The mirror test isn’t the only way to test for self-awareness—but thinking about the kind of mirror can make a difference to results. Chimpanzees exploring mirror reflections using large and handheld mirrors respectively. Reproduced from Kopp et al. 2021 under Creative Commons 3.0 License.   Guest post by John Binks and Lucie MellishTheory of Mind (ToM) is the term used to describe the cognitive ability to understand that others around you are their own separate agents that…

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A series of four webinars on The Science of Making Pets Happy.Photo: Tomáš Jíra/PexelsBy Zazie Todd PhDIn February and March of this year, I'll be presenting a series of four webinars on the science of making pets happy. The specialty webinars are hosted by the Ottawa Humane Society.The four topics are:Tips and tricks to making dogs happy (Monday Feb 28)How to prevent common behaviour issues in dogs (Monday Mar 7)Tips and tricks to making cats happy…

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The top posts of the year and a couple of things to look forward to in 2022Photo: Ivanova N/ShutterstockBy Zazie Todd PhDThis page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.It’s been another tough year and as we all wish for a brighter year in 2022, there’s still too much going on. But I’ve kept on writing through the year, and as is tradition I’m…

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 Season's Greetings from Companion Animal PsychologyPhoto: Roman Valyaev/ShutterstockIt’s been quite the year again, hasn’t it?! But wherever you are, I hope you’re winding down to a wonderful festive season. Thank you for reading Companion Animal Psychology this year and for all of your lovely comments and shares. Special thanks to my Ko-Fi peeps and Pawsitive Post subscribers—your support helps me to keep writing pieces about good training and welfare for our pets. I look forward to…

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Pets aren't little people, so if you're going to apply labels like that, ask yourself these questions first.New Africa/ShutterstockBy Zazie Todd, PhD  This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. When it comes to understanding dogs, cats, and other pets, there’s a common pitfall that applies to many of us: thinking of them like people. Don’t get me wrong: many of the ways that we…

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"This book is an evolutionary thought experiment--untestable, informative and great fun."--David P. Barash. 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 A Dog's World: Imagining the Lives of Dogs in a World without Humans by Jessica Pierce and Marc Bekoff.From the back cover,"What would happen to dogs if humans simply disappeared? Would dogs be…

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My picks of artisan gifts from Etsy for dogs, cats, and their people. From snuffle mats to cat sampler toys and pet beds, this artisan gift guide has you covered.By Zazie Todd, PhD.I love browsing Etsy to find beautiful creations from independent artists. Here are my picks of the best gifts for pets and their people this festive season.This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost…

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"Wow, this used to be theory and now we’re actually seeing it in practice.” Pioneering Canadian lawyer Victoria Shroff on her book, Canadian Animal Law.By Zazie Todd, PhD.Vancouver lawyer Victoria Shroff is a pioneer of animal law in Canada. Her new book, Canadian Animal Law, is an accessible introduction to animal law that will be of interest to SPCAs, humane societies, and anyone who cares about animals, as well as lawyers and law students. I…

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Why training your dog—even when you don’t need to teach a specific behaviour—is a good idea.An Australian Shepherd and a Border Collie show off their tricks. Photo: Enna8982/ShutterstockBy Zazie Todd PhDWe all know there are things you ought to teach your dog, like socialization for puppies or to come when called. These are things that make a big difference to your dog’s life (and your life with your dog).But dog training isn't just about these…

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A set of videos break down how to teach your cat to like their asthma inhaler. Photo: Shveyn Irina/ShutterstockBy Zazie Todd PhDThis page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.Did you know that you can even train cats to use an asthma inhaler?Many people still have the erroneous idea that cats can’t be trained. But of course they can and, just like for dogs, reward-based…

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