Companion Animal Psychology

New research says that you being there can reduce stress—and that most cat guardians prefer to be present, even for blood draws. Photo: 135pixels/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Going to the vet is a stressful experience for any cat. Is it easier for cats if their guardian stays with them during the exam? Previous research suggests it might, so a new study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science looks at whether the guardian’s presence reduces signs of stress during a standard vet exam. The results show that it does, and that most cat guardians prefer to be there.  Dr. Carla Moody (UC Davis), one of the authors of the study, told me in an email, “The survey results provide insight into owner comfort being present versus absent during their cat's examination and procedures, as well as having their cat taken back to the treatment area.  “We recommend that the ...

When a cute puppy turns into a terrible teen, many people struggle. We chat with dog trainer Tina Spring about what to do. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.  Content warning:  Suicidal ideation comes up in this conversation. Help is available. In Canada or the US, call or text 988 for the suicide crisis helpline. In the UK, the Samaritans are on 116 123.  Watch episode 40 of the Pawsitive Post in Conversation on Youtube , listen wherever you get your podcasts ( Apple , Spotify ), or scroll down to read a transcript of the highlights. Teenage dogs (and what to do about them) with Tina Spring When a cute puppy turns into a terrible teen, many people struggle. Tina Spring of Sit Happens joins us to talk about adolescent canines and how she helps people with their teenage dog in a place where many pups miss out on puppy class. Tina is also the smart, funny, and kind hos...

The 3 most important tips to help you with your reactive, fearful, or shy dog, and how to implement them to make your and your dog's life better. By Zazie Todd PhD   This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Listen to episode 39 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation wherever you get your podcasts ( Apple , Spotify ) or below, watch on Youtube or below, or scroll down to read a transcript of the highlights. How to help your reactive or fearful dog If a dog is reactive, fearful, or anxious, often the dog is struggling--and so is their person. We share tips to help you to help your fearful dog, from the first chapter of Zazie's book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. Bark! is out now in paperback and available wherever books are sold. Get Bark! now We talked about:     How important it is to recognize the signs of stress in dogs     Your priority is to he...