What Pets Actually Want & Need | Dr. Karolina Westlund

Andrew Huberman April 28, 2025
Video Thumbnail
Andrew Huberman Logo

Andrew Huberman

@hubermanlab

About

The Huberman Lab podcast is hosted by Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology of ophthalmology, and by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. The podcast discusses neuroscience and science-based tools, including how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health, as well as existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works.

Video Description

My guest is Dr. Karolina Westlund, Ph.D., a professor of ethology at the University of Stockholm and an expert in animal emotions and behavior who uses science-based methods to improve the lives of animals in human care. We discuss the often overlooked needs of domesticated animals—primarily dogs and cats—and the things we can do to improve their well-being and our relationship with them. We cover how to interpret animal body language, the unique needs of specific dog breeds, and the needs of cats and birds. We also discuss the pros and cons of spaying and neutering and how weaning age impacts a pet’s attachment style. Whether you’re a pet owner, trainer, or simply an animal lover, this episode teaches you how specific pet behaviors are rooted in their immutable biology—and the simple things you can do to vastly improve your pets’ health and well-being, as well as your relationship with them. Read the episode show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/mBbm5nJ *Thank you to our sponsors* AG1: ⁠https://drinkag1.com.hubermn Our Place: ⁠https://fromourplace.com/huberman Eight Sleep: ⁠https://eightsleep.com/huberman Joovv: ⁠https://joovv.com/huberman Function: ⁠https://functionhealth.com/huberman *Follow Huberman Lab* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hubermanlab X: https://twitter.com/hubermanlab Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hubermanlab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-huberman Website: https://www.hubermanlab.com Newsletter: https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter *Dr. Karolina Westlund* Website: https://illis.se/en Online courses: https://illis.se/en/courses-menu Blog: https://illis.se/en/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illis.se LinkedIn: https://se.linkedin.com/in/karolina-westlund-friman *Timestamps* 00:00:00 Karolina Westlund 00:02:19 Students & Animal Species; Horses 00:06:36 Dog Breeds & Interaction, Predatory Sequence, Smell, Domestication 00:12:42 Sponsors: Our Place & Eight Sleep 00:16:09 Dog Breeds & Domestication, Bulldogs 00:20:16 Core Affect Space, Petting, Tool: Consent Test; Polyvagal Theory 00:27:53 Space, Dominance, Resources, Leash Walking; Dog-Owner Training 00:37:13 Tail Wagging & Interpreting Body Signals, Facial Expressions 00:43:24 Play Bow, Tool: MARS & Playing; Dogs & Empathy 00:48:39 Sponsors: AG1 & Joovv 00:51:46 Fairness, Social Groups; Anthropomorphism vs Anthropodenial 00:57:45 Cats, Hunting, Bring Gifts?, Interaction & Socialization 01:03:56 Scent & Territorial Marking; Covering Waste, Tool: Litter Box Placement 01:08:17 “Pee Mail” & Communication; Wolves, Domestication 01:11:54 Zoos, Conservation; Tigers 01:18:53 Sponsor: Function 01:20:41 Stalking; Birds, Parrots 01:25:22 Nose Work, Wildlife Chasing, Tool: Dog Feeding & Challenge 01:31:01 Understanding & Choosing Dog for Your Lifestyle, Tool: Introducing Cats 01:34:27 Recognizing Self vs Other, Inbreeding Avoidance, Imprinting 01:40:51 Imprinting vs Attachment Bonds; Dogs, Weaning & Secure Attachment 01:48:36 Spaying & Neutering, Hormones, Tool: Neutering Alternatives 01:57:07 Humans as Animals, Tools, Cultural Learning 02:02:47 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

You May Also Like

Essentials Your Pet Can't Resist

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
Cat Calming Treats, 140 Soft Chews to Relieve Anxiety, Stress & Prevent Bites, Perfect for Travel & Veterinary Visits, Soothing Calming Care for Indoor Cats Chicken Flavor 7.41 OZ

Cat Calming Treats, 140 Soft Chews to Relieve Anxiety, Stress & Prevent Bites, Perfect for Travel & Veterinary Visits, Soothing Calming Care for Indoor Cats Chicken Flavor 7.41 OZ

(50)
$20.99
FREE delivery Fri, Feb 27 on your first order
Loading...
HICC PET Dog Wound Care Hydro Gel, Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs, Soothes Inflammation, Prevents Infection, Treats Bites, Scratches & Skin Ulcers, Cat Wound Care Solution, 100ml

HICC PET Dog Wound Care Hydro Gel, Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs, Soothes Inflammation, Prevents Infection, Treats Bites, Scratches & Skin Ulcers, Cat Wound Care Solution, 100ml

(1,440)
$29.99
FREE delivery Fri, Mar 6 on your first order
400+ bought in past month
Loading...
Dog Licking Bowl, Dog Lick Toy, Slow Feeder Bowl for Food Dispensing, Healthy Eating and Getting Used to The Box (Blue)

Dog Licking Bowl, Dog Lick Toy, Slow Feeder Bowl for Food Dispensing, Healthy Eating and Getting Used to The Box (Blue)

(0)
$15.99
FREE delivery Jan 6 - 8
Loading...
Apple iPad with A16 chip: 11-inch Liquid Retina Display, 128 GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue

Apple iPad with A16 chip: 11-inch Liquid Retina Display, 128 GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue

(586)
$429.00
FREE delivery Tue, Sep 9
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Portable Dog Water Bottle, Leak-Proof Dispenser 23.5x11x8cm, Foldable Dog Waterer, High-Temperature Resistant, Blue, Ideal for Hiking, Camping, Travel, Park, and Road Trips

Portable Dog Water Bottle, Leak-Proof Dispenser 23.5x11x8cm, Foldable Dog Waterer, High-Temperature Resistant, Blue, Ideal for Hiking, Camping, Travel, Park, and Road Trips

(0)
$14.89
$0.99 delivery Aug 27 - Sep 17
Loading...
DLseego Cartoon Dog Switch Case Set Blue Carrying Case with 12 Slots Cute TPU Protective Case Soft Cover with 4PCS Lovely Puppy & Claw Thumb Grips Caps and 1PCS Kawaii Sticker for Switch 2017

DLseego Cartoon Dog Switch Case Set Blue Carrying Case with 12 Slots Cute TPU Protective Case Soft Cover with 4PCS Lovely Puppy & Claw Thumb Grips Caps and 1PCS Kawaii Sticker for Switch 2017

(63)
$30.59
FREE delivery Mon, Jun 16 on your first order
Loading...
2Pcs Glitter Dumpling, Glitter Dumpling Squishy Box, Adult Dumplings Squishy, Anxiety Relief, Adult Soft Squeeze Decompression Dough (B)

2Pcs Glitter Dumpling, Glitter Dumpling Squishy Box, Adult Dumplings Squishy, Anxiety Relief, Adult Soft Squeeze Decompression Dough (B)

(5)
$29.99
FREE delivery Thu, Apr 9 on your first order
Loading...
Tinyfetch Dog Toy, 360° Autonomous Rolling, Rechargeable Boredom Buster for Dogs & Cats, Durable, Safe Indoor Play, Stimulates Hunting Instincts & Exercise (Red)

Tinyfetch Dog Toy, 360° Autonomous Rolling, Rechargeable Boredom Buster for Dogs & Cats, Durable, Safe Indoor Play, Stimulates Hunting Instincts & Exercise (Red)

(0)
$12.99
FREE delivery Sep 26 - Oct 21
Loading...
Tiny Fetch Ball Dog Toy, 2025 New Tiny Fetch Interactive Pet Toys, Smart 360° Rolling Rechargeable Dog Cats Ball, Pet Gifts for Dogs and Cats (2*pcs)

Tiny Fetch Ball Dog Toy, 2025 New Tiny Fetch Interactive Pet Toys, Smart 360° Rolling Rechargeable Dog Cats Ball, Pet Gifts for Dogs and Cats (2*pcs)

(0)
$14.97$10.93
FREE delivery Sep 9 - 12
Loading...
Dog Licking Bowl, Dog Lick Toy, Slow Feeder Bowl for Food Dispensing, Healthy Eating and Getting Used to The Box (Blue)

Dog Licking Bowl, Dog Lick Toy, Slow Feeder Bowl for Food Dispensing, Healthy Eating and Getting Used to The Box (Blue)

(0)
$15.99
FREE delivery Jan 6 - 8
Loading...
LEGO City Mobile Police Dog Training 60369, SUV Toy Car with Trailer, Obstacle Course and Puppy Figures, Animal Playset for Boys and Girls Ages 5 Plus

LEGO City Mobile Police Dog Training 60369, SUV Toy Car with Trailer, Obstacle Course and Puppy Figures, Animal Playset for Boys and Girls Ages 5 Plus

(1,256)
$33.98
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
Tinyfetch Dog Toy, 360° Autonomous Rolling, Rechargeable Boredom Buster for Dogs & Cats, Durable, Safe Indoor Play, Stimulates Hunting Instincts & Exercise (Red)

Tinyfetch Dog Toy, 360° Autonomous Rolling, Rechargeable Boredom Buster for Dogs & Cats, Durable, Safe Indoor Play, Stimulates Hunting Instincts & Exercise (Red)

(0)
$12.99
FREE delivery Sep 26 - Oct 21
Loading...
Tiny Fetch Ball Dog Toy, 2025 New Tiny Fetch Interactive Pet Toys, Smart 360° Rolling Rechargeable Dog Cats Ball, Pet Gifts for Dogs and Cats (2*pcs)

Tiny Fetch Ball Dog Toy, 2025 New Tiny Fetch Interactive Pet Toys, Smart 360° Rolling Rechargeable Dog Cats Ball, Pet Gifts for Dogs and Cats (2*pcs)

(0)
$14.97$10.93
FREE delivery Sep 9 - 12
Loading...
Dog Licking Bowl, Dog Lick Toy, Slow Feeder Bowl for Food Dispensing, Healthy Eating and Getting Used to The Box (Blue)

Dog Licking Bowl, Dog Lick Toy, Slow Feeder Bowl for Food Dispensing, Healthy Eating and Getting Used to The Box (Blue)

(0)
$15.99
FREE delivery Jan 6 - 8
Loading...
LEGO City Mobile Police Dog Training 60369, SUV Toy Car with Trailer, Obstacle Course and Puppy Figures, Animal Playset for Boys and Girls Ages 5 Plus

LEGO City Mobile Police Dog Training 60369, SUV Toy Car with Trailer, Obstacle Course and Puppy Figures, Animal Playset for Boys and Girls Ages 5 Plus

(1,256)
$33.98
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
Pet Hair Remover Balls for Laundry (12 Pack): Reusable Non-Toxic Washing Balls Help Collect Dog & Cat Fur, Lint & Dander from Clothes, Bedding, Washer & Dryer

Pet Hair Remover Balls for Laundry (12 Pack): Reusable Non-Toxic Washing Balls Help Collect Dog & Cat Fur, Lint & Dander from Clothes, Bedding, Washer & Dryer

(22)
$8.98$8.83
FREE delivery Sat, Nov 22 on your first order
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
Portutif Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, 9000PA Powerful Suction 20-25Mins Long Runtime Rechargeable Hand Vacuum, HEPA Filter with Quick Charge, Lightweight for Car Carpet Stairs Pet Hair Cleaning

Portutif Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, 9000PA Powerful Suction 20-25Mins Long Runtime Rechargeable Hand Vacuum, HEPA Filter with Quick Charge, Lightweight for Car Carpet Stairs Pet Hair Cleaning

(55)
$49.99
FREE delivery Mon, Jun 16
Loading...
Retractable Gate, Retractable Dog Gate, Extendable Barrier, Without Drilling, Safety Dog Playpen, Portable Pet Fence for Stairs, Bedroom Doors and Corridors (Black, 130 * 78cm)

Retractable Gate, Retractable Dog Gate, Extendable Barrier, Without Drilling, Safety Dog Playpen, Portable Pet Fence for Stairs, Bedroom Doors and Corridors (Black, 130 * 78cm)

(0)
$18.99
$7.99 delivery Jun 17 - 26
Loading...
Pet Gate, Foldable Dog Fence, Wooden Dog Gate for Doorways, House, Stairs, Halls

Pet Gate, Foldable Dog Fence, Wooden Dog Gate for Doorways, House, Stairs, Halls

(33)
$79.19
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14