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The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal PsychologyAuthor: Zazie Todd PhD and Kristi Benson CTC
The show about how to have a better relationship with your dog or cat. Get tips on dog training, dog behaviour, cat behaviour and training, learn about the science on dogs and cats, and find out which books we're reading (animal-related and more generally). Kind, humane, reward-based training methods only. Hosted by Zazie Todd PhD and Kristi Benson CTC of Companion Animal Psychology blog. Made in Canada. Language: en-ca Genres: Arts, Books, Kids & Family, Pets & Animals Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Can pet dogs find an invasive species? Citizen science with Melissa McCue-McGrath
Episode 56
Tuesday, 14 April, 2026
Send us a voicemail!Can pet dogs use their nose to find the eggs of an invasive species, the spotted lanternfly--and what was it like taking part in citizen science to find out? Zazie and Kristi are joined by dog trainer and author Melissa McCue-McGrath to learn all about this fun project. We also learn about Melissa's book, Misadventures of the World's Okayest Dog Trainer.We talk about:the nose work classes that Melissa teacheswhy the spotted lanternfly is such a problemwhy Melissa wanted to take part in citizen sciencethe real life issues that affected the projectthe training that they did with the dogsthe field trials at the end of the projectthe real world applications and why it was fun to be part of itwhat Melissa would say to someone considering signing up for a citizen science project with their dogwhy Melissa wrote her new book and what it's aboutMisadventures of the World's Okayest Dog Trainer is available wherever books are sold. Also mentioned:BewilderBeasts podcastMelissa's interview on DogCast radioThe Accidental Veterinarian by Philipp SchottTell Me Where it Hurts by Nick TroutBark! Fest with Philipp SchottVictoria Stilwell AcademyThe books that Melissa recommended are Away To Me by Patricia McConnell and The Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett.Melissa McCue-McGrath is a professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant. She is a faculty advisor for the Victoria Stilwell Academy and she is the first non-UK person to be accredited with PACT. She’s the author of Considerations for the City Dog, and her new book, Misadventures of the World’s Okayest Dog Trainer, is just out now.If you liked this, you might also like:Why you and your dog will love nose work witSupport the showAbout the co-hosts:Kristi Benson is an honours graduate of, and now on staff with, the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers and has her PCBC-A from the Pet Professional Accreditation Board. She lives in beautiful northern British Columbia, where she helps dog guardians through online classes. She is also a northern anthropologist.Kristi Benson's website Facebook Zazie Todd, PhD, is the award-winning author of Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. She is the creator of the popular blog, Companion Animal Psychology, and has a column at Psychology Today. She lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, a dog and a cat. Instagram BlueSky
