Research Bites Podcast
Research Bites Podcast
Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
#33: Building Resilience: Dr. Mike Mendl on Positive Welfare, Emotion, and Decision-Making in Animals
1 hour 13 minutes Posted Aug 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm.
Introduction to the Research Bites Podcast
Upcoming Class: Unlocking Resilience
Guest Introduction: Dr. Mike Mendel
Dr. Mendel's Journey into Animal Welfare Research
Challenges in Studying Animal Behavior
Defining Positive Animal Welfare
Importance of Competence and Resilience
Can Animals Have Goals?
Individual Differences in Animal Welfare
Assessing Animal Welfare with Cognitive Bias Tests
Hidden Medical Issues and Behavior Problems in Dogs
Investigating Inactive States and Depression in Animals
The Role of Emotion in Animal Behavior Assessments
Understanding Animal Affect and Decision Making
Dimensional Models of Emotion in Animals
Improving Animal Wellbeing Through Positive States
Future Directions in Animal Welfare Research
Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning
0:00
1:13:17
Download MP3
Show notes
In this thought-provoking episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding is joined by Dr. Mike Mendl, professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School, for a deep dive into what it truly means to support positive animal welfare. From competence and resilience to cognitive bias and decision-making, Dr. Mendl explores how animals perceive and interact with the world—and why individual differences matter so much. You’ll hear how animal-base...