DUDT Nervous System Chart
This chart from Down Under Dog Trainer explains the three primary states of a dog’s nervous system—Ventral Vagal (Safe & Social), Sympathetic (Fight or Flight), and Dorsal Vagal (Freeze & Shutdown). For each state it identifies the associated branch of the autonomic nervous system, typical arousal level, subjective feelings, observable body signs, characteristic behaviours, and practical interventions that owners or trainers can use to support the dog. The purpose is to give dog‑care professionals a quick reference for recognizing a dog’s emotional and physiological condition and applying appropriate, humane strategies to promote calm, safety, and learning.
Topics
Ventral Vagal – The Safe & Social State
Details the low‑arousal, parasympathetic Social Engagement System, describing how dogs feel calm, curious, and joyful; the body signs of relaxed muscles, soft eyes, and loose tail; behaviours such as playfulness, responsiveness, and ease of learning; and supportive strategies like consistent routines, positive reinforcement, gentle play, and a predictable environment.
Sympathetic – The Fight or Flight State
Explains the high‑arousal, mobilising Sympathetic system, outlining feelings of alertness, anxiety, and hyper‑vigilance; body cues such as tense muscles, hard stare, raised hackles, and panting; behaviours like reactivity, barking, lunging, and difficulty focusing; and calming interventions including distance from triggers, decompression time, slow movements, and patient breathing.
Dorsal Vagal – The Freeze & Shutdown State
Describes the low‑arousal, immobilising Parasympathetic (Immobilisation) system, covering feelings of overwhelm, numbness, and hopelessness; physical signs like limp body, glazed eyes, freezing, and tucked tail; behaviours such as unresponsiveness, flopping, refusal of food, and withdrawal; and gentle help methods such as removing the stressor, providing a quiet safe space, no pressure, and patient, gentle presence.