How to Counter Misinformation about Dog Training and Cat Behaviour with Truth Sandwiches (PPiC3)

The Pawsitive Post in Conversation with Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson making some truth sandwiches about cats and dogs.

Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson in conversation about using truth sandwiches to counter misinformation

Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation

This time we talk about countering misinformation about dogs and cats with truth sandwiches. We run through some myths about dog training and cat behaviour, talk about why they are wrong, and figure out some truth sandwiches to help correct the misinformation. 

We consider: 

  • why it’s wrong to take a dominance approach to dog training
  • why we should use positive reinforcement rather than punishment in dog training
  • the myth that dogs should just fit into our lives
  • and why cats need to scratch.

We also talk about the (then) upcoming Management Month at the Academy for Dog Trainers, which is all about celebrating how you can sometimes use management instead of training to solve dog behaviour issues. As part of Companion Animal Psychology’s tenth anniversary celebrations, you can come to Reading Cats and Dogs: A Conversation with Lili Chin, Sassafras Lowrey, and Zazie Todd. The three authors will be reading from their books (Doggie Language, Chew This Journal, and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy) and in conversation with Kristi Benson. 

Plus, in our regular slot at the end of the conversation, Kristi and I talk about the books we’re reading right now.

Watch episode 3 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation below or on Youtube, or listen via your favourite podcast app or below. 



Show Notes

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Serving up truth sandwiches about dogs and cats (Psychology Today)

Jessica Ring’s blog post on management: Are there quick fixes for dog behaviour problems? (My Fantastic Friend)

Management Month is taking place at the Academy for Dog Trainers in March 2022.  (On Facebook

Reading Cats and Dogs: A Conversation with Lili Chin, Sassafras Lowrey, and Zazie Todd. 

Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend by Lili Chin.

Chew This Journal: An Activity Book for You and Your Dog by Sassafras Lowrey. 

Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy by Zazie Todd publishes in May 2022. Learn more about Purr.

Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy.

Aesop’s Animals: The Science Behind the Fables by Jo Wimpenny.

Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That’ll Improve and/or Ruin Everything by Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith.

Hotel Arcadia by Sunny Singh.

Kristi Benson online.  


The books mentioned are available from all good bookstores and from Companion Animal Psychology's Amazon store.


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