Emotion Code for Dogs and Their Humans
Tracy Brind 
Supporting the Emotional Wellbeing of Dogs and Their Humans
Emotion Code for Dogs: Supporting the Emotional Wellbeing of Dogs and Their Humans
What if there is more to your dog's story than you can see?
We spend so much time getting to know our dogs. We learn their routines, recognise their little quirks and notice the things that make them happy, worried or unsettled.
But there is one part of their story that can be much harder to understand — their emotional world.
Our dogs experience emotions, but they can't sit down and tell us what has happened to them or how they are feeling. We have to listen in different ways.
This is one of the reasons I was so interested in learning more about Emotion Code and becoming a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner.
It gives me another tool to bring into my holistic work with dogs, helping me to explore their emotional wellbeing alongside the other approaches I offer.
What is Emotion Code?
Emotion Code is a complementary wellbeing approach developed by Dr Bradley Nelson. It is based on the concept that emotional experiences can sometimes become "trapped" within the body and may continue to influence us, even when we are no longer consciously aware of them.
Using muscle testing, the Emotion Code system identifies emotions that may be ready to be released.
The intention isn't to revisit or relive difficult experiences. Instead, the process focuses on identifying the emotion and releasing it using the Emotion Code method.
Why might this be helpful for dogs?
Our dogs have emotional experiences throughout their lives.
They may experience fear, stress, loss, changes to their environment, separation, frightening experiences or events that affect their confidence.
This can be particularly relevant for rescue and rehomed dogs, where parts of their history may be unknown.
Even when we have had our dogs since puppyhood, there may be experiences that have affected them in ways we haven't recognised, leaving their Mum and siblings, for example can be stressful for many puppies and something new guardians may not recognise.
Emotion Code offers another way of exploring this emotional picture.
It doesn't replace observing your dog, veterinary care, training or other appropriate support. Instead, it provides another perspective to consider when looking at the whole dog.
What about the relationship between dogs and their humans?
This is an important part of my work.
Our dogs don't live in isolation. They share our homes, routines and lives, and they can become incredibly attuned to us.
If we are worried, anxious, stressed or going through a difficult period, our dogs may pick up on changes in our mood and behaviour.
Perhaps you've noticed that your dog becomes unsettled when you're having a difficult day, they may follow you around when you're upset, or they seem particularly sensitive to the atmosphere at home.
This doesn't mean that you are responsible for your dog's difficulties. Dogs can struggle for many different reasons, and every dog is an individual. But the relationship between a dog and their human is incredibly powerful. We influence each other, share experiences and respond to one another every day.
That's why I believe it can sometimes be valuable to look at both ends of the lead.
Emotion Code sessions for dogs and their humans
I am delighted to be bringing Emotion Code into my existing holistic work with dogs, however I will also be offering Emotion Code sessions for their humans.
Depending on the circumstances, this might mean a session for your dog, a session for you, or support for both.
Sometimes the dog may be the main focus. Sometimes you may be going through a particularly stressful or emotional period yourself and would like to explore your own wellbeing too. We all experience worry, stress, grief and uncertainty. None of us can be perfectly balanced all of the time.
Sometimes, supporting ourselves can simply be another way of supporting the relationship we share with our dog.
Looking at the whole dog
Emotion Code isn't intended to replace the other services I offer. It is another tool in my holistic toolkit.
Depending on the individual dog and their needs, it may complement approaches such as Botanical Self Healing, Animal Centred Education and the Animal PsychAromatica Wellness System. No two dogs are the same, so no two wellbeing journeys should be either.
For me, it's about being curious, looking beyond the obvious and considering the whole individual rather than trying to fit every dog into the same box.
And sometimes there may be more to a dog's story than we can immediately see.
Could Emotion Code be right for you or your dog?
Perhaps your dog has experienced something significant.
Perhaps they are struggling with a particular emotional response, are a rescue or rehomed dog with an unknown history, or you simply want to explore another aspect of their wellbeing.
Or perhaps you are going through something yourself and would like support alongside your dog.
Emotion Code may offer another avenue to explore.
🐾 Your dog has a story. Sometimes, we just need to find another way to listen.
If you'd like to learn more about Emotion Code and the sessions I offer for dogs and their humans, visit the Emotion Code section of my website.
Click Here
Emotion Code is a complementary wellbeing approach and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure medical or veterinary conditions. It should not replace appropriate medical, veterinary, behavioural or other professional advice.
Canine Senses
Supporting dogs to be the very best version of themselves.
If you would like to know more about Emotion Code or Zoopharmacognosy, self selection or other holistic services I offer please visit my website. Or contact me via email: caninesenses@btinternet.com
If this article resonated with you, you’re already on the path to seeing your dog differently. I also run a membership with my friend and colleague, Jules. Holistic Haven Circle membership is a welcoming space where guardians learn how to support their dogs naturally through scent, plant wisdom, and choice-based wellbeing. It is a private, supportive space where you can learn more. There is no commitment, you just stay for as long as you like. There is back content for you to dip in to and new webinars and Q+A's every month.
