Companion Animal Psychology

The top posts of the year and a couple of things to look forward to in 2022 Photo: Ivanova N/Shutterstock

 Season's Greetings from Companion Animal Psychology Photo: Roman Valyaev/Shutterstock

Pets aren't little people, so if you're going to apply labels like that, ask yourself these questions first. New Africa/Shutterstock

"This book is an evolutionary thought experiment--untestable, informative and great fun."--David P. Barash. 

My picks of artisan gifts from Etsy for dogs, cats, and their people.  From snuffle mats to cat sampler toys and pet beds, this artisan gift guide has you covered.

"Wow, this used to be theory and now we’re actually seeing it in practice.” Pioneering Canadian lawyer Victoria Shroff on her book, Canadian Animal Law. By Zazie Todd, PhD.

Why training your dog—even when you don’t need to teach a specific behaviour—is a good idea. An Australian Shepherd and a Border Collie show off their tricks. Photo: Enna8982/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD

A set of videos break down how to teach your cat to like their asthma inhaler.  Photo: Shveyn Irina/Shutterstock

“A captivating book on an intelligence as ‘alien’ as one from outer space. And its not science fiction.” -- Bernd Heinrich.

I’m so excited about this gorgeous cover! And Purr is available for preorder now. By Zazie Todd PhD

The benefits of using food puzzle toys, how to choose them, and how to introduce them to your dog. A Corgi with a woolly snuffle mat. Photo: Jus_Ol/Shutterstock.

Fear of predators, aging dogs, and blood transfusions for cats... the latest Companion Animal Psychology news. By Zazie Todd PhD

A guide to the ways in which management can help with your pet’s behaviour issues—either on its own, or alongside training and behaviour modification. Management can stop your dog from taking food you don't want them to get. Photo: Jarib/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD

Clever Border Collies have their word learning skills tested in new research from the Genius Dog Challenge. Whisky, one of the dogs in the study. Photo: Helge O. Svela. By Zazie Todd, PhD

"A beautifully presented book with an evocative historical voice and great confidence and flair. It is also a lot of fun to read."--Neil Pemberton.

I have a new post about puppies over on my Psychology Today blog, Fellow Creatures. Photo: Helena Lopes/Pexels

I've got a new post on my Fellow Creatures blog at Psychology Today. Photo: Meruyert Gonollu/Shutterstock

After the ban, fewer cats were surrendered to shelters, and those that were found a new home faster. Photo: Joey Thebeau/Shutterstock

"An incredible journey of joy, discovery, and innovation."--Shari Robertson PhD. By Zazie Todd, PhD.

When times are hard, we can still find joy with our pets.  Carpe sphera? Photo: Violacelous/Shutterstock

We know that reward-based methods are the best way to train dogs. Lately in the news I’ve read various stories about ways to encourage more people to get vaccinated in order to make a difference to the pandemic, and I’ve been seeing parallels with dog training. Photo: Samson Katt/Pexels

Here’s what you’ve been missing (and why now is a great time to sign up).

Dog obedience training and behaviour modification should use reward-based methods, according to a new position statement from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Photo: xkunclova/Shutterstock

"I love Wesley the Owl ! Not since Konrad Lorenz have I read such an honest, vivid, and revealing account of the rich and complex life of an individual bird."--Sy Montgomery.

The Pet Professional Guild's Geek Week 2021 is an online educational event with internationally renowned speakers--and I'm excited to be one of them! By Zazie Todd PhD

Photo: alexei_tm/Shutterstock The self-imposed stress of signing up for new dog training endeavours and how a berry U-Pick helped me to get over myself.  By Kristi Benson CTC PCBC-A, Special Correspondent

But don’t despair. Help is out there, and every small step gets you closer to resolution and to more fun adventures with your pet. Photo: dezy/Shutterstock

Zazie Todd guests on the What Makes You Click?  podcast with Daniel Mills. Daniel Mills and Zazie Todd

If you want a happy pet, you should pay attention to how you interact with them. Photo: Veera/Shutterstock

 Tips for dealing with behavioral issues, and on petting-induced aggression in cats. Photo: Simon Robben/Pexels

Today I have a new post on my Psychology Today blog, Fellow Creatures . Photo: Kataryna Babaieva/Pexels

The joy of finding a hot dog under the couch. (Photo: Jane Petrova/Shutterstock) By Kristi Benson CTC PCBC-A, Special Correspondent

 What to do if your dog is reactive to other dogs or other people on walks. Photo: Page Light Studios/Shutterstock. Guest post by Beth Sautins CTC

"In this superbly articulate cri de coeur, Safina gives us a new way of looking at the natural world that is radically different."―The Washington Post. By Zazie Todd, PhD.

 Enrichment for your pet... and for you too in this new premium newsletter (with benefits). Photo: Lenti Hill/Shutterstock

Common questions about caring for puppies answered by the experts. Photo: Photology1971/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD  This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Get Companion Animal Psychology in your inbox. Puppies are so cute! It must be wonderful to have one, right? But it can also be exhausting. And the need to socialize your puppy can feel like a big responsibility. We know that once people have had a puppy before, they typically do a better job of the socialization and training. They’ve learned from their earlier experience. But what if this is the first time you’ve got a puppy? It's very common to have questions about the best things to do to socialize and train your puppy. And let's face it, even an experienced puppy guardian can have questions. I asked some of North America's top experts for their tips for new puppy parents. Check out these questions and answers for ways to raise your puppy g

An exciting new offering from Companion Animal Psychology for people who want (even) happier pets. By Zazie Todd, PhD

Trials, setbacks, and love are all part of our relationship with dogs and cats. Photo: Ermolaeva Olga 84/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD.

Misunderstanding dogs, where a cat's butt goes, puppies, and teenagers... this month's Companion Animal Psychology news.

Will cats choose to sit in an imaginary box? A grey cat called Ash sits in a Kanizsa square. Photo: Tara McCready By Zazie Todd, PhD.

The risk factors for dogs being aggressive towards people include being fearful, older, small, and someone’s first dog, new research shows.  Photo: Bianca Ackermann/Unsplash

 "Answers every question imaginable for the new cat owner."--New York Times Book Review.

Dogs should learn to wear a muzzle, but many people make mistakes and there’s a fit issue too, according to new research. A dog wears a muzzle at the vet. Photo: Lipik Stock Media/Shutterstock

Ticket sales end soon for The Lemonade Conference - three days of education about dog sports, training, and behaviour. Photo: Christina Anne Costello/Unsplash.  The Lemonade Conference from 7-9 May brings you three days of online continuing education with speakers including Malena DeMartini, Jessica Hekman, Kathryn Lord, Emily Larlham, Daniel Mills, Eileen Anderson, Tabitha Kucera, Christopher Pachel, Kathy Sdao, and many more - including myself. It's brought to you by the IAABC and Denise Fenzi and ticket sales end soon . Scholarships are also available and the deadline is this Friday 23rd April.  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 and also has a column at Psychology Today . Todd lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, one dog, and two cats.  Useful links: Companion Animal Psychology merch   Companion An