Fellow Creatures

Social Media

Only Use Images of Healthy Dogs in Adverts, Say Experts

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on July 16, 2024

There are 200 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. New guidelines for advertisers suggest avoiding a few with known health issues to focus on other, healthier dogs.

There are 200 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. New guidelines for advertisers suggest avoiding a few with known health issues to focus on other, healthier dogs.

Animal Behavior

How Can I Get Help With My Cat's Behavior Issues?

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on March 13, 2024

If your cat has a behavior issue, such as toileting in the wrong place or not getting on with other pets in the home, here’s what to do.

If your cat has a behavior issue, such as toileting in the wrong place or not getting on with other pets in the home, here’s what to do.

Animal Behavior

Does My Dog Need Behavior Training or a Private Session?

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on February 21, 2024

How to socialize your puppy and to give them safe play opportunities.

How to socialize your puppy and to give them safe play opportunities.

Animal Behavior

25 Ways to Make a Cat Happier

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on June 5, 2023

Easy catcentric tips provide fun, enrichment, and understanding for your favourite feline.

Easy catcentric tips provide fun, enrichment, and understanding for your favourite feline.

Animal Behavior

England Moves to Ban Electric Shock Collars for Dogs

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on April 28, 2023

A ban on the use of electronic collars in dog training has been announced in England. What are the reasons, and will other countries follow suit?

A ban on the use of electronic collars in dog training has been announced in England. What are the reasons, and will other countries follow suit?

Education

You Have to Read Dog Trainers’ Websites Closely, Study Says

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on April 19, 2023

Research shows there are differences in words used by aversive and non-aversive trainers.

Research shows there are differences in words used by aversive and non-aversive trainers.

Fear

Bad Dog, Bad Welfare?

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on March 31, 2023

If your pet misbehaves, it’s best not to correct them. Instead, focus on teaching them to do the behaviours you want with positive reinforcement and avoid the risks of aversives.

If your pet misbehaves, it’s best not to correct them. Instead, focus on teaching them to do the behaviours you want with positive reinforcement and avoid the risks of aversives.

Scent

Should We Treat Big and Small Dogs the Same Way?

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on March 8, 2023

Training, exercise, and enrichment can affect the behavior of small dogs like Yorkies, Westies, and chihuahuas. Here's why you should do more for your little dog.

Training, exercise, and enrichment can affect the behavior of small dogs like Yorkies, Westies, and chihuahuas. Here's why you should do more for your little dog.

Sleep

Flat-Faced Dogs Must Be Able to Breathe, Says New Campaign

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on January 25, 2023

French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Pugs are very popular, but people must be aware of their health issues and choose puppies with less-extreme features.

French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Pugs are very popular, but people must be aware of their health issues and choose puppies with less-extreme features.

Education

Every Interaction With Your Pet Is a Training Opportunity

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on December 27, 2022

Learn two ways that people commonly teach their dog or cat to do something they don’t want, and why we shouldn’t always require a behavior.

Learn two ways that people commonly teach their dog or cat to do something they don’t want, and why we shouldn’t always require a behavior.

Happiness

“Who’s Walking Who?” Happy Walks With Your Dog

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on December 20, 2022

Instead of following arbitrary dog walking rules, make dog walks fun for your dog, and you'll be happier too.

Instead of following arbitrary dog walking rules, make dog walks fun for your dog, and you'll be happier too.

Animal Behavior

Are Cats Actually Easy Pets?

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on December 14, 2022

We think of cats as easy pets, but the more you put into your relationship with your kitty, the more you will get out.

We think of cats as easy pets, but the more you put into your relationship with your kitty, the more you will get out.

Animal Behavior

3 Things Dog and Cat Guardians Get Right

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on September 14, 2022

Here are three things that people with pets deserve praise for.

Here are three things that people with pets deserve praise for.

Stress

10 Things People Shouldn't Do to Their Cats

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on August 17, 2022

These are the things to avoid when setting your house up for your cat and interacting with them to make sure your cat is happy and not bored or unsafe.

These are the things to avoid when setting your house up for your cat and interacting with them to make sure your cat is happy and not bored or unsafe.

Attention

How to Make Difficult Decisions at the End of a Cat’s Life

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on July 27, 2022

Making decisions about euthanasia for a pet cat is incredibly hard. Knowing what to look for, and what could improve their current quality of life, can help.

Making decisions about euthanasia for a pet cat is incredibly hard. Knowing what to look for, and what could improve their current quality of life, can help.

Personality

2 Ways to Make a Cat Happier

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on May 28, 2022

These two changes will improve your relationship with your cat.

These two changes will improve your relationship with your cat.

Attention

Pet Cats Know Their Fellow Cats’ Names, Study Shows

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on May 19, 2022

New research shows that pet cats know the names of other cats in their household—and some may even know the names of their people.

New research shows that pet cats know the names of other cats in their household—and some may even know the names of their people.

Animal Behavior

3 Things Too Many People Don't Understand About Cats

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on May 10, 2022

Why you should respect a cat’s tummy—and other important things to know about cats.

Why you should respect a cat’s tummy—and other important things to know about cats.

Body Language

How to Tell If Your Pet Actually Wants You to Pet Them

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on March 31, 2022

Improve your relationship with your dog or cat by using a consent test when petting them to ensure the experience is right for both of you.

Improve your relationship with your dog or cat by using a consent test when petting them to ensure the experience is right for both of you.

Gender

Gender Roles, Dominance Training, and Caring for Pets

Zazie Todd Ph.D. on March 2, 2022

The intersections between gender roles, the responsibilities of caring for cats and dogs, and traditional training methods reflect wider societal dynamics.

The intersections between gender roles, the responsibilities of caring for cats and dogs, and traditional training methods reflect wider societal dynamics.