Experts Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson Unpack Canine and Feline Behavior in Engaging ‘This or That’ Segment

In a recent episode of "The Pawsitive Post in Conversation," renowned animal behavior experts Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson delved into a series of rapid-fire "This or That" questions, offering listeners a unique blend of personal insights and professional perspectives on dog training and cat behavior. The engaging format not only illuminated the hosts’ individual preferences but also provided a platform for discussing complex topics ranging from breed selection and training methodologies to ethical considerations and common pet owner dilemmas. This interactive approach underscored the podcast’s commitment to delivering accessible, evidence-based advice for pet enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The segment commenced with Zazie Todd introducing the "This or That" game, a popular social media trend adapted for the podcast to explore nuanced aspects of animal care. Kristi Benson, known for her candid humor, expressed anticipation, hinting at the challenging questions she had prepared. The ground rules were simple: provide the first answer that comes to mind, followed by a brief discussion to elaborate on the rationale. This structure allowed for both spontaneous reactions and deeper dives into the scientific and practical implications of each choice.

Navigating Canine Companions: Breed and Lifestyle Choices

The initial set of questions explored foundational decisions for prospective dog owners and preferences for specific breeds and activities. When asked about recommending a first-time dog owner choose between a Golden Retriever puppy or a friendly adult Golden Retriever, Kristi Benson enthusiastically chose the puppy, citing her personal adoration for young dogs. Zazie Todd, however, leaned towards the friendly adult rescue dog, highlighting her consistent advocacy for adopting mature animals, often pointing to the inherent benefits of a dog with a known temperament and potentially fewer immediate training demands than a puppy. Golden Retrievers consistently rank among the most popular dog breeds globally, praised for their friendly demeanor and trainability, making them a common choice for both experienced and novice owners.

The discussion then moved to specific breeds, pitting Border Collies against Australian Shepherds. While both are highly intelligent, energetic herding breeds, Kristi expressed a preference for the Border Collie, describing them as "squishier," despite acknowledging that neither would be her natural inclination. Zazie, without hesitation, chose the Australian Shepherd, expressing a particular fondness for the breed. This choice underscores the diverse appeal of working breeds, which, while demanding, offer immense rewards to owners capable of meeting their substantial exercise and mental stimulation needs. Both breeds typically require significant engagement, often excelling in canine sports like agility or obedience.

Further challenging breed preferences, the hosts were asked to choose between a Shih Tzu and a Miniature Poodle. Kristi immediately focused on grooming, opting for the Poodle due to the perception that professional grooming could manage its coat, unlike the daily commitment often required for a Shih Tzu. Zazie concurred, noting the demanding daily grooming schedule of a Shih Tzu. Miniature Poodles, while requiring regular professional grooming, often have coats that are less prone to matting than some long-haired breeds if maintained correctly. This exchange highlighted the practical considerations of pet ownership beyond initial attraction to a breed’s appearance.

The conversation later revisited breed-specific health and ethical considerations, presenting a stark choice: a brachycephalic dog (short-nosed, like pugs or bulldogs) or a chondrodystrophic dog (short-legged, like dachshunds or corgis). Zazie chose the chondrodystrophic dog, acknowledging the health issues associated with brachycephalic breeds, such as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which can severely impact breathing and quality of life. Kristi echoed this sentiment, noting that increased awareness of BOAS makes it difficult to overlook the suffering associated with these breeds. Chondrodystrophic breeds, while charming, are predisposed to conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their elongated spines and short limbs, indicating that ethical breeding and responsible ownership involve understanding and mitigating genetic predispositions across many popular breeds.

Training Philosophies and Practicalities

A significant portion of the segment explored various training scenarios and client counseling challenges. Zazie posed a question about attending Crufts, a prestigious international dog show, prompting Kristi to initially pick agility, then pivot to freestyle heel work to music once she understood its choreographed nature. Zazie also preferred the latter, appreciating the creativity and bond demonstrated in the routines. This choice reflects an appreciation for the artistry and intricate communication involved in advanced dog sports, contrasting with the high-speed athleticism of agility.

When faced with the choice of training a "sit" or a "heel," Zazie definitively chose "sit," praising its simplicity, rapid reward opportunities, and the joy of seeing a dog’s expectant face. Kristi, however, shared a personal anecdote about her large dog, Archer, who proved unexpectedly challenging to teach "sit," leading her to explore alternative training methods. This highlighted that even seemingly simple behaviors can present unique challenges depending on the individual dog and trainer. The "sit" command is foundational for almost all other training, while "heel" is more specialized, often associated with competitive obedience or specific working roles, though a loose-leash walk is a universal necessity.

The complexities of client interactions were also explored. Zazie asked Kristi to choose between revising a copy-edited book draft or writing a book proposal. Kristi chose the book proposal, seeing it as a fresh start full of hope, while Zazie expressed the mental fatigue associated with multiple rounds of editing. This offered a rare glimpse into the often-unseen struggles of authors, emphasizing the emotional investment in creative work.

Further, Kristi presented Zazie with a dilemma: a client who consistently fails at unimportant but helpful management tasks, or one with terrible clicker timing. Zazie chose the latter, reasoning that timing is generally easier to refine, and clients are often more receptive to improving a skill than to consistently implementing management strategies that they may perceive as inconvenient or less focused on "fixing" the dog. This reflects a common challenge for animal behavior professionals: helping clients understand that environmental management is often a crucial first step, sometimes more impactful than direct behavioral modification alone.

Perhaps the most ethically charged questions revolved around handling challenging clients. Kristi asked Zazie to choose between a client who says, "But my vet said…" or "But my breeder said…" when presented with behavior advice. Zazie chose the "vet said" scenario, speculating that breeder advice, given earlier in the dog’s life, might be more deeply ingrained. This reflects the delicate balance behavior professionals must strike when navigating conflicting advice from other trusted sources, emphasizing the need for collaborative care and respectful communication within the pet care community.

In a final, highly sensitive scenario, Kristi presented Zazie with a choice between taking on a client who is "dominance adherent" (believing in outdated dominance-based training methods) or "anti-vax." Zazie deftly sidestepped the latter, noting that vaccination is outside her scope as a behaviorist and falls under veterinary care. She then opted for the dominance-adherent client, observing that discussions around dominance theory have become less frequent, and she wouldn’t mind engaging in a constructive dialogue. This choice underscores a behaviorist’s commitment to education and gentle persuasion, even when confronting deeply held, scientifically unsupported beliefs.

Feline Focus: Behavior and Enrichment

The podcast also dedicated significant attention to feline behavior. When asked about Apricat (Kristi’s cat), Zazie inquired about his preference between catnip and silver vine. Kristi confirmed Apricat’s preference for catnip, noting his quick boredom with silver vine. This highlights the individual variability in cats’ responses to these natural attractants, with studies indicating that approximately 70-80% of cats respond to catnip, while a slightly different percentage may react to silver vine, often with more intense or prolonged effects.

Another cat-centric question explored enrichment, asking whether high-up shelves and walkways throughout the house or a catio by the front door would be preferred for an indoor-only cat, assuming money was no object. Kristi chose the catio, valuing the novel outdoor experience it offers safely. Catios provide controlled access to the outdoors, enriching an indoor cat’s life with sensory stimulation, fresh air, and observation opportunities, while preventing risks like traffic, predators, or disease exposure.

For a vet visit requiring a cat’s blood draw, both Zazie and Kristi expressed a strong preference to be present, provided they weren’t squeamish. Their presence, they implied, allows them to support their cat and ensure fear-free handling techniques are employed, aligning with modern veterinary practices that prioritize patient comfort and reduced stress during procedures.

Personal Insights and Unconventional Preferences

The "This or That" format also allowed for lighter, more personal questions. Kristi probed Zazie’s preference between the smell of puppy breath or puppy feet, to which Zazie quickly chose puppy breath. Kristi, conversely, opted for puppy feet, a quirky preference often attributed to a unique "corn chip" or "Frito" scent caused by certain bacteria.

When asked to choose between the howls of a husky or the chirping of a cat, Zazie, after deliberation, picked the cat’s chirrup, attributing it to a more "pro-social" and relationship-oriented form of communication. Kristi knew this would be a difficult choice for Zazie, given her past husky, Ghost, known for his vocalizations. Cat chirps, often directed at prey or as a greeting, signify engagement and interest, while husky howls are a more primal form of communication, often in response to environmental stimuli or other dogs.

The hosts also discussed visual preferences, such as a cat in a "loaf" position on a glass table (allowing viewing from underneath) versus a dog with its nose tucked under its tail while sleeping. Zazie found the latter "so, so cute," associating it with peaceful dreams, while Kristi appreciated the "random" and "disruptive" visual of a cat loaf from below, noting the unique perspective it offers. Both scenarios reflect common, endearing pet behaviors that owners cherish.

The discussion of "most disgusting dog treat" found in a pocket led Kristi to recall wet cat food, emphasizing its transformation into something far "grosser" when left to rot. This relatable anecdote highlighted the less glamorous, yet often humorous, realities of carrying treats for training or walks.

Broader Implications and Listener Engagement

The "This or That" game, while seemingly simple, served as an effective tool for educational discourse. By presenting binary choices, Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson were able to unpack the underlying complexities of animal behavior, training ethics, and owner responsibilities. Their discussions provided practical advice, illuminated professional reasoning, and offered a glimpse into the personal philosophies that guide their work.

The episode concluded with an invitation for listeners to participate, encouraging them to share their own "This or That" answers via voicemails or social media comments. This interactive element reinforced the podcast’s community-focused approach, recognizing that every pet owner’s experience is unique and valuable. The segment demonstrated that even lighthearted games can foster deeper understanding and critical thinking within the pet care community, reinforcing the Pawsitive Post’s mission to promote humane, evidence-based practices.

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