Comprehensive Canine and Feline Science Winter Webinar Series 2026 to Delve into Pet Behavior, Human-Animal Dynamics, and Welfare Best Practices

A pivotal educational initiative, the Canine and Feline Science Winter Webinar Series 2026, is set to offer an unparalleled opportunity for pet professionals and dedicated guardians to deepen their understanding of companion animal behavior. Organized and presented by Dr. Zazie Todd, a distinguished expert in animal behavior and founder of Companion Animal Psychology, this series comprises three distinct mini-series, each consisting of three one-hour webinars. The program is meticulously designed to explore current, evidence-based topics crucial for fostering healthier, more harmonious relationships between humans and their canine and feline companions.

The series is poised to address critical areas often encountered by pet owners and professionals alike, ranging from the profound influence of human interaction styles on dog behavior to the nuances of feline scratching and the essential emotional support required by owners navigating challenging pet behaviors. Participants have the flexibility to attend live sessions, offering a unique chance for direct engagement and question-and-answer segments with Dr. Todd, or to access recordings for 60 days post-event, accommodating diverse schedules and time zones. This hybrid format ensures broad accessibility for a global audience committed to advancing animal welfare through informed practice.

The Growing Imperative for Evidence-Based Animal Behavior Education

The landscape of pet ownership has evolved significantly, with companion animals increasingly integrated into family structures. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 66% of U.S. households, equating to 86.9 million homes, own a pet as of 2023-2024. This widespread integration underscores the profound impact pets have on human lives and, conversely, the responsibility humans bear for their pets’ welfare. However, alongside this deepening bond come behavioral challenges that, if misunderstood or mishandled, can strain relationships and even lead to relinquishment or euthanasia.

Research consistently highlights behavioral issues as a leading cause for pets being surrendered to shelters. A study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science indicated that owner-reported behavioral problems account for a significant percentage of relinquishments. This statistic alone underscores the urgent need for accessible, science-backed education that equips pet owners, trainers, and behavior consultants with the knowledge and tools to proactively address and mitigate these issues. Dr. Zazie Todd, with her extensive background in psychology and animal behavior, stands at the forefront of this educational movement, translating complex scientific research into practical, actionable insights. Her work through Companion Animal Psychology, including best-selling books like "Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy" and "Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy," exemplifies her commitment to disseminating reliable information to a broad audience. The Winter Webinar Series is a direct extension of this mission, providing a structured learning environment for advanced topics.

In-Depth Look at the Webinar Mini-Series

The 2026 Winter Webinar Series is structured into three specialized mini-series, each addressing a distinct yet interconnected aspect of companion animal behavior and human interaction.

1. Parenting Styles and the Human-Dog Relationship: What Dog Trainers Need to Know

• Dates: Tuesdays, January 13, 20, 27, 2026, at 10 AM Pacific (1 PM Eastern/6 PM UK).
• Accreditation: PPAB 3 CEUs; CCPDT 2 CEUs for trainers and 1 CEU for behavior consultants; other CEUs applied for.

This groundbreaking series delves into the fascinating parallels between human parenting styles and how guardians interact with their canine family members. While dogs are not human children, the psychological frameworks that define parenting—such as responsiveness, demandingness, and consistency—can offer valuable insights into the human-dog dynamic. The webinar will meticulously review various dog-directed parenting styles, examining how a guardian’s approach to teaching appropriate behaviors and their responsiveness to their dog’s needs can profoundly influence the canine’s development and well-being.

Research from institutions like the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna has explored the parallels between human attachment theory and the bond formed between dogs and their guardians, suggesting that secure attachment positively correlates with canine welfare and reduced stress behaviors. This mini-series will explore how these parenting styles relate to daily interactions and, crucially, how they might influence a dog’s attachment to its guardian. For instance, an "authoritative" style, characterized by clear boundaries, consistent positive reinforcement, and responsiveness to a dog’s emotional state, is often linked to more securely attached dogs and fewer behavioral issues. Conversely, "authoritarian" or "permissive" styles can lead to anxiety, fear, or a lack of impulse control in dogs. The implications for dog welfare are significant; understanding these dynamics empowers trainers to guide clients toward more effective, humane, and bond-strengthening strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life for pet dogs and reducing behavioral challenges that often strain the human-animal relationship.

2. Unwanted Scratching in Cats: Understanding this Behaviour and What to (Humanely) Do About it

• Dates: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 2026, at 10 AM Pacific (1 PM Eastern/6 PM UK time).
• Accreditation: PPAB 3 CEUs; other CEUs applied for.

Scratching is an innate and vital behavior for cats, serving multiple functions including claw maintenance, stretching, marking territory (both visually and with scent glands in their paws), and stress relief. However, when this natural behavior manifests on furniture, carpets, or other inappropriate surfaces, it becomes a significant source of frustration for many cat guardians. This webinar series will provide a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of why cats scratch, moving beyond simplistic explanations to explore the complex interplay of instinct, environment, and individual preferences.

A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery indicated that a significant percentage of cat owners cite destructive scratching as a primary behavioral concern, often leading to frustration and, in severe cases, rehoming considerations. Dr. Todd will guide participants through the latest scientific insights into feline scratching behavior, offering humane and effective strategies to influence a cat’s choice of scratching surfaces. The series will consider the effects of training from a cat welfare perspective, emphasizing positive reinforcement techniques and environmental enrichment rather than punitive or aversive methods that can damage the human-cat bond and induce stress. Topics will include identifying risk factors for unwanted scratching, understanding individual cat preferences for scratching materials and orientations (vertical vs. horizontal), and exploring the wider role of the home environment in shaping this behavior. By understanding a cat’s inherent needs and providing appropriate outlets, guardians can redirect scratching behavior effectively, enhancing both feline welfare and household harmony.

3. Dog Behaviour Issues: Supporting the Dog’s Humans Through Hard Times

• Dates: Tuesdays, February 24, March 3, 10, 2026, at 10 AM Pacific (1 PM Eastern/6 PM UK time).
• Accreditation: PPAB 3 CEUs; CCPDT 1 CEU for trainers and 2 CEUs for behavior consultants; other CEUs applied for.

This mini-series addresses a frequently overlooked yet critical aspect of animal behavior intervention: the human emotional experience. Having a dog with significant behavioral challenges—whether it’s reactivity, anxiety, aggression, or incessant barking—can be profoundly distressing for guardians. Owners often grapple with a wide spectrum of negative emotions, including guilt, shame, frustration, embarrassment, and even grief or compassion fatigue. These emotional burdens can significantly impact an owner’s capacity to consistently implement a reward-based training plan, potentially leading to stagnation or regression in the dog’s behavior.

Research published in anthrozoology journals frequently highlights the significant psychological burden experienced by owners whose dogs exhibit challenging behaviors. This burden can manifest as stress, anxiety, and even depression, impacting the owner’s quality of life and potentially affecting their consistency in implementing behavior modification plans. This webinar series acknowledges that addressing the human emotional landscape is as critical as understanding canine ethology. Dr. Todd will review the latest research on the human side of living with a dog with issues, exploring how these emotional states influence adherence to training protocols and the overall effectiveness of interventions. The series will equip trainers and behavior consultants with strategies to better support dog guardians, fostering empathy, open communication, and realistic expectations. By recognizing and validating owners’ struggles, professionals can build stronger alliances, improve compliance with training plans, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for both dogs and their human families, potentially preventing relinquishment and euthanasia in difficult cases.

Logistics and Professional Development Opportunities

Each mini-series consists of three one-hour webinars, meticulously crafted to deliver dense, actionable information. Recordings for each webinar series will be available for 60 days following the live events, providing ample opportunity for review or catch-up for those unable to attend in real-time. Registered participants will receive a link to the recording approximately 24 hours after each live session, in addition to accessing them via their initial registration link.

A significant benefit for professionals is the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) accreditation. The webinars are accredited by leading professional bodies such as the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), with applications pending for other relevant organizations. This accreditation underscores the series’ commitment to high-quality, scientifically sound education, enabling trainers and behavior consultants to fulfill their professional development requirements while enhancing their expertise.

Statements from Dr. Zazie Todd and Industry Perspectives

Dr. Zazie Todd, an acclaimed animal behavior expert and founder of Companion Animal Psychology, emphasized the critical need for such specialized education. "The bond we share with our pets is profound, yet it’s often challenged by misunderstandings of their behavior and the emotional toll this can take on guardians," stated Dr. Todd. "This webinar series is designed to equip professionals and dedicated pet owners with the latest scientific insights and practical strategies to foster stronger, healthier relationships with their dogs and cats, ultimately enhancing their welfare. By addressing topics from owner-dog interaction styles to the emotional support needed by owners facing challenges, we aim to provide a holistic view that empowers effective, humane intervention."

Industry leaders consistently underscore the importance of ongoing professional development in the rapidly evolving field of animal behavior. A spokesperson for the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) commented, "Initiatives like Dr. Todd’s webinar series are vital for advancing humane, science-based approaches in pet training and behavior consultation. Staying current with research ensures that professionals can provide the most effective and ethical support to pets and their families. These webinars represent a valuable resource for anyone committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare."

Registration and Administrative Details

Prospective participants are encouraged to register promptly via the provided links for each series. Early registration is recommended to secure a spot and receive all pertinent information in advance.

• Parenting Styles and the Human-Dog Relationship: Sign up here
• Unwanted Scratching in Cats: Sign up here
• Dog Behaviour Issues: Supporting the Dog’s Humans Through Hard Times: Sign up here

Important administrative notes for attendees include the refund policy: refunds are only available up to 24 hours before the start of the first session in a series. No refunds will be issued thereafter. Furthermore, Dr. Todd reserves the right to reschedule webinars in the event of circumstances beyond her control, such as internet or power outages, with participants being promptly notified of any changes to the schedule.

Broader Impact and Implications for Animal Welfare

The Canine and Feline Science Winter Webinar Series 2026 holds significant implications for the broader animal welfare community. By fostering a deeper understanding of companion animal behavior and the human role in shaping it, the series contributes to several key areas:

1. Elevating Professional Standards: The CEU accreditation and the depth of scientific content ensure that participating trainers and behavior consultants are equipped with the most current, evidence-based knowledge, thereby raising the overall standard of practice within the industry.
2. Improving Pet Welfare: A more informed professional community and a more knowledgeable pet-owning public directly translate into better care, more effective behavior modification, and ultimately, enhanced welfare for countless dogs and cats. Addressing common behavioral issues proactively can reduce stress for animals and prevent undesirable outcomes such as rehomement or euthanasia.
3. Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond: By resolving behavioral challenges and fostering mutual understanding, the series helps to cultivate stronger, more resilient human-animal bonds, which are beneficial for the psychological and emotional well-being of both pets and their guardians. The emphasis on supporting human emotions in the face of behavioral issues is particularly critical for sustaining these bonds through difficult periods.
4. Advancing Animal Behavior Science: By disseminating the latest research and promoting critical thinking about animal behavior, the series contributes to the ongoing dialogue and evolution of the field itself, encouraging further scientific inquiry and application.

In conclusion, the Canine and Feline Science Winter Webinar Series 2026 represents a critical educational opportunity for anyone deeply invested in the well-being of dogs and cats. Through Dr. Zazie Todd’s expert guidance, participants will gain invaluable insights and practical tools to navigate the complexities of companion animal behavior, fostering a future where humans and their beloved pets can thrive together in harmony.