humans, experience panic when they are alone, abandoned, or left behind by their social groups.