First Post
I am fascinated by the behaviour of my cats and dogs. Through this blog, I am going to find out more about canine and feline psychology, and the relationship between people and their pets.
What is companion animal psychology? Well, I chose the name because the blog won't be limited to dogs or cats, so neither canine psychology or feline psychology fit the bill. I'll try and include all kinds of pets, although I'm sure that cats and dogs will be featured more than rabbits and parrots. I could have called it 'pet psychology', but I'm interested in the behaviour of the owners as well as the pets. Hence, companion animal psychology, because it includes the psychology of the companion animals, as well as of their companion (the owner).
I want to look at questions such as: why is pack theory/dominance outdated when talking about dogs? how did dogs evolve from wolves? is it possible to train a cat not to jump on the table? how does someone decide whether to get a pet from a breeder or from a shelter? I'll also review books written for ordinary people about how best to get along with their pets.
I think pets are often misunderstood. It seems there are big advances being made in the field of animal psychology, especially as far as dogs are concerned, and I want to learn more about this. The more people know about companion animal psychology, the easier it will be for them to enjoy their relationship with their pets, fewer animals will end up in rescue, and the shelters will be able to give the animals an even better chance at finding a forever home. You're welcome to join me in finding out more about animal behaviour and people's relationships with their pets.
By Zazie Todd, PhD
What is companion animal psychology? Well, I chose the name because the blog won't be limited to dogs or cats, so neither canine psychology or feline psychology fit the bill. I'll try and include all kinds of pets, although I'm sure that cats and dogs will be featured more than rabbits and parrots. I could have called it 'pet psychology', but I'm interested in the behaviour of the owners as well as the pets. Hence, companion animal psychology, because it includes the psychology of the companion animals, as well as of their companion (the owner).
I want to look at questions such as: why is pack theory/dominance outdated when talking about dogs? how did dogs evolve from wolves? is it possible to train a cat not to jump on the table? how does someone decide whether to get a pet from a breeder or from a shelter? I'll also review books written for ordinary people about how best to get along with their pets.
I think pets are often misunderstood. It seems there are big advances being made in the field of animal psychology, especially as far as dogs are concerned, and I want to learn more about this. The more people know about companion animal psychology, the easier it will be for them to enjoy their relationship with their pets, fewer animals will end up in rescue, and the shelters will be able to give the animals an even better chance at finding a forever home. You're welcome to join me in finding out more about animal behaviour and people's relationships with their pets.
By Zazie Todd, PhD
