Scientific Parenting for Your Fur Kids: How the Science of Animal Behavior and Welfare Transforms Human-Animal Relationships

This paper examines how the scientific study of animal behavior and welfare is transforming the human-animal relationship, particularly as more people regard their pets as "fur kids." Behavioral science offers insights into animals' emotional and psychological needs, enabling pet owners to better understand and respond to their pets’ behaviors. Through interviews with pet owners and observations of training sessions, the study argues that contemporary pet parenting has become more intensive and scientific, emphasizing evidence-based methods over intuition. In Taiwan, approaches to animal behavior have shifted from punitive, obedience-focused training to positive reinforcement and recognition of animals' needs. Pet owners are encouraged not only to modify their pets’ behaviors but also to adjust their environments to support species-specific behaviors. This reflects a broader transition towards "scientific parenting," where the care of pets increasingly mirrors child-rearing, recognizing animals' rights and fostering healthier, more informed human-animal interactions. Scientific knowledge has redefined the concept of care, reshaping how we engage with our pets.