{
  "id": 1271215,
  "title": "Dog Trainer Explains What Cats Actually Do to a Dog’s Personality",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/dog-trainer-explains-what-cats-actually-do-to-a-dogs-personality",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T10:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/dog-trainer-explains-what-cats-actually-do-to-dogs-personality-12294971"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A dog trainer has shed light on how cats can subtly impact a dog's personality. While some owners may notice their dogs adopting cat-like behaviors, such as sitting on the couch or rubbing against furniture, professional Brian Galea explains that dogs aren't simply mirroring their feline housemates. Instead, canines are more likely to adopt emotionally-based behaviors by observing the reactions of other animals around them.\n\nAge plays a significant role in this influence. Puppies, particularly those under 8 weeks old, are far more likely to absorb behaviors from cats and other animals due to their developing social understanding. This early exposure contributes to the importance of socialization during puppy development.\n\nBeyond cat-like behaviors, dogs might also pick up on the emotional environment created by a cat. A cat's body language, whether confident or intimidating, can influence how a dog behaves. For instance, a playful puppy may eventually learn to slow down if the cat responds with a stare or warning posture.\n\nLiving with a cat can also shape a dog's perception of what is normal or unusual. For example, if a cat is cautious around wet grass, a dog may learn to be wary of similar situations. This doesn't mean the dog is learning a new physical behavior from the cat, but rather observing the cat's reaction and forming its own association.\n\nThe influence can also go the other way, with dogs capable of making a cat more alert or fearful. This social adaptability is a result of dogs' long history of living alongside humans, selectively bred to understand social cues and adapt to various environments. Even independent breeds like the Shiba Inu, often called \"a cat for dog people,\" can show signs of social flexibility. Ultimately, the dog's personality may appear to change due to the cat's influence, but it's more likely that the dog is simply becoming more socially adaptable.",
  "summary": "Dogs may not become cats, but living with one can influence their habits, behavior and even how they respond to the world.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}