Companion Animal Psychology

I'm celebrating 14 years of writing (and podcasting) about how to help our dogs and cats have better lives. Photo composite: Chendongshan and Oleksandr Kostiuchencko, both Shutterstock/Zazie Todd By Zazie Todd, PhD It's exactly 14 years since I started writing Companion Animal Psychology blog. I remember thinking that I would give it a try for a few months and see how it went. And somehow, here I still am! I'm still here because this stuff matters, not just to dogs and cats, but also to their people. As I've said many times over the years, when you know what your pet needs and provide it for them, they will be happier and less likely to have behaviour issues--and you will be happier too, because what's nicer than having a happy and contented pet?! Perhaps the biggest change over the past year is that the podcast now has a new episode every two weeks, instead of once a month. It's obviously more work, but Kristi and I enjoy our conversations with each other and w...

I'll be signing books at Black Bond Books in Maple Ridge on Canadian Independent Bookstore Day. By Zazie Todd PhD Join me for a meet and greet and book signing at Black Bond Books in Maple Ridge on Canadian Independent Bookstore Day, April 25 2026. I'll be there from 10.30am until 12.30pm. The bookstore will have copies of all 3 of my books, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog , Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy , and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy .  Black Bond Books is in the Valley Fair Mall located at 22709 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge, BC. I would love to see you there! The store is throwing a party for Canadian Independent Bookstore Day and I will be one of four guest authors.  Also there at the same time as me is author Erin Toner ( I Am Me ). Later, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, will be Brian Antonson ( Slumach's Gold ) and Jennifer Hyland ( Tightrope ).  The store will have swag bags, SPIN TO WIN, pick a gift basket ...

We often hear people say that dogs need a job, but we don't often hear people say that about cats. But what if it's true?   Photo: Anna Toth/Pexels By Zazie Todd PhD If your cat is indoors-only, their environment doesn't change much (if at all) from day to day, and they can't take themselves out for a wander (often for very good reasons, like safety). But it does mean that it's up to us to give them things to do. My latest post at Psychology Today looks at some of the ways you can entertain your indoors-only cat to make sure that they aren't bored. Read it here: Is your indoors-only cat bored? Here's what to do about it

What to do if your dog jumps up on guests or is afraid of them, with dog trainer Jeff Millman, plus we reminisce about the Academy for Dog Trainers. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Listen to episode 54 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 dog behave with guests with Jeff Millman How can you help your dog to like it--and behave well--when visitors come to your home? Zazie and Kristi are joined by dog trainer Jeff Millman, author of Triggers and Reactions: A Guide to Fixing Your Dog Behavior Problems , to chat about this common issue. We talk about:     Why having your dog jump on guests is in some ways a nice problem to have     The behaviours we can teach them to do instead     The signs to look ...

I'm celebrating 6 years of helping people to have even happier dogs. By Zazie Todd, PhD My book, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy , has just turned 6 years old.  The world has changed a lot in that time, but I still think everyone loves their dog and wants to make them as happy as can be.  Here's to happy dogs everywhere!  Affiliate links follow: If you don't yet have your copy of Wag , it's available wherever books are sold, including Amazon and Bookshop (which supports indie bookstores in the US). As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop affiliate, I may earn commission on qualifying purchases.

If you have both a dog and cat, Zazie and Kristi chat about how to ensure they have a friendly relationship. By Zazie Todd, PhD Zazie and Kristi talk about how to help dogs and cats to be friends with each other, and why it all starts with thinking about the cat's feeling of safety. Watch Episode 53 on Youtube or below, listen wherever you get your podcasts  ( Apple , Spotify ) or below, or check back for the transcript (coming soon!).  How to help dogs and cats to be friends This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We talk about:     the need to manage introductions between dogs and cats     what that means from the dog's perspective, and the cat's perspective     the importance of letting them vote with their feet     the need for safe spaces, and how to make safe spaces for a cat     the idea of training the dog to be safe around cats   ...

The first mystery novel from beloved animal behaviourist Patricia McConnell, PhD, is this month's choice for the Animal Book Club. By Zazie Todd, PhD The first mystery novel from Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., Away To Me,  is getting so many accolades!! I was lucky to get my hands on an advance reader copy and I absolutely loved it. Will you be reading it alongside us this month? In Away To Me, the dogs and landscape leap off the page. Suspenseful, immersive, and beautifully written, Away To Me is a page-turner for dog lovers everywhere. How to take part in the book club:  Get a copy of the book from your local bookstore or library. Read and enjoy the book. Listen if you prefer--audiobooks count as reading too!  At any time in the month of March come and share your thoughts on the book on the posts on my social media channels ( Facebook , Instagram , Bluesky ). This one is a mystery so be careful not to leave any spoilers! If you prefer, you can email me your thoughts o...