Perfumes Preferred by Pooches: Dr. Zazie Todd on RNZ Sunday Morning

Dr. Zazie Todd, a distinguished expert in companion animal psychology, recently illuminated listeners of RNZ’s flagship program, Sunday Morning, with her insights into the intricate worlds of dogs and cats. On November 30, 2025, New Zealand time, Dr. Todd engaged in a comprehensive discussion with veteran broadcaster Jim Mora, addressing a myriad of questions from the public and delving into the latest scientific understanding of pet behavior. The segment, titled "Perfumes Preferred by Pooches," quickly became a highlight, offering practical advice and dispelling common misconceptions about our four-legged companions.

The Broadcast Event: A Deeper Dive into Companion Animal Behavior

The interview with Jim Mora covered several pivotal aspects of pet psychology, drawing from Dr. Todd’s extensive research and her commitment to evidence-based animal care. Central to the discussion was the profound importance of olfaction for dogs and the nuanced social dynamics of cats.

One of the primary topics explored was the concept of "perfumes preferred by pooches" and the underlying reasons why sniffing constitutes such a vital activity for canines. Dr. Todd elaborated on the extraordinary olfactory capabilities of dogs, explaining that their world is predominantly scent-driven. Unlike humans, who rely heavily on vision, dogs perceive and interpret their environment through an intricate tapestry of smells. This segment detailed how sniffing is not merely a passive act but an active form of sensory exploration, mental stimulation, and communication. Dogs gather information about other animals, potential threats, food sources, and even the emotional states of humans and other canines through their powerful noses. The discussion highlighted that engaging a dog’s sense of smell through activities like "sniffing walks," scent games, and puzzle toys is crucial for their mental well-being, reducing stress, preventing boredom, and even mitigating certain behavioral issues. Dr. Todd suggested that providing opportunities for dogs to explore natural scents, such as those found in parks or even varied environments within a home, is far more enriching than exposing them to artificial fragrances, which can often be overwhelming or irritating.

Another fascinating subject tackled was the peculiar tendency of cats to gravitate towards individuals in a room who exhibit less overt interest in them. This phenomenon, often observed by cat owners and non-owners alike, was explained through the lens of feline social communication. Dr. Todd posited that cats often interpret direct eye contact, reaching gestures, and enthusiastic vocalizations as potentially threatening or overbearing. Conversely, individuals who appear aloof, avoid direct staring, or offer a more subtle, less confrontational presence are perceived as safer and more approachable. This allows the cat to initiate interaction on its own terms, which is paramount to their sense of autonomy. The discussion underscored the importance of understanding and respecting a cat’s boundaries and communication signals, such as slow blinking, tail position, and body language, to foster a positive human-feline bond.

Beyond these specific points, Dr. Todd addressed a wide array of questions from listeners concerning both canine and feline behavior, ranging from common behavioral challenges to optimizing pet environments for happiness and health. She consistently integrated the latest scientific findings into her responses, providing listeners with actionable, evidence-backed advice.

Dr. Zazie Todd: A Leading Voice in Evidence-Based Pet Care

Dr. Zazie Todd is widely recognized as a preeminent figure in the field of companion animal psychology. Holding a PhD in Psychology, her academic background underpins her dedication to promoting humane, science-based methods for understanding and caring for pets. She is the founder of the highly respected Companion Animal Psychology blog, a comprehensive resource that translates complex scientific research into accessible, practical guidance for pet owners.

Her published works, including Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy, have garnered critical acclaim for their thoroughness and their compassionate approach to animal welfare. Through her books, articles, and public appearances, Dr. Todd champions positive reinforcement training, enrichment, and a deep understanding of animal ethology. Her mission is to empower pet owners with the knowledge to forge stronger, more harmonious relationships with their animals, moving away from outdated or punitive training methods.

Dr. Todd’s appearance on RNZ Sunday Morning was not an isolated event. She has a history of collaborating with Jim Mora and RNZ, serving as a trusted expert voice on animal behavior. These recurring engagements highlight her reputation as a reliable and authoritative source, capable of communicating nuanced scientific information to a broad public audience effectively. Her consistent presence on such national platforms reinforces the importance of evidence-based practices in pet care and contributes significantly to public education on animal welfare issues.

RNZ Sunday Morning: A Platform for Informed Discussion

RNZ’s Sunday Morning program holds a distinguished position within New Zealand’s media landscape. As a flagship current affairs and interview show, it is celebrated for its in-depth discussions, intellectual rigor, and broad appeal to a diverse listenership across the nation. Hosted by the experienced and insightful Jim Mora, the program provides a valuable platform for experts from various fields to share their knowledge and engage with the public on important topics.

Jim Mora’s interviewing style is characterized by his ability to ask incisive questions, facilitate complex discussions, and make specialized subjects comprehensible and engaging for a general audience. His skill in drawing out detailed explanations from experts like Dr. Todd ensures that listeners receive not just information, but also context and practical takeaways. The decision by RNZ Sunday Morning to regularly feature discussions on companion animal psychology underscores the growing societal recognition of the importance of pet welfare and the human-animal bond. By dedicating airtime to such topics, RNZ fulfills its role in public service broadcasting, informing citizens on matters that directly impact their lives and the lives of their pets.

The Science Behind the Advice: Supporting Data and Research

The advice offered by Dr. Todd during the broadcast is firmly rooted in a substantial body of scientific research, much of which has emerged over the last few decades, transforming our understanding of animal cognition and emotion.

Regarding canine olfaction, scientific data unequivocally supports its profound significance. Dogs possess an astonishing olfactory system, equipped with up to 300 million olfactory receptors, a stark contrast to the mere 6 million found in humans. Their olfactory bulb, the part of the brain responsible for processing smells, is proportionally 40 times larger than that of humans. This anatomical advantage allows dogs to detect scents in concentrations as low as parts per trillion, enabling them to identify subtle chemical signatures that are entirely imperceptible to humans. Furthermore, dogs possess a vomeronasal organ, also known as Jacobson’s organ, which is specialized in detecting pheromones—chemical signals that convey information about reproductive status, social hierarchy, and emotional states. Research has demonstrated that engaging a dog’s sense of smell can significantly reduce stress levels in environments such as animal shelters and can improve cognitive function in older dogs. For instance, studies published in journals like Applied Animal Behaviour Science have shown that scent-based enrichment reduces repetitive behaviors and increases positive interactions in confined dogs. The burgeoning pet industry reflects this understanding, with a growing market for scent-enrichment toys, snuffle mats, and specialized training classes focused on nose work, indicating a widespread acceptance of these scientific findings among informed pet owners.

Similarly, the understanding of feline social dynamics has advanced considerably through rigorous scientific inquiry. Research into cat-human interactions, often employing ethological observation and behavioral experiments, has shed light on why cats exhibit selective social preferences. Studies published in journals such as Behavioural Processes have explored various cat personality types and their preferred interaction styles. These studies often reveal that cats appreciate autonomy and control over their interactions. They tend to be more drawn to individuals who allow them to initiate contact and dictate the pace and duration of interaction, rather than those who impose attention. The concept of "secure attachment" in cats to their human caregivers, similar to that observed in human infants, has also been scientifically validated, highlighting the depth of the human-feline bond when nurtured appropriately. Understanding these nuances is crucial, as misinterpreting a cat’s signals can lead to stress for the animal and frustration for the owner, potentially contributing to behavioral issues such as aggression or inappropriate elimination.

Implications for Pet Owners and Animal Welfare

The discussions led by Dr. Zazie Todd on RNZ Sunday Morning carry significant implications for pet owners and the broader animal welfare landscape. By demystifying complex animal behaviors and providing evidence-based explanations, the broadcast serves as a powerful tool for promoting responsible pet ownership and enhancing the human-animal bond.

Practical Takeaways for Pet Owners:

• Canine Scent Enrichment: Pet owners are encouraged to integrate more scent-based activities into their dogs’ daily routines. This includes allowing dogs ample time to sniff during walks, hiding treats for them to find, and investing in puzzle toys that require olfactory problem-solving. Such activities provide crucial mental stimulation that can reduce boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors.
• Understanding Feline Communication: Owners of cats are advised to observe their pets’ body language more closely and to respect their autonomy. Approaching cats with gentle, non-threatening gestures, allowing them to initiate contact, and avoiding forceful interactions can significantly improve the relationship and reduce feline stress.
• Positive Reinforcement: The underlying message throughout Dr. Todd’s discussions consistently champions positive reinforcement training methods. This approach focuses on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing undesirable ones, leading to more effective learning, reduced fear, and a stronger bond built on trust and mutual respect.
• Consulting Experts: The segment implicitly encouraged listeners to seek advice from qualified professionals, such as certified veterinarians and animal behaviorists, when faced with persistent behavioral challenges, rather than relying on anecdotal advice or potentially harmful outdated methods.

Broader Impact on Animal Welfare:

• Improved Human-Animal Bond: By fostering a deeper understanding of animal needs and communication, such broadcasts contribute to stronger, more empathetic relationships between humans and their pets. This, in turn, can lead to happier, healthier animals and more satisfied owners.
• Reduced Surrender Rates: Many behavioral issues are a leading cause of pet relinquishment to shelters. By educating owners on how to prevent and address these issues through scientific, humane methods, programs like this can play a vital role in reducing the number of animals abandoned or surrendered.
• Advocacy for Animal Sentience: Public discussions led by experts like Dr. Todd elevate the discourse around animal welfare, reinforcing the scientific consensus that animals are sentient beings with complex emotional and cognitive lives. This contributes to a societal shift towards greater respect and protection for animals.
• Influence on Policy and Practice: Increased public awareness and demand for humane animal care can influence the development of animal welfare policies, promote ethical practices in pet breeding and sales, and encourage further research into animal behavior and well-being.

Public Engagement and Future Outlook

The interactive nature of Dr. Todd’s segment, inviting listeners to share their dogs’ favorite smells and their experiences with cat interactions, fostered a sense of community and reinforced the practical applicability of the scientific insights. This direct engagement encourages listeners to reflect on their own pet care practices and to apply the knowledge gained from the broadcast.

The ongoing need for evidence-based information in pet care remains critical. As scientific understanding evolves, so too must public education. The success of segments like Dr. Todd’s on RNZ Sunday Morning highlights the crucial role that mainstream media plays in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application for the general public. It signals a promising future for more informed pet ownership and a greater commitment to animal welfare. Listeners who missed the live broadcast were encouraged to access the recording online, ensuring that these valuable insights remain available to a wider audience, continuing to enrich the lives of pets and their human companions across New Zealand and beyond. Dr. Todd’s contribution continues to solidify her position as a pivotal figure in advancing the science and practice of compassionate companion animal care.