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A Dog’s Emotional Cup

Every dog has a cup that needs to be filled- with social connection, security, access to reinforcers, and enrichment.

Some dogs seem to have a full cup most of the time, either because of a genetic pre-disposition, or because they have learned good ways to get a refill.

Most things that dogs do are completely normal-including the annoying stuff, like DIGGING up the garden, CHASING cats, or BARKING at the mailman. But all dogs show signs of stress when their cups get near empty.

[Image: A happy yellow dog with floppy ears sits in a white mug, paws propped on the rim.]

Signs your dog may be coping with an empty cup

hoarding resources, over-protective

over-reacting, or shutting down when exposed to new things

restlessness

slow to recover from exciting events

changes in appetite

escalating behaviors to get something or to get away from something

increased grumpiness, or flare-ups

intense social appeasement

What refills a dog’s cup:

[Image: A white dog with orange spots happily digs a hole in soil, sending flowers flying. There is an upright mug with a hearth on it.]

Doing Dog Things: SNIFFING, CHEWING, FORAGING, BARKING, DIGGING, PLAYING

Being included in the family (dogs/humans)

Freedom to move

Freedom to make choices

Ability to control outcomes and get reinforcers

Unconditional love and attention

Good health: nourishing food, no parasites, etc.

Having a safe, quiet place to rest

Predictable routines and interactions

Getting to do things a dog loves to do

What empties a dog’s cup:

[Image: An orange dog opens its mouth towards an upside down mug, from which a single drop gas spilled.]

Social isolation

Long periods of confinement with no enrichment

Poor nutrition, untreated illness, or pain

Denied access to reinforcers

Scary or unpredictable reactions from important humans

Over-stimulation (over-exercised) or not enough

Set up to fail, and then punished for it

No preparation for challenging situations

Unclear training: not knowing how to get reinforcement

No one responding when expressing a need

Too much "impulse control" (i.e. no sniffing, no eating, no exploring, no barking, no doing Dog Things) for too much of the day

Words by Sarah Owings, Art by Lili Chin, Inspired by THE EMOTIONAL CUP by Upbility