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

Canine Emotions

Understanding canine emotions involves interpreting their body language, such as tail wagging and facial expressions. Karolina Westlund explains that humans learn to read these signals through exposure, noting that dogs' facial muscles move differently than humans' when expressing emotions 1. This can lead to misinterpretations, but living with dogs helps us become better at reading their body language. Petting preferences also play a role in canine emotions. Andrew Huberman mentions that dogs prefer slow strokes over rapid pats, which can calm them and diffuse tension 2. Westlund adds that calmness in humans can co-regulate a dog's emotional state, enhancing the bond between them.

If you are really calm and relaxed, then you're sort of sending out these cues, these subtle cues that other individuals are reading and picking up on.

--- Karolina Westlund

Recognizing these preferences and signals can improve our interactions with dogs and strengthen our relationships with them.

   

Cat Behavior

Cats, unlike dogs, evolved as solitary hunters but can form loose social groups. Karolina Westlund notes that cats bring prey home not as gifts, but because they feel safe in their environment 3. Early socialization is crucial for cats, as handling kittens between two and eight weeks old can lead to more social behavior in adulthood 4. Andrew Huberman shares an anecdote about a cat bringing mice into shoes, illustrating how cats' behaviors are often misunderstood by humans.

I would not assume that they were gifts, no. From what I know, cats will sort of bring back what they catch to a place where they feel safe.

--- Karolina Westlund

Understanding these behaviors helps in creating a more harmonious living environment with cats, respecting their instincts and needs.