[maxk42]

Still wrong: People who are happier perceive their dogs to be well-behaved. People who are more anxious predictably have more anxiety about their dogs' behavior.

FTA: "This study looked only at the owners’ perceptions of separation-related behaviors and not a specific diagnosis of separation anxiety."

Also FTA: "The study is just a snapshot in time and does not show causality."

[projektir]

> People who are happier perceive their dogs to be well-behaved. People who are more anxious predictably have more anxiety about their dogs' behavior.

I think this might actually be it. As someone with anxiety I am irrationally anxious about my cat all the time, but according to external appraisal (i.e., the vet), my cat is just fine.