The Power of Choice:
Why Letting Your Dog Decide Is a Game-Changer
29th June 2025
What’s the Big Deal About Choice?
Imagine if someone else decided when you ate, where you walked, who you talked to, and when you were allowed to go to the loo. Bit grim, right?
That’s often a dog’s daily reality.
But when we give dogs choices, we’re not just being kind. When we give choice, we’re supporting their mental health, emotional regulation, and learning capacity.
The Brainy Bit: What Happens When Dogs Get to Choose?
When dogs are given agency, their brains release a cocktail of feel-good chemicals:
Key Neurotransmitters Involved
Neurotransmitter, its Role in Learning & Emotion, and What It Feels Like for the Dog
Dopamine
Reinforces behaviours that lead to rewards. Released when dogs make a choice and get a positive outcome.
“That worked! I want to do that again.”
Serotonin
Regulates mood, anxiety, and impulse control. Higher levels = calmer, more emotionally stable dogs.
“I feel safe and balanced.”
Oxytocin
Strengthens social bonds and trust. Released during positive interactions and shared decision-making.
“I love being with you.”
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
Inhibits over-arousal and supports calm focus. Helps dogs stay regulated during training.
“I’m chill and ready to learn.”
Brain Regions Activated by Choice in Dogs
Brain Region, Function and Why it matters
Prefrontal Cortex
Decision-making, impulse control, working memory
This is the “executive” part of the brain. It helps dogs weigh options, predict outcomes, and regulate behaviour—essential for learning through choice.
Basal Ganglia (especially the striatum)
Motivation, reward processing
This area is rich in dopamine receptors. It lights up when dogs anticipate or receive a reward, reinforcing behaviours they chose themselves.
Amygdala
Emotional processing, especially fear and arousal
When choice reduces stress or gives a sense of control, the amygdala becomes less reactive which results in support of emotional regulation.
Hippocampus
Memory formation and spatial navigation
Dogs remember which choices led to good outcomes. This region helps them learn from experience and build confidence.
Olfactory Bulb
Scent processing
Especially active during scentwork-based choice tasks. It’s not just about smell, it’s about decision-making through environmental cues.
Supporting Research
So when we give dogs the freedom to choose, whether it’s a toy, a route, or a training game, we’re not just being kind. We’re literally lighting up the parts of their brain that support learning, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Imagine if someone else decided when you ate, where you walked, who you talked to, and when you were allowed to go to the loo. Bit grim, right?
That’s often a dog’s daily reality.
But when we give dogs choices, we’re not just being kind. When we give choice, we’re supporting their mental health, emotional regulation, and learning capacity.
The Brainy Bit: What Happens When Dogs Get to Choose?
When dogs are given agency, their brains release a cocktail of feel-good chemicals:
Key Neurotransmitters Involved
Neurotransmitter, its Role in Learning & Emotion, and What It Feels Like for the Dog
Dopamine
Reinforces behaviours that lead to rewards. Released when dogs make a choice and get a positive outcome.
“That worked! I want to do that again.”
Serotonin
Regulates mood, anxiety, and impulse control. Higher levels = calmer, more emotionally stable dogs.
“I feel safe and balanced.”
Oxytocin
Strengthens social bonds and trust. Released during positive interactions and shared decision-making.
“I love being with you.”
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
Inhibits over-arousal and supports calm focus. Helps dogs stay regulated during training.
“I’m chill and ready to learn.”
Brain Regions Activated by Choice in Dogs
Brain Region, Function and Why it matters
Prefrontal Cortex
Decision-making, impulse control, working memory
This is the “executive” part of the brain. It helps dogs weigh options, predict outcomes, and regulate behaviour—essential for learning through choice.
Basal Ganglia (especially the striatum)
Motivation, reward processing
This area is rich in dopamine receptors. It lights up when dogs anticipate or receive a reward, reinforcing behaviours they chose themselves.
Amygdala
Emotional processing, especially fear and arousal
When choice reduces stress or gives a sense of control, the amygdala becomes less reactive which results in support of emotional regulation.
Hippocampus
Memory formation and spatial navigation
Dogs remember which choices led to good outcomes. This region helps them learn from experience and build confidence.
Olfactory Bulb
Scent processing
Especially active during scentwork-based choice tasks. It’s not just about smell, it’s about decision-making through environmental cues.
Supporting Research
- The prefrontal cortex and striatum are activated during reward-based learning and voluntary behaviour in dogs, similar to findings in humans and rodents.
- Studies using fMRI in awake dogs show that dopaminergic pathways (like those in the basal ganglia) are engaged when dogs anticipate rewards from self-initiated actions.
- Emotional regulation through predictability and control has been linked to reduced amygdala activation and increased serotonin levels, supporting calmness and resilience.
So when we give dogs the freedom to choose, whether it’s a toy, a route, or a training game, we’re not just being kind. We’re literally lighting up the parts of their brain that support learning, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Why Choice Matters in Training
When dogs are allowed to make decisions, they:
How to Build Choice Into Training (Without Chaos)
1. Reward-Based Training
Let your dog choose to offer behaviours rather than being forced or coerced into them. When they sit, lie down, or look at you voluntarily, capture and reward it! This taps into the dopamine system and builds positive associations. Be aware when using lures that some dogs will be so motivated by food, they will put themselves in to uncomfortable situations before reasling.
2. Movement Puzzles
These are coordination games where dogs navigate cones, platforms, or cavaletti at their own pace.
They build body awareness, problem-solving skills, and confidence.
Movement puzzles activate the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control.
3. Nosework
Let your dog’s nose lead the way! Nosework taps into their natural instincts and gives them full control over how they search. It’s mentally enriching, emotionally soothing, and physically tiring (in the best way).
Sniffing activates the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, promoting calm and focus.
Bonus: Sniffing lowers heart rate and cortisol levels.
Real-Life Choice Moments to Try
Why It Matters
Dogs who are given choices are:
✅ More resilient
✅ Less reactive
✅ Easier to train
✅ Happier and more relaxed
And let’s be honest, a dog who feels heard is a dog who is likely to listen better.
When dogs are allowed to make decisions, they:
- Engage their prefrontal cortex (the brain’s decision-making centre)
- Experience long-term potentiation, strengthening memory and learning pathways
- Build resilience and emotional stability
- Feel empowered, not micromanaged
How to Build Choice Into Training (Without Chaos)
1. Reward-Based Training
Let your dog choose to offer behaviours rather than being forced or coerced into them. When they sit, lie down, or look at you voluntarily, capture and reward it! This taps into the dopamine system and builds positive associations. Be aware when using lures that some dogs will be so motivated by food, they will put themselves in to uncomfortable situations before reasling.
2. Movement Puzzles
These are coordination games where dogs navigate cones, platforms, or cavaletti at their own pace.
They build body awareness, problem-solving skills, and confidence.
Movement puzzles activate the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control.
3. Nosework
Let your dog’s nose lead the way! Nosework taps into their natural instincts and gives them full control over how they search. It’s mentally enriching, emotionally soothing, and physically tiring (in the best way).
Sniffing activates the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, promoting calm and focus.
Bonus: Sniffing lowers heart rate and cortisol levels.
Real-Life Choice Moments to Try
- Let your dog choose between walking routes. Allow them to stop and sniff.
- Offer a selection of toys or chews and see what they pick.
- Use a “consent cue” in grooming or vet prep—like a chin rest or stationing behaviour. If you need help with these, please reach out.
- Let them opt in or out of training games. If they walk away, respect it. Create a bounce back boundary (if you need more info for this let me know). It's a great way for a dog to opt out without the loss of reinforcement. Doing this, means they are more likely to try things they may find a little more uncomfortable.
Why It Matters
Dogs who are given choices are:
✅ More resilient
✅ Less reactive
✅ Easier to train
✅ Happier and more relaxed
And let’s be honest, a dog who feels heard is a dog who is likely to listen better.
Giving dogs choice isn’t about letting them run the show, it’s about collaboration, not control.
When we empower dogs to make decisions, we’re not spoiling them, instead, we’re supporting their brain, body, and behaviour.
References
BiologyInsights Team. (2025, April 29). Dog Brain Anatomy: An In-Depth Look at Key Regions - Biology Insights. Biology Insights. https://biologyinsights.com/dog-brain-anatomy-an-in-depth-look-at-key-regions/
Cariola, E., Hiby, Ray Joyce, Roger Mayer, Brooks, Serpell, Sonntag, Lindsay, McKinley, & Young. (n.d.). The effectiveness and welfare implications of current dog training methods. https://animalwelfarescienceessays.sydney.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Cariola.pdf
De Castro, A. C. V., Araújo, Â., Fonseca, A., & Olsson, I. a. S. (2021). Improving dog training methods: Efficacy and efficiency of reward and mixed training methods. PLoS ONE, 16(2), e0247321. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247321
Martins, D. (2023, June 27). The role of neurotransmitters and the reward cascade in companion animal behaviour. Veterinary Practice. https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/breakthrough-the-reward-cascade-in-companion-animal-behaviour
The neurochemical changes in a dog’s brain during learning. (n.d.). Dogue Academy. https://dogueacademy.com/blogs/the-dogue-academy-blog/posts/7469300/the-neurochemical-changes-in-a-dog-s-brain-during-learning
When we empower dogs to make decisions, we’re not spoiling them, instead, we’re supporting their brain, body, and behaviour.
References
BiologyInsights Team. (2025, April 29). Dog Brain Anatomy: An In-Depth Look at Key Regions - Biology Insights. Biology Insights. https://biologyinsights.com/dog-brain-anatomy-an-in-depth-look-at-key-regions/
Cariola, E., Hiby, Ray Joyce, Roger Mayer, Brooks, Serpell, Sonntag, Lindsay, McKinley, & Young. (n.d.). The effectiveness and welfare implications of current dog training methods. https://animalwelfarescienceessays.sydney.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Cariola.pdf
De Castro, A. C. V., Araújo, Â., Fonseca, A., & Olsson, I. a. S. (2021). Improving dog training methods: Efficacy and efficiency of reward and mixed training methods. PLoS ONE, 16(2), e0247321. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247321
Martins, D. (2023, June 27). The role of neurotransmitters and the reward cascade in companion animal behaviour. Veterinary Practice. https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/breakthrough-the-reward-cascade-in-companion-animal-behaviour
The neurochemical changes in a dog’s brain during learning. (n.d.). Dogue Academy. https://dogueacademy.com/blogs/the-dogue-academy-blog/posts/7469300/the-neurochemical-changes-in-a-dog-s-brain-during-learning