If you want to know what Animal Mode sounds like, push the play button:

Animal mode is when the child is not motivated to please you but rather . . . to stir up a little chaos, raise the energy in the room. In other words, the currency they are operating in is not "let's just all get along" but it is "how can I get a little power and control". Your job as a parent is to make sure Animal Mode does not pay! Thus, no energy, no teaching (that comes later) no asking why. Just stop the behavior and   keep a peaceful countenance. They need to know they don't have the power to rock your boat. It helps them feel more secure in the long run.

Listen to the show to hear this term put into various situations! Hey - don't just listen - call in!