6. Why does my pet do that?

Pheromones are often recommended when there are dog and cat behavior problems, however the science is inconclusive on efficacy. Join for information on pheromones, how they work, the different types we use with dogs and cats, and some of the research on their use in noise sensitivity, veterinary settings, separation distress and anxiety, as well as interactions between animals in the home. Check out the associated blog post for the scientific references at The Behaviory Blog.  Want to chat behavior and training science, as well as learn more? Follow Dr. Janet Cutler on Instagram @janetcutler.phd.

Clicker training is based on learning theory, and therefore has a scientific background behind it's use. However, there are several studies that have looked specifically at clicker training in dogs, including how it affects the speed of learning, impulsivity, and more, with interesting results. Learn about the science behind clicker training in dogs in this episode. Check out the associated blog post for the scientific references at The Behaviory Blog.  If you're interested in learning more about the theory behind clicker training and how to use it with dogs, check out Karen Pryor's book 'Don't Shoot the Dog'. Want to chat behavior and training science, as well as learn more? Follow Dr. Janet Cutler on Instagram @janetcutler.phd.

Sleep is a behavior we often don't think about in dogs, but it's incredibly important. Learn about some of the science behind dog sleep, how much they sleep, the association between sleep and behavior problems, where dogs like to seleep, and the question of whether they should be allowed to sleep on the bed. Show notes are available at behaviory.com/podcast

Contrafreeloading is the concept behind the use of food balls, puzzles, and other toys. Learn the science behind the concept, and what we know so far about contrafreeloading in dogs and cats. Show notes are available at behaviory.com/podcast

Dog training and behavior certifications can be confusing. Today we discuss some of the certifications that are based in the science of training and behavior. Learn the requirements in terms of education, experience, references, ethics, and more. Show notes are available at behaviory.com/podcast

Ethograms are a catalogue of descriptions of behaviour. Tune into this episode to learn about ethograms - what they are, how they are developed and used, and importantly, how we can use them when training or working on behaviour modification in animals. References and information from this episode can be found at https://behaviory.com/blog

Tail wagging in dogs is often misinterpreted by the public. While pet professionals know that a wagging tail doesn't necessarily mean a happy dog, there is a lot more information about wagging in the published literature. Tune into this episode to learn about beliefs around tail wagging, development, and how tail position can give us information. The science behind the importance of tails in communication as well as tail wagging asymmetry is also discussed. References and information from this episode can be found at https://behaviory.com/blog

When talking about why an animal performs a behaviour, there are generally considered to be 4 reasons in ethology. These were first described by Niko Tinbergen in 1963, and include ontogeny (development), phylogeny (genetics), causation (what happens before) and function (what happens after). Learn some examples of the science behind this, and how you can use it in training and behavior modification. Get links to resources mentioned at https://behaviory.com/blog/why-does-my-pet-do-this

In this second part of an overview of animal welfare science, a third model for looking at animal welfare, the Five Domains Model, is discussed. Then methods for actually assessing animal welfare, and how this is done by welfare auditors and can be done by those of us working with animals is explained. Tune in to learn more about animal welfare science. Show notes are available at behaviory.com/podcast  

Discussing the science behind animal welfare, including how to define it and how it is important in dog training and behaviour. Two different ways of looking at animal welfare are discussed. Tune into this episode to learn all about animal welfare science. Show notes are available at behaviory.com/podcast