Category: Pets

When a cute puppy turns into a terrible teen, many people struggle. We chat with dog trainer Tina Spring about…

Zazie joined Zak and Bree George to talk about the science on dog training methods, what it means, and what…

The 3 most important tips to help you with your reactive, fearful, or shy dog, and how to implement them…

We talk about animal training, helping pets to be less scared at the vet, and the link between pain and…

Most dog trainers in Canada use reward-based training methods, but more work is needed before regulation becomes a realistic possibility.…

Popular authors of books about animals share what gives them hope for our relationship with dogs, cats, and other animals.…

Zazie joined Marc Bekoff as a guest for the latest episode of Your Family Dog podcast. By Zazie Todd, PhD…

Learning tricks is great fun–here’s why it’s also good for your pet. We get some expert tips from Erica Beckwith…

How I got locked out of Facebook and Messenger because Meta falsely claims I broke their community standards. Photo: sophiecat/Shutterstock…

Learn about the work of human remains detection dogs, how they are trained, the skills the handler needs, and how…

Join us for this Ask Me Anything with two dog experts. Bring your questions about dog bites or simply watch…

Counter conditioning is a powerful technique to help reactive and fearful dogs–but it doesn’t need a clicker. Here’s why, along…

Learn about how to help fearful and anxious dogs and why Zazie wrote her book Bark! The Science of Helping…

I spoke to Jim Mora on Radio New Zealand’s Sunday Morning to answer some surprising questions about dogs and cats.…

Today is the publication date for the paperback of Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog.…

If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know how hard it is. Watch these three authors as they talk about…

Come and join me at Black Bond Books in Maple Ridge where I will be signing copies of Bark! The…

There’s a special AMA coming up on anxious, fearful, and reactive dogs–and you’re invited. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page…

Sign up for this event to learn all about puppies and kittens–and how to prevent behaviour issues from the beginning.  …

Learn about how animals experience emotions like joy, grief, and empathy in this panel from Bark! Fest with Dr. Marc…

Two professional organizations recently updated their policies. Only one made a commitment to reward-based training. Photo: Danielle W Press/Shutterstock By…

There’s a new format for your favourite book on fearful dogs. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links…

Scent activities can be an important positive experience for your pet. Here’s why, along with ideas to try with your…

The recording of this much-loved panel at Bark! Fest is out now, with these three wonderful authors: Sarah Chauncey on…

Artist and author Lili Chin on her gorgeous new book which illustrates more than 600 types of dog and explains…

Understanding our pets’ individual needs can help to make them happier. Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page…

How to raise a happy and resilient dog from puppyhood with Kerry Nichols in the latest episode of This page…

Cats don’t like change, so a gradual approach to a new litter or litter box location is important. Here’s what…

A new post on my Psychology Today blog looks at the role of social media in helping shelter pets find…

Kennel clubs have lost control, dogs are suffering, and here’s what needs to happen according to the authors of the…

My latest post at Psychology Today looks at the story of a valiant dog who is missing on an Australian…

Today I’m celebrating 13 years of writing about how to have happy dogs and cats, aided by science. Photo: Havoc/Shutterstock…

We’ve added a red maple leaf to our artwork and joined the Look for the Leaf campaign for Canadian podcasts.…

Bring your questions about dogs for Tom Candy, Zazie Todd, and Malena DeMartini, and learn more about the Dogs and…

Zazie chatted with Shannon Riley about what science tells us about the puppy blues, positive reinforcement training, and more! By…

Watch or listen to the recording of Antony Johnston talking about his book The Dog Sitter Detective Takes the Lead,…

My book, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, is 5 years old today. By Zazie Todd, PhD This…

There’s a new episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation about our special relationship with dogs with guest Si Wooler.…

Watch or listen to the recording of Pilley Bianchi talking about her book For The Love of Dog (illustrated by…

My book, Bark!, is featured in a reel from the Columbus Library. By Zazie Todd, PhD The Columbus Metropolitan Library…

Zazie chatted with Victoria Stilwell about how to understand and help fearful dogs. By Zazie Todd, PhD I’m a huge…

I’ve got a new post at Psychology Today. By Zazie Todd, PhD Do you ever wonder where most people get…

Watch or listen to the recording of Lili Chin talking about her book Kitty Language, Mikel Delgado talking about Play…

I can’t wait for the 2025 Dogs and the City conference in Toronto, Canada. By Zazie Todd, PhD I’m thrilled…

When you’re done with training your fearful dog to love something, it’s important to think about how to maintain your…

Watch or listen to the recording of Canine Blockbusters at Bark! Fest with Alexis Devine talking about her book I…

 There’s a new podcast interview with me about how to help anxious and fearful dogs. By Zazie Todd PhD I…

I was interviewed about how to help anxious dogs for The Observer. By Zazie Todd PhD I was interviewed by…

A round-up of the year’s most popular content on dogs, cats, and the human-animal bond. Photo: Daykiney/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd…

Wishing you all the best for the festive season. Photo: Anna Averianova/Shutterstock Thank you for your support during this past…

The result is great news for dogs and their guardians who can access modern, scientific dog training—but people still need…

I chatted with Chris Blazina PhD about dog behaviour on the Dog Save the People podcast. By Zazie Todd PhD…

You can now watch or listen to the recording of this sold-out panel at Bark! Fest, the book festival for…

I’ve got two new posts on my Psych Today blog, one about some research on what life is like for…

The second episode of this popular podcast special on pets using buttons to talk is out now. By Zazie Todd,…

Listen to the interview with Zazie Todd, PhD, talking about what we can do to help fearful and anxious dogs…

Two new podcast recordings with Zazie Todd as a guest, and Bark! on WPR’s list of books to gift to…

Watch or listen to the recording of the panel at Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers, with Jean…

Zazie spoke to The Atlantic about dogs’ love for toys, and to Cat Chat with tips on kitty litterboxes. Photo:…

“At last, a brilliant voice to give cats the recognition they deserve.”–Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, coauthors of The Genius…

Zazie and Kristi answer questions about dog and cat behaviour in this episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation which…

Dog training isn’t just about behaviour. Here are 3 ways that you can use classical conditioning to build positive associations…

I was delighted to be a guest on Tom Candy’s podcast, Simplifying Shelter Behaviour, to talk about helping dogs with…

Lovely feedback on Bark! Fest and an update on when to expect the recordings. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page…

Bark! Fest celebrated 24 books about animals. Here are the people who won copies of some of the books.  By…

Zazie and Kristi sat down to chat about Border Collies and other herding dogs with Emily Priestley, author of Urban…

Zazie Todd was a guest on CBC Radio’s The Signal answering listener questions about dogs. Photo: Anetapics/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd…

I’m speaking at the Dog Behavior Conference 2025. Will I see you there? By Zazie Todd, PhD For the twelfth…

I had the pleasure of chatting to Steve and Corrin Goodall on the Barks from the Bookshelf podcast, and they…

I spoke to Erin Scott about how to be a safe person and create a safe space for your dog…

Anna Webb and I had an amazing conversation about fearful and anxious dogs on her podcast, A Dog’s Life, and…

 I was a guest on the Tree Lady Talks podcast (and these adorable dogs introduce the episode). Tree Lady Talks…

Watch the recording of the panel at Bark! Fest, the book festival for animal lovers, with Patricia McConnell PhD talking…

Alexis Devine on what it means for dogs to “talk”, the unconventional format of the book, and what the future…

Look who’s in the Vancouver Sun this weekend! By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I…

Lili Chin on interpreting cats’ body language, the influence of her own cats Mambo and Shimmy, and the problem of…

Antony Johnston on the central role of canine characters in the Dog Sitter Detective series, writing to put a smile…

Carri Westgarth PhD on tackling common myths about dogs, how anyone can improve their relationship with their canine best friend,…

Listen to a new interview with Zazie Todd about how to help your anxious dog. By Zazie Todd, PhD This…

Watch an interview with Zazie Todd hosted by Dogkind Training, all about how to help fearful and anxious dogs. By…

Mikel Maria Delgado, PhD, on the importance of natural behaviors (like hunting) for cats, and keeping the science nerds happy…

Sassafras Patterdale (Lowrey) on finding activities for your cat’s personality and people’s surprising views of cats. By Zazie Todd PhD…

 An easy way to look at improving your relationship with your dog and making your dog even happier. xkunclova/Shutterstock By…

Kerry Nichols on raising puppies, training humans, and writing a ‘fat’ first draft. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains…

Sarah Chauncey on coping with the loss of a pet, the drawing that became the start of the book, and…

Teresa J. Rhyne on the mistakes people make when searching for a lost dog, the community that helped her look…

A special invitation to my book launch for those of you in or near the lower mainland and Fraser Valley,…

Lucy Hoile on celebrating cats, seeing them as part of the family, and the role of to-do lists in the…

Wendy Lyons Sunshine on how to use parenting techniques that help at-risk children with dogs, and helping dogs fit into…

New interviews with the author of the new book, Bark!, about how to help anxious and fearful dogs, plus an…

A literary festival, a book launch, an online talk, and webinars about fearful dogs. Come and celebrate the launch of…

Philipp Schott DVM on friendship and courage, being a disciplined writer, and picking up all of the threads in the…

Rachel Wells on writing for cat lovers, bonding with a fictional cat, and writing about love, kindness, and social issues…

Your invitation to join the Bark! Buddies with behind-the-scenes access to my book launch. By Zazie Todd PhD This page…

I’ve got two new interviews to share with you about anxious and fearful dogs. By Zazie Todd PhD This page…

Today is the ‘pup’ date for my new book, Bark!. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which…

There are new guidelines for advertisers and any organization that uses images of dogs in public communications. Here’s the infographic…

Love your pets and love to read about animals? This upcoming book festival is for you! By Zazie Todd PhD…

Why it’s so important to prepare your dog ahead of the baby’s arrival, and what you can do to help…

My next book will be out in a few months. Check out this beautiful cover! By Zazie Todd PhD This…

And mixed breeds live longer, on average, than purebred cats. Photo: SeraphP/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate…

New research adds more dog breeds to the list of those for which there are guidelines on when to spay…

What are the disorders that tend to affect brachycephalic (flat-faced) pets, and what can be done to help with guests…

“Deeply reported and vividly told, Brookshire’s exploration of our most reviled animal neighbours will forever change how you see nature…

Now that many more options are available for our pets, do people think advanced veterinary care is always a good…

Zazie and Kristi are joined by Grant Hayter-Menzies to talk about his book, Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me.…

“A wonderful, unusual, and healing book, full of wisdom and compassion.”—Sy Montgomery. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate…

Will I see you down under? (part 2). Photo: Mudassir Ali/Pexels By Zazie Todd PhD I’ll be presenting at the…

Will I see you down under? (part 1). Photo: Makalu/Pixabay By Zazie Todd PhD I’ll be presenting at the New…

A twelfth anniversary is time to celebrate and to say thank you. Photo: Veronika 7833/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD Companion…

What first time dog guardians need to know about dog training. Photo: Angela Holmyard/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd PhD Getting a…

Common questions about getting your book featured on Companion Animal Psychology. A selection of books about dogs, cats, and other…

My new post at Psychology Today looks at how to get help with your cat’s behaviour issues. Photo: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels…

“Ever wondered why your cat won’t sit on your lap?” By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which…

Zazie and Kristi are joined by zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny to talk about her book, Aesop’s Animals: The Science Behind…

I’ve got a new post over on my Psychology Today blog, Fellow Creatures. Photo: Blue Bird/Pexels By Zazie Todd PhD…

Harley Jan 2009—9 Feb 2024 Harley. Photos: Zazie Todd By Zazie Todd PhD On Friday we had to say goodbye…

I spoke with Jim Mora about how pets can benefit people and other new research on dogs and cats. Photo:…

When dogs lunge, bark, and growl at other dogs or people, the dog is having a hard time—and so is…

The study of over 150 breeds and crossbreeds shows that size matters, as little dogs live longer—and so do those…

“Thought-provoking. . . . A fresh and rigorous inquiry into how humans can best serve their canine companions. Dog lovers…

Some amazing books about animals were published in 2023. By Zazie Todd PhD I made a list of books about…

A look back at the most popular articles and podcasts about dogs and cats over the last year. Maksym Gorpenyuk/Shutterstock…

Season’s Greetings from Companion Animal Psychology. Photo: dezy/Shutterstock A big thank you to all of my readers, listeners, and video…

Zazie and Kristi are joined by TikTok star Jennifer Malawey (Dizzy Dancing Dog) who shares her secrets about how to…

There’s a special episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation being recorded in January–and you’re invited. By Zazie Todd PhD…

“A delight for past, present, and prospective pet owners. And for everyone else.”—David Steinberg, Albuquerque Journal By Zazie Todd PhD…

How cats were domesticated, whether to keep your cat indoors at night, and other cat questions answered. Photo: Anna Pasichnyk/Shutterstock…

Today is the publication date for the paperback of Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy By Zazie Todd,…

A new video takes a look at some of the common stereotypes about cats–and shows what cats are really like…

A new post on my Psych Today blog has some easy tweaks for cat guardians. Westfale/Pixabay By Zazie Todd PhD…

Cat caregivers can successfully use this tool to spot acute pain in cats, study shows. Photo: Heidi Bollich/Shutterstock By Zazie…

Learn about how to make cats happy and hear about Anna Webb’s amazing cat Gremlin in the Purrcast. By Zazie…

It’s best for your pet if you only use reward-based methods to train them. Here’s what that means. Photo: OlgaOvcharenko/Shutterstock…

How to tell if your dog is a pessimist or optimist. Artwork: Sarah Alsmiller Guest post by Sky Sobol We…

The importance of enrichment for cats, Sassafras Lowrey’s latest books Claw This Journal and Jillian at the Junior Showcase, and…

Can you help Generation Pup get to 10,000 puppies? Photo: Lunja/Shutterstock Guest post by James Oxley Generation Pup is a…

These signs of affectionate feline behaviour show that your cats are friends with each other. Photo: Fernando Calmon/Shutterstock By Zazie…

The most common problems are fear, especially fear of loud noises, and not doing what the guardian wants, such as…

“Teresa J. Rhyne is the best kind of person, a dog person. In this beautiful, honestly told memoir, she leads…

Zazie and Kristi chat about how to groom cats, what to do with matted fur, trimming cats’ nails, and how…

Get 15% off all Companion Animal Psychology merch with promo code LABOURDAY (or LABORDAY) valid until midnight Pacific time on…

Pepper has entered a competition to become a Yellow Dog Brewing Star–and he’d like your vote. Photo: Zazie Todd By…

The side-effects of aversive dog training methods that most people don’t know about–but should. Photo: Stock Rocket/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd…

Zazie and Kristi chat with Victoria Schade, dog trainer and author of delightful romcoms, about writing about dogs and her…

I chatted with Mikkel Becker on the Happy Paws podcast. By Zazie Todd PhD This page contains affiliate links which…

I spoke with Jim Mora about fear and anxiety in dogs. By Zazie Todd PhD  This page contains affiliate links…

Companion Animal Psychology is hosting an upcoming free webinar presented by Jane Wolff. By Zazie Todd PhD Companion Animal Psychology…

Coats and sweaters may be necessary for cold weather–but your dog won’t automatically like them. Here’s how to teach your…

“Schott’s writing is engagingly conversational and showcases his colorful sense of humor … Educational, entertaining and compassionate, this confluence of…

Can cats even be happy? And how do you know? Some tips to help please your feline. Photo: Christopher Schruff/Pexels…

My pick of the best hand-made and artisan gifts for dogs, cats, and their people. By Zazie Todd PhD Every…