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

Dr. Zazie Todd, a distinguished expert in companion animal psychology, recently engaged in an illuminating discussion with veteran broadcaster Jim Mora on RNZ’s popular "Sunday Morning" programme. The segment, broadcast on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from New Zealand, delved into a fascinating array of topics concerning canine and feline behaviour, offering listeners scientifically-backed insights into the inner lives of their beloved pets. Key among the subjects explored were the intricate world of canine olfaction, playfully dubbed "perfumes preferred by pooches," and the curious phenomenon of why cats often gravitate towards individuals who appear least interested in their attention. The conversation also touched upon the latest scientific advancements in understanding and enhancing the welfare of companion animals.

The Significance of the Broadcast: Elevating Pet Care through Science

Dr. Zazie Todd, widely recognised for her pioneering work through her platform "Companion Animal Psychology" and as the author of acclaimed books like "Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy" and "Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy," has become a leading voice advocating for evidence-based approaches to pet ownership. Her appearance on RNZ Sunday Morning underscores the growing public interest in understanding animal behaviour beyond anecdotal observations and traditional methods. Such national broadcasts play a crucial role in disseminating accessible, reliable information to a broad audience, empowering pet owners to foster stronger, healthier relationships with their animals based on contemporary scientific understanding. Jim Mora’s adept interviewing style, known for its ability to draw out complex subjects in an engaging manner, provided an ideal platform for Dr. Todd to share her expertise.

Unpacking Canine Olfaction: The World Through a Dog’s Nose

One of the central themes of the discussion was the profound importance of scent for dogs, a topic Dr. Todd framed captivatingly as "perfumes preferred by pooches." This playful title highlights a serious scientific reality: a dog’s primary sense is smell, not sight, as it is for humans. The canine olfactory system is an extraordinary marvel of evolution, vastly superior to that of humans. Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to our mere 6 million. Furthermore, the part of a dog’s brain dedicated to analysing smells is proportionally 40 times larger than the corresponding area in the human brain. This biological advantage means that dogs perceive the world as a rich tapestry of scents, each carrying a wealth of information.

For dogs, sniffing is not merely an idle pastime; it is a fundamental cognitive and emotional activity. When a dog engages in sniffing, particularly during walks, they are actively processing their environment, gathering data about other animals, people, recent events, and changes in their surroundings. This activity provides immense mental stimulation, which is as vital to a dog’s well-being as physical exercise. Depriving a dog of opportunities to sniff can lead to boredom, frustration, and even behavioural issues.

Dr. Todd likely elaborated on the specific "perfumes" dogs prefer. These are not manufactured fragrances, which can often be irritating or overwhelming to a dog’s sensitive nose, but rather natural odours found in their environment. These include the intricate scent trails left by other dogs and animals, the earthy aroma of soil, the complex bouquet of plants and decaying leaves, and the unique smells of different environments like a forest floor or a beach. Each scent tells a story, offering mental enrichment comparable to a human reading a newspaper or exploring a new place.

The implications for pet owners are significant. Incorporating "sniffari" walks, where the dog is allowed ample time to explore scents at their own pace, rather than being rushed along, can dramatically improve their quality of life. Tools like snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, and scent games (where treats are hidden for the dog to find) also provide excellent indoor enrichment opportunities, tapping into their natural drive to forage and explore with their nose. This scientific understanding encourages owners to view sniffing not as a distraction, but as a critical component of their dog’s daily mental exercise and overall happiness.

The Enigma of Feline Affection: Why Cats Choose the Uninterested

Another intriguing topic explored during the RNZ Sunday Morning segment was the peculiar tendency of cats to approach individuals in a room who appear to be ignoring them. This common observation often puzzles cat owners and fascinates those less familiar with feline behaviour. Dr. Todd, drawing on current ethological research, likely provided a nuanced explanation for this phenomenon, rooted in understanding cat communication and social preferences.

Cats, unlike dogs, are not primarily pack animals and often perceive direct, overt attention as potentially threatening or overwhelming. A person making direct eye contact, leaning in, or immediately attempting to pet a cat might be interpreted as an assertive or even aggressive gesture in feline social etiquette. Cats often prefer to initiate interactions on their own terms and at their own pace.

Conversely, a person who is not actively seeking a cat’s attention—perhaps reading a book, engrossed in a conversation, or simply observing from a distance—presents a less threatening, more inviting presence. Their relaxed posture, lack of direct gaze, and general aloofness signal to the cat that they are not a predator and pose no immediate threat. This allows the cat to feel secure enough to approach on its own terms, assessing the individual from a safe distance before making contact.

Key aspects of cat body language and social interaction were likely discussed. Cats communicate through subtle cues: a slow blink, a raised tail, a gentle rub. They appreciate space and autonomy. Forcing interaction can lead to stress, avoidance, or even defensive behaviours. Therefore, the "cat whisperer" who seems to effortlessly attract felines is often simply someone who understands and respects these unspoken rules of feline social engagement – by not engaging directly, they create an environment where the cat feels safe to approach.

This understanding has profound implications for anyone interacting with cats. Rather than immediately reaching out, it is often more effective to allow a cat to initiate contact. Offering a hand at a distance, letting the cat sniff, and waiting for them to rub against you are more respectful and often more successful strategies for building trust and rapport. Recognizing and respecting a cat’s boundaries is paramount to fostering a positive relationship.

The Latest Science: A Glimpse into Companion Animal Psychology

Beyond the specific topics of dog sniffing and cat preferences, Dr. Todd’s appearance provided an opportunity to discuss broader advancements in companion animal psychology. This field has seen significant growth in recent decades, moving away from outdated, dominance-based theories towards approaches rooted in positive reinforcement, ethology, and a deeper understanding of animal cognition and emotion.

Recent scientific breakthroughs have illuminated various aspects of animal welfare. Research into canine cognition has revealed dogs’ remarkable abilities in understanding human cues, problem-solving, and even experiencing complex emotions. Similarly, studies on feline behaviour continue to challenge long-held misconceptions about cats being aloof or untrainable, demonstrating their capacity for learning, forming strong bonds, and expressing a wide range of needs.

Dr. Todd’s work consistently champions the application of these scientific findings to everyday pet care. This includes advocating for force-free training methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviours rather than punishing unwanted ones, thereby building trust and improving the human-animal bond. It also encompasses promoting environmental enrichment for both dogs and cats, ensuring they have stimulating environments that meet their species-specific needs for play, exploration, and rest.

The discussion likely touched upon the importance of recognising and addressing stress in pets, understanding the nuances of their body language, and providing appropriate veterinary care in conjunction with behavioural support. The scientific community’s increasing focus on animal sentience and welfare has led to a greater appreciation for animals as individuals with unique personalities and emotional lives, moving beyond the view of them as mere possessions. This shift has significant ethical and practical implications for how humans interact with and care for their companion animals.

Chronology and Dr. Todd’s Enduring Partnership with RNZ

Dr. Zazie Todd’s recent appearance on November 30, 2025, was not an isolated event but rather the latest in a series of highly anticipated discussions she has held with Jim Mora on RNZ Sunday Morning. Her established presence on the programme highlights a valuable ongoing collaboration between expert knowledge and public broadcasting. Previous interviews have covered a diverse range of topics, consistently bringing cutting-edge research and practical advice to New Zealand listeners. This recurring engagement solidifies Dr. Todd’s role as a trusted voice in companion animal welfare and demonstrates RNZ’s commitment to providing its audience with informed perspectives on popular subjects. The consistent positive reception to these segments underscores the public’s thirst for reliable information that can directly impact the well-being of their pets.

Broader Impact and Implications for Pet Ownership

The broadcast of Dr. Todd’s insights on RNZ Sunday Morning carries significant broader implications for pet ownership and animal welfare. By demystifying complex animal behaviours and presenting scientific findings in an accessible format, such programmes empower pet owners to move beyond outdated practices and adopt more humane, effective approaches to care.

• Enhanced Animal Welfare: A better understanding of animal needs—whether it’s a dog’s need for olfactory stimulation or a cat’s preference for indirect interaction—leads directly to improved welfare outcomes. Pets whose needs are met are generally happier, healthier, and less likely to exhibit problem behaviours.
• Strengthened Human-Animal Bond: When owners understand their pets better, they can communicate more effectively, leading to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. This understanding fosters empathy and respect for animals as sentient beings.
• Public Education and Awareness: National broadcasts serve as vital platforms for public education, raising awareness about critical issues such as responsible pet ownership, the importance of positive reinforcement training, and the ethical considerations surrounding animal care.
• Influence on Industry Practices: Increased public awareness and demand for science-backed approaches can influence pet product manufacturers, trainers, and veterinarians to adopt and promote methods that align with the latest research in animal behaviour and welfare.
• Counteracting Misinformation: In an age of abundant, often conflicting information, expert voices like Dr. Todd’s provide a crucial counter-narrative to unsubstantiated claims and harmful training myths, ensuring that pet owners receive accurate and beneficial advice.

The segment on RNZ Sunday Morning, "Perfumes Preferred by Pooches," serves as a testament to the enduring fascination humans have with their animal companions and the critical role that scientific understanding plays in fostering harmonious coexistence. By illuminating the sophisticated sensory world of dogs and the nuanced social dynamics of cats, Dr. Zazie Todd’s discussion has undoubtedly equipped countless listeners with the knowledge to better understand, appreciate, and care for their beloved pets, ultimately contributing to a more compassionate world for all companion animals. Listeners seeking to delve deeper into these fascinating topics were encouraged to access the full recording of the interview via the RNZ website, ensuring the valuable insights shared continue to resonate and inform pet care practices across the nation.