Huberman Lab What Pets Actually Want & Need | Dr. Karolina Westlund
711 snips
Apr 28, 2025 
Dr. Karolina Westlund, a professor of ethology from the University of Stockholm, dives into the emotional lives of our pets. She shares insights into interpreting animal body language and understanding the unique needs of various breeds. The discussion highlights the impacts of neutering and weaning age on attachment styles. Westlund also emphasizes the importance of enriching our pets' environments to enhance their well-being. Whether you have a dog, cat, or bird, this conversation reveals how small changes can lead to deeper connections with our furry friends.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Dog Breed Predatory Roles
- Different dog breeds have distinct roles selected during domestication reflecting parts of a wolf's predatory sequence.
- Recognize your dog's breed traits to provide appropriate activities that satisfy their natural drives.
Test and Respect Petting Consent
- Use a consent test by offering touch and then withdrawing to see if the animal seeks more contact or moves away.
- Offer slow, gentle petting in preferred spots, like the neck or chest, avoiding top of the head where many dogs dislike touch.
Tail Wag Direction Indicates Emotion
- A dog's tail wag direction reveals emotional state: left wag indicates negative, right wag indicates positive emotions.
- Similar lateralization occurs in cats, affecting how they view stimuli with respective eyes.
