Shows
The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyHow to help your reactive or fearful dogIf a dog is reactive, fearful, or anxious, often the dog is struggling--and so is their person. We share tips to help you to help your fearful dog, from the first chapter of Zazie's book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. Bark! is out now in paperback and available wherever books are sold.Get Bark!: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/books.html We talked about:How important it is to recognize the signs of stress in dogsYour priority is to help your dog feel safePick a food your dog r...
2025-08-1939 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyTraining dogs, lizards, and sea lions with Dr. Adrian WaltonWhat's a veterinarian's view on dog training methods? And if your pet is terrified of going to the vet, how can they help? We find out from an amazing veterinarian, Dr. Adrian Walton of Dewdney Animal Hospital in Maple Ridge, BC.We talked about:Dr. Walton’s position on dog training methods, and his experience of so-called “balanced” trainersHow he trained sealions at the Toronto Zoo with a whistle and a bucket of fishHow a large lizard ended up at his clinic and what his technician taught the Nile monitor to doHow we know that lizards can co...
2025-08-0436 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyWriters on what brings them hope for the human-animal relationship (bonus)Writers talk about what brings them hope for the human-dog, human-cat, and human-animal bond.This is a bonus episode featuring Patricia McConnell PhD, Jean Donaldson, Marc Bekoff PhD, and all of the writers who took part in Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers. Together they share their insights on what is cause for hope. Bark! Fest celebrated the launch of my book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, which is out now.A few years back, I heard one of my favourite authors speak at an online literary...
2025-07-2225 min
Soul Touched by DogsZazie Todd - The Science of a Happy Dog: What Every Guardian Should KnowWhat does science say about how to make your dog happy? And how can understanding human psychology help us support our reactive or anxious dogs better?In this heartfelt and fascinating episode, I’m joined by Zazie Todd, PhD—animal behaviour expert, award-winning author, and creator of the Companion Animal Psychology blog. Zazie shares her journey from academic psychologist to beloved voice in the world of canine (and feline!) wellbeing. Her story—like so many of ours—started with a dog who needed a bit more help than expected.We talk about how her background in psych...
2025-07-1029 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyThe benefits of tricks training for dogs and cats with Erica Beckwith (Replay)As we take a summer break, we're replaying this fun and fantastic interview with Erica Beckwith of A Matter of Manners dog training about the benefits of tricks training for dogs and cats.We talked about:the benefits of tricks traininghow tricks training can help you love your pet even morehow Erica got into training tricksErica's favourite tricks to teach others in classestips on how to take a selfie with your doghow to find the right reinforcement for your cat, and the right way to deliver that reinforcementThis episode was first published...
2025-07-0741 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyHuman remains detection dogs and historic searches with Kim Cooper and Cat WarrenDogs have incredible noses, and can trained to search for the scent of human remains, bringing closure to those who are grieving and the opportunity to memorialize. As well as recent remains, they can also search for historic remains. We're joined by two experts in the field, Kim Cooper of Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue, and Cat Warren, author of the NYT-bestseller What the Dog Knows, to learn more about these dogs and the work that they do.We talk about:How Kim and Cat got started in working with human remains detection dogs and how...
2025-06-2356 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyFearful and Anxious Dogs with Zazie Todd, PhD, at Bark! FestZazie Todd is at the forefront of the move towards positive animal welfare and kind, humane dog training methods. Her third book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog is a compassionate and practical guide to overcoming your dog’s fears. In this panel from Bark! Fest, you’ll learn how to help your dog feel safe, how your presence can help your dog, and get a new understanding of the training techniques that can make a difference, as she shares tips from Bark!. We talked about:How Bark! Fest came aboutHow to co...
2025-06-091h 00The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyLoving and Losing Pets with E.B. Bartels, Rev. Sarah Bowen, and Karen Fine DVM at Bark! FestLiving with pets sadly means losing them too. There wasn't a dry eye in the house (in a good way) at this event.Loving pets means thinking of them both in life and after their loss. In the poignant and personal Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter, E.B. Bartels takes us on a global tour of how we love and mourn our pets. Sarah Bowen shares her deep insights on the lives and loss of all animals—pets and wildlife—in Sacred Sendoffs: An Animal Chaplain’s Advice for Surviving Animal Loss, Making Life Meanin...
2025-05-271h 01The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyAnimal Emotions with Marc Bekoff, PhD, at Bark! FestWhen The Emotional Lives of Animals was first published in 2007, it was a gamechanger for its exploration of animal emotions and cognition. Now, a second edition has been published to bring us up to date on all the new science of animal emotions. Marc Bekoff joins us in this webinar to talk about animals’ experiences of joy, empathy, grief, anger, and embarrassment. You’ll never see animals the same way again. We talked about: What Marc Bekoff was hoping to do when he wrote the first edition of this book in 2007, and why he wrote a seco...
2025-05-131h 00The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyOur Bond with Cats with Sarah Chauncey, Sassafras Patterdale, and Rachel Wells at Bark! FestReflect on what cats mean to us and the many ways they influence our lives with these 3 feline authors. Sarah Chauncey’s heartfelt P.S. I Love You More Than Tuna is a touching celebration of our bond with our cats, illustrated by Francis Tremblay. Claw This Journal: An Activity Book for Cats and Their Humans by Sassafras Patterdale (Lowrey) is packed with crafts, training, and activities and a deep understanding of cats’ emotional wellbeing. In the latest in the Sunday Times bestselling series, Alfie the cat is preparing for a purrfect festive show when things go wrong...
2025-04-2857 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyPuppy Brain, early socialization, and what to ask a breeder with Kerry NicholsZazie chats with Kerry Nichols, bestselling author of Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love. We talk about:How Kerry got into breeding dogsWhy we both love Golden RetrieversHow the book, Puppy Brain, came aboutWhat puppies are like when they are bornExamples of the socialization that Kerry does with puppiesHer favourite part of the first 8 weeks of a puppy's lifeAdvice on finding a responsible breeder (for any breed)And Kerry reads from Puppy Brain for us!Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love is out now in hardback. The...
2025-04-0940 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyCanine Crime and Mystery with Antony Johnston, Louisa Scarr, & Dr. Philipp Schott at Bark! FestIf you love crime and mystery novels, you’re in for a treat as dogs help solve crimes in these remarkable books. When a singer dies in mysterious circumstances, dog sitter Gwinny Tuffel and the singer’s Border Collie investigate in Antony Johnston’s cosy and witty The Dog Sitter Detective Takes the Lead. In Louisa Scarr’s dark and compelling Gallows Wood, PC Lucy Halliday and her dog Moss search for the body after a severed hand is found in the woods. And when veterinarian (and amateur detective) Dr. Bannerman and his champion sniffer dog Pippin holiday near a remote...
2025-03-161h 04
Backyard Pet Talk with Shannon RileyScientific Studies on Force-Free Positive Reinforcement Dog Training with Dr. Zazie ToddIn today's special episode, we talk with Zazie Todd, PHD, about some scientific studies; some dogs are harder to train than others, adolescent dogs have more issues than puppies, the puppy blues thing!If you would like to donate to Ripple Animal Effect Project, please use this link:https://www.clover.com/pay-widgets/45e53cea-3d70-4757-a404-fabcaf9b33edZazie Todd, PhD, is an animal behavior expert and the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, Purr: The Science of Making...
2025-03-1530 min
Backyard Pet Talk with Shannon RileyScientific Studies on Force-Free Positive Reinforcement Dog Training with Dr. Zazie ToddIn today's special episode, we talk with Zazie Todd, PHD, about some scientific studies; some dogs are harder to train than others, adolescent dogs have more issues than puppies, the puppy blues thing!If you would like to donate to Ripple Animal Effect Project, please use this link:https://www.clover.com/pay-widgets/45e53cea-3d70-4757-a404-fabcaf9b33edZazie Todd, PhD, is an animal behavior expert and the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, Purr: The Science of Making...
2025-03-1532 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyMore Than Just a Dog with Si WoolerZazie and Kristi talk to dog trainer Si Wooler about his new book, More Than Just a Dog.We talk about the big changes that people are willing to make for their fearful dogs, and why the dog's relationship with their person is important for all dogs, but especially the fearful ones. We talk about what a great job Si does of helping people see things from the dog's perspective, and we ask how he talks with clients about the dog's umwelt, or how the dog perceives their world.We ask about how Si decided...
2025-03-0348 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyCaring for Dogs with Pilley Bianchi, Wendy Lyons Sunshine, and Carri Westgarth PhDDevelop a better bond with your dog with these 3 canine authors. For the Love of Dog is Pilley Bianchi’s love letter to our canine friends, sharing wisdom from her father John W. Pilley’s work with Chaser the Border Collie and illustrated by NYTimes illustrator Calum Heath. In Tender Paws, Wendy Lyons Sunshine examines what dog guardians can learn from the science of human parenting. And Carri Westgarth draws on her research into human-animal interaction to help you improve your pet’s wellbeing and become The Happy Dog Owner. This conversation was recorded at Bark! Fest, the boo...
2025-02-151h 03
Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastUnderstanding & Helping Fearful Dogs with Zazie ToddVictoria Stilwell welcomes Zazie Todd, PhD, an award-winning author, animal behavior expert, and founder of Companion Animal Psychology on the podcast to discuss the science of stress in dogs, how to identify signs of anxiety, and the role of medications in behavior modification. The conversation touches on cognitive bias in dogs, optimism vs. pessimism, and how early positive experiences shape a dog’s outlook. Zazie shares insights on why fear and anxiety in dogs are on the rise, how counter-conditioning works, and why first-time experiences matter so much for a dog’s learning. Zazie also highlights the impor...
2025-02-1145 min
The Doodle Pro® Podcast: Positive Training Tips for a Calm & Well-Behaved Doodle60: Wag: The Science of a Happy Dog with Dr. Zazie ToddCould your doodle be happier? 🐾 Dr. Zazie Todd, PhD, author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, joins me to unpack the science behind what makes our dogs truly thrive.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The #1 mistake well-meaning dog parents make when trying to make their pup happy✔️ Why positive reinforcement is key to training success (and what science says about punishment-based methods)✔️ How to tell if your dog is genuinely happy—and what to do if they’re not✔️ The critical puppy socialization window most people miss (and how to do it right...
2025-02-0542 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyCaring for Cats with Lili Chin, Mikel Delgado PhD, and Lucy Hoile at Bark! FestLearn about the best ways to care for cats with these 3 feline authors. The delightful and informative drawings in Kitty Language by Lili Chin teach you how to understand your feline friend. Mikel Delgado’s Play With Your Cat! will inspire you to have more fun through interactive play with your kitty. And in the book your cat wishes you would read, Lucy Hoile empowers cat guardians to build a better relationship with their cat.We talked about:How Lili researched her book, Kitty LanguageWhat she learned about feline body language that surprised her, and how he...
2025-01-251h 00The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyCanine Blockbusters with Alexis Devine and Teresa J Rhyne at Bark! FestCelebrate the dog-human bond with these bestselling authors. Social media stars Alexis Devine and her dog Bunny examine our ability to communicate with dogs through buttons that let them “talk” in I Am Bunny. And in Poppy in the Wild, #1 New York Times bestselling author Teresa J Rhyne tells the breathtaking tale of a dog lost and then found in the wilderness.We talked about: Why Alexis decided to start using buttons to teach Bunny to 'talk'How Alexis went about the research for the sections on animal communicationCute stories about some of the specific buttons that Bunn...
2025-01-101h 03
The Sociable Dog PodcastA chat with Zazie ToddLeave us a messageZazie Todd PhD is an animal behaviour expert and the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. Her third book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, is out now. Todd is the creator of Companion Animal Psychology blog and has a column at Psychology Today. She has a PhD in Psychology, is an honours graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, and has an Advanced Certificate of Feline Behaviour (with Distinction) from International Cat...
2024-12-3037 min
Dog Save The PeoplePositive Consistency w/ Zazie Todd, PhDHuman-animal behavior research and education has grown significantly over the past decade. One person who has stayed on top of these developments has been Zazie Todd, PhD, a psychologist, trainer, behaviorist, and writer. Through her website, Companion Animal Psychology, Zazie has written since 2012 about the ways science can help our animal companions have happier lives through digestible insights that everyone can understand. She writes a regular series for Psychology Today today too, called Fellow Creatures, exploring the social world of people and animals. She has also now written three books about the science behind our dogs' emotions....
2024-12-1718 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyCanine Emotions and Perception with Marc Bekoff PhD, Zazie Todd PhD, and Cat Warren at Bark! FestDiscover the role of emotions and perception in dogs’ lives. In Dogs Demystified: An A-to-Z Guide to All Things Canine and the second edition of The Emotional Lives of Animals, Marc Bekoff updates our understanding of the emotions animals feel (and how we know they feel them). For people whose dogs feel shy or worried, Zazie Todd’s Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog is a compassionate and practical guide based on the latest science. And in the beautifully-crafted New York Times bestseller What the Dog Knows: Scent, Science, and the Amazing Ways Dogs Perc...
2024-12-131h 02The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyCulture Clash and Beyond with Jean Donaldson at Bark! FestBark! Fest gets off to a tail-wagging start with a conversation with one of the world’s top dog trainers. Jean Donaldson’s seminal book The Culture Clash reframed how we think about dogs and has inspired generations of dog trainers to use (or switch to) reward-based methods. Join us to talk about all things dog training, including positive reinforcement, fearful dogs, and education for dog owners and trainers alike.This recording is of a panel at Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers, that took place in September 2024. Bark! Fest was organized to celebrate the laun...
2024-11-2958 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyDogs, trauma, and both ends of the leash with Patricia McConnell PhDPatricia B. McConnell PhD is an internationally-renowned applied animal behaviourist who has dedicated her life to improving the relationship between people and animals. Amongst her many treasured dog training books, The Other End of the Leash draws our attention to the human side of dog training. McConnell’s memoir, The Education of Will, is a beautifully-written and uplifting account of how to reclaim life after trauma, for both humans and dogs. Join us to talk about dog behaviour, overcoming hardships, and the importance of compassion and science in dog training. This recording is of a pa...
2024-11-2159 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyEnrichment, barking, whether dogs detect our stress, and questions about fearful dogs and catsIn this episode, Zazie and Kristi answer wide-ranging questions about both dogs and cats that were sent in by listeners. We talked about brain games and the attention span in senior dogs; suggestions for new things to teach dogs; why dogs bark at e.g. people in hats or people going by the house; cooperative care for kittens; creating a local resource list for anxious and fearful dogs; enrichment and caring for fearful cats; the best tone of voice to use when speaking to your dog; whether dogs can detect our levels of stress; how to advocate f...
2024-11-1458 min
Simplifying Shelter BehaviourEp. 25 Bark! The science of Helping your Anxious, Fearful or Reactive Dog with Zazie Todd.Bark! The Science of Helping your Anxious, Fearful and Reactive dog with Zazie Todd
In this episode we are joined by Zazie Todd author of Wag, Purr and now Bark! These books do a great job of combining stories, science and tips and tricks for owners and care givers. In this episode we talk about Bark! The what’s, whys and how’s. Exploring the book, Zazie’s reasonings behind it and how she hopes it will help explain the things they need to know. To make living with an Anxious, fearful, or reactive dog.
About Zazie Todd
2024-11-0644 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyWhat you need to know about herding dogs with Emily PriestleyZazie and Kristi talk to dog trainer Emily Priestley about her book Urban Sheepdog and what you need to know about herding breeds.We start by discussing which breeds count as herding breeds and what they were bred to do, and ask Emily how a herding dog first came into her life.Then we talked about the kinds of herding dog behaviours that dog guardians can sometimes struggle with, and the extent to which we consider these normal or pathological.We also talk about the importance of exercise and enrichment, and Emily's main...
2024-11-0143 min
Barks from the Bookshelf#70 Zazie Todd - Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive DogHowdy Bookshelvers! We hope this podcast finds you warm and snuggly by a fire with a dog on your lap. This week Corrin and Steve are joined by the wonderful award winning author, PhD, certified dog trainer, animal behaviourist and returning guest Zazie Todd to discuss everything about her brand spanking new book Bark!We love chatting with Zazie. She is always so compassionate, practical, and deep rooted in science as well as being open to difficult conversations and generous with the absolute universe of knowledge inside her head. We get to discuss her journey a...
2024-10-222h 13
PPG PodcastChat & Chuckle with Dr. Zazie Todd About the Five Pillars of Feline WellnessJoin Laura Cassiday and Joanna Wachowiak-Finlaison as they chat and chuckle with Dr. Zazie Todd, author of Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy, about the five pillars of feline welfare.
Zazie Todd PhD is an animal behaviour expert and award-winning author. She got the world talking about happiness for pets with her first two books Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. Her third book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, will be published in October 2024. Todd is the creator of C...
2024-09-241h 02The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyHow to include your pet in wedding photos with Nicole EttenhoferZazie and Kristi speak to Nicole Ettenhofer, VP of Growth and Strategy at George Street Photo & Video, about pet-friendly ways to get cute wedding photos with your pet.As people increasingly consider pets to be part of the family, they want to involve them in their wedding. So what you can you do to make sure you get some great photos that include the pet, without overwhelming them? We begin with a personal story from Nicole that will have you tearing up in a good way, and which shows you can trust her tips to be pet-friendly.
2024-08-0927 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyHow to Help Dogs Prepare for a New Baby with Kate LaSalaZazie and Kristi chat with Kate LaSala of Rescued By Training about the important steps to take to help dogs prepare for the arrival of a baby in the family.Kate takes a lot of fear and aggression cases and she tells us how she came to specialize in working with families with small children. She tells us about the issues people have with their dogs when they are expecting and the reasons why it's so important to start preparation early. The dog needs to get used to being flexible, to no longer getting all the attention...
2024-07-0434 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastThe Science of Dog Training with Zazie ToddJoin Victoria as she welcomes Zazie Todd, PhD, an award-winning author, animal behavior expert, and founder of Companion Animal Psychology. Zazie's acclaimed books, Wag and Purr, demystify the science of animal behavior and provide practical insights on how to apply this knowledge in our everyday lives with our pets.In this engaging discussion, Victoria and Zazie delve into two recent research articles. The first article explores new guidelines on spaying and neutering, focusing on when to spay/neuter and potential impacts on pet health. The second article discussed aggression and different characteristics of...
2024-06-1155 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyFlat-faced dogs and cats with Dr. Dan O'Neill and Dr. Rowena PackerWe talk about the health issues faced by flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs and cats and why these breeds are still to popular with Dr. Dan O'Neill and Dr. Rowena Packer of the Royal Veterinary College.We start by talking about what we mean when we talk about brachycephalic dogs. Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs are the poster children for these breeds and get the most attention, but we also get some surprising good news about Shih Tzus.When dogs are bred for flat faces it means they can struggle to breathe. Dan and Rowena talk about...
2024-05-2254 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyFreddie the rescue dog and how dogs save us with Grant Hayter-MenziesZazie and Kristi are joined by Grant Hayter-Menzies to talk about his book Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me.In this episode, we’re joined by writer and biographer Grant Hayter-Menzies to talk about his book Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me. We talk about how Freddie came into his life and the important ways in which dogs help us, even when we think we’re the ones saving them. Freddie was a terrified rescue dog who took time to settle in, and became so important to Hayter-Menzies. Hayter-Menzies tells us about how he wr...
2024-04-1639 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyAnimal minds and our favourite fables with Dr. Jo WimpennyZazie and Kristi are joined by zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny to talk about her book, Aesop’s Animals: The Science Behind the Fables, which is out now in paperback.In this episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation, Zazie and Kristi are joined by zoologist and writer Dr. Jo Wimpenny to talk about her book Aesop’s Animals: The Science Behind the Fables. We talk about the history of Aesop’s fables and the role they still play in society today, before moving on to wonder whether there is a grain of truth in them when it comes...
2024-02-2934 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyUsing social media to help dogs with Jennifer MalaweyZazie and Kristi are joined by TikTok star Jennifer Malawey (Dizzy Dancing Dog) who shares her secrets about how to us social media to help dogs. Jennifer Malawey has a CTC from the Academy for Dog Trainers andis a Certified SA Pro trainer who works on separation anxiety cases. She also puts out fantastic content on dog training on her social media and Youtube. She joined us to chat about how we can use social media to help people learn about dogs and dog training.Jennifer talks about how she comes up with ideas for c...
2023-12-2137 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyVictoria Schade, Unleashed Holiday, and delightful romcoms with dogsZazie and Kristi chat with Victoria Schade, dog trainer and author of delightful romcoms, about her upcoming book Unleashed Holiday. We learn about the Puppy Bowl and Victoria's involvement in it as lead animal wrangler, and how she made the move to writing, first with nonfiction books about dog training and then to romcoms. We chat about how Victoria's books include real-life issues, and how she juggles the 'educator' and 'entertainer' hats. Victoria’s upcoming book, Dog Friendly, will be released on September 17th. The main character is a vet, and Victor...
2023-09-1331 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyCat Husbandry: How to Groom Your Cat, Trim Nails, Get Scratching Posts, and Give MedsIn this episode we chat about how to groom your cat and how to deal with mats, as well as how to trim your cat’s nails. We discuss the many reasons why it’s important not to “declaw” your cat and how it’s really like an amputation. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats and we talk about the kind of post to provide to keep your cat happy.We also discuss the tricky topic of how to give meds to your cats, including pilling, towel-wrapping, and tricks to make meds easier. Along the way we share s...
2023-08-1637 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyEnrichment for cats and writing about dogs and cats with Sassafras LowreyKristi and Zazie are joined by author Sassafras Lowrey to talk about her latest book, Claw This Journal, which is full of fun tips for activities to do with your cat. We learn about how Sassafras's cat Thing came into her life and why she wrote this book. We talk about enrichment for cats, and how it's important to tailor it for individual cats. We also discuss what our cats would get Best in Show prizes for.We also chat about her book for young dog lovers, Jillian at the Junior Showcase. As well, we chat about...
2023-07-0534 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyTeaching recall and stopping dogs from getting lost with Maria KarununganIt’s surprisingly common for newly-adopted dogs to get lost, and for any dog to go missing at some point in their lives, even if only for a moment. How can we stop dogs from getting lost? We chat with Maria Karunungan of Fetch the Leash in Burlington, Vermont, about the steps dog guardians can take to prevent their dog from getting lost.From the best treats to use when teaching dogs to come when called, the prevention strategies all dog guardians should use, to special steps to take when your dog is new to you, this ep...
2023-06-0132 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyHow much grooming do dogs need and how can you do their nails with Jane WolffWe talk about how much grooming dogs need, whether they have short fur or long fur, and why it’s important to stay on top of it. We chat about the research that shows that dogs can find grooming stressful, and the training we can do to make it easier. It's so important to go at the dog's pace.A lot of people find doing their dog’s nails a chore, and Jane has just released a free course, Start From Scratch , that shows you how to train your dog to do their own nails using a scra...
2023-05-2743 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyUnderstanding resource guarding in dogs and how to fix it with Lisa SkavienskiResource Guarding in DogsWe talk with Lisa about what resource guarding is and the body language that you should look for to spot it. People often have an emotional response to resource guarding—it can be a shock if your dog growls at you—and we talk about why you shouldn’t punish the growl and how to deal with those completely normal feelings. We discuss how to fix resource guarding issues and why aversive methods are not the answer. Kristi and Zazie both share stories about their own dogs’ resource guarding behaviour, and we also t...
2023-05-2349 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyThe importance of kindness in dog training with Jane WolffKindness in dog trainingWe talk with Jane about the importance of kindness in dog training, both kindness to dogs and kindness to people. We begin by talking about the most important ways to be kind to dogs. Jane specializes in working with clients whose dogs have separation anxiety, and we also talk about how to help people deal with this tricky issue without leaving their dog alone for any longer than they are okay with.We also chat about Jane’s social justice work, and how that informs her dog training too.An...
2023-05-1147 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyThe benefits of tricks training for dogs and cats with Erica BeckwithTraining Tricks with Your Dog (and Cat)Teaching tricks to your dog is fun and cute, and a great way to improve the human-animal bond. Plus, you get to show off how adorable your pet is.Erica Beckwith is the talented tricks trainer behind A Matter of Manners Dog Training, where she does behaviour consults for dogs and cats and runs online classes to teach a variety of tricks including peekaboo, sit pretty, chorus line kicks, and how to take a selfie with your dog. Kristi Benson and I spoke to Erica about w...
2023-05-0542 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyPets' names: How we choose them, how we use them, and how to change themEpisode 5 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation sees Zazie and Kristi talk about the names we give our pets. We chat about how we choose them, what makes a good name, how we use our pets' names, how to change a pet's name, and whether they know their own and each other's names.As well, we talk about the books the book club is reading right now and our own choices of books we love. (There may be some spoilers in this discussion).Pet cats know their fellow cats' names, study shows (Psychology Today)
2023-05-0334 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyWhat's changed for pets--and what still needs to change with Jean DonaldsonThe Pawsitive Post In Conversation Ep 4 with special guest Jean Donaldson. #CAP10.Zazie and Kristi are joined by Jean Donaldson, one of the world's top dog trainers, founder of the Academy for Dog Trainers, and author of Culture Clash. Zazie, Kristi, and Jean talk about what's changed for dogs over the last ten years: the move to reward-based dog training methods, increased enrichment, better education of pet guardians, and fear free veterinary care. As well, they talk about the changes they would still like to see happen.They also talk about Dog Training 101, a 24-lesson...
2023-05-0347 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyHow to counter misinformation about dogs and cats with truth sandwicheswe talk about countering misinformation about dogs and cats with truth sandwiches. We run through some myths about dog training and cat behaviour, talk about why they are wrong, and figure out some truth sandwiches to help correct the misinformation. We consider: why it’s wrong to take a dominance approach to dog training why we should use positive reinforcement rather than punishment in dog training the myth that dogs should just fit into our lives and why cats need to scratch.We also talk about the (then) upcomi...
2023-05-0344 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyGood habits and resolutions for dog and cat guardians and writersWe talk about New Year's Resolutions, habits that are a good idea for pet guardians, helping dogs and cats cope with winter, grooming dogs and cats, writing habits, and what we're reading right now.The books mentioned:A Dog's World: Imagining the Lives of dogs in a World Without Humans by Jessice Pierce and Marc BekoffThe Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It by W. Chris WinterHow to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham ThammavongsaSend us a text to say hello!...
2023-05-0335 minThe Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyGenius dogs and talking dogsWe chat about the Genius Dog Challenge, where scientists are finding dogs who know a lot of words, and Stella the dog who learned to use buttons to communicate. We also talk about the words and behaviours our own dogs and cats know--and the behaviours we think are important for every pet to know.Kristi tells us about her courses for people who need help with their dog jumping up or housetraining.And finally we chat about the books we're reading.Send us a text to say hello!About the co-hosts:
2023-05-0342 min
The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyIntroduction to The Pawsitive Post in ConversationMeet Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, the hosts of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation, as they chat about dogs and cats.This podcast is for anyone who wants to learn more about how to have a better relationship with their dog or cat. We'll focus on dog and cat behaviour and training. Whether you are a dog person or a cat person, there will be something for you to enjoy.We chat about how we first met via The Academy for Dog Trainers and the expertise that we bring to this topic, as well as...
2023-05-0211 min
Pod to the RescueHappy Cats with Zazie ToddThis week, Emily and Libby interview Zazie Todd, PhD, about her new book "Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy." This episode (and the book!) is filled with tips and ideas for cat lovers seeking to provide the best life possible for their cat - from kitten raising to rescue and shelter cat enrichment.
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/home.html
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard.
2022-06-3052 min
Doggy DojoNavigating Social Media with Shalina SeifertShalina works as a dog trainer in Toronto, Canada. After completing the intensive
internship program at When Hounds Fly, she then earned her CPDT-KA certification.
Although her love of dogs began in childhood, her passion for science and psychology was born in university. After graduating with her degree in Psychology, she began to dive into animal psychology and learning theory. Keeping up with the latest "dog science" is what drives her to improve to become as effective and humane as possible.
After spending some time on dog training social media, it became apparent...
2022-06-2833 min
A Dog's Life with Anna WebbA Purrcast with Zazie ToddThis week Anna is joined by Zazie Todd (Companion Animal Psychology) talking about her new book Purr - the science of making your cat happy. Zazie has a PhD in Psychology, and an Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour from International Cat Care. Her award winning book Wag was featured in episode: 53 of A DOG’S LIFE and similarly covers all the essentials and latest science to work out how to make your pet happy. We chat about our own cats. Zazie is pet parent to Harvey and Melina and Anna’s cat Gremlin gets a big up too. Often unde...
2022-06-1246 minDoggy DojoHow to Choose A Dog Trainer with Zazie Todd, PhDZazie Todd, PhD, is the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, and the creator of Companion Animal Psychology blog and The Pawsitive Post newsletter. Her next book, Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy, will be published in May 2022. Zazie has a PhD in Psychology, is an honours graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, and has an Advanced Certificate of Feline Behaviour (with Distinction) from International Cat Care. Originally from the UK, she lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, one dog, and two cats.
Blog:
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2022-04-0530 min
Tails from the Dog House: Separation Anxiety ExplainedWith special guest Zazie Todd PhDThis week the girls are joined by animal behaviour expert and award-winning writer Zazie Todd PhD talking about all things dogs (and cats) and how to ensure their optimal happiness .....
SHOW NOTES:
Companion Animal Pyschology: www.companionanimalpsychology.com
Link including the Pawsitive Post : https://companionanimalpsychology.ck.page/products/the-pawsitive-post
Books -
Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy by Zazie Todd (available now)
Purr - The Science of Making Your Cat Happy by Zazie Todd (due for release May 2022)
2022-01-201h 02
How To Train Your Dog With Love + Science - Dog Training with Annie Grossman + Anamarie Johnson PhDBecoming a trainer in prison: Nora Moran of Puppies Behind Bars PLUS: AVSAB's new position statementNora Moran is a director at Puppies Behind Bars, a program that employs prisoners to raise and train puppies who will grow up to become service dogs, therapy dogs, and working dogs. She first learned about the program when she herself got the opportunity to raise a puppy while incarcerated at New York's Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Since her release in 2008, she has been working to help more prisoners raise dogs and learn about training. She and Annie discuss the kinds of work the prisoners are doing with the dogs, and talk about the transformations that take place as...
2021-08-2053 min
What Makes You Click?17. Zazie ToddIn this episode I catch up with companion animal blogger and psychologist Zazie Todd PhD. We discuss the public communication of science and some of the challenges associated with selling positive trainign methods. We also discuss her late arrival to the love of dogs. #petbehaviourodysseys, #whatmakesyouclick #PBO
2021-07-111h 34
UNLEASHED (at work & home) with Colleen Pelar045. Curiosity - Zazie ToddZazie Todd, PhD, talked with Colleen Pelar about curiosity and how it primes the pump for greater intellectual and personal growth. www.colleenpelar.com/45
2019-08-0128 min