Companion Animal Psychology Turns Seven

Celebrating seven years of blogging about science and pets here at Companion Animal Psychology.

Celebrating seven years of Companion Animal Psychology. Photo shows a Bengal kitten playing with a party toy


By Zazie Todd, PhD

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Today is exactly seven years since I started Companion Animal Psychology with the aim of finding out what science tells us about how to have happy dogs and cats.

In this time, I’ve been writing evidence-based articles about how best to care for our cats and dogs, and about new scientific research papers that are relevant to the everyday lives of people and their pets.

It’s wonderful to see how much the general public wants to know about science and our pets.

Over the years I’ve been honoured to speak to many scientists, veterinarians, dogs trainers, and others about their work with animals. As well, I’ve been lucky to publish some wonderful guest posts.

Companion Animal Psychology celebrates 7 years of pet science blogging, Photo shows dogs' noses peeking out from a blanket.
A seventh anniversary is a wool anniversary. Photo: dezy/Shutterstock


One thing that keeps me cheerful is to see just how many amazing people are working so hard to make the world a better place for both pets and their people.

This is my 445th post. In the last year, my most popular post was don’t punish your dog for peeing in the house. A series of posts on fearful dogs was particularly well received.

I’ve published fantastic guest posts by Dr. Christian Nawroth, about what animal cognition research means for pet goats, and Kristi Benson, on parallels between dog training and fiction.

I was thrilled to interview Dr. Marc Bekoff about his book Canine Confidential, to speak to Dr. Marty Becker about his co-authored book, From Fearful to Fear Free, and the Fear Free movement to make vet visits easier for pets, and to Prof. Hal Herzog about our complicated relationship with animals.


Companion Animal Psychology celebrates 7 years of blogging about pets and science. Photo shows two copper cat sculptures.
A seventh anniversary is also a copper anniversary. Photo: Narumoi Wunza/Shutterstock


As well, it was a pleasure to interview Lori Nanan about her course in canine nail care, and Jane Sigsworth about working with fearful dogs.

Last June, the 2018 Train for Rewards blog party was a huge success with 27 entries.  Thank you to all the pet bloggers who took part. I took part in someone else’s blog party for the first time with the Pet Blogger Challenge in January this year. 

And I was incredibly honoured that Companion Animal Psychology was profiled in the Washington Post.

Now, I am just finishing up copy edits on my book. I’m delighted to tell you that Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy will be coming to a bookstore near you early next year.

Companion Animal Psychology is 7! Thank you to everyone who supports the blog. Photo shows a tuxedo cat, a rose, and message Thank you.


I want to thank everyone who has supported Companion Animal Psychology over the years with likes, shares, and comments.

And I’d like to give a special shout-out to those of you who support Companion Animal Psychology on Ko-fi.

Your support and encouragement means the world and I appreciate it a lot.

Seven years in internet years feels like a long time. It’s something to celebrate!

Zazie


Zazie Todd, PhD, is the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. She is the creator of the popular blog, Companion Animal Psychology, writes The Pawsitive Post premium newsletter, and also has a column at Psychology Today. Todd lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, one dog, and two cats. 

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