Companion Animal Psychology Unveils In-Depth Winter Webinar Series 2026 Addressing Critical Dog and Cat Behavior Topics

A comprehensive series of nine webinars, structured into three distinct mini-series, has been announced by Companion Animal Psychology for the winter of 2026, offering a unique opportunity for pet guardians, professional dog trainers, and feline behavior consultants to deepen their understanding of current topics in dog and cat behavior. Curated and presented by Dr. Zazie Todd, an esteemed expert in companion animal psychology, the program is designed to deliver evidence-based insights and practical strategies for improving the welfare and relationships with companion animals. The series will commence on January 13, 2026, and run through March 10, 2026, providing flexible learning options with live attendance and recorded sessions.

The initiative comes at a time when the understanding of animal cognition and emotion is rapidly advancing, underscoring the necessity for accessible, scientific education for those interacting with pets. Companion Animal Psychology, founded by Dr. Todd, is recognized for its commitment to translating complex research into actionable advice, promoting humane and effective approaches to animal care. This winter series is a testament to that mission, addressing both common behavioral challenges and the nuanced dynamics of the human-animal bond.

The Growing Landscape of Companion Animal Science

The field of companion animal psychology has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, moving from anecdotal observations to rigorous scientific inquiry. This evolution reflects a broader societal shift towards viewing pets as integral family members, leading to increased demand for professional support in managing their welfare and behavior. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 66% of U.S. households, or 86.9 million families, own a pet. With such widespread ownership, the prevalence of behavioral issues, which are often cited as a leading cause of pet relinquishment to shelters, highlights a critical need for education. Studies have shown that between 10% and 40% of pets are surrendered due to behavioral problems, making informed intervention and prevention strategies paramount.

Dr. Zazie Todd, holding a PhD in psychology and author of the acclaimed book Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to these webinars. Her work consistently emphasizes reward-based training methods and a deep respect for animal welfare, aligning with contemporary ethical standards in animal care. The 2026 winter series builds upon this foundation, offering a structured learning environment for participants to engage with cutting-edge research.

A Detailed Look at the Webinar Series Chronology

The program is meticulously organized into three mini-series, each comprising three one-hour webinars. This structure allows participants to focus on specific areas of interest or to enroll in all series for a holistic educational experience. Recordings of each webinar will be made available for 60 days post-live session, ensuring accessibility for individuals across different time zones and those with scheduling conflicts.

Series 1: Parenting Styles and the Human-Dog Relationship: What Dog Trainers Need to Know
Dates: Tuesdays, January 13, 20, 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM Eastern/6:00 PM UK)

This mini-series delves into the intriguing parallels between human child parenting styles and how guardians interact with their canine companions. While dogs are not human children, research suggests that certain aspects of human parenting theory can offer valuable frameworks for understanding the human-dog dynamic. The series will explore various "dog-directed parenting styles," examining how a guardian’s responsiveness to their dog’s needs and their methods of teaching appropriate behaviors impact the dog’s development and attachment.

Participants will gain insights into how different parenting styles influence dog behavior, emotional well-being, and the strength of the human-dog bond. Key topics include reviewing established parenting styles, analyzing their applicability to canine care, investigating the relationship between these styles and dog attachment, and discussing practical applications for improving pet dog welfare. The implications for dog trainers are significant, as understanding a guardian’s interaction style can inform more effective and empathetic training plans. This series is accredited for 3 PPAB CEUs and 2 CCPDT CEUs for trainers (1 CEU for behavior consultants), with other CEUs applied for. This acknowledgment of continuing education units underscores the series’ value for professional development within the animal behavior community.

Series 2: Unwanted Scratching in Cats: Understanding This Behavior and What to (Humanely) Do About It
Dates: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM Eastern/6:00 PM UK time)

Feline scratching is a natural, essential behavior for cats, serving multiple purposes including claw conditioning, stretching, and scent marking. However, when this natural behavior targets inappropriate surfaces, it becomes a common source of frustration for cat guardians. This mini-series will meticulously explore the scientific understanding of why cats scratch, moving beyond superficial explanations to examine the underlying motivations and preferences.

The webinars will cover individual feline preferences for scratching surfaces, the critical role of environmental enrichment in guiding scratching behavior, and the humane influence strategies guardians can employ. Discussions will also extend to the welfare implications of various training approaches and an in-depth look at risk factors for unwanted scratching, including how guardian care practices can inadvertently contribute to or mitigate these issues. The goal is to equip participants with the knowledge to redirect scratching behavior effectively and humanely, fostering a more harmonious cohabitation. This series offers 3 PPAB CEUs, with other CEUs applied for, highlighting its relevance for cat behavior professionals.

Series 3: Dog Behaviour Issues: Supporting the Dog’s Humans Through Hard Times
Dates: Tuesdays, February 24, March 3, 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM Eastern/6:00 PM UK time)

This poignant mini-series addresses a frequently overlooked aspect of companion animal behavior: the profound emotional impact on humans when their dog exhibits challenging behaviors. Whether it’s reactivity, anxiety, or aggression, living with a dog facing behavioral issues can be immensely stressful, leading to a range of negative emotions such as guilt, frustration, shame, and isolation for guardians. These emotions, in turn, can significantly influence a guardian’s ability to consistently implement and adhere to a reward-based training plan.

The webinars will synthesize current research on the "human side" of dog behavior problems, examining the psychological burden on guardians and exploring how this understanding can lead to more effective and empathetic support systems. Participants will learn how to better assist dog guardians, fostering resilience and improving adherence to professional advice, ultimately benefiting both the human and the dog. This series is accredited for 3 PPAB CEUs and 1 CCPDT CEU for trainers (2 CEUs for behavior consultants), with other CEUs applied for, underscoring its importance for professionals working directly with pet owners.

Supporting Data and Insights into the Human-Animal Bond

The emphasis on education in animal behavior is supported by a growing body of research demonstrating the reciprocal nature of the human-animal bond. A 2018 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science highlighted that a strong positive human-animal bond correlates with better welfare outcomes for pets and reduced stress for owners. Conversely, behavioral challenges can significantly strain this bond, leading to negative outcomes. The Pet Owners Survey 2021-2022 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) indicated that 78% of dog owners and 79% of cat owners consider their pets to be family members, illustrating the deep emotional connection many people have with their animals. This perspective makes understanding and addressing behavioral issues not just about animal welfare, but also about human well-being.

Furthermore, the professionalization of the pet care industry, including dog training and behavior consulting, necessitates continuous learning. Organizations like the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) advocate for science-based, force-free methods, and require continuing education units (CEUs) for maintaining certifications. Dr. Todd’s webinar series directly contributes to this professional development, offering accredited CEUs that validate the scientific rigor and practical relevance of the content.

Official Statements and Organizer Perspectives

A spokesperson for Companion Animal Psychology emphasized the critical need for accessible, science-backed education in an increasingly complex world of pet care. "Our goal is to empower pet guardians and professionals with the knowledge to foster truly harmonious relationships with their animals, grounded in understanding and empathy," the spokesperson stated. "These webinars are crafted to address real-world challenges with evidence-based solutions, ensuring that both pets and their humans can thrive."

Dr. Zazie Todd, in a statement regarding the upcoming series, highlighted the program’s dual focus on animal welfare and human support. "Each topic in this winter series has been chosen for its profound impact on the daily lives of pets and their guardians," Dr. Todd commented. "From understanding why cats scratch to navigating the emotional landscape of living with a dog with behavioral issues, we aim to bridge the gap between academic research and practical, humane application. It’s not just about training animals; it’s about educating humans to better understand and advocate for their beloved companions."

Broader Impact and Implications for the Pet Community

The Companion Animal Psychology Winter Webinar Series 2026 holds significant implications for the broader pet community. By elevating the standard of knowledge among pet guardians and professionals, the series is expected to contribute to:

• Enhanced Pet Welfare: Improved understanding of animal behavior leads to more appropriate care, better environmental enrichment, and the use of humane training methods, directly enhancing the quality of life for companion animals.
• Strengthened Human-Animal Bonds: When guardians understand their pets’ needs and behaviors, they can respond more effectively, leading to reduced conflict, increased trust, and a deeper, more resilient bond.
• Professional Advancement: The provision of accredited CEUs supports the ongoing professional development of dog trainers and behavior consultants, ensuring they remain at the forefront of evidence-based practices.
• Reduction in Pet Relinquishment: By addressing common behavioral issues and providing support for guardians, the series aims to reduce the instances of pets being surrendered to shelters due to solvable problems.
• Community Harmony: Better-behaved pets and more informed guardians contribute to safer, more harmonious communities where pets are well-integrated and understood.

Registration and Logistics

Registration for each mini-series is available via the provided links. Participants are encouraged to sign up promptly to secure their spots. The "small print" details reiterate that recordings will be sent approximately 24 hours after each live event and will remain accessible for 60 days. A strict refund policy allows for refunds only up to 24 hours before the first session of a series. Companion Animal Psychology also reserves the right to reschedule webinars in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as internet or power outages, ensuring that all registered participants will receive the full educational content.

This robust webinar series represents a pivotal educational offering for anyone invested in the well-being of dogs and cats. Through its commitment to science-based information and humane practices, Companion Animal Psychology continues to play a vital role in advancing the understanding and care of companion animals globally.