Research Bites Podcast

#42 - Dr. Katie Homan - What Makes a Good Life for Dogs? Play, Meaning, and Relationship

What does it mean for a dog to live a “good life”? Can animals experience something like meaning or purpose? And what role do play, relationship, agency, and training have in helping animals flourish? In this episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding talks with philosopher, dog trainer, and behavior consultant Dr. Katie Homan about philosophy, play, ethics, flourishing, and the deeply relational nature of life with dogs. Katie shares how her background in philosophy shaped the way she thinks about play, welfare, attachment, and human–animal relationships. Together, they explore questions that don’t have simple answers — including: What philosophy actually is (and why it matters) The difference between pleasure and flourishing Whether dogs can experience meaning and purpose Why play may be fundamentally relational The role of agency, vulnerability, and reciprocity in our interactions with dogs Whether training can become more playful How ethical assumptions shape animal behavior practice Why learning to tolerate uncertainty may be essential for both science and philosophy The conversation also explores how concepts like flow, attachment, resilience, and social connection may contribute to positive welfare — and why asking better questions may matter as much as finding definitive answers. Katie also discusses her current thesis research examining attachment styles and human–dog interaction patterns in olfactory detection work. This episode is less about arriving at fixed conclusions and more about learning to “live the questions” together. You can learn more about Katie’s work through her training business, See Spot Play at https://www.seespotplay.dog/ or email her at katie@seespotplay.dog. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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#41 - Dr. Lars Schwabe - Stress, Memory, and Behavioral Flexibility

In this episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding talks with Dr. Lars Schwabe about what happens to learning and memory when the brain is under stress—and why those changes matter for behavior, training, and mental health. They begin by unpacking how memory works in the first place, walking through the stages of encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. From there, they explore the still-debated idea of reconsolidation—the possibility that when memories are retrieved, they may briefly become modifiable. Dr. Schwabe discusses the evidence behind this concept, along with early attempts to reduce the emotional intensity of memories in conditions such as addiction and PTSD. The conversation then turns to the physiology of stress. Dr. Schwabe explains how acute stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis, releasing cortisol and reshaping how the brain prioritizes information. Under these conditions, the amygdala tends to amplify emotionally salient details. As a result, stress can strengthen central aspects of emotional and threat-related learning while weakening contextual information and working memory. These shifts have important behavioral consequences. When stress is high, certain types of learning becomes stronger—one possible pathway to fear generalization. Dr. Schwabe also discusses how stress can change the type of behavior we rely on. Goal-directed behavior—associated with the prefrontal cortex—allows flexible updating based on outcomes. Habitual behavior, more closely tied to other brain areas, is faster but less flexible. Under stress, the balance can shift toward habits and away from flexible decision-making. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Spaulding and Dr. Schwabe explore what these findings might mean for animal training, resilience, learned helplessness, and the treatment of stress-related disorders. They also emphasize an important reality of scientific work: translating laboratory findings into real-world practice is complex, and individual differences play a major role in how stress affects learning and behavior. It’s a fascinating look at how the biology of stress reshapes the way animals—and humans—learn, remember, and adapt. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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#40: Dr. Patricia McConnell - From Science to Storytelling in Her New Mystery Novel!

In this episode of the Research Bites Podcast, I’m joined by my first return guest, Patricia McConnell — Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, beloved author, and former professor at University of Wisconsin–Madison. Many of you know her from The Other End of the Leash and For the Love of a Dog, books that shaped an entire generation of trainers. But today, we’re talking about something new. Her debut mystery novel, Away to Me, follows Maddie McGowan — an dog behaviorist living on a small Wisconsin farm — whose world is upended when violence strikes close to home. What unfolds is both a gripping mystery and an accurate portrayal of life as a behavior professional: working with complex clients, navigating canine aggression and trauma, and building partnerships with clients. In our conversation, we explore: What fiction allows us to say about dogs that nonfiction sometimes cannot How to write emotional truth without overstepping scientific evidence Why sheepdog trials are the perfect dramatic backdrop for exploring partnership and agency The role of trauma, resilience, and healing — for both people and dogs Why agency, play, and learning to read canine body language are so important for supporting out dogs Patricia speaks candidly about walking the line between evidence and intuition, about what dogs teach us when we truly listen, and about the power of story to expand how the public understands behavior work. If you love a good mystery, or just a good book, especially one where the dogs are written accurately—this episode is for you. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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#39: Wanting, Liking, and Motivation: A Conversation About Reinforcement

Today’s episode is a little different from the usual format. What you’re hearing is an actual recording from a Research Bites Coffee Break—an informal, unscripted conversation where behavior professionals think out loud about research, ask questions, and explore ideas together. There’s no lecture and no tidy conclusions—just real discussion and curiosity in action. The topic for this Coffee Break was the distinction between wanting and liking, two concepts that are often treated as interchangeable in training and behavior work, but that turn out to be meaningfully different. Liking refers to how much pleasure an animal experiences from a reinforcer. Wanting reflects motivation—the willingness to work for that reinforcer, sometimes described as something closer to craving. In this conversation, we explore how wanting and liking interact, why one can be present without the other, and what that means for learning, reinforcement, and behavior change. We also talk about how these ideas can help us think more carefully about motivation in practice, especially when training isn’t going the way we expect. If you’re interested in how scientific concepts evolve when people slow down, question assumptions, and apply them to real animals and real situations, this episode offers a candid look at that process. A huge thank you to the Research Bites members who attended this podcast: Juliet Purll, Faith Cleary, Mason Small, Suzanne Bryner, Chrysann Collatos, Lynne Stott, Lori Torrini, Karen Scott, Kristine Adams, Wendy Katz, Shannon Noonan, Paula Philips, Heather Furby, Alice Hengst, Kiem Sie. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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#38: Erica Feuerbacher - Effective reinforcement, stress and well-being in shelter dogs (full length version of original, shortened version)

This podcast was originally released in May 2022 as a shortened version. This is the full version of the original podcast. Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC Today’s guest, Dr. Erica Feuerbacher, is an Associate Professor in Animal & Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech and director of the Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare Lab, where she works with dogs and horses. She also coordinates the online Masters's program in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare at Virginia Tech. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Florida in the UF Canine Cognition and Behavior Lab and her Master’s in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas in the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals. She is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Her research and publications focus on understanding domestic animal behavior and learning from a behavior analytic perspective, using applied behavior analysis to solve behavioral issues in dogs and horses, and identifying interventions that improve shelter dog welfare. She is passionate about humane, effective animal training, and working with owners, trainers, and shelter staff to improve our interactions with animals. In this episode, we discuss types of reinforcers and their effectiveness as well as addressing stress and welfare in shelter dogs. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

#37: Sensitization vs. Habituation: What Every Trainer Needs to Know

In this episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding dives deep into two foundational—but often under-discussed—forms of non-associative learning: sensitization and habituation. Drawing on research and classic learning theory, she explains what these processes are, how they differ, why they matter, and how they show up every day in companion animals. Dr. Spaulding connects the research to practical strategies you can use right away. From monitoring behavior and adjusting stimulus intensity to incorporating conditioning and systematic desensitization, this episode offers clear guidance for helping animals move toward calmer, more adaptive responses. This episode will help you learn how to apply these principles thoughtfully in real-world training and behavior work. Whether you're a trainer, behavior consultant, or simply passionate about science-informed practice, this episode will deepen your understanding of how animals learn—and how you can support them more effectively. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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#36: Does Stress Really “Stay in the System” for Three Days?

One of the most common questions Dr. Kristina Spaulding hears is whether stress “stays in the system” for three days. In this episode, she digs into what that really means, what the research shows, and why the truth is more complex than a simple yes or no. She begins with the biology of the stress response—how the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system work together, the roles of cortisol and corticosterone, and why not all stress is bad. Then she takes on the central question: how long does stress actually last? You’ll learn how long it typically takes for stress hormones to peak and return to baseline, and the many factors that influence recovery, making exact estimates of the duration of the stress response extremely difficult. Dr. Spaulding also explores sensitization and cross-sensitization—how prior stress can make animals more reactive to future challenges, even entirely different ones. This has big implications for understanding anxiety, PTSD, and the impacts of stress on behavior. Finally, she discusses chronic and developmental stress and why a blunted stress response doesn’t necessarily mean an animal is “fine.” The idea that stress lingers for three days is a myth. Hormones often normalize within hours, but the effects of stress—especially repeated or early-life stress—can last for days, weeks, or even a lifetime. Resources: Garcia, Arantxa, Octavi Marti, Astrid Valles, Silvina Dal-Zotto, and Antonio Armario. “Recovery of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Response to Stress: Effect of Stress Intensity, Stress Duration and Prevention Stress Exposure.” Neuroendocrinology 72, no. 2 (August 2000): 114–25. Belda, X., Rotllant, D., Fuentes, S., Delgado, R., Nadal, R., & Armario, A. (2008). Exposure to severe stressors causes long‐lasting dysregulation of resting and stress‐induced activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1148(1), 165-173. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

#35: Dr. (Jessica) Perry Hekman – What Genetics Really Tells Us About Dog Behavior

In this episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding talks with Dr. (Jessica) Perry Hekman, DVM, PhD — behavioral geneticist and co-founder of the Functional Dog Collaborative — about what genetics can (and can’t) tell us about dog behavior. Dr. Hekman shares her journey from veterinary practice to genetics research and helps unpack key concepts like heritability, epigenetics, and behavioral phenotypes. Together, they explore what the science really says about breed and behavior — including a thoughtful look at the much-debated 2022 Darwin’s Ark study. The conversation takes a nuanced look at some of the biggest questions in our field: What does “breed” actually mean? How much variation exists within breeds? And how do genes and environment interact to shape the dogs we live and work with? While these questions don’t yet have clear, concrete answers, Dr. Hekman helps shed light on what current research can tell us — and where science is still evolving. Dr. Hekman also discusses the goals of the Functional Dog Collaborative, which promotes evidence-based breeding practices that support genetic diversity, health, and sound temperament. The discussion concludes with a look at how trainers and behavior professionals can contribute to a more informed, ethical approach to breeding and behavior. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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#34: Ádám Miklósi - Natural dog behavior, imitation, self-awareness, word learning (full length version of original, shortened version)

This podcast was originally released in April 2022 as a shortened version. This is the full version of the original podcast. Dr. Ádám Miklósi is a full professor and the leader of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös University in Budapest (Hungary). He is also the co-founder and leader of the Family Dog Project ( http://familydogproject.elte.hu ) which studies human-dog interaction from an ethological perspective. In recent years he has also become interested in the automatization of measuring dog behavior and his research group has pioneered studying the neural and genetic aspects of dog behavior using non-invasive methods like fMRI and EEG. Over more than twenty years The Family Dog Project published over 180 scientific papers, and organized several conferences. In 2014 Miklósi published the second edition of an academic volume entitled Dog Behavior, Evolution and Cognition by Oxford University Press that summarizes the most recent status on dog oriented research. More recently, together with his colleagues, he published The Dog: A Natural History with Ivy Press, London. For more information on Dr. Miklósi and his lab visit: https://familydogproject.elte.hu/ In this episode we talk about meeting the needs of dogs, approaches to training, imitation, self-awareness, exceptional word learning capabilities in certain dogs, and much more. For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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

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: How competence and resilience shape behavior and well-being How animals set and pursue their own goals Cognitive bias testing as a window into welfare states Recognizing when hidden medical issues influence behavior Using positive states—not just the absence of negatives—to improve lives Future directions for research in welfare and emotion 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! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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#32: Why Behavior Doesn’t Fit in Boxes: Rethinking How We Classify Behavior

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! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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

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! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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

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! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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

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 Dogs 40:03 Adoption Rates and Field Trips 45:55 Breed Labeling and Adoption Perceptions 54:38 Future of Humane Societies and Safety Net Fostering 59:01 Canine Science Symposium and Final Thoughts Canine Science Symposium: https://www.caninesciencesymposium.com/ Learn more about Lisa and contact her here: https://sas.vt.edu/people/faculty/gunter-lisa.html For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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

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: Science is for everyone! You don’t need a fancy degree to understand and apply science in meaningful ways. Science is deeply connected to real-world applications, including the everyday work of dog training and behavior. Dr. Spaulding shares examples of research that directly informs and improves how we work with dogs. Myth #2: There are black-and-white answers about behavior. The Truth: Behavior and biological systems are incredibly complex. Oversimplifying them can hinder our ability to truly understand and help animals. Science evolves as we learn more, and this is a good thing! Progress means discovering better ways to do things, rather than sticking to outdated methods. Key Takeaways: Science matters! It can be approachable and valuable for anyone working with animals. Complexity is part of what makes science (and behavior) fascinating—and embracing it can lead to better outcomes. Learning and adapting as new evidence emerges is essential for growth, both as individuals and as practitioners. 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! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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

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! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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

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: Differences between the medical, behavioral, and psychobiological approaches to animal behavior. The Role of Emotion in Behavior: Considering internal states is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior. AI and Emotion Detection: How artificial intelligence is being used to recognize emotions and pain in animals, including dogs, cats, and horses. The Impact of Cognitive Load: How factors like discomfort or anxiety can affect an animal's cognitive capacity and behavior. Human-Animal Interactions: How dogs respond to human facial expressions and vocal cues, and the importance of building a positive relationship with pets. Challenges in Scientific Communication: Addressing the uncertainty of science, biases, and the influence of beliefs on interpreting behavior. Key Quotes: "Dogs live in an emotional world, often looking to synchronize their emotions with those of their human companions." "Science is about reducing uncertainty, not finding absolute truths." Timestamps: [00:05:45] Discussion of different behavioral models [00:18:47] The function and importance of emotions in animals [00:24:03] Using AI for emotion recognition in animals [00:46:47] The effects of cognitive load on behavior [00:48:42] How dogs respond to human emotions and facial expressions [00:59:57] The complexities of scientific communication Resources Mentioned: Dr. Daniel Mills' On Facebook At the University of Lincoln For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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Podcast Update!

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! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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

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! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...

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

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! Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites Join the Science Matters newsletter Facebook ...