Companion Animal Psychology

…Emails, that is. Make sure you’re still on the list. Photo: Julissa Helmuth/Pexels

Myths about dogs, making indoor/outdoor decisions about cats, and providing shade for guinea pigs... this month's Companion Animal Psychology news.

The common mistakes many people make when training their dog. Photo: Alexei_tm/Shutterstock

So you brought home a new best friend, and you’re not sure where to start with training your new rescue dog. Here are some tips. Photo: Geartooth Productions/Shutterstock

The April choice for the Companion Animal Psychology Book Club.  By Zazie Todd, PhD

My latest piece at my Psychology Today blog, Fellow Creatures, is up and it looks at the role of the writer when it comes to dog training and animal behaviour.

Celebrating nine years of blogging about cats and dogs.  Photo: Rodica Vasiliev/Shutterstock

Trina Moyles on her canine friend and protector, Holly, and her latest book, Lookout: Love, Solitude, and Searching for Wildfire in the Boreal Forest . No. 14 in the series The Writer's Pet by Zazie Todd PhD.

I have a new post at my Psychology Today blog, Fellow Creatures, that looks at some research on the factors that affect people's decision to surrender pets to the BC SPCA. Photo: Justin Veeneema/Unsplash

Family portraits with pets, tips for caring for kittens, wool dogs in BC, and more... This month's Companion Animal Psychology News. By Zazie Todd, PhD

Every dog is an individual, but dog training is more efficient when there’s a recipe to follow. Photo: Helen Hotson/Shutterstock By Kristi Benson CTC PCBC-A, Special Correspondent

 Jen Sookfong Lee on her adorable dog, her new children’s book, and her first poetry collection. Rosie McDoggle. Photo: Jen Sookfong Lee.

Reflections on the publication of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, one year on. Dixie and Hamish with Wag. Photo: Bonnie Hartney, Ocean Park Dog Training . By Zazie Todd, PhD

“Poignant, thoughtful, and sometimes heartbreaking. King once again elevates the discussion of animal emotion. She tackles a tricky subject with a scientist's care and an animal lover's grace.”-- Jennifer Holland. By Zazie Todd, PhD.

A new book uses powerful stories and photographs to show the difference dogs make to people with HIV.  Adam and Laila, from the book When Dogs Heal. Photo: Jesse Freidin.

Jen Hirt on doing agility with her dog, Wesley, and her latest book, Hear Me Ohio. Jen Hirt's dog Wesley. Photo: Rich Knecht.

Here’s why you should pick a puppy class that includes play – and what that play should look like.  Photo: Iuliia Bondarenko/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD

Itchy dogs, cats and catnip, and pups eating peanut butter... This month's Companion Animal Psychology news. By Zazie Todd, PhD

Have dogs evolved to lurk in the kitchen? We can learn more about dog’s evolution, and our own evolution, through the words we pass from grandparent to grandchild as nursery rhymes.  Photo: Anna Badi/Shutterstoc By Kristi Benson, CTC, Special Correspondent. 

I am thrilled and honoured that Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy has won the Dog Writer's Association of America award for book - behavior, health, or general care.

It’s worth learning to take care of your pet’s teeth, says veterinarian Dr. Rachel Szumel. Here are six reasons why. Photo: GerryP/Shutterstock

“A fascinating look at animal intelligence, Pepperberg’s tale is also a love story between beings who sometimes ‘squabble like an old married couple’ but whose bond broke only with Alex’s death at 31 in ‘07. Irresistible.”--People.

When dogs are trained with methods such as leash jerks, yelling, and shock collars, they have worse welfare than dogs trained solely with food rewards, according to new research. Photo: Lindaze/Shutterstock

Hannah Gold on her tortoise and her cat – and her much-anticipated children’s book, The Last Bear.

A selection of artisan Valentine-themed dog collars and cat collars, gifts for your pet, and cards for pet lovers.  By Zazie Todd, PhD

Many people rushed out to get pets when the pandemic started, but it's not an overwhelmingly positive experience. My latest post on my Fellow Creatures blog at Psych Today looks at some new research on how pets are affecting people during this time.  

It could be time to start working on your catio plans. Outdoors access with lower risk is good for pet cats’ quality of life. Photo: Ellie Burgin/Pexels

Losing a pet at this time simply adds to the difficulties of the pandemic, says Dr. Shelly Volsche. Shelly Volsche's late dog, Calvin.

Dogs and optical illusions, cat communication, and wildlife photos... this month's Companion Animal Psychology News.

Best-selling author Jessica Redland on her spaniel, Ella, and why she set her latest book series in a rescue centre for hedgehogs. Jessica Redland's dog, Ella.

These were the most popular books on this blog last year.