What's the Deal with Sheep?

What the heck is anthrozoology? And what can sheep teach us about the complex relationships between humans and animals? Join The Amys and their very special guest, Marika Bell, dog trainer, anthrozoologist, and host of The Deal With Animals podcast. Marika discusses her fascinating research with sheep, how scientists study social behavior across species, and what our interactions with animals reveal about us humans (SPOILER ALERT: we're often the complicated ones!). Baaaaaaaa ha ha ha 🐑👀!But, they’re not just talking sheep! They also dive into the world of podcasting, exploring how to make conversations about animal behavior more engaging, educational, inclusive, and impactful. Plus, Marika reveals her favorite podcast guests, most memorable animal encounters, and what she's buzzzzzzing about next. From sheep science to books they’d gift to a friend, this episode is packed with curiosity, laughs, and a sobering look at how little we actually understand about the animals around us.Don't be sheepish! It’s time to grab a cocktail, and catch the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast. Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode resources and more information about our bucolic guest, Marika Bell. Thanks, Marika!Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...

What if we taught children to ask dogs for permission before petting them? And what if we helped them understand that dogs have their own ways of saying “yes,” “no,” and “I need some space”?Join The Amys and their esteemed guest, renowned pet expert, author, and animal advocate, Steve Dale, to discuss his new children's book, Ask the Dog. Together, they explore the importance of teaching children to recognize canine body language, respect boundaries, and understand that dogs deserve a say in how they interact with people.The conversation covers the concept of consent in our relationships with dogs, why even the friendliest dog may not always want to be touched, and how teaching children to recognize subtle signs of discomfort can help prevent dog bites and build stronger human-animal bonds.Whether you're a parent, educator, veterinary professional, or simply someone who loves dogs, this conversation is a reminder that respecting a dog's boundaries isn't just about safety—it's about kindness, trust, and giving dogs a voice. Because sometimes the best way to show a dog you love them is to listen when they say, "No thanks!"It’s Buzzzzzz-o’clock, so grab a cocktail and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝 on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast! Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode references and more information about our expert guest, Steve Dale. Thanks, Steve!Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...

What if YOUR DOG could help scientists fight an invasive species? The Amys found this topic so fascinating, they’re revisiting it with two of the project’s researchers. Join the Amys and their extraordinary guests, Dr. Sally Dickinson and Dr. Erica Feuerbacher, to discuss their fascinating work teaching dogs to detect spotted lanternflies—and how everyday dog owners can play a role in real scientific discovery through citizen science. Dig into how dogs learn to identify the scent of these invasive insects, what it takes to turn a pet dog into a detection dog, and how researchers can harness the incredible power of the canine nose to help protect our environment. They also explore the growing world of citizen science, what this project demonstrated about canine learning and scent detection, and how similar programs could be used to tackle other invasive species.Science, bugs, dogs, and the power of extraordinary noses are on the menu, so grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast. Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode resources and more information about our scent-sational guests. Thanks, Sally! Thanks, Beth!Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...

Who can calm a kennel with patience, skill, and care, turn a stressed-out shelter moment into something bright and fair? The Candy Man Can. Who can sort the chaos? Who can read the room? Spot the tiny signs of worry and help shelters beat the gloom? The Candy Man Can. Join the Amys and their legendary guest, Tom Candy, UK-based shelter behavior guru, professional myth-buster, and owner of what may be the most practical philosophy in animal welfare: the "Fuck It" approach. (Don't worry—it's more evidence-based than it sounds.)We dive into why shelters sometimes get stuck chasing perfection instead of getting animals into homes, why flexibility beats rigid rules, and how a little less hand-wringing can actually lead to better welfare for dogs, cats, and the people trying to help them.From behavior assessments and enrichment to adoption policies and the impossible balancing act shelters face every day, Tom reminds us that the goal isn't to create perfect animals or perfect adopters—it's to create successful matches that improve lives.Come for the British accent. Stay for the science. Leave with permission to occasionally say, "Fuck it," when perfection is getting in the way of helping animals. Grab a cocktail and pull up your knickers… it’s time to get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝 on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast! Cheers to Season 3!Warning: Contains evidence-based opinions, British sarcasm, and occasional profanity in the name of better animal welfare.Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode references and more information about our crackerjack guest, Tom Candy. Thanks, Tom!Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...

Join the Amys and their paradigm-shifting guest, Dr. Kevin Toman—a veterinarian who has officially run out of patience for nonsense after 30+ years in the trenches. His latest obsession? Not just keeping pets alive, but keeping them thriving—longer, stronger, and with fewer unnecessary pills, protocols, and profit-driven “standards of care.” He’s traded the status quo for science, and he’s not exactly whispering about it.Dr. Toman cuts through the BS with surgical precision…Does “more medicine” always mean better medicine? What does corporate veterinary care get wrong? Can you actually extend your pet’s healthspan—and not just drag out the clock?Expect a conversation grounded in real science, clinical experience, and a refreshing dose of honesty. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your pet live not just longer, but better, this episode will make you rethink everything you thought you knew.There will be myth-busting. There will be strong opinions. There may be a little well-placed side-eye toward Big Vet Med 👀. If you like your veterinary advice evidence-based, slightly rebellious, and refreshingly unfiltered—this one’s for you.Grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode references and more information about our fascinating guest, Dr. Kevin Toman. Thanks, Kevin!Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...

"Problem-solving is hunting; it is savage pleasure and we are born to it.”  – Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Silence of the LambsJoin the Amys for a fascinating conversation with innovative dog trainer Melissa McCue-McGrath, who’s turning canine noses into powerful conservation tools… What started as a simple passion project for a research article has grown into a mission-driven crusade against the spotted lanternfly—one of America’s most destructive invasive species.We explore how scent detection training works, why dogs are uniquely suited for this kind of environmental work, and how Melissa is bringing this training into shelters—giving dogs not only enrichment and purpose, but potentially a second chance at adoption. From the science of odor detection to the real-world impact on ecosystems and agriculture, this conversation bridges behavior, enrichment, and conservation in a truly inspiring way.Whether you’re a trainer, veterinarian, or just someone who loves seeing dogs make a difference, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what our canine companions are capable of, and how they might just help save our trees.Grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode references and more information about our bee-guiling guest, Melissa McCue-McGrath. Thanks, Melissa!Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...

Join The Amys and two powerhouse team members from KONG® — a veterinarian specializing in feline medicine and a long-time professional trainer — for a deep dive into enrichment, play, and solving real-world behavior challenges. They explore how thoughtful play supports physical health, emotional wellbeing, and stronger human–animal bonds in both cats and dogs. From food puzzles and prey-sequence play to managing boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors, their guests share practical strategies that pet professionals and owners alike can implement immediately.Whether you’re a veterinarian, trainer, or devoted pet parent, this conversation will reframe how you think about play — not as a luxury, but as a behavioral and emotional necessity. Because when we enrich their lives, we transform their behavior.Grab some liquid enrichment and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast!Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode references and more information about our fantastic guests, Dr. Danielle Graziano & Amy Leewood. Thanks, Danielle! Thanks, Amy!Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...

In this deeply meaningful episode, The Amys sit down with Sue Alexander, founder of Losing Lulu, to talk about one of the most painful and misunderstood decisions in companion animal care: behavioral euthanasia.Together, we explore the emotional weight carried by families and professionals when love isn’t enough to keep everyone safe. Sue shares her behavioral euthanasia stories, and the origin story behind Losing Lulu, how the community has become a lifeline for grieving pet guardians, and why shame and silence so often surround this topic. We discuss the moral injury experienced by veterinarians, trainers, and behavior teams, and how creating space for honest, compassionate dialogue can change outcomes for everyone involved.We also preview the upcoming Losing Lulu Summit — a gathering dedicated to education, support, and reducing stigma around complex behavioral cases. If you work in veterinary medicine, training, or behavior — or if you’ve ever loved a “complicated” pet — this episode offers validation, nuance, and hope in the midst of heartbreak.This is a tender, courageous conversation about grief, ethics, responsibility, and the profound love we carry for the animals who challenge and change us 🌈.Grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast. Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for more information about Losing Lulu and our very special guest, Sue Alexander. Thanks, Sue!Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...

Some pets don’t fit neatly into a single diagnosis – and neither do their treatment plans. Join the Amys and their dynamic guests, Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. E’Lise Christensen and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Ursa Acree, to discuss their innovative Complex Pets Program, which is designed to support animals with interwoven medical and behavioral needs. They discuss what makes a case “complex,” why collaborative care is essential, and how bridging behavior and medicine can change outcomes for pets and their people. Dr. Christensen and Ursa share how their program creates a structured, compassionate approach for families who may feel overwhelmed, unheard, or stuck. This conversation is a thoughtful look at truly wholistic pet care – where behavior, pain, chronic disease, stress, and environment all matter. And a reminder that even the most complicated cases deserve clarity, teamwork, and hope.Whether you’re a veterinary professional or a deeply devoted pet parent, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical takeaways for navigating complexity with confidence. It’s time to grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.Follow Dr. C on Facebook & InstagramVisit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for additional episode references and more information about our brilliant guests. Thanks, E’Lise! Thanks, Ursa!Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...

Come for the mystery... stay for the buzzzzzz 🥂! And now... the suspenseful conclusion of this two-part series featuring world renowned animal behaviorist and author, Dr. Patricia McConnell. CHEERS! from your favorite VBees 🐝🐝 and the team at Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast. Thanks for sticking with us! 🍯Follow Dr. McConnell on Facebook & InstagramDr. McConnell's website: patriciamcconnell.comAway to Me website: patriciamcconnell.com/away-to-me/Dr. McConnell's blog: The Other End of The LeashVisit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for additional episode references and more information about our mysterious guest, Dr. Patricia McConnell. Thanks, Tricia!! Bee Positive. Bee Informed. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.comFacebook behaviorbuzzzzzzInstagram @behaviorbuzzzzzzThank you to our amazing sponsors:PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®, Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements, Malena DeMartini, Inc., founder of Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE, and Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products.Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-HostAmy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host...