Let's Celebrate! Companion Animal Psychology Turns 4
It’s time to party!
It is four years since I created Companion Animal Psychology.
I started the blog in order to explore people’s relationships with their pets. One aim is to provide evidence-based information on how to care for and train our companion animals. Another is to bring the best scientific research on people and their pets to a wider audience. While there are many more excellent studies than I’m able to cover, I love to write about research that has the potential to make a difference to animal welfare and to the lives of people who interact with pets.
The most popular post written in the last twelve months is re-arranging metaphors for dogs, while my most-read post of all time remains whether dogs get that Eureka! feeling?, with 17.6k shares (and still counting). Other popular articles from the last year include how audiobooks can help shelter dogs, six ways to entertain your dog indoors, and make your dog happy: train force free. Cats are not forgotten with proof the internet helps cat adoptions and education about cats may reduce feline behaviour problems.
I try to publish every Wednesday, and while I occasionally have to miss a week – like everyone, real life sometimes gets in the way – this is my 208th post.
The past year has seen Companion Animal Psychology chosen by Science Borealis as one of the 2015 editor’s picks, and they kindly published an interview with me earlier this year. I also recently graduated with honours from the Academy for Dog Trainers.
I am grateful to all of my readers for the support and encouragement, and all the likes and shares on social media. As always, if there are topics you would like to see covered, please feel free to drop me a note. And why not help me celebrate by sharing your favourite post from the last four years?
Here, it’s time for coffee and cake, and the cats and dogs will get treats too. I hope you all have a marvellous day. Cheers!
Photo: Jaromir Chalabala (Shutterstock.com)
