Two new podcast recordings with Zazie Todd as a guest, and Bark! on WPR's list of books to gift to animal lovers. Plus a Black Friday discount on merch.

The word Lexicat spelled out and a dice showing the number 1

Image: The Allusionist.

I've got some interviews to share with you today and a Black Friday discount on Companion Animal Psychology merch.

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The Allusionist podcast

I spoke to The Allusionist podcast about using buttons to help cats 'talk'.

Here's the official description:

Elsie the cat has a set of 120 buttons programmed with words. She uses them to lie, swear, apologise, express grief and frustration and love to her human, the author Mary Robinette Kowal, who talks about what's involved in learning to communicate via language buttons with companion animals. And animal behaviour expert Zazie Todd explains how animals might be interacting with human language.
This is the first half of a two-parter: in the next episode, some talking dogs - and their humans - come to visit, and we hear about the kinds of things you find out about what your animal friend is really thinking, and how it changes the ways you communicate with other humans too.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or here.

Your Family Dog podcast

I spoke to Your Family Dog podcast about fearful and anxious dogs.

Here's the description:

One of YFD’s favorite guests is back! Dr. Zazie Todd joins the show again to talk about her newest book Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. Tune in for a conversation about fear versus anxiety, common mistakes owners make with fearful dogs, and how to know when it’s time to seek professional help.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or here.

Bark! recommended as a gift on WPR

A wrapped book, a dog's head in the corner, and some muffins and a cup of coffee

Photo: Margarita0192/Shutterstock

I am thrilled that Dr. Patricia McConnell has included my new book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, on her list of the best books to give to animal lovers this holiday season. She has some other great books on the list too, so you should definitely check it out.

You can listen here: top books to give animal lovers.