Understand What Pets Actually Want & Need | Dr. Karolina Westlund

Breed Evolution

Karolina Westlund explains the historical process of dog domestication, highlighting how different breeds were selected for specific traits. This selection process involved isolating certain behaviors from the wolf's predatory sequence, such as sniffing, stalking, and chasing, to create breeds like hounds, pointers, and terriers 1. Andrew Huberman adds that understanding a dog's genetic lineage can help owners provide a better life for their pets by catering to their innate behaviors 2. Westlund emphasizes the importance of recognizing the evolutionary "backpack" that working dogs carry, which drives their desire to perform specific tasks 2.

   

Breed Behaviors

Unique breed behaviors are deeply rooted in genetic lineage, influencing traits like hunting, playing, and eating. Andrew Huberman notes that poodles, despite their appearance, have a strong instinct to disembowel and rip apart, reflecting their genetic predispositions 3. Karolina Westlund discusses how different breeds adapt to various environments, such as city life, which can be stressful due to sensory overload 4. She also highlights the importance of understanding attachment styles in dogs, which can be influenced by factors like early weaning 5.