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Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts

Companion Animal Psychology News November 2017

Make sure you haven't missed a thing with the latest newsletter from Companion Animal Psychology.

A dog and cat reading the latest news on dogs and cats



Some of my favourites from around the web this month


“Nobody wants to say goodbye to these adorable dogs for ever, but the truth is that it’s wrong to create animals that are destined to suffer.” Veterinarian Pete Wedderburn on how to improve the health of brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs.

Dogs can promote friendliness just by hanging out by John Bradshaw PhD

Important take-aways from a separation anxiety journey by Tracy Krulik CTC. Emma’s Separation Anxiety Story: Epilogue.

“When people don’t notice fear in dogs, it can cause trouble.” The scariest thing, according to dogs by Julie Hecht.

Do dogs really manipulate us? Beware misleading headlines. Marc Bekoff PhD engages with his readers about reporting on two recent studies.

“Say you and I both live in houses made of banana peels….” Self-help for humans is good for dogs by Kristi Benson CTC

“The ginger creature appeared in my life randomly. Then, little by little, it wormed itself into my home and my heart.“ I adopted a stray cat. I had no idea what I was letting myself in for by Nigel Kendall in The Guardian

How much is that doggie on the website? It might not even exist.  Karin Brulliard on online pet sales scams.

Two nice DIY food toys for cats by Pawculture.

How to care for your older cat by Cats Protection, part of their campaign for #MatureMoggies.

It can be an especially upsetting problem to have... Why does my cat pee on the bed? by Pam Johnson-Bennett has some tips to help people understand and resolve this behaviour.

"Sometimes bad behavioral traits develop and no one’s to blame. And other times dogs overcome difficult situations to grow into the soul of friendliness. That’s nature. And that’s nurture." Jessika Hekman DVM PhD on untangling nature and nurture.


Photos, videos and podcasts


Photos of cats doing martial arts by Japanese photographer Hisakata Hiroyuki.

Modernist furniture for cats in Fukuoka. And you might also like these architect-designed dream homes for cats.

Prehistoric rock art from Saudi Arabia shows dogs on leashes.

Casey Elise Christopher photographs black cats to help them get adopted.

These cat-shaped desserts in Japan are very cute.

Dr. David Mellor talks to CBC about thriving not merely surviving: A fresh perspective on animal welfare.

Would you want to be a 21st century cat? Video of a talk by Dr. Sarah Ellis of International Cat Care.

Nine lives: Are you and your pets disaster ready? Podcast on how to prepare your cat for evacuation by Kathryn Primm DVM speaking to Debbie Martin CPDT-KA.


Here at Companion Animal Psychology


Some of you will have noticed a new affiliate advertiser on this website. If you purchase via my affiliate ads, it gives me a small commission at no extra charge to you, helping to support Companion Animal Psychology.

“It will forever change how we see our aquatic cousins - the pet goldfish included." This month’s book for the Companion Animal Psychology book club is What a Fish Knows: The Inner Lives of Our Underwater Cousins by Jonathan Balcombe.

My post on 5 things to do for your cat today has been very well received. It has five things to do right now, and a bonus sixth one to work on over time, to help you have a happier cat.

What is positive punishment in dog training? tells you everything you need to know about positive punishment, including the risks of using it. An essential read for dog owners.

And why do dogs play? looks at a new review of the literature on the reasons play has evolved in dogs, and the implications for animal welfare. It turns out play isn’t always a good sign.

Finally, after a bad experience, dogs’ sleep is affected just as we might have a bad night’s sleep after a stressful day.

As always, subscribe to Companion Animal Psychology to stay up-to-date on evidence-based information about our relationship with pets.


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Companion Animal Psychology News October 2017

Make sure you  haven't missed a thing with the latest newsletter from Companion Animal Psychology.

A dog and cat read the latest newsletter from Companion Animal Psychology



Some of my favourites from around the web this month


Kate Mornement PhD has written a great series about enrichment, starting with Wild at Heart: Why enrichment is essential for your pets’ well-being and with lots of ideas for enrichment for dogs  and for cats.

"Laterality is an ancient inherited characteristic and is widespread in the animal kingdom, in both vertebrates and invertebrates." I’ve always wondered: can animals be left- and right-pawed? Janice Lloyd and Richard Squires at The Conversation.

"If a cat is on an elevated surface and there are small objects on there as well, he often can’t resist the urge to use his paw to push something over the edge." Something many cat owners want to know: Why does my cat like to knock things off the table? By Pam Johnson-Bennett

How can you tell if your cat is happy and likes you? Susan Hazel PhD answers a Curious Kids question for the Conversation.

"Cats are trainable and can be quite easy to medicate. It is all about finding something that motivates them to make it worth their while." Food rewards for training and medicating cats by Ingrid Johnson at Fundamentally Feline

"These aren’t quick fix tips. This is a training challenge for all of us for the next six-months ahead." The Hurricane dog training challenge by Michael Baugh. How to prepare your dog for emergencies.

Do you have a counter-surfing dog? Then this post by Kristi Benson is for you. The case of the disappearing doughnut: What to do with a counter-surfing dog.

"The results suggest that people with favorable attitudes towards pets are also more likely to be influenced by news reports touting the idea that animals make good therapists." Hal Herzog PhD on Why do people think animals make good therapists? 

"Go slowly and go at his pace. You never know, your dog might surprise you by how well he knows the game." Tips on travel with dogs, including anxious ones, from Julie Naismith.

The Domestic Dog is the book we've been waiting for since 1995. Julie Hecht reviews the second edition of The Domestic Dog, edited by James Serpell.


Events


Restricted activity for dogs. Webinar by Sian Ryan for Pet Professional Guild. 9th November 2017 2-3pm EST.


Photos, videos and podcasts


Britain’s pub dogs – in pictures.

Photographer Marcel Heijnen captures the secret lives of Hong Kong’s market cats in captivating series at Creative Boom: “the series is as much about the concept as it is about the beautiful animal.”

"Inside a new exhibit that gives dogs, cats, and chickens the full-on natural history museum treatment." See the world’s most ordinary animals as you never have before at Atlas Obscura. Photos by UCL Grant Museum of Zoology/Oliver Siddons, Text by Sarah Laskow.

Cute photos of dogs trying their best to look like people from William Wegman’s latest book.

8 photos of cute dogs in chic homes.

Undercats by Andreas Burba. Cats photographed from under a glass table.

The sorrow and grace of abandoned cats. Photos by Sabrina Boem, text by Ellyn Kail.

10 art installations for dogs and cats at an art exhibition for pets in Singapore.


Here at Companion Animal Psychology


This month’s book for the Companion Animal Psychology Book Club is Plenty in Life Is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace by Kathy Sdao. "What if the secret to great dog training is to be an expert 'feeder' rather than a strong leader?"

The animals at my local shelter are getting worried because staff and volunteers will be shut in kennels with a furry friend today and only let out once they’ve raised bail. Lock-In for Love raises funds for the BC SPCA Maple Ridge and you can donate here.

My Psychology Today blog Fellow Creatures looks at some new research that finds dog ownership is not linked to health benefits – but walking the dog is, and people walk their dog more if there is a stronger human-animal bond.

I wrote a guest post for Dr. Jo Righetti about my 5 favourite Companion Animal Psychology articles. Are you surprised at the ones I chose?

Here on Companion Animal Psychology, my post about Clare Browne et al’s research on dog training books has been very popular. While the results may not be a surprise to people reading this blog, the dog owning public is still buying books that may not give them the best advice.

Two posts about shelter cats have also been very popular. It turns out that even old and shy shelter cats can learn tricks such as spin or nose-touch a target. While research on which enrichment item shelter cats prefer suggests that a hiding place may actually be a basic necessity, rather than enrichment. Luckily a cardboard box can make a suitable hiding place!

Stay up-to-date and subscribe to Companion Animal Psychology today.



Companion Animal Psychology is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Companion Animal Psychology News September 2017

Make sure you haven't missed a thing with the latest favourites and news from Companion Animal Psychology

A dog and cat reading the news about cats and dogs



Some of my favourite posts from around the web this month


"When you have a frenzied dog barking, growling, screeching, and lunging at the end of a lead, the idea that the dog is simply frustrated by an inability to investigate that other dog is not the first thing that comes to mind." Dog play and cognitive biases by Lisa Skavienski at Your Pit Bull and You.

Puppy-farmed dogs show worse behaviour, suffer ill health and die young – so adopt don’t shop by Catherine Douglas.

“Ever heard the phrase “you get the dog you need”? Or even the thought that some dogs are “special” or universally arranged to land in our lives at the right time? The idea that some of our dogs will be game-changers over the course of our career.” Game changers by the Cognitive Canine.  

What it’s like to be a dog. Marc Bekoff interviews Gregory Berns about his new book.

“Next time you see someone walking a dog in a muzzle, offer them a smile. They are being responsible dog owners who are trying to help their dogs and keep everyone safe.” To muzzle or not to muzzle by Emily Levine at Decoding Your Pet.

Just because the Kong Pawzzle is for dogs, doesn’t mean cats won’t like it. Food Puzzles for Cats gets some felines to try it.

“If a stressed cat is an unhealthy cat, then a happy cat is more likely to be a healthy one. What can cat owners do to make their cats not only less stressed, but more happy?” Happiness is key to cat health by Catalyst Council.

If you’re thinking of adopting a cat, here are some things to think about from Ingrid Johnson


Photos, videos and podcasts


Pet rescues in Harvey’s wake via the Atlantic.

Expressive portraits reveal the quirky human-like qualities of different dogs. Dog portratis by Alexander Khokhlov.

Dr Lisa Radosta on making your family home Fear Free.

The Pet Professional Guild World Service interviews Dr. Ilana Reisner about her upcoming presentation for PPG on dog bites and children.

“These little felines represent your community in addition to just the cute photo we see.” Will the Bodega cats of instragram be put out of business by the latest tech start-up, asks the Guardian.


News


A court in Oregon has upheld a decision ordering a family to have their dogs “debarked”. This procedure is illegal in many countries.

How the chaos of Hurricane Katrina helped save pets from flooding in Texas by Karin Brulliard for the Washington Post.

A proposed bill in California would ban the sale of animals from puppy mills or mass breeding operations.


Events


The Dog Breeding Reform Group is holding a seminar at the University of Surrey on tackling inherited and conformational problems in dogs. 22nd October 2017.

Managing compassion fatigue: How to care for yourself while caring for animals and people. Webinar by Dr. Vanessa Rohlf for the Pet Professional Guild, Thursday 28th September 2917,  5pm - 6pm (EDT).


Here at Companion Animal Psychology


I’m delighted to say that Companion Animal Psychology has been nominated for the People’s Choice Award: Canada’s Favourite Science Blog. Please vote for me here.

This month, the Companion Animal Psychology Book Club is reading Pets on the Couch: Neurotic Dogs, Compulsive Cats, Anxious Birds, and the New Science of Animal Psychiatry by Nicholas Dodman.

Gina Bishopp wrote a fantastic guest post about what it means when dogs lick their lips or look away: Do dogs use body language to calm us down?

An interesting new study finds the best way to train cats is with food.

And I also published a list of the resources that you will find on this website, from the people and blogs to follow, to a list of dog training research resources that will satisfy your inner dog training geek. Check out the list and let me know what you find helpful.

Lately there’s been some interesting research on dog walking, including a recent study by Carri Westgarth et al, covered here by Robert Bergland.  Bergland says, "Although most dog owners said the primary reason they walked regularly with their non-human "significant other" was the well-being of their dog, the symbiotic feedback loop of improved psychological and physical health created an upward spiral of wellness for all parties involved."

It has set me thinking about what I enjoy about walking my dog. One of those things would be getting outside whatever the weather, but sometimes my dog Bodger sticks his head out the door and decides he doesn’t want to go any further. This is especially the case in heavy rain and of course it’s his choice. But most of the time we are both happy on a walk, him sniffing here, there (and everywhere), and me just enjoying the fresh air. What do you enjoy about taking your dog for walkies?

As always, you can reach me on twitter, Facebook or by email (companimalpsych at gmail dot com). Until next time,

Zazie


Companion Animal Psychology is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Companion Animal Psychology News August 2017

The latest news on dogs and cats from Companion Animal Psychology.

The latest on dogs and cats from Companion Animal Psychology



Some of my favourites from around the web this month


Adding a younger pet to a geriatric household. American Veterinarian speaks to Dr. Marsha Reiss.

On-leash etiquette, management and reactivity. Great tips from Allison Wells for the Academy for Dog Trainers.

“So. I did say most dogs play just fine. As any dog trainer will tell you, some dogs who enjoy play also seem to be...well, kind of bad at it” Eat, play, love by Kristi Benson CTC explains how to fix it if this applies to your dog.

“The classic self-recognition test gets a makeover for dogs, using smell, not sight.” Beautiful explanation by Dog Spies by Julie Hecht of a new study on self-recognition in dogs.

Are dogs getting cuter? John Bradshaw PhD on the rise in popularity of brachycephalic dogs such as pugs.

What do cats do when they pee and poo? By Mikel Delgado, PhD. You know you want to know.

6 things to know before adopting a rat. Guest post by Monica Kucic at Dr. Jo Righetti's Pet Problems Solved.


Photos, Videos and Podcasts


The comedy pet photography awards.

This photographer fights rat phobia with irresistibly cute pictures. They really are! Photos by Diane Özdamar.

If you’ve thought of building a catio and need some ideas, you’ll like these photos of catios in Oregon. For those who are local, the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and the Portland Audubon Society are hosting a catio tour 10am – 2pm on Saturday, 9th September (details in the article).

Get your timing right… Clare Browne PhD interviewed by Animal Training Academy

A beard, a baby and three dogs. The video on this post from All Dogs Go to Kevin demonstrates clearly how to teach sit, down, and stay – three foundation behaviours for all dogs.


News


“Nearly 1 in 2 German Shepherds is being put down because they are unable to walk.” New research from the UK on the problems afflicting this breed.

The city of Montreal has written to hundreds of people to order them to get rid of their pit bulls within four weeks.


Events


Managing Compassion Fatigue: How to Care for Yourself while caring for animals and people. Webinar by Dr. Vanessa Rohlff for Pet Professional Guild. 28 September 2017 5 – 6.30pm EDT.

Animals in our midst: How did pet-keeping evolve? Free lecture by Dr. John Bradshaw, Southampton, Friday 6th October, 18.00 – 20.00 BST.

Feline Science Symposium at the SF SPCA with Mikel Delgado, Tony Buffington, Monique Udell, Jeannine Berger and Sara Bennett. Saturday 4th November 2017, 9.30 to 4pm.


Here at Companion Animal Psychology


The book club is reading How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog): Visionary Scientists and a Siberian Tale of Jump-Started Evolution by Lee Dugatkin and Lyudmila Trut. Don’t miss it.

When dog trainers get into arguments about methods, they tend to focus on the risks associated with aversive techniques. But there’s another side to consider too: since reward-based training is enjoyable for dogs, dogs that are trained with aversive methods are missing out on positive experiences. I write about the science of dog training methods and animal welfare in a guest post for The Academy for Dog Trainers: The double advantage of reward-based training.

At the end of last month, I wrote about the sensitive period for socialization in puppies and kittens. It’s a useful reference for anyone who wants to understand this important time for brain development.

Also on the blog, I wrote about successful outcomes for beagles rehomed after taking part in laboratory research (far better than the alternative!), and the importance of paying attention to our dogs and noticing those subtle signs of stress.

And my annual summer reading list features sound advice on dogs and cats from a range of authors (all of whom are well worth following on social media).


And finally… 


If things have seemed a bit quiet on Companion Animal Psychology this month, it’s because I took a fortnight off to visit family in England. I’m back now, having had a lovely time, but with a rotten cough and cold.

One of the things I love about pubs and cafes in the UK is that so many of them are welcoming to dogs. It’s really nice to go for a dog walk through the beautiful English countryside, followed by a pub lunch with your dog; or to pop out for coffee and cake in a bookstore and take the dog with you. Below are a couple of photos I snapped of signs on the door of two pubs in St Albans.

Dog-friendly pub sign; newsletter says more places should be dog-friendly
Sign outside Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub in St Albans, one of the oldest pubs in England


It's great when pubs and cafes are dog-friendly; this sign is from a pub in St Albans
Sign on the door of the John Bunyan pub in St Albans


It couldn’t happen here: strict bylaws prohibit dogs from bars, restaurants and cafes – even on the patio. Personally, I think the café or bar owner should be allowed to decide for themselves if they want to allow dogs on the patio or not. It’s nice for dogs to be able to go out and about with their people (and continuing social activities like this are good for them too, assuming the dog is not fearful). Plus, of course, it’s nice for the owner. It’s obvious dogs should not be in the kitchen, but the same rules need not apply to patios.

I wish more establishments were dog-friendly. What’s it like where you live?


Companion Animal Psychology is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Companion Animal Psychology News July 2017

July’s round-up of the latest news on cats and dogs.

The latest stories on dogs, cats and science



Some of my favourites from around the web 


Dr. Rebecca Ledger uses the Five Domains model for forensic animal behaviour analysis by Kat Littlewood and David Mellor PhD. How the mental experiences of animals can be inferred for animal cruelty prosecutions in Canada.

Remember to play. Trumping animals and their homes: Seeing light in dark times by Marc Bekoff PhD. Some advice on how to maintain hope in the face of depressing news.

What determines a cat’s coat? Brandon Baker speaks to Dr. Margret Casal, associate professor of medical genetics, to find out. An intriguing introduction to the genetics of coat colours.

“What about dogs who are scared of toys that make noise or big/novel objects?” Enrichment for fearful dogs by Erica Beckwith CTC.

Never force your cat when training. Pam Johnson Bennett on ways you can offer your cat choice.

Why kids with pets are better off by Hal Herzog PhD looks at the results of a study of the impact of pets on children that surprised the researchers.

And it’s never too soon to start to help a dog who is afraid of fireworks. Good and bad ways to help, by Julie Hecht.


Pets in the news 


Mog author Judith Kerr to publish new book.

Vancouver bans pet stores selling puppies and kittens, and so does North Plainfield NJ.

The number of overweight pets has increased, according to a new report.

Being friendly is in dog’s nature, say scientists. New research looks at genetic variation in dogs and wolves.


Events 


Feline foraging toys: How to implement, motivate and stage the difficulty level. Webinar by Ingrid Johnson for Pet Professional Guild. Weds 26th July, 4pm – 5pm (EDT).



Photos, Videos and Podcasts 


Do you understand your dog? Fascinating podcast with Professor Paul McGreevy.

The Animal Training Academy podcast with Kate Mornement PhD. Kate Mornement talks about how she learned about positive reinforcement training, her PhD research on assessing shelter dogs, and some of her favourite animal training stories.

Do animals need more freedom? Jessica Pierce PhD and Marc Bekoff PhD talk about freedom and compassion for animals

Thai cats. A breeder is working with Kasetsart University in Thailand to save the Suphalak breed of cat. Beautiful photos accompany this story.



Here at Companion Animal Psychology 


Lincoln Animal Ambassadors recently interviewed me for their blog. Thanks to Allison for such great questions!

How strong is children’s attachment to their pets? At Psychology Today, I wrote about how children’s attachment to their pets is linked to friendship and caring behaviours.

What your cat’s nose knows takes a look at the role of chemical signals in your cat’s life. Understanding the importance of scent and pheromones for felines can help us improve their welfare.

Did we evolve to love dogs? This guest post from Kristi Benson CTC has got people thinking.

Rewards, welfare and the animal’s perspective in training. My round-up of the Train for Rewards blog party.

The book club is taking a break this month, but will be back in August with Lee Dugatkin’s How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog): Visionary Scientists and a Siberian Tale of Jump-Started Evolution.

And the Companion Animal Psychology t-shirt continues to sell well. It is available in many colours, and 100% of the proceeds go to the BC SPCA Maple Ridge, which is my local shelter.


Companion Animal Psychology is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.ca and Amazon.co.uk.

Companion Animal Psychology News June 2017

Favourite posts, photos and podcasts of the last month.

June 2017 news about dogs and cats


Some of my favourites from around the web


“None of us see animals clearly.  They’re too full of the stories we’ve given them.” What animals taught me about being human by Helen MacDonald

Can dogs help solve our childhood obesity problem? Hal Herzog PhD on childhood obesity and dog ownership.

Sniffing kitten butts for science  to find out how mother cats recognize their kittens, by Mikel Delgado PhD.

Should we call these canine behaviours calming signals? By Karen London PhD at The Bark. Be sure to also read the comment from Dr. Chiara Mariti, and this piece by Marc Bekoff  PhD that has been updated to include Dr. Mariti's comments.

"Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: My dog used to love to play with other dogs, and then one day she didn’t." Tracy Krulik on dog-dog reactivity.

“Making a fearful dog's life better is a long game.” Living with and loving a fearful dog, by Casey McGee at Upward Hound.

If you need a cheerful story, read this: It takes a village… love hope and a lucky Penny by Lori Nanan from Your Pit Bull and You.


Pets in the news


Important new position statement from International Cat Care on declawing in cats  “The operation to declaw does not just remove the claw, but also the end bone of the toe (equivalent to removing the end of a finger to the first joint in humans).”

Earliest evidence for dog breeding found on remote Siberian island.

Animal abuse in some form is present in 89% of domestic violence cases.

Canada needs laws to prevent the euthanization of healthy pets, says lawyer.

Diabetes-sniffing cat Charlie is a lifeline for his owner.

The Economist wonders whether emotional support animals should be allowed in the cabin of planes.

A massive study of ancient and modern cat genomes reveals an interesting history.

Sadly, a ban on the docking of puppy’s tails has been scrapped in Scotland after MSPs vote to allow exemptions. You can read Dogs Trust’s response here.

And senior nurses in the UK say pets should be allowed to visit their owners in hospital.


Events


But my dog isn’t food motivated. Webinar by Kathy Sdao for Doggone Safe 28th June 2017

A brief history of corporal punishment by Jean Donaldson for Doggone Safe 5th July 2017

Dr. Clive Wynne Behavioural solutions to behavioural problems. 29th July 2017 in Melbourne, Australia


Photos, videos and podcasts


Dog photographer of the year 2017.

Cones of fame turns dreaded collars into fashionable accessories that help shelter dogs find homes.

Why do dogs have whiskers? Featuring Dr Jessica Hekman.

Adorable animal photos by Gerry Slade help rehome unwanted pets in Bury.

Why are some animals pets and others are lunch? Featuring Dr Hal Herzog.

Learn to sniff like a dog and experience the world in a new way. The Invisibilia podcast from NPR spoke to Dr. Alexandra Horowitz.


Here at Companion Animal Psychology


There’s still time to purchase a Companion Animal Psychology t-shirt. 100% of the proceeds go to help animals at the BCSPCA Maple Ridge. Thanks to everyone who has bought one!

29 blogs took part in the Train for Rewards blog party, which was on its second year of celebrating and encouraging reward-based training. Dogs, cats, and even a pet pig featured in the posts. As well as enjoying the posts themselves, it’s a chance to find new bloggers to follow. Don’t miss it.

My interview with Dr. Christy Hoffman has had a wonderful response, and I also published a post about her recent research (with Dr. Malini Suchak) on dog rivalry.

This month, the Companion Animal Psychology book club has been reading The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions by Thomas McNamee. The book club takes July off, but stay tuned to find out August’s pick.

And finally, I chatted to Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith at Your Family Dog Podcast about how to make happy dogs even happier.

If you’re not already a subscriber, why not sign up to follow Companion Animal Psychology by email?




Companion Animal Psychology is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.