Category: Pets

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 […]

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. […]

Zazie joined Zak and Bree George to talk about the science on dog training methods, what it means, and what we still  need to know. By Zazie Todd, PhD What does the science tell us about dog training methods, and why is it so important to use a reward-based approach? I was a guest on […]

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 […]

We talk about animal training, helping pets to be less scared at the vet, and the link between pain and behaviour with veterinarian Dr. Adrian Walton of Dewdney Animal Hospital. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Watch […]

Most dog trainers in Canada use reward-based training methods, but more work is needed before regulation becomes a realistic possibility. Photo: C_Gara/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD Last year, I wrote about the results of a study of dog trainers’ websites in BC, Canada, which found that 72% said they use reward-based methods to train dogs. […]

Zazie joined Marc Bekoff as a guest for the latest episode of Your Family Dog podcast. By Zazie Todd, PhD Your Family Dog is one of my absolute favourite podcasts so you can imagine how thrilled I was to be invited to appear on the show again, this time with one of my absolute favourite […]

Popular authors of books about animals share what gives them hope for our relationship with dogs, cats, and other animals. Bonus episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation. This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.  Writers talk about what brings them hope […]

Learning tricks is great fun–here’s why it’s also good for your pet. We get some expert tips from Erica Beckwith CTC.  By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. As we take a short summer break from the podcast, […]

How I got locked out of Facebook and Messenger because Meta falsely claims I broke their community standards. Photo: sophiecat/Shutterstock On Mondays, a podcasting group I’m in on Facebook has a thread where you can post your latest episode. I posted a comment with a link to our episode with Kim Cooper and Cat Warren, […]

Learn about the work of human remains detection dogs, how they are trained, the skills the handler needs, and how they can help with historic searches. This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Dogs have incredible noses, and can trained to search […]

Join us for this Ask Me Anything with two dog experts. Bring your questions about dog bites or simply watch and learn. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Do you have questions about why dogs bite and […]

Counter conditioning is a powerful technique to help reactive and fearful dogs–but it doesn’t need a clicker. Here’s why, along with some tips on teaching fearful dogs to no longer be afraid. Photo: Angyalosi Beata/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD A question I am often asked is, should you use a clicker (or secondary reinforcer) when […]

Learn about how to help fearful and anxious dogs and why Zazie wrote her book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog in this panel from Bark! Fest. This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.  This is the […]

I spoke to Jim Mora on Radio New Zealand’s Sunday Morning to answer some surprising questions about dogs and cats. By Zazie Todd, PhD I chatted with Jim Mora on RNZ’s Sunday Morning and answered questions that address some common myths about dogs and cats as well as about some surprising behaviours. You can listen […]

Today is the publication date for the paperback of Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I wrote Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive […]

If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know how hard it is. Watch these three authors as they talk about how we memorialize and cope with the loss of a pet. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. […]

Come and join me at Black Bond Books in Maple Ridge where I will be signing copies of Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. My book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog will be out in paperback on June 10th. It’s available for pre-order now […]

There’s a special AMA coming up on anxious, fearful, and reactive dogs–and you’re invited. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Do you have questions about how to help dogs who are anxious or fearful? Kristi Benson and […]

Sign up for this event to learn all about puppies and kittens–and how to prevent behaviour issues from the beginning.   By Zazie Todd, PhD There is still time to register for the PPG’s online conference, Preventing Problematic Behaviors From the Outset in Puppies and Kittens. The conference takes place online May 24 – 25 2025 […]

Learn about how animals experience emotions like joy, grief, and empathy in this panel from Bark! Fest with Dr. Marc Bekoff talking about his new edition of The Emotional Lives of Animals. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to […]

Two professional organizations recently updated their policies. Only one made a commitment to reward-based training. Photo: Danielle W Press/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains afilliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Dog training methods need to be effective and safe for dogs (and […]

There’s a new format for your favourite book on fearful dogs. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I am absolutely thrilled to share with you that my book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or […]

Scent activities can be an important positive experience for your pet. Here’s why, along with ideas to try with your dog or cat. Photos: Simonovich Inna and Luminoisty-images.com/both Shutterstock. By Zazie Todd, PhD One of the best ways to help ensure your dog or cat is happy is to give them opportunities to use their […]

The recording of this much-loved panel at Bark! Fest is out now, with these three wonderful authors: Sarah Chauncey on PS I Love You More Than Tuna, Sassafras Patterdale on Claw This Journal, and Rachel Wells on Alfie the Christmas Cat. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn […]

Artist and author Lili Chin on her gorgeous new book which illustrates more than 600 types of dog and explains where they come from. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn commission on qualifying links at no cost to you. Artist Lili Chin has just published her third […]

Understanding our pets’ individual needs can help to make them happier. Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. On Monday, my cat Melina had an important specialist vet appointment. Some of you will know that […]

How to raise a happy and resilient dog from puppyhood with Kerry Nichols in the latest episode of This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Zazie chats with Kerry Nichols, bestselling author of Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love. […]

Cats don’t like change, so a gradual approach to a new litter or litter box location is important. Here’s what to do. Photo: KrakenImages.com/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. It’s not often that geopolitics collides with […]

A new post on my Psychology Today blog looks at the role of social media in helping shelter pets find new homes. Photo: mh-grafik/Pixabay By Zazie Todd, PhD From the piece: “Every year, millions of dogs and cats find their new homes via shelters and rescues. Increasingly, shelters and rescues rely on social media to […]

Kennel clubs have lost control, dogs are suffering, and here’s what needs to happen according to the authors of the research. Photo: 0tsphoto/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at not cost to you. When most people get a puppy, they spend […]

My latest post at Psychology Today looks at the story of a valiant dog who is missing on an Australian island. Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Photo: Vlad Kutepov/Pexels By Zazie Todd, PhD News that a 4kg miniature Dachshund is still alive after going missing on Kangaroo Island, Australia, more than a year ago, […]

Today I’m celebrating 13 years of writing about how to have happy dogs and cats, aided by science. Photo: Havoc/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD The symbol of a thirteenth anniversary is lace, so that’s why I chose this photo of a beautiful cat in a window.  I feel very lucky to still be able to […]

We’ve added a red maple leaf to our artwork and joined the Look for the Leaf campaign for Canadian podcasts. By Zazie Todd, PhD Here at The Pawsitive Post in Conversation, Kristi and I are proudly Canadian. And we’re very proud of our podcast which aims to help people have a better relationship with their […]

Bring your questions about dogs for Tom Candy, Zazie Todd, and Malena DeMartini, and learn more about the Dogs and the City conference. By Zazie Todd, PhD On Saturday March 22nd at 8am Pacific (11am EST / 3pm UK time) you are invited to join me, Tom Candy, Malena DeMartini, hosted by Andrea Dinan of […]

Zazie chatted with Shannon Riley about what science tells us about the puppy blues, positive reinforcement training, and more! By Zazie Todd, PhD I was delighted to be a guest on the Backyard Pet Talk podcast with Shannon Riley.  You can listen to the episode here (and on Apple) or wherever you get your podcasts, and […]

Watch or listen to the recording of Antony Johnston talking about his book The Dog Sitter Detective Takes the Lead, Louisa Scarr talking about Gallows Wood, and Philipp Schott on Eleven Huskies. Clockwise from top left: Zazie Todd, Philipp Schott, Louisa Scarr, Kristi Benson, and Antony Johnston hold up their books at Bark! Fest (or […]

My book, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, is 5 years old today. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.  It’s hard to believe, but today is 5 years to the day since the publication of […]

There’s a new episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation about our special relationship with dogs with guest Si Wooler. By Zazie Todd, PhD Watch episode 28 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation below or on Youtube, listen below or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify), or scroll down to read a transcript of […]

Watch or listen to the recording of Pilley Bianchi talking about her book For The Love of Dog (illustrated by Calum Heath), Wendy Lyons Sunshine on her book Tender Paws, and Prof. Carri Westgarth on The Happy Dog Owner. Clockwise from top left: Zazie Todd, Pilley Bianchi, Kristi Benson and Apricat, Carri Westgarth, PhD, and […]

My book, Bark!, is featured in a reel from the Columbus Library. By Zazie Todd, PhD The Columbus Metropolitan Library has a history of making fun reels for their social media that encourage people to use the library. Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog was featured in a recent reel […]

Zazie chatted with Victoria Stilwell about how to understand and help fearful dogs. By Zazie Todd, PhD I’m a huge fan of Victoria Stilwell and recently I had the pleasure of chatting with her on her podcast, Positively Dog Training. You can listen to the episode here (Apple, Spotify). Here’s the podcast description: “Victoria Stilwell […]

I’ve got a new post at Psychology Today. By Zazie Todd, PhD Do you ever wonder where most people get dogs from? So do I, so I went looking to see if more people buy or adopt their pet. It led me to a new study which I’ve written about on my Psych Today blog. […]

Watch or listen to the recording of Lili Chin talking about her book Kitty Language, Mikel Delgado talking about Play With Your Cat, and Lucy Hoile on the book your cat wishes you would read. This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.  […]

I can’t wait for the 2025 Dogs and the City conference in Toronto, Canada. By Zazie Todd, PhD I’m thrilled to be a speaker at the 2025 Dogs and the City conference. It takes place in Toronto, Canada, September 26th to 28th 2025. There are in-person and virtual options and you can register now with […]

When you’re done with training your fearful dog to love something, it’s important to think about how to maintain your great results.  Photo: Esin Deniz/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.  Last July, the weather finally turned […]

Watch or listen to the recording of Canine Blockbusters at Bark! Fest with Alexis Devine talking about her book I Am Bunny and Teresa J Rhyne on her book Poppy in the Wild. Zazie Todd, Alexis Devine, Teresa J. Rhyne, and Kristi Benson hold up copies of the books at Bark! Fest. Kerry Nichols was […]

 There’s a new podcast interview with me about how to help anxious and fearful dogs. By Zazie Todd PhD I chatted to Si Wooler about how to help anxious and fearful dogs and my new book, Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts […]

I was interviewed about how to help anxious dogs for The Observer. By Zazie Todd PhD I was interviewed by The Observer about how to help anxious and fearful dogs. You can read the piece in the print copy of The Observer Magazine from 5th January, or online on The Guardian website: Paw things: How […]

A round-up of the year’s most popular content on dogs, cats, and the human-animal bond. Photo: Daykiney/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD It’s time for my annual round-up of the most popular posts and podcasts of the year, this year with videos too. In this list you’ll find some great tips and some absolutely amazing guests. […]

Wishing you all the best for the festive season. Photo: Anna Averianova/Shutterstock Thank you for your support during this past year. I wish you a wonderful and peaceful holiday season and a happy and healthy 2025. Zazie

The result is great news for dogs and their guardians who can access modern, scientific dog training—but people still need to ask questions to avoid trainers who use aversives. Photo: kackaborovska/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. […]

I chatted with Chris Blazina PhD about dog behaviour on the Dog Save the People podcast. By Zazie Todd PhD I’ve got a new podcast to share with you! I was a guest on the Dog Save the People podcast, where I chatted about dogs with host Chris Blazina PhD. Blazina is also a psychologist […]

You can now watch or listen to the recording of this sold-out panel at Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers, with Marc Bekoff, Cat Warren, and Zazie Todd. By Zazie Todd, PhD  This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.  Bark! Fest […]

I’ve got two new posts on my Psych Today blog, one about some research on what life is like for seniors with pets, and one with the facts on fearful dogs. Photo: Elmer L. Geissler/Pixabay By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at […]

The second episode of this popular podcast special on pets using buttons to talk is out now. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I’ve got another interview to share with you today. So many people have told me […]

Listen to the interview with Zazie Todd, PhD, talking about what we can do to help fearful and anxious dogs on Radio New Zealand’s Sunday Morning. By Zazie Todd, PhD I spoke to Jim Mora on Radio New Zealand’s Sunday Morning this Sunday. You can listen to the interview here. The topic was mainly anxious […]

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. Image: The Allusionist. By Zazie Todd, PhD I’ve got some interviews to share with you today and a Black Friday discount on Companion Animal Psychology merch. […]

Watch or listen to the recording of the panel at Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers, with Jean Donaldson talking about The Culture Clash. Zazie Todd, Jean Donaldson, and Kristi Benson hold up copies of The Culture Clash and, in Zazie’s case, Bark! By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which […]

Zazie spoke to The Atlantic about dogs’ love for toys, and to Cat Chat with tips on kitty litterboxes. Photo: FabNat/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I spoke to The Atlantic about dogs and their toys […]

“At last, a brilliant voice to give cats the recognition they deserve.”–Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, coauthors of The Genius of Dogs. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This month, the Animal Book Club is reading The […]

Zazie and Kristi answer questions about dog and cat behaviour in this episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation which was recorded live. About this episode In this episode, Zazie and Kristi answer wide-ranging questions about both dogs and cats that were sent in by listeners.  We talked about: brain games and the attention span […]

Dog training isn’t just about behaviour. Here are 3 ways that you can use classical conditioning to build positive associations for your dog.  Photo: Annabel Gsoedl/Shutterstock This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Everyone’s heard of classical conditioning, because everyone has heard […]

I was delighted to be a guest on Tom Candy’s podcast, Simplifying Shelter Behaviour, to talk about helping dogs with fear and anxiety. By Zazie Todd, PhD Simplifying Shelter Behaviour is the go-to podcast for people interested in shelter animal behaviour, whether you work or volunteer at a shelter or rescue, adopted a rescue dog, […]

Bark! Fest celebrated 24 books about animals. Here are the people who won copies of some of the books.  By Zazie Todd, PhD Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers, took place in September 2024.  This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to […]

Lovely feedback on Bark! Fest and an update on when to expect the recordings. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers, took place online in September 2024 and I thought […]

Zazie and Kristi sat down to chat about Border Collies and other herding dogs with Emily Priestley, author of Urban Sheepdog. By Zazie Todd PhD Watch episode 20 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation below or on Youtube, listen below or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify) or scroll down to read a transcript […]

Zazie Todd was a guest on CBC Radio’s The Signal answering listener questions about dogs. Photo: Anetapics/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD The CBC radio show The Signal with Adam Walsh recently went to the dogs–and I was a guest on the show, answering listener questions alongside guest Rose Browne of Dynamic Canines. People called or […]

I’m speaking at the Dog Behavior Conference 2025. Will I see you there? By Zazie Todd, PhD For the twelfth consecutive year, the Victoria Stilwell Academy’s online Dog Behavior Conference will offer dog trainers, guardians, pet professionals and other behavior enthusiasts a chance to connect virtually and share knowledge, insights and inspiration with dog lovers […]

I had the pleasure of chatting to Steve and Corrin Goodall on the Barks from the Bookshelf podcast, and they review my new book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. By Zazie Todd PhD If you love books about dogs, then Barks from the Bookshelf is the podcast for you. […]

I spoke to Erin Scott about how to be a safe person and create a safe space for your dog in the latest episode of the Believe in Dog podcast. By Zazie Todd PhD I chatted to Erin Scott of Believe In Dog Podcast about how to be a safe person and create a safe […]

Anna Webb and I had an amazing conversation about fearful and anxious dogs on her podcast, A Dog’s Life, and I appeared on BBC Radio’s Late Night Jo with Jo Good and Anna Webb. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no […]

 I was a guest on the Tree Lady Talks podcast (and these adorable dogs introduce the episode). Tree Lady Talks By Zazie Todd PhD I was interviewed by Sharon Durdant-Hollamby on her amazing podcast for nature lovers, Tree Lady Talks. We chatted about how to help fearful dogs as well as the importance of counteracting […]

Watch the recording of the panel at Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers, with Patricia McConnell PhD talking about The Education of Will. Zazie Todd PhD, Kristi Benson, and Patricia McConnell PhD chat at Bark! Fest 2024 and hold up the books. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means […]

Look who’s in the Vancouver Sun this weekend! By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. You can read my interview in the Vancouver Sun about how to help anxious, fearful, and reactive dogs here.  We talked about the […]

Listen to a new interview with Zazie Todd about how to help your anxious dog. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I spoke to Orla Johannes and Andrea Elias on CJAD 800AM’s Now Trending show. We talked […]

Watch an interview with Zazie Todd hosted by Dogkind Training, all about how to help fearful and anxious dogs. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I had the pleasure of speaking to Kelly Lee of Dogkind Training […]

New interviews with the author of the new book, Bark!, about how to help anxious and fearful dogs, plus an excerpt from the book. Bark! seen on Keith Baldrey’s bookshelf on Global News. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost […]

Today is the ‘pup’ date for my new book, Bark!. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I am so excited that today is the day my third book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or […]

I’ve got two new interviews to share with you about anxious and fearful dogs. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. An interview with Zazie Todd on Psychology Today Marc Bekoff, PhD, interviewed me about Bark! on his […]

Your invitation to join the Bark! Buddies with behind-the-scenes access to my book launch. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.   I am only a few weeks away from the launch of my new book, Bark! The […]

Philipp Schott DVM on friendship and courage, being a disciplined writer, and picking up all of the threads in the story. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.   Eleven Huskies is the latest in the Dr. Bannerman […]

Rachel Wells on writing for cat lovers, bonding with a fictional cat, and writing about love, kindness, and social issues too. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.   Alfie the Christmas Cat is the latest in the […]

Wendy Lyons Sunshine on how to use parenting techniques that help at-risk children with dogs, and helping dogs fit into the family. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In Tender Paws: How Science-Based Parenting Can Transform Our […]

Lucy Hoile on celebrating cats, seeing them as part of the family, and the role of to-do lists in the writing process. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In the book your cat wishes you would read, […]

A special invitation to my book launch for those of you in or near the lower mainland and Fraser Valley, and where to pre-order Bark! ahead of its publication.   By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. You may […]

Teresa J. Rhyne on the mistakes people make when searching for a lost dog, the community that helped her look for Poppy the missing beagle, and finding your people.  By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Poppy in […]

Sarah Chauncey on coping with the loss of a pet, the drawing that became the start of the book, and being counterintuitive. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. The grief we feel on the loss of a […]

Kerry Nichols on raising puppies, training humans, and writing a ‘fat’ first draft. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love by Kerry Nichols is a guide to the early life […]

 An easy way to look at improving your relationship with your dog. xkunclova/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. When I was writing my first book, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, I wanted to […]

Sassafras Patterdale (Lowrey) on finding activities for your cat’s personality and people’s surprising views of cats. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Claw This Journal: An Activity Book for Cats and Their Humans is packed with fun […]

Mikel Maria Delgado, PhD, on the importance of natural behaviors (like hunting) for cats, and keeping the science nerds happy while including practical tips.  By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In Play With Your Cat: The Essential […]

Carri Westgarth PhD on tackling common myths about dogs, how anyone can improve their relationship with their canine best friend, and the potential health benefits of dogs. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In The Happy Dog […]

Antony Johnston on the central role of canine characters in the Dog Sitter Detective series, writing to put a smile on people’s faces, and being an organized writer. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In The Dog […]

Lili Chin on interpreting cats’ body language, the influence of her own cats Mambo and Shimmy, and the problem of anthropomorphizing cats. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Lili Chin is known for her delightful and informative […]

“Grounded in science and full of fun, this compassionate and accessible book will appeal to everyone who loves dogs.”–Zazie Todd PhD. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you  This month, the Animal Book Club is reading Dogs Demystified: […]

Alexis Devine on what it means for dogs to “talk”, the unconventional format of the book, and what the future holds. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Alexis Devine’s book I Am Bunny: How a “Talking” Dog […]

An excerpt from Marc Bekoff PhD’s new, revised, edition of The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy–and Why They Matter. By Marc Bekoff, PhD University of Colorado, Boulder ***Don’t miss the chance to hear Marc Bekoff PhD speak at Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers. He’s […]

We get tips on how to get cute wedding photos with your pet from Nicole Ettenhofer, VP of Growth and Strategy and George Street Photo–along with ideas for those pets who just won’t want to be involved. By Zazie Todd PhD Watch the latest episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation below or on Youtube, […]

There’s a British version of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy–and it’s out now. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. It’s just over four years since my book, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog […]

Celebrate books about animals at Bark! Fest, with 23 authors talking about their incredible books in a series of online events in September 2024. By Zazie Todd, PhD Cuddle up on your couch with your pet and watch your favourite authors in conversation about their books about dogs, cats, and other animals. Here’s the full […]

Get some practical tips from award-winning author Zazie Todd’s third book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. By Zazie Todd PhD Fearful and Anxious Dogs: Zazie Todd PhD Zazie Todd is at the forefront of the move towards positive animal welfare and kind, humane dog training methods. Her third book, […]

Living with pets sadly means losing them too. There won’t be a dry eye in the house (in a good way) at this event. By Zazie Todd PhD Loving and Losing Pets: E.B. Bartels, Rev Sarah Bowen, Karen Fine DVM Loving pets means thinking of them both in life and after their loss. In the […]

We used to think animals didn’t experience emotions like we do. Then things changed. Come and learn more about the evidence for animal emotions in this fascinating webinar from Marc Bekoff PhD. By Zazie Todd PhD Animal Emotions: Marc Bekoff PhD When The Emotional Lives of Animals was first published in 2007, it was a […]

Join us to celebrate our love of cats with these three authors. By Zazie Todd PhD Our Bond with Cats: Sarah Chauncey, Sassafras Lowrey, Rachel Wells Reflect on what cats mean to us and the many ways they influence our lives with these 3 feline authors.  Sarah Chauncey’s heartfelt P.S. I Love You More Than […]

Join us to learn more about these suspenseful novels with compelling canines. By Zazie Todd PhD Canine Crime and Mystery: Antony Johnston, Louisa Scarr, Philipp Schott DVM If you love crime and mystery novels, you’re in for a treat as dogs help solve crimes in these remarkable books. When a singer dies in mysterious circumstances, […]

Sign up for this entertaining and informative event about dog’s emotions and perceptions with Marc Bekoff PhD, Zazie Todd PhD, and Cat Warren.  By Zazie Todd PhD Canine Emotions and Perception: Marc Bekoff PhD, Zazie Todd PhD, Cat Warren Discover the role of emotions and perception in dogs’ lives. In Dogs Demystified: An A-to-Z Guide […]

Internationally-renowned applied animal behaviourist Patricia B. McConnell PhD in conversation about dog behaviour, trauma, and her much-loved books. By Zazie Todd PhD Dogs, Trauma, and Both Ends of the Leash: Patricia B. McConnell PhD Patricia B. McConnell PhD is an internationally-renowned applied animal behaviourist who has dedicated her life to improving the relationship between people […]

Join these three authors to learn more about dogs (and these amazing books) at Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers. By Zazie Todd PhD Caring for Dogs: Pilley Bianchi, Wendy Lyons Sunshine, Carri Westgarth PhD Develop a better bond with your dog with these 3 canine authors. For the Love of Dog is […]

Join Lili Chin, Mikel Maria Delgado PhD, and Lucy Hoile to talk about their books and all things feline. By Zazie Todd PhD Caring for Cats: Lili Chin, Mikel Maria Delgado PhD, Lucy Hoile Learn about the best ways to care for cats with these 3 feline authors. The delightful and informative drawings in Kitty […]

Celebrate the dog-human bond at Bark! Fest with these bestselling authors. By Zazie Todd PhD Canine Blockbusters: Alexis Devine, Kerry Nichols, Teresa J. Rhyne Celebrate the dog-human bond with these bestselling authors. Social media stars Alexis Devine and her dog Bunny examine our ability to communicate with dogs through buttons that let them “talk” in […]

Register for Culture Clash and Beyond with Jean Donaldson. By Zazie Todd PhD Culture Clash and Beyond: Jean Donaldson Bark! Fest gets off to a tail-wagging start with a conversation with one of the world’s top dog trainers. Jean Donaldson’s seminal book The Culture Clash reframed how we think about dogs and has inspired generations of […]

Discover the amazing list of books about animals that will be celebrated at Bark! Fest in September 2024. By Zazie Todd, PhD Bark! Fest is just around the corner and we will be celebrating some amazing books about dogs, cats, and other animals. Get ready to cuddle on the couch with your pet while you […]

There are new guidelines for advertisers and any organization that uses images of dogs in public communications. Here’s the infographic that explains them. The Welsh Corgi is one of the breeds that often has an extreme conformation, meaning care should be taken if choosing this breed to use in advertising, according to the new guidelines. […]

Love your pets and love to read about animals? This upcoming book festival is for you! By Zazie Todd PhD Nothing is better than relaxing on the couch with your dog or cat and reading a book by one of your favourite authors. Except maybe listening to your favourite author talk about that book… Well […]

Why it’s so important to prepare your dog ahead of the baby’s arrival, and what you can do to help your dog cope with the impending changes in routine etc. By Zazie Todd PhD Watch the latest episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation below or on Youtube, listen below or via your favourite podcast […]

My next book will be out in a few months. Check out this beautiful cover! By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you  I am so excited to share the cover of my next book with you!  Bark! The […]

And mixed breeds live longer, on average, than purebred cats. Photo: SeraphP/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Researchers have created new life tables for domestic cats that show how long they live on average, and how […]

New research adds more dog breeds to the list of those for which there are guidelines on when to spay or neuter them based on the health risks. Photo: Victoria Rak/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. […]

What are the disorders that tend to affect brachycephalic (flat-faced) pets, and what can be done to help with guests Dr. Dan O’Neill and Dr. Rowena Packer of the Royal Veterinary College. Watch episode 17 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation below or on Youtube, listen below or via your favourite podcast app (including Apple), […]

“Deeply reported and vividly told, Brookshire’s exploration of our most reviled animal neighbours will forever change how you see nature and our relationship to it.”—Riley Black.  By Zazie Todd PhD This month, the Animal Book Club is reading Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains by Bethany Brookshire. From the publisher, “An engrossing and revealing study […]

Now that many more options are available for our pets, do people think advanced veterinary care is always a good thing or that it sometimes goes too far? Photo: SeventyFour/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. These […]

Zazie and Kristi are joined by Grant Hayter-Menzies to talk about his book, Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me. By Zazie Todd PhD. Watch episode 16 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation below or on Youtube, listen below or via your favourite podcast app (including Apple, Spotify), or scroll down to read highlights.     […]

“A wonderful, unusual, and healing book, full of wisdom and compassion.”—Sy Montgomery. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This month, the Animal Book Club is reading Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter by E.B. Bartels. […]

Will I see you down under? (part 2). Photo: Mudassir Ali/Pexels By Zazie Todd PhD I’ll be presenting at the Pet Professional Guild Australia conference in Sydney which runs from 14-16 June. The conference takes place at Rydges World Square in Sydney, with some practical workshops on the 14th at St. Ives Showgrounds. My talks […]

Will I see you down under? (part 1). Photo: Makalu/Pixabay By Zazie Todd PhD I’ll be presenting at the New Zealand Association of Professional Dog Trainers conference in June. The conference takes place 8th – 9th June at the Silverstream Retreat, Lower Hutt, near Wellington. This year’s theme is Steady Paws, Calm Minds. I’ll be […]

A twelfth anniversary is time to celebrate and to say thank you. Photo: Veronika 7833/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD Companion Animal Psychology blog is 12 years old today. A 12th anniversary is symbolized by silk and fine linen, hence the accompanying photo of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi sleeping amongst some beautiful fabrics. 12 years is […]

What first time dog guardians need to know about dog training. Photo: Angela Holmyard/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD Getting a dog for the first time is a wonderful experience but also a hard one. Having a dog in your house is a lot of work, and many first-time dog guardians struggle in those early weeks […]

Common questions about getting your book featured on Companion Animal Psychology. A selection of books about dogs, cats, and other animals. Photo: Zazie Todd By Zazie Todd PhD These days, I regularly get emails from authors and publicists asking how they can get the Animal Book Club to pick their book.  There are several ways […]

My new post at Psychology Today looks at how to get help with your cat’s behaviour issues. Photo: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels By Zazie Todd PhD We all love our pet cats, but even though all cats are perfect, it’s pretty common for people to have issues with their behaviour. Whether it’s scratching the furniture, toileting outside […]

“Ever wondered why your cat won’t sit on your lap?” By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This month, the Animal Book Club is reading Being Your Cat: What’s Really Going On In Your Feline’s Mind by Celia […]

Zazie and Kristi are joined by zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny to talk about her book, Aesop’s Animals: The Science Behind the Fables. By Zazie Todd PhD Watch episode 15 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation below or on Youtube, listen below or via your favourite podcast app (including Apple, Spotify), or scroll down to read […]

I’ve got a new post over on my Psychology Today blog, Fellow Creatures. Photo: Blue Bird/Pexels By Zazie Todd PhD The post looks at the different types of dog training classes and consultations that are available, and how to choose between them. For example, puppy class is a valuable way to help meet your pup’s […]

Harley Jan 2009—9 Feb 2024 Harley. Photos: Zazie Todd By Zazie Todd PhD On Friday we had to say goodbye to our beloved brown tabby cat, Harley. He was 15 and had lived with us since he was about 2.5 years old. Harley was a very affectionate cat who would start purring as soon as […]

I spoke with Jim Mora about how pets can benefit people and other new research on dogs and cats. Photo: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD I joined Jim Mora on Radio New Zealand’s Sunday Morning to talk about some recent news articles that cover research that finds that pets can have benefits for […]

When dogs lunge, bark, and growl at other dogs or people, the dog is having a hard time—and so is their guardian. More awareness is needed. Many people with reactive dogs walk where they won’t see anyone else. Photo: Danilo Silveira/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD If you’ve never had a reactive dog, you don’t know […]

The study of over 150 breeds and crossbreeds shows that size matters, as little dogs live longer—and so do those with a medium head shape rather than a flat face. The Lancashire Heeler is the longest-lived breed. Photo: hansbenn/Pixabay By Zazie Todd PhD We all wish our pet dogs would live longer. New research out […]

“Thought-provoking. . . . A fresh and rigorous inquiry into how humans can best serve their canine companions. Dog lovers will want to take note.” ― Publishers Weekly By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This month, the […]

Some amazing books about animals were published in 2023. By Zazie Todd PhD I made a list of books about animals that came out in 2023. The list includes new releases as well as those that made it into paperback last year (like my own book, Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy). Then […]

Learn about how to make cats happy and hear about Anna Webb’s amazing cat Gremlin in the Purrcast. By Zazie Todd PhD Sometimes cats come into your life and choose you. That was the case for Anna Webb’s cat Gremlin, who turned out to be a very special cat. Last year, I chatted with Anna […]

It’s best for your pet if you only use reward-based methods to train them. Here’s what that means. Photo: OlgaOvcharenko/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Get Companion Animal Psychology in your inbox. Dog training methods can […]

How to tell if your dog is a pessimist or optimist. Artwork: Sarah Alsmiller Guest post by Sky Sobol We all know people who are optimists. The glass is always half-full, and they see the bright side of everything. We also all know some pessimists — people that see  the glass half-empty and read doom […]

A look back at the most popular articles and podcasts about dogs and cats over the last year. Maksym Gorpenyuk/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD It’s time for the annual list of the most popular posts of the year here at Companion Animal Psychology. And there’s a countdown of the most popular podcast episodes too. You’ll […]

The importance of enrichment for cats, Sassafras Lowrey’s latest books Claw This Journal and Jillian at the Junior Showcase, and tips for aspiring dog and cat writers. The latest episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation.  By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases […]

Can you help Generation Pup get to 10,000 puppies? Photo: Lunja/Shutterstock Guest post by James Oxley Generation Pup is a longitudinal study, run by Dogs Trust, started in 2016. In 2023 the study recruited its 7,500th puppy onto the project. However, although the study has been a great success, we still require more puppies and […]

These signs of affectionate feline behaviour show that your cats are friends with each other. Photo: Fernando Calmon/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Get Companion Animal Psychology in your inbox. If you have more than one […]

“Teresa J. Rhyne is the best kind of person, a dog person. In this beautiful, honestly told memoir, she leads us through an adventure that will inspire any dog lover. A life-affirming read, or as any dog would say if they could speak, ‘a real treat!’” — W. Bruce Cameron, #1 New York Times and […]

Zazie and Kristi chat about how to groom cats, what to do with matted fur, trimming cats’ nails, and how to give meds to cats. This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Get Companion Animal Psychology in your inbox. Watch episode 12 […]

Get 15% off all Companion Animal Psychology merch with promo code LABOURDAY (or LABORDAY) valid until midnight Pacific time on Monday September 4th. By Zazie Todd PhD If you’re looking for a new hoodie now that the weather is changing, the Companion Animal Psychology merch store has got you covered. Companion Animal Psychology merch celebrates […]

Season’s Greetings from Companion Animal Psychology. Photo: dezy/Shutterstock A big thank you to all of my readers, listeners, and video viewers for your support this year. It is very much appreciated! Wishing you season’s greetings, merry Christmas, and a very happy and healthy 2024. Zazie

Pepper has entered a competition to become a Yellow Dog Brewing Star–and he’d like your vote. Photo: Zazie Todd By Zazie Todd, PhD My little dog Pepper has entered a competition to be a Yellow Dog Brewing Star–and he’d love it you’d vote for him. As a BC SPCA alumnus himself, Pepper knows first-hand the […]

The side-effects of aversive dog training methods that most people don’t know about–but should. Photo: Stock Rocket/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Get the weekly Companion Animal Psychology newsletter By now, the idea that aversive training […]

Zazie and Kristi are joined by TikTok star Jennifer Malawey (Dizzy Dancing Dog) who shares her secrets about how to use social media to help dogs.   By Zazie Todd PhD Watch episode 14 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation on Youtube or below, listen via your favourite podcast app (including Apple, Spotify) or below, […]

Zazie and Kristi chat with Victoria Schade, dog trainer and author of delightful romcoms, about writing about dogs and her upcoming book Unleashed Holiday.  By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Watch episode 13 of The Pawsitive Post […]

I chatted with Mikkel Becker on the Happy Paws podcast. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mikkel Becker for the Happy Paws podcast at Fear Free. I think the […]

I spoke with Jim Mora about fear and anxiety in dogs. By Zazie Todd PhD  This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. A recent article in The Atlantic says that too many people have dogs and they can’t take care of them […]

Companion Animal Psychology is hosting an upcoming free webinar presented by Jane Wolff. By Zazie Todd PhD Companion Animal Psychology is co-hosting a free webinar presented by Jane Wolff of Good Wolff dog training called Training your dog to lay on their side: Overcoming training obstacles. It can be a tricky task to train some […]

Coats and sweaters may be necessary for cold weather–but your dog won’t automatically like them. Here’s how to teach your dog to wear a coat. Photo: Enna8982/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD What’s your favourite thing about winter with your pets? A storm last Friday blew most of the leaves off the deciduous trees all at […]

“Schott’s writing is engagingly conversational and showcases his colorful sense of humor … Educational, entertaining and compassionate, this confluence of happy accidents is a must-read for anyone who is, loves or works with a veterinarian.” ― Shelf Awareness By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on […]

Can cats even be happy? And how do you know? Some tips to help please your feline. Photo: Christopher Schruff/Pexels By Zazie Todd PhD Stereotypes about cats can get in the way of looking after them. Most people think that cats are easy pets and that you don’t need to do much for them—but the […]

My pick of the best hand-made and artisan gifts for dogs, cats, and their people. By Zazie Todd PhD Every year I have fun browsing Etsy to choose the most gorgeous and cute items for my annual gift guide. So if you’re looking for something for your dog or cat this festive season, I’ve got […]

The most common problems are fear, especially fear of loud noises, and not doing what the guardian wants, such as not coming when called. Photo: Mikkel Bendix/Pexels By Zazie Todd PhD New research published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior shows that if your dog has a behaviour issue, you’re not alone.  Importantly, the study […]

“A delight for past, present, and prospective pet owners. And for everyone else.”—David Steinberg, Albuquerque Journal By Zazie Todd PhD Find out what the Animal Book Club is reading this month. But first, here’s a teaser: the first sentence of the book. This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on […]

There’s a special episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation being recorded in January–and you’re invited. By Zazie Todd PhD In January, Kristi Benson and I are recording a special episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation–and you are invited to submit questions and/or to attend.  We’ll be answering listeners’ questions about dogs, cats, and […]