Here’s why you should pick a puppy class that includes play – and what that play should look like. Photo: Iuliia Bondarenko/ShutterstockBy Zazie Todd, PhDPuppies have a lot to learn. When you bring them home at about 8 weeks, the breeder will have already done some socialization (provided you picked a responsible breeder). But it’s up to you to build on that early socialization, because the sensitive period continues until about 12-14 weeks. Puppy class is a…

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Itchy dogs, cats and catnip, and pups eating peanut butter... This month's Companion Animal Psychology news.By Zazie Todd, PhDMy favourites this monthThis page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.Itchy dog or stressed dog? by Dr. Naomi Harvey, BARKS from the Guild Jan 2021. A free subscription is needed to read it.  From domination to cooperation. Allison Wells shares the story of how a rescue…

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Have dogs evolved to lurk in the kitchen? We can learn more about dog’s evolution, and our own evolution, through the words we pass from grandparent to grandchild as nursery rhymes. Photo: Anna Badi/ShutterstocBy Kristi Benson, CTC, Special Correspondent. I was splitting then tearing off the soft inner shell from some broad beans earlier today, and I found myself thinking of a nursery rhyme. Pease porridge hot! The broad beans emerged from their light and leathery skins…

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I am thrilled and honoured that Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy has won the Dog Writer's Association of America award for book - behavior, health, or general care.Because of the pandemic, the ceremony was broadcast live on Facebook. I am so happy that Wag has won this award.Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners!ZazieIf  you want a copy of Wag, you'll find it in my Amazon store (#ad) and in all good…

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It’s worth learning to take care of your pet’s teeth, says veterinarian Dr. Rachel Szumel. Here are six reasons why.Photo: GerryP/ShutterstockGuest post by Dr. Rachel Szumel.The top six reasons tooth-brushing is important for your pet - and how you can teach your dog or cat to enjoy having their teeth brushed.This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.1. Their breath stinks! Dog breath has…

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“A fascinating look at animal intelligence, Pepperberg’s tale is also a love story between beings who sometimes ‘squabble like an old married couple’ but whose bond broke only with Alex’s death at 31 in ‘07. Irresistible.”--People.By Zazie Todd, PhDThis 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 Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a…

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When dogs are trained with methods such as leash jerks, yelling, and shock collars, they have worse welfare than dogs trained solely with food rewards, according to new research.Photo: Lindaze/ShutterstockBy Zazie Todd, PhDThis page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.Although many dog trainers and guardians have already made the switch to using reward-based methods, some still use aversive methods such as leash jerks…

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Hannah Gold on her tortoise and her cat – and her much-anticipated children’s book, The Last Bear.No. 11 in the series The Writer's 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.Hannah Gold’s much-anticipated debut is a story of friendship and a call for us all to protect the wild. The Last Bear is beautifully illustrated by Kate Slater (US/Canada)…

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A selection of artisan Valentine-themed dog collars and cat collars, gifts for your pet, and cards for pet lovers. By Zazie Todd, PhDIf you're looking for Valentines cards for a special someone, or gifts for your dog or cat, here are my picks from Etsy.This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.Pictured above, clockwise from top left:The charmer cat collar with bell by PoochandTabby.Red hearts…

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Many people rushed out to get pets when the pandemic started, but it's not an overwhelmingly positive experience. My latest post on my Fellow Creatures blog at Psych Today looks at some new research on how pets are affecting people during this time. By Zazie Todd, PhD.The research from the University of Florida investigated people's experiences of having a pet during the pandemic as well as how their pet factored into health decisions about COVID-19. Check…

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