Companion Animal Psychology

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

The self-imposed stress of signing up for new dog training endeavours and how a berry U-Pick helped me to get over myself.  Photo: alexei_tm/Shutterstock 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

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 author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, a BC bestseller and winner of the Maxwell Medallion for best book (behaviour, health or general care) from the Dog Writers Association of America. She is the founder of the popular blog Companion Animal Psychology , and also writes a column for Psychology Today . Todd lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husban

…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.