Animal Emotions

This course is unfortunately closed – it opens again for enrollment in January of 2026.

Get happier animals who thrive with humans!

When I opened the first version of the Animal Emotions course back in April of 2016, I had no idea what I was setting in motion. I was simply utterly captivated and intrigued by the world of animal emotions and enthusiastically wanted to share and discuss it with others. So I summarized all I had learned in a nifty little online course, excitedly gushing: look everybody, how fascinating!! 🤓

I remember being completely stunned by one of the comments I received within the first few weeks of course delivery:

“Karolina, where have you beeeeeeeen?!”

That was a pivotal moment, when I first realized that the Animal Emotions course was not only fascinating, but that it actually massively transforms people’s lives.

Since then, I’ve given this course once a year (except 2021), and thousands of students, from 50 countries, have taken it.

I keep revising it, and they keep coming back again and again – some students have enrolled in the Animal Emotions course no less than six (!) times!

How will the Animal emotions course change your life – and that of your animal?

“Animal Emotions” will help you develop a better relationship with animals in your care. The course helps you understand behaviour and how emotional experiences impact personality, brain development and social skills.

You’ll learn how to get happier animals that thrive in the care of humans.

Who is this course for?

• This course is for you if you’re a pet guardian interested in learning more about what makes your animal tick. Most of my students are dog- and horse people, but I’ve also had students interested in cats, birds, rodents, rabbits, farm animals, and exotic species.
• This course is for you if you work professionally with animals. Many of my students are animal trainers, veterinarians or caregivers in zoos or animal shelters. If you’re one of those people who like theoretical discussions about animal behaviour and learning, there’s a nerd section in every module.

What are people saying about Animal Emotions?

For many students, the course transforms their life with animals. Here are some voices:

• “Thank you for this course, it is, without question, far superior to any course I have participated in to date.” (Candice Milliard)
• “I can honestly say that this course has changed my life. I have even changed my Master’s thesis subject because of it… This course has changed me and my dog’s welfare for the better, and I never even thought that it needed improvement.” (Madicken Åkerman)
• “This has been a life-changing course. Its relevance and importance to my work as a dog/animal trainer is immeasurable.” (Karen West)
• “The Animal Emotions course is a must for everyone interested in the welfare of animals!” (Andrea Wiesner)
• “This course was so much more than I expected! … I kind of knew what works in dog training, but now I know why!” (Birgitte Pletscher)
• “Most definitely the BEST and most relevant online course I have taken. Heartfelt thanks.” (Alison Parker-Jervis)
• “I have taken part in many online courses and none compare to this in terms of presentation, content and, very importantly, interaction. I actually feel that you are engaged and present, and that my fellow students are around as well. This is not easy to achieve but you have nailed it!” (Francesca Woodburn)

How is this online course delivered?

• Once you sign up, you’ll get immediate access to the first module. The other 9 modules will be released weekly from the 24th of January, once admissions have closed.
• This course makes the most out of the online format by using micro-learning: the content videos are short and actionable (2-10 minutes long).
• The course modules are prerecorded and you can watch the videos anytime.
• There are 10 modules (~110 videos) in the course, and the videos have a running time of about 10 hours in total; there’s also numerous links and written resources that tend to lead students down different rabbit holes. Many students return again and again to the videos, links and discussions, revisiting the material, so estimating “how long the course is” is difficult.
• All videos are subtitled in English – this makes it easier for the many non-native English speakers among the students.
• There are some voluntary practical exercises and thought-provoking questions, as well as voluntary self-assessment questions in each module.
• Many students will take an active part in this course and help shape it! This peer-to-peer learning in the comments’ section is one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of this course!
• There are written summaries and audio files that you can download and keep.
• You have access to the course for a full year after purchase.
• If you have use of Continued Educational Units, people are typically awarded 10 CEUS for this course. Let us know which organization you’re associated with!
• After you finish, you get a certificate of completion and a banner that you can display on your website.

Course details.

What we’ll cover in this course:

• Why understanding emotions is important when caring for animals.
• The Core Affect Space model, that helps map and illustrate animals’ emotions, sensations and motivations, long-lasting mood states, and how well-being ties into the mix.
• CARE – a core emotion involved in caregiving behaviour, which impacts offsprings’ personality development and stress sensitivity. We can also tap into this system through gentle touch.
• GRIEF – a core emotion involved in social separations. This module of the course highlights the importance of a good nurturing environment.
• PLAY – a core emotion involved in playful social interactions. One of the most influential systems, and one that’s often ignored – or condescendingly laughed at.
• LUST – a core emotion involved in mate seeking and sexual behaviour. We’ll discuss brains versus bodies, gender differences and adolescence.
• SEEKING – a core emotion involved in exploration, foraging and all other emotional systems – and with tremendous effects on learning.
• FEAR – a core emotion with huge impact on behaviour, mainly through fear learning, sensitization, performance impairment and the risk of defensive aggression.
• RAGE – a core emotion triggered by frustration, restraint or perceived inescapable dangers – rendering the animal potentially dangerous.
• We’ll also cover some of the history of the study of emotions, as well as polyvagal theory, guilt, how emotional experiences are affected by predictability and control, as well as how they impact relationships, etc.
• Most of the examples from this course (>99%) will be from mammals and birds. We simply don’t know that much about emotions in reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates (although they are, by definition, also animals!).

Find the course outline below. The modules are released with weekly intervals.

Bonuses!

• I will host two live Q&A webinars where I address your questions, in person. If you miss them, don’t worry – they’ll be recorded!
• Access to a private Facebook Group where we can discuss, share and connect.

When you become a student, you’ll be getting weekly emails while the course is being delivered. I’ll also keep you posted on my other free webinars, masterclasses, silly experiments, online courses and blog posts!

Frequently asked questions.

“How do I get the most out of the course?”

By engaging in discussions, sharing your own thoughts and reflecting on the questions asked – the content comes alive in the comments’ section!

“What is the price?”

The cost of the Animal Emotions course is US$ 247:-. Local VAT will be added if you are within the EU.

“Is it worth it?”

Many of my previous students attest that they have found this course transformational – it has forever changed how they interact with animals. Also, as far as I know, this material isn’t taught at this level of depth anywhere else.

“Is there a scholarship program?”

There was, but unfortunately it is closed now for 2025.

“I feel uncomfortable buying a course unseen – is there a sample available anywhere?”

Yes, three of the chapters have been published on my blog: Infected Situations, Separation Anxiety and Brains and Bodies.

“What if I change my mind?”

“Right now is not a good time for me. Can I join later?”

The next opportunity to join the Animal Emotions course will be in January of 2026.

There’s no waiting list for my courses, but if you sign up to the newsletter below you’ll get information about enrollment opportunities of all my courses, blog posts, summits, Masterclasses and whatnots, all related to animal behaviour, learning and welfare!