Pets are extremely sensitive to your emotions and physical signs. Have you noticed how Fred the collie gets agitated when you are making plans for vacation? How about preparation for a trip to the veterinarian? How many times have you had to pull your kitty out from under the bed so you can take her for a checkup?

Most pet owners accept this behavior as part of pet ownership. And even people who are afraid of dogs innately know that a suspicious dog seems to pick up their fear. “Smelling your fear” is the term I’ve heard, but it’s more likely the dog notices the tension surrounding such a person and knows “something is up.”

I’ve not researched this thoroughly, but it is an interesting thing, and I’d like to delve into it sometime when I have some free time!