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Research Bites Podcast

Science Podcasts

The goal of Research Bites is to bring the science of applied animal behavior to non-scientists. In each episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding interviews an animal behavior researcher and talks about how we apply science and research to working and living with dogs. Research Bites members get access to full-length episodes, as well as monthly webinars and chats about current research in dog behavior. Visit https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites for more details or to become a member.

Location:

United States

Description:

The goal of Research Bites is to bring the science of applied animal behavior to non-scientists. In each episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding interviews an animal behavior researcher and talks about how we apply science and research to working and living with dogs. Research Bites members get access to full-length episodes, as well as monthly webinars and chats about current research in dog behavior. Visit https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites for more details or to become a member.

Language:

English


Episodes
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#33: Building Resilience: Dr. Mike Mendl on Positive Welfare, Emotion, and Decision-Making in Animals

8/15/2025
In this thought-provoking episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding is joined by Dr. Mike Mendl, professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School, for a deep dive into what it truly means to support positive animal welfare. From competence and resilience to cognitive bias and decision-making, Dr. Mendl explores how animals perceive and interact with the world—and why individual differences matter so much. You’ll hear how animal-based indicators can reveal nuanced welfare states, why emotions play a pivotal role in behavior, and how the dimensional model of emotion can help us better understand and assess an animal’s experience. Along the way, we discuss: Whether you’re a trainer, behavior consultant, veterinarian, or simply a science-curious animal lover, this conversation offers both practical insights and a deeper appreciation for the complexity of animal minds. By connecting the latest welfare science with real-world applications, Dr. Mendl’s work challenges us to move beyond preventing suffering and toward actively fostering lives worth living. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resiliencehttps://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bitesJoin the Science Matters newsletterFacebook...

Duration:01:13:17

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#32: Labels, Behavior, and the Bigger Picture

8/12/2025
In this episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding dives into the complex world of labels—how we define, categorize, and talk about behavior in both humans and animals. Drawing on her psychology background, she explores the benefits and pitfalls of labels, the messiness behind mental health classifications, and how new models in psychology might help us think differently about animal behavior. At the heart of the discussion: lasting change comes from addressing underlying processes—like stress, emotional regulation, and impulsivity—rather than focusing only on behaviors. If you’ve ever wondered how labels shape your work—or how to use them more effectively—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a trainer, behavior consultant, vet, or science-curious animal lover, you’ll come away with a richer, more nuanced view of how labels shape our understanding—and results. Links & Resources: Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience First, M. B., Rebello, T. J., Keeley, J. W., Bhargava, R., Dai, Y., Kulygina, M., ... & Reed, G. M. (2018). Do mental health professionals use diagnostic classifications the way we think they do? A global survey. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 187-195. Maj, M. (2018). Why the clinical utility of diagnostic categories in psychiatry is intrinsically limited and how we can use new approaches to complement them. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 121–122. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20512 Nasrallah, H. A. (2021). Re-Inventing the Dsm as A Transdiagnostic Model: Psychiatric Disorders Are Extensively Interconnected. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 33(3), 148–150. https://doi.org/10.12788/acp.0037 For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resiliencehttps://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bitesJoin the Science Matters newsletterFacebook...

Duration:00:41:41

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#31 - Dr. Michael Blackwell on increasing access to services in the animal field

7/2/2025
In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, Dr. Spaulding interviews Dr. Michael Blackwell, Director of Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee. The discussion centers around the intersection of veterinary care and public health, emphasizing how financial and systemic barriers affect access to veterinary services, particularly for low-income and BIPOC families. Dr. Blackwell introduces Align Care, a program designed to subsidize veterinary care through community-supported fund accounts, and highlights the benefits of case management over strict enforcement in animal control policies. The episode also delves into the importance of diversity within the animal welfare field, effective strategies to make it more inclusive, and the pioneering role of veterinary social workers in supporting pet owners' mental health. This insightful conversation underscores the need for systemic changes and community involvement to improve the well-being of pets and their families. 00:00 Welcome to Research Bites 01:19 Introducing Dr. Michael Blackwell 03:02 Dr. Blackwell's Journey and Mission 04:36 The Intersection of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health 07:12 Mental Health and Veterinary Medicine 11:26 Racial Disparities in Animal Welfare 17:13 Challenges in Animal Control and Sheltering 26:05 Improving Diversity in Animal Welfare 32:56 The Importance of Inclusive Public Health 35:56 Introducing Align Care: A Solution for Veterinary Subsidies 36:25 How Align Care Works: Structure and Goals 41:26 Community Involvement and Funding for Align Care 45:15 Align Care's Impact on Shelters and Local Governments 50:20 Behavioral Services and Align Care 53:31 Veterinary Social Work: Supporting Pet Owners 59:12 Future Directions and Final Thoughts For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resiliencehttps://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bitesJoin the Science Matters newsletterFacebook...

Duration:01:03:05

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#30 - Dr. Amy Learn and Dr. Amy Pike on medical issues and behavior

6/18/2025
In this episode, we’re joined by not one, but two Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorists—Dr. Amy Learn and Dr. Amy Pike—for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of medicine and behavior. We dive into Dr. Spaulding’s new favorite concept: mindbody unity, and explore how physical health and behavior are deeply intertwined. Dr. Pike has been caring for patients for well over 20 years. She is a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through IAABC, and is Fear Free Certified. She is the Secretary for the American College of Veterinary Behaviorist's Board of Regents, and the Head of the Specialty Training Committee. Dr. Pike is currently the co-owner of both Animal Behavior Wellness Center locations in Fairfax, VA and Richmond, She sees pets with behavior disorders ranging from mild fears to extreme aggression, compulsive disorders, and panic disorders. Dr. Learn attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she completed an internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in NJ. Dr. Learn remained in general practice for 20 years, when she completed her residency in Clinical Behavioral Medicine. She is currently the Chief of Clinical Behavioral Medicine at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Richmond VA. Dr. Learn has received the prestigious RK Anderson Resident Achievement Award from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists for outstanding research in the field of applied animal behavior. Dr. Learn is also an active member on the board of the IAABC Foundation. Join us as Drs. Learn and Pike share compelling case studies that highlight the medical roots of behavioral concerns, and offer practical insight into how behavior consultants and veterinarians can collaborate more effectively. We also examine the roles—and limitations—of medications, nutraceuticals, CBD, and probiotics in behavior work, discussing what we know and where uncertainty still remains. We end by taking on the recent question of playing fetch - is it actually good for your dog? A grounded, engaging listen for professionals and curious dog guardians alike. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bitesFacebook...

Duration:01:14:56

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#29: Dr. Lisa Gunter on sleepovers and field trips for shelter dogs

3/6/2025
In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, Dr. Spaulding interviews Dr. Lisa Gunter about her work on reducing stress and improving welfare in shelter dogs. If you work or volunteer in a shelter – or work closely with shelter or rescue dogs - this is the podcast for you! Lisa Gunter is an Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Virginia Tech in the School of Animal Sciences, and she directs the Center for Applied Animal Behavior and Education. Before beginning her graduate studies, she worked for nearly a decade in animal shelters and with pet dogs and their owners. The goal of Lisa's teaching, research, and extension is to better the lives of people and their pets. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Coastal Carolina University and the Maddie's Fund Research Fellow at Arizona State University. Lisa is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and earned her Ph.D. and M. A. in the Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology program at Arizona State University. In the canine science collaboratory. Dr. Gunter discusses how weekend foster stays and brief field trips affect shelter dogs. Specifically, she explains how these activities influence stress and length of stay. Another factor that may impact length of stay is breed labeling – Dr. Gunter shared key insights from her research on this topic as well. This exciting research sheds light on how shelters can best serve the animals in their care. Next, Dr. Gunter and Dr. Spaulding share their thoughts on the future of animal sheltering– it’s a very different model than what is being used today! Finally, make sure you stay to the end to learn more about the upcoming Canine Science Symposium! 00:00 Introduction to Research Bites Membership 00:53 Welcome to the Research Bites Podcast 01:27 Introducing Dr. Lisa Gunter 01:44 Dr. Gunter's Background and Research Focus 03:34 The Importance of Shelter Dog Research 05:44 Impact of Short-Term Foster Stays 08:42 Measuring Stress in Shelter Dogs 10:24 Challenges and Methods in Collecting Data 10:55 Findings from Sleepover Studies 24:48 Field Trips vs. Sleepovers 32:13 Understanding Animal Stress in Shelters 32:48 Interpreting Cortisol Levels in Shelter Dogs 35:47 Field Trips and Their Impact on Shelter For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bitesFacebook...

Duration:01:04:56

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#28 Science Myths Busted: Understanding Behavior and the Role of Science

1/25/2025
In this episode, we explore two common myths about science and how they relate to the world of dog training and behavior: Myth #1: Science is elitist and doesn’t apply to the real world. The Truth:everyoneMyth #2: There are black-and-white answers about behavior. The Truth:good thingKey Takeaways: This episode is about making science less intimidating, highlighting how it connects to what you do every day, and encouraging curiosity about the way we approach training and behavior. Let’s dive in! Unlocking Resilience course (starts February 5th, 2025): https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:00:36:10

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#27: Dr. Sara Hintze on animal well-being and intrinsic reward

11/16/2024
00:00 Introduction to Research Bites Podcast 00:30 Join the Research Bites Membership 01:08 Introducing Dr. Sara Hintze 02:01 Dr. Hintze's Journey into Animal Welfare 04:43 The Evolution of Animal Welfare Science 06:22 Understanding Positive Welfare in Animals 09:33 Challenges in Measuring Animal Emotions 14:58 Individual Differences in Animal Welfare 19:28 Cognitive Bias and Optimism in Animals 22:28 Assessing Well-Being in Individual Animals 28:40 Balancing Individual Differences in Animal Training 30:23 The Importance of Addressing Underlying Problems 33:01 Introduction to Flow in Animal Behavior 34:10 Defining Intrinsic Reward and Flow 37:13 Exploring Flow in Animals 48:31 Inducing Flow in Companion Animals 51:39 Future Directions in Animal Welfare Research 54:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, host Dr. Kristina Spaulding welcomes Dr. Sara Hintze, who studies animal welfare and emotions. They discuss the evolution of the study of animal welfare, shifting from focusing solely on reducing suffering to promoting positive emotional states. Dr. Hintze explains the complexities of measuring subjective experience in animals and highlights research related to cognitive bias, optimism, and individual differences in animal behavior. The conversation also delves into the intriguing concept of 'flow' in animals, exploring how activities such as herding and hunting might induce a state of intrinsic reward. The importance of choice, agency, and varied enrichment for enhancing animal well-being is also discussed. For more information about Dr. Hintze, you can click here. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:00:55:09

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#26: Dr. Daniel Mills on understanding animal emotions and behavior

10/21/2024
In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, host Dr. Kristina Spaulding interviews Professor Daniel Mills, a renowned expert in veterinary behavioral medicine from the University of Lincoln. They explore the complexities of animal behavior, the evolution of different behavioral models, and the role of emotions in influencing behavior. Professor Mills shares insights from his extensive research, including the development of the psychobiological model for assessing animal behavior and his work on using AI to detect emotions and pain in animals. Key Topics Covered: Behavioral Models Explained:The Role of Emotion in Behavior:AI and Emotion Detection:The Impact of Cognitive Load:Human-Animal Interactions:Challenges in Scientific Communication:Key Quotes: Timestamps: Resources Mentioned: FacebookUniversity of LincolnFor more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:01:10:11

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Podcast Update!

10/16/2024
Hello everyone! I am taking a break to develop a more effective and consistent system for podcast production so that I can release episodes on a regular timeline. That means I need to take a short break to get everything organized, but rest assured we will be back soon! For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:00:02:30

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#25 Monique Udell - Problem solving, communication, and attachment (full length version of original, shortened version)

8/12/2024
Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC This podcast was originally released in March 2022 as a shortened version. This is the full version of the original podcast. My guest today is Dr. Monique Udell. Dr. Udell is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and an Associate Professor of Animal & Rangeland Sciences at Oregon State University, where she directs the Human-Animal Interactions Lab and teaches courses on Animal Behavior, Cognition and Learning. Much of her work focuses on the development of human-animal bonds, with wild and domesticated animals, and the impact that these bonds can have on the behavior and success of both species. She also studies the social behavior and cognition of a variety of species including cats, dogs, wolves and sheep. In addition, Dr. Udell is a Co-director of an imitation-based dog training intervention program dedicated to improving the physical activity and quality of life of children with and without developmental disabilities and their family dog. To find out more visit: https://thehumananimalbond.com/ In this episode we talk about a variety of topics including problem-solving, how dogs attend to humans and forming secure attachments. You can get more information on Research Bites and other educational opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:01:04:34

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#24: Mini episode 4 - Pair housing revisited, survey on guardian training methods and information sources

7/8/2024
Summary In this conversation, Kristina discusses two research papers. The first paper explores the effects of pair housing versus single housing in shelter dogs (yes, this was discussed last episode, but this is a 2nd study on the same topic, from a different perspective). The study found that pair housing with another dog may decrease stress levels and reduce the length of stay in shelters. The second paper examines training methods used by dog owners in the United States. The study found that problem behaviors were common in dogs, and aversive training methods were frequently used. The results also highlighted the need for increased accessibility to professional training and behavior advice. Here are some important links: The Science Matters website: www.sciencemattersllc.com Unlocking Resilience course: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Join the Science Matters mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hY-7hr 1st paper: Hecker, G., Martineau, K., Scheskie, M., Hammerslough, R., & Feuerbacher, E. N. (2024). Effects of single- or pair-housing on the welfare of shelter dogs: Behavioral and physiological indicators. PLOS ONE, 19(6), e0301137. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301137 2nd paper: Johnson, A. C., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2024). Training Methods Used by Dog Guardians in the United States: Prevalence, Sources of Information, and Reasons for Use. Animals, 14(9), Article 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091310 For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:00:25:50

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#23 - Dr. Patricia McConnell on intrinsic reinforcement, flow, and agency

6/28/2024
Summary In this conversation, Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Kristina Spaulding explore the concept of flow, which is a state of complete absorption and engagement in an activity that is intrinsically rewarding. They discuss how flow can vary among individuals and how it relates to different activities dogs might do. The conversation highlights the importance of providing opportunities for animals to engage in activities purely for their own enjoyment. They also discuss the importance of providing animals with opportunities for agency and choice, allowing them to actively engage with their environment and gather knowledge. The conversation highlights the need for balance in caregiving, reinforcing ourselves for the efforts we make, and giving animals the space to learn and explore. For more information on Dr. McConnell, go to www.patriciamcconnell.com or visit her blog, at www.theotherendoftheleash.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on Dr. Spaulding, go to www.sciencemattersllc.com, or click here for Research Bites or here for the Unlocking Resilience course. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:01:03:18

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#22: Mini-episode 3 - Puppy whines and maternal care, impacts of housing on shelter dog stress

6/7/2024
Summary In this conversation, I discuss two research papers related to dog behavior. The first paper explores the influence of puppy whines on maternal behavior in dogs. The study found that puppy whines trigger maternal care - with stronger maternal care in response to the mother's own puppies. The second paper examines the impact of different enrichment interventions on the stress levels of dogs in a shelter. The study suggests that housing dogs with conspecifics may be beneficial in reducing stress. However, the results are not clear cut and I discuss the limitations and challenges in interpreting this study. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 The Influence of Puppy Whines on Maternal Behavior in Dogs 10:19 Enrichment Interventions and Stress Levels in Shelter Dogs References Massenet, M., Philippe, R., Pisanski, K., Arnaud, V., Barluet de Beauchesne, L., Reynaud, K., ... & Reby, D. (2024). Puppy whines mediate maternal behavior in domestic dogs. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(22), e2316818121. Corsetti, S., Natoli, E., Palme, R., & Viggiano, E. (2023). Intraspecific interactions decrease stress affecting welfare in shelter dogs: A comparison of four different housing conditions. Animals, 13(11), 1828. If you'd like to learn more or contact Dr. Spaulding, you can do so through our website www.sciencemattersllc.com. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:00:23:51

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#21 - Dr. Lucia Lazarowski - Odor and cognition, working dogs, resilience and arousal

5/30/2024
Dr. Lucia Lazarowski, chief behavioral scientist at Auburn University's Canine Performance Sciences Program, discusses her research on olfaction and behavior in detection dogs. Dr. Lazarewski shares insights on the best methods for training dogs to detect odors, the capacity of dogs to learn multiple odors, and the maintenance of odor memory and search training. We also discuss the fascinating topic of inattentional blindness and how focus on one thing can prevent dogs from even noticing other stimuli - as well as the implications on training and the overall ability of the dog to cope with their environment. We discuss the use of early behavioral testing in working dogs and the reliability of temperament testing. We also touch on the factors associated with success in working dogs, such as confidence, stress resilience, cognitive flexibility, and impulse control. This is worth listening to even if you don't work with working dogs because much of this information likely applies to pet dogs as well! Dr. Lazarowski emphasizes the need for further research on the behavior and performance of working dogs throughout their career and into old age. She also provides recommendations for improving the well-being of working dogs, including evidence-based training and providing a balance between work and downtime. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lucia Lazarewski and her work with detection dogs 08:15 The Value and Training of Detection Dogs 24:41 The Importance of Maintenance Training for Detection Dogs 33:33 The Impact of Arousal on Performance 44:19 Cognitive Flexibility and Impulse Control 01:01:04 Unanswered Questions in Detection Dog Research If you'd like to learn more or contact Dr. Spaulding, you can do so through our website www.sciencemattersllc.com. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:01:06:31

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#20: Mini-episode #2 - Perspectives on puppy development, training and impulse control, barking in shelters

5/13/2024
It's time for another mini-episode on recent research! In this episode, I discuss papers about 1) gaps in our understanding of puppy development, from a unique perspective, 2) the impact of dog sports discipline (e.g. obedience or nosework) on impulse control and persistence, and 3) a program for reducing barking in shelter dogs. Each paper is summarized briefly in easy to understand language so you don't have to work - or find the time! - to find, read, and interpret the research yourself. If you enjoyed this information and would like more opportunities to stay current with dog behavior research, check out Research Bites here. You can also get more information on my courses and upcoming events at www.sciencemattersllc.com. Papers discussed in this episode: Costa, A. G., Nielsen, T., Christley, R., & Hazel, S. (2023). Highlighting gaps in puppy research using Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory of human development. Human-Animal Interactions, (2023). https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2023.0014 Mellor, N., McBride, S., Stoker, E., & Dalesman, S. (2024). Impact of Training Discipline and Experience on Inhibitory Control and Cognitive Performance in Pet Dogs. Animals, 14(3), 428. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/3/428 Baldan, A. L., Ferreira, B. L., Warisaia, V., Feuerbacher, E. N., Monticelli, P. F., & Gunter, L. M. (2023). Reducing barking in a Brazilian animal shelter: A practical intervention. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 265, 105992. https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.lib.vt.edu/science/article/pii/S0168159123001648 Click here for tips on getting access to scientific journal articles For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:00:29:02

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#19: Mini-episode #1 - Handling in horses, cat aggression at the vet clinic and at home, pandemic puppies

3/21/2024
Here is a quick little episode for you with a summary of three recent papers. If you enjoyed this information and would like more opportunities to stay current with dog behavior research, check out Research Bites here. You can also get more information on my courses and upcoming events at www.sciencemattersllc.com. Papers discussed in this episode: Pereira-Figueiredo, I., Rosa, I., & Sancho Sanchez, C. (2024). Forced Handling Decreases Emotionality but Does Not Improve Young Horses’ Responses toward Humans and their Adaptability to Stress. Animals, 14(5), 784. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/5/784 Gerken, A., Lee, K., Bain, M., & Kim, S. A. (2024). Correlation between aggression at the veterinary clinic and problem behaviors at home for cats in the USA. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 26(2), 1098612X231214907. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X231214907 Brand, C. L., O’Neill, D. G., Belshaw, Z., Dale, F. C., Merritt, B. L., Clover, K. N., ... & Packer, R. M. (2024). Impacts of Puppy Early Life Experiences, Puppy-Purchasing Practices, and Owner Characteristics on Owner-Reported Problem Behaviours in a UK Pandemic Puppies Cohort at 21 Months of Age. Animals, 14(2), 336. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020336 For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:00:22:05

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#18 - Dr. Erin Hecht - Breed differences in dog brains

3/14/2024
In this episode, I will be talking to Dr. Erin Hecht. She received her bachelor of science degree in cognitive science from the University of California, San Diego in 2006, and her PhD in neuroscience from Emory University in 2013. Before moving to Harvard, she was a research scientist at the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience at Georgia State University and an affiliated scientist at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University. Dr. Hecht joined the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University in January of 2019. Her lab studies brain behavior, evolution, and dogs, primates, and humans. And she has two miniature Australian shepherds, Lefty and Izzy, who are mostly good. In this episode, we cover recent studies indicating that different breeds have slightly different brain structures. This discovery opens up a whole new avenue for understanding what traits might have been selected for in breeding - each breed may have unique cognitive strengths and weaknesses. We also discuss how to interpret genetic studies, and the relationship between dog size, brain size, and behavior. Finally - and excitingly, we discuss ongoing studies in which you can participate! You can find more information on these studies - and sign up to participate - at caninebrains.org. You can get more information on Dr. Hecht and her work at https://heb.fas.harvard.edu/people/erin-hecht. And, of course, if you'd like to geek out about dog behavior even more, please visit my Dr. Spaulding's website www.sciencemattersllc.com for even more opportunities for science learning. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:00:40:31

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#17 - Dr. Sharmaine Miller - One Health

2/2/2024
Dr. Sharmaine Miller is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Her research focuses on stress, One Health, and health equity and she is interested in human-animal relationships and their impact on both human and animal health. Dr. Miller completed her undergraduate studies at Towson University (2010 - 2014) and her PhD in Biology from Pennsylvania State University (2014 - 2019). Her PhD focused on stress (biology and exposure) and its effects on animal behavior. She is currently conducting research on the stress and health impacts of animal-assisted therapy as well as potential health impacts of pet ownership in minority populations. In this episode, we talk about the impacts of development stress on behavior and differences between stress in captive vs. free-living animals. We then move on to a discussion of One Health (an interdisciplinary framework examining how local environment can impact human and animal health) and how each of these three segments interact to influence each other. Dr. Miller discusses her work with animal shelters and animal-assisted therapy. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:01:12:12

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#16 - Pierre Zimmerman - Addressing burnout and emotional well-being in humans

1/30/2024
We can't help animals if we, ourselves, are not okay. Taking care of your mental health and well-being is essential to avoid burnout. In this episode, I interview Pierre Zimmerman, a Buddhist chaplain and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction instructor. We discuss the impact of stress on different aspects of behavior, and approaches for handling stress and uncertainty. Drawing parallels from animal behavior, Pierre explains how mindfulness can foster compassion, empathy, and better communication among humans. Set aside some time and give yourself the gift of listening to this episode - you won't regret it! If you'd like to learn more, check out Pierre's new book, Facing Cancer with an Attitude, Beyond Survivorship For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:01:03:51

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#15 - Dr. Allison Scagel - Cognition and training

10/5/2023
Dr. Allison Scagel. She is the owner and founder of Scholars with Collars Training and Behavior LLC. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in wildlife and conservation biology and minors in both psychology and animal behavior. She then interned with Dr. Spaulding for three years. She also served as a dog kennel attendant for the Humane Society of Rome and upstate New York for two years during this period. In 2022, she completed her PhD in behavioral neuroscience at the University of Buffalo. There, she studied canine cognition and behavior work, which we'll be discussing today. Her first published paper "Do that again. Memory for self-performed actions in dogs" published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology won the 2022 Robert W. Rice Memorial Award for early excellence in research. In this episode, we talk about cognition, memory, and training in dogs. It's a fascinating discussion! For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ FacebookInstagram

Duration:00:51:49