10 Questions With… Monique Udell, director of the Human-Animal Interaction Laboratory
What brought you to Oregon State?
I originally came to OSU to fill a new faculty position focused on animal behavior, human-animal interactions and animal welfare within the Animal and Rangeland Science Department. I now direct the Human-Animal Interactions lab and teach courses in animal behavior and animal learning as part of this program.
Was there a pet relationship you had in the past that put you on the path to researching the human-animal bond?
Growing up we always had a variety of animals in our home. I was bonded to all of them, including temporary animal residents we sometimes cared for as they recovered from illness or injury. I knew I wanted to work with animals from a very young age, and there is no doubt that these early experiences contributed to that desire. Each of these animals taught me something important about the capacity we have to cherish our animal companions and motivated me to ask what they need from us in return.
What makes you passionate about higher education?
At this level students really begin to start carving out their own path and have opportunities to dig deeper into the topics they are most passionate about. One of my favorite parts of teaching is facilitating hands-on experiential learning opportunities, where students can take the knowledge they have gained from books and lectures and apply it in tangible, meaningful ways.
What are some things about animal cognition that have surprised you in your research?
How often we underestimate the cognitive potential of other species, including those we live with! For example, much of my work in recent years has focused on domestic cat behavior and cognition. Our research has consistently shown that cats have more social and cognitive potential than they are often credit for. This kind of understanding can better help us meet the needs of other species and improve relationships with our animal companions.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself who was just starting college?
Not everything happens exactly the way you expect, or the way you have planned it, but sometimes that is a necessary part of discovering what you really want, who you are and where you are meant to be.
Has our evolving view of animal behavior and intelligence changed our treatment of pets as a society?
Yes, a more accurate understanding of the behavior, cognition and needs of other species makes it possible for us to better advocate for animals under our care. Research has shown that, increasingly, pet owners report loving their animals, view them as family and want to give their animals good lives. Improving our scientific knowledge of animals living as pets and getting that information out to those who care for them can have a big impact, both on individual relationships and on the way we interact with animals as a society.
What was your favorite course in college?
I had several favorites, but the most impactful was my first course in animal behavior. It was this course that made me realize that it was not only possible for someone to dedicate their career to studying the social lives of animals but that it is what I wanted to do. It was a major turning point for me and set me on the path to becoming a research scientist.
What kind of emotional and intellectual benefits do children gain when they have pets in their lives?
The role that a pet plays in the life of a child can vary. Good relationships, whether with other humans or with other species, take work. However, when care is taken to ensure that the interactions between children and pets are safe and positive, it is possible for children to form very strong bonds with animals. In some cases, animals in the home serve as a critical source of social support. Having a pet in the home can also provide an opportunity to teach children important skills like how to care for and consider the needs of others, how to read body language and respect boundaries and how to engage in cooperative activities. Trust, empathy and social skills that children built with pets can carry over to future social interactions with people and have the potential for lifelong benefits. One important goal of our program is to help children (and adults) develop mutually beneficial relationships with animals that help promote these positive outcomes.
What are some simple things pet parents can do to increase the bond they share with their household pets?
- Take the time to learn about the animal living with you - the species and the individual. Being aware of and responsive to your pet’s needs and behavior helps built trust and deepens the appreciation and understanding we have for our companions.
- Find ways to enrich your animal’s life and their experiences with you. That could be through a training class, by offering or creating food puzzles, or something as simple as taking your dog for a “sniff walk” where the animal sets the pace and gets to do something that they love by your side.
- Learn your animal’s “love language.” Like humans, not all animals show affection in the same way. Even when talking about dogs or cats, some may love physical contact while others prefer to play or just sit quietly a foot away. When we show love in ways that makes our pets feel safe, comfortable and understood that is a powerful way to build the bond.
What is your favorite nonacademic pursuit or passion?
Being in nature (hiking, camping, kayaking, etc.), especially with my family.
*Udell is the featured speaker at this May 12 Travel Talk.
