Pets are masters at trusting their instincts, whether it’s a dog sensing danger or a cat knowing when to retreat. They don’t overanalyze situations, and this is a lesson we can all benefit from. By observing and emulating your pet’s instinctual behavior, you can learn to trust your gut and reduce the stress that comes from overthinking. For example, if your pet reacts negatively to a certain person or environment, it might be a cue to assess your feelings about the situation. Trusting your instincts can help you make quick decisions aligned with your intuition, reducing anxiety and enhancing overall well-being.
Pets have always been more than just companions; they play a pivotal role in enhancing our mental well-being. From the unconditional love of a dog to the calming presence of a cat, pets have a unique way of alleviating stress, anxiety, and loneliness. But how do we truly harness the therapeutic potential of our furry, feathered, or scaled friends? How can they aid in promoting mindfulness, reducing depression, or even enhancing social interactions? In this interview series, we are talking to veterinarians, psychologists, therapists, pet trainers, and other experts who can shed light on how to maximize the mental health benefits of having a pet. As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Denise Mange.
Denise Mange is a certified dog trainer, animal communicator, pet numerologist, and founder of Pet Prana®. Her mindful approach to pet training combines traditional training with energetic considerations of pet guardianship. She has been featured in publications and media outlets worldwide, cementing her reputation as a pioneer in the field of mindful pet training. Her new book, Translating Your Pet’s Behavior: A Mindful Approach to Dog Training, is a #1 bestseller in its category on Amazon. Learn more at www.petprana.com.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
I’m a certified dog trainer, pet intuitive, pet numerologist, and the founder of Pet Prana®. I developed a mindful approach to pet training based on the belief that our everyday interactions with pets can truly transform us. I grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, studied in Boston, spent 13 years in New York City, and now enjoy life in Los Angeles.
Raised by a mother from Oklahoma and a father from São Paulo, I learned early on to blend cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This has deeply influenced my work, where I’ve developed a framework to translate pet behavior by linking them to universal life themes.
Before working with pets, I spent a decade in advertising at prestigious agencies in New York. Eventually, I left Madison Avenue to pursue my passion for working with pets. I realized that training our furry friends goes beyond teaching them to sit and stay. Pets provide us with some of our most honest relationships and mirror our energy, mindsets, hopes, and fears. This understanding led me to develop a mindful approach to pet training, which helps pet parents shift habits, beliefs, and patterns so both they and their pets can thrive together. I like to think of it as self-help for pet’s sake.
Interestingly, I didn’t grow up with traditional pets like dogs or cats, so everything I know about pet behavior I learned in adulthood. This has been a blessing because it allows me to easily relate to first-time pet parents and appreciate the importance of foundational knowledge.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
A standout story involves the unexpected role numerology played in my work. Early in my dog training career, I received an unusual number of requests from pet parents dealing with separation anxiety. Three out of five pets were named Leo, which intrigued me. I wasn’t quite sure what to do with the information until later that week when I encountered a mysterious woman in a bookstore who, unprompted, handed me a book on numerology, saying she thought I could use it.
Curious, I calculated the numerology for the name Leo and discovered it corresponds to the number 5, associated with adventurers. This insight led me to hypothesize — and later confirm — that these Leos’ separation anxiety stemmed less from co-dependence and more from a fear of missing out on adventures with their humans. This realization informed my training approach and inspired me to use pet numerology as a tool to better understand each pet’s tendencies and motivations.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
One of the most impactful concepts I learned was from a sociology textbook explaining Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Understanding human motivation has been vital in my work, especially as it relates to how pets mirror our own universal needs.
Working with clients I realized that, like humans, our pets share the same hierarchy of needs — from basic physiological requirements to the need for security, emotional connection, and accomplishment. This commonality allows us to understand the deeper motivations behind our pets’ behavior and how it reflects our own emotions. For instance, if your pet exhibits behaviors like barking or separation anxiety, it might be worth examining your own feelings of insecurity or dependence.
By understanding the energetic and emotional motivation behind our pets’ behavior, we can identify how that same pattern may manifest in our relationships, family life, and career. Once we understand the motivation, we can change our mindset and create new outcomes for ourselves and our furry companions. This understanding allows me to offer a more nuanced and effective approach to pet guardianship that bridges pet training and personal development.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. Can you share a personal story about how a pet has helped you or someone you know to improve mental wellness?
One of my clients had adopted two dogs from the same litter and soon found herself navigating the complexities of littermate syndrome. Managing both their behaviors became a daily challenge, leaving little room for the enjoyable downtime she’d imagined with her pack. Over the years, their life together became more about survival than bonding.
Eventually, one of the dogs was diagnosed with a severe neurological condition. Faced with the heartbreaking reality that there was no way to improve or manage his condition safely, she made the difficult decision to euthanize him. The process, though handled with love, left her with a crushing sense of guilt and loss.
Despite her grief and desire to shut down, she still had the other dog depending on her. Determined to shift from guilt to growth, she committed herself to helping the remaining pup thrive, and that is when I met her. Together we worked on traditional training, but also bonding and getting to know her furry friend in a way she hadn’t been able to before. As they worked together, she discovered how smart, willing, funny, and extraordinary he was.
This new chapter of their relationship became a journey of self-discovery for her as well. Through training and leadership, she unearthed her own capacity to effect positive change in her dog and in her life. Both she and her pup flourished together, creating a deeper bond and richer experiences than ever before.
This transformation was not only a gift to her remaining dog but also to herself. She came to understand the legacy left by the dog she had to let go, and the shared growth between her and her animal companion became a powerful testament to resilience, healing, and the role our pets play in our mental wellness.
Personally, pets have been a lifeline. They not only inspired me to start a fulfilling career but also taught me invaluable lessons about trusting my leadership style outside of corporate America, setting boundaries, and prioritizing my mental health.
While human interaction is essential for emotional well-being, in what ways do interactions with pets offer unique benefits that human relationships might not provide?
Human relationships are vital, but pets offer something unique — they reflect our emotional and energetic states in a way that human relationships often can’t. Unlike human interactions, which can be clouded by social expectations, misunderstandings, or verbal communication, the bond with a pet is pure and unconditional. Pets mirror our energy and mindsets, providing us with a direct reflection of our inner emotional landscape.
For example, if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, you might notice your pet becoming more agitated or needy. This reflection can serve as a powerful tool for introspection, helping you recognize and address emotions that you might not have been fully aware of. This unique, nonverbal connection taps into our innate need for companionship while encouraging personal growth and emotional regulation. Over time, this can lead to healthier relationships, better boundary setting, and a more empowered approach to life.
Can you explain how this works? How do pets, particularly common ones like dogs and cats, biologically and psychologically help to alleviate human stress levels and anxieties?
Pets, particularly dogs and cats, have a remarkable ability to impact our mental and physical health by mirroring our emotional states and helping us become more aware of how we’re feeling. Biologically, interacting with pets triggers the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which promotes bonding, reduces stress, and helps regulate our emotions. Pets can also lower cortisol levels — a hormone associated with stress — and even lower blood pressure, contributing to overall physical relaxation.
Psychologically, pets offer a unique mirror to our internal state. For instance, a pet that has housebreaking accidents when their guardian is particularly stressed is reflecting that energy back, serving as a reminder for the human to address relationships, habits, mindsets, or underlying emotions that are no longer beneficial. By caring for our pets and ensuring that we manage our own energy, we create a more harmonious environment, which in turn alleviates our stress and anxiety. This ongoing interaction fosters greater self-awareness, empowering us to make positive changes in other areas of our lives.
In the backdrop of global events like pandemics or natural disasters, how have you seen pets playing a role in alleviating anxiety and providing comfort? Can you share some instances where pets have been integrated into therapeutic practices? How do they complement traditional therapeutic techniques?
During global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, pets played an invaluable role in providing comfort and alleviating anxiety, largely due to their companionship and creating routine in a time of uncertainty. With many people isolated from friends and family, pets became essential companions, offering consistent love and support during the difficult time.
I’ve seen many instances where pets have been integrated into therapeutic practices, such as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). For example, therapy dogs are often brought into hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort, reducing anxiety and depression.
An unexpected benefit during the pandemic was our pets’ ability to mirror and calm our emotional states. With fewer distractions, people became more introspective, leading to an increase in meditation practices, personal development podcasts, and self-help strategies. Pets, with their natural ability to sense and reflect our emotions, complemented these practices by bringing clarity, calm, and peace simply by being present. This reflection helped their humans get a more objective glimpse into the energy they were projecting, emotions they were harboring, their tendencies, habits, and priorities, making their efforts toward personal development more effective.
Not all pets are dogs or cats. From birds to fish to reptiles, how can individuals choose the right pet that aligns with their mental health needs?
Choosing the right pet involves considering how an animal companion’s energy and behavior will reflect and influence your own. For those who benefit from a calm, visually soothing environment, fish can be an excellent choice.
Watching fish swim can have a meditative effect, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, reflecting the need for peace and quiet.
Birds, with their social and vocal nature, provide companionship and connection, especially for individuals who enjoy auditory stimulation. Their lively behavior can mirror and uplift your energy, elevating your mood and bringing positivity into your space.
Reptiles, on the other hand, may appeal to those who appreciate observation and routine without needing constant interaction. Their calm, steady presence can be grounding, offering comfort to individuals who thrive on consistency.
Each type of pet offers unique benefits, so it’s important to consider what type of interaction and reflection you find most comforting and choose a pet that aligns with those needs.
How does the act of taking care of a pet — feeding, grooming, exercising — contribute to an individual’s sense of purpose and mental well-being?
The act of caring for another living being fosters a sense of accomplishment and can boost self-esteem. Knowing that you are contributing to the well-being of your pet can provide a deep sense of satisfaction and emotional fulfillment. This sense of purpose, coupled with the feedback your pet provides, can also be critical for maintaining mental well-being, as it offers a reason to get up in the morning and engage with the world, even on difficult days.
Beyond that, caring for pets isn’t just about our animal companions; it’s also a journey of personal growth. The responsibilities of pet guardianship teach us patience, compassion, and empathy. Pets’ behaviors often prompt us to reflect on our emotional states, encouraging greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
The past 5 years have been filled with upheaval and political uncertainty. Many people have become anxious from the dramatic jolts of the news cycle. From your experience or research, what are your “Five Ways to Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet?” Can you please share a story or example for each?
1. Dig Into a Mindful Routine
Establishing a routine with your pet can be incredibly grounding. Beyond regular walks and feeding times, a daily routine that includes physical activity, playfulness, and mindfulness isn’t just a way to keep your pet happy — it’s a powerful tool for mental health. For example, starting your day with a mindful walk with your dog, focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells around you, can set a positive tone for the day.
One client struggled with morning anxiety, often waking up overwhelmed by the news her partner had on in the background. We integrated a morning routine where she would walk her dog and take five minutes to jot down a gratitude list while her pup enjoyed breakfast and she had her coffee. This simple, mindful practice, combined with the consistency of a daily walk, helped her manage anxiety and start her day with a clearer, more positive mindset.
2. Embrace the Unexpected
There’s a saying in showbiz: Never work with kids or pets because nothing ever goes as planned when the camera starts rolling. The same holds true when living, connecting with, and training our pets. You may be speaking on a Zoom call and suddenly your cat is batting at your camera. Or, you’re running late and your dog decides they’re not ready to come back from their walk. Life with pets teaches us to be flexible and dynamic, constantly adapting to the unexpected.
This flexibility isn’t just a necessity; it’s a mental muscle that enhances our well-being. By learning to roll with the punches and adapt to circumstances, we cultivate resilience and reduce the stress that comes from rigid expectations. Embracing the unexpected allows us to stay present, manage our emotions more effectively, and develop a more relaxed approach to life. In the grand scheme of things, these little disruptions remind us to find humor and grace in the unpredictable moments, strengthening our ability to handle whatever life throws our way.
3. Trust Your Instincts and Reduce Overthinking
Pets are masters at trusting their instincts, whether it’s a dog sensing danger or a cat knowing when to retreat. They don’t overanalyze situations, and this is a lesson we can all benefit from. By observing and emulating your pet’s instinctual behavior, you can learn to trust your gut and reduce the stress that comes from overthinking. For example, if your pet reacts negatively to a certain person or environment, it might be a cue to assess your feelings about the situation. Trusting your instincts can help you make quick decisions aligned with your intuition, reducing anxiety and enhancing overall well-being.
4. Shift Your Perspective with a Change of Scenery
Pets encourage us to step out of our routine and explore the world from a different perspective. Whether it’s laying on the floor next to your pet, taking a spontaneous walk with your dog, or observing how your cat interacts with their environment, these moments offer a break from the mental loops that contribute to anxiety and stress. Engaging with your pet in different settings allows you to see challenges from a new angle, leading to creative solutions and a lighter mental load. This shift is crucial for breaking heavy thoughts and promoting a positive, resilient mindset.
One client was struggling with creative block and found herself increasingly frustrated. I suggested she take her dog for an unstructured walk — no set route, just allowing the dog to lead. During these walks, she noticed how her dog’s curiosity about the environment encouraged her to look at things differently. This break from her routine helped her return to her work with renewed creativity and clarity. It’s a simple yet powerful way to use the presence of a pet to gain a fresh perspective on life’s challenges.
5. Empower Your Thoughts by Reflecting on Your Pet’s Behavior
Pets, especially during training or behavioral challenges, mirror our energy and mindset. When we approach a situation with frustration or negativity, our pets respond in kind, making it harder to change the pattern in place. However, when we shift to a more empowered mindset, focusing on our ability to affect change, our pets often mirror this positivity and resilience back to us. This feedback loop teaches us to shift from catastrophizing to adopting a more empowered mindset. By practicing this with your pet, you learn to carry this skill into other areas of your life, transforming challenges into growth opportunities. This empowered approach not only enhances your relationship with your pet but also fosters a sense of control and optimism in your day-to-day life, which is vital for maintaining mental health.
For one of my clients, every walk felt like a battle, leading to feelings of frustration and defeat. We worked on shifting her mindset from one of frustration to empowerment — focusing on small victories and celebrating progress. As she became more confident and positive, her dog’s behavior began to improve, reflecting the empowered energy she was projecting. This lesson in mindset not only improved her relationship with her dog but also translated into other areas of her life, helping her approach challenges with a sense of capability and optimism.
The loss of a pet can be deeply traumatic. How can individuals navigate this grief, and how does it compare to other forms of loss in terms of mental health impact?
Losing a pet can be as traumatic as losing a family member, and the grief that follows is often just as intense. Pets are integral to our daily lives, providing unconditional love and companionship, which makes their absence deeply felt. It’s important to allow yourself to mourn fully, just as you would for any other loss. This could include creating a memorial, writing a letter, or planting a tree to honor your pet’s memory.
Seeking support through grief counseling or joining a pet loss support group can also be incredibly helpful. These resources offer a space to share your feelings with others who understand the depth of your loss. The grief of losing a pet can sometimes bring up unresolved emotions from other life events, so seeking support is crucial to your overall healing.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of peace to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
As a new vanguard of pet parents and experts, we’re all part of the next big movement when it comes to our relationship with animal companions: Mindful Pet Guardianship. Along the lines of conscious parenting for human children, this movement encourages pet guardians to cultivate deeper, more intentional relationships with their pets, recognizing them as sentient beings who contribute significantly to our emotional and mental well-being.
By integrating traditional pet training techniques with mindfulness practices, we can create a mindful approach that benefits both pets and their guardians. This philosophy doesn’t just improve pets’ lives — it enhances wellness, reduces stress, and promotes a culture of mindfulness and mutual respect that extends across all relationships.
By observing and understanding our pets’ behaviors, we can gain a deeper awareness of our own feelings and reactions.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)
I’d love to share a meal with Reese Witherspoon, Jane Goodall, Mel Robbins, and Martha Stewart — each a phenomenal role model in their own right. But if I had to choose one today, it would be Dolly Parton. Her outlook on life is inspiring, grounded in love, and she’s achieved tremendous success while maintaining her values and legendary kindness.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Connect with me online at petprana.com where you can sign up for my newsletter to join my soul pack, and follow me on socials as @petprana.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
