The Canine and Feline Science Winter Webinar Series

Overview of the Educational Series

The Winter Webinar Series stands as a testament to the growing demand for scientifically validated information in the field of companion animal behavior. Organized by Companion Animal Psychology, a platform dedicated to translating scientific research into accessible guidance for pet owners and professionals, the series covers a diverse array of subjects crucial for enhancing animal welfare and supporting pet guardians. Participants have the flexibility to enroll in individual mini-series focused on either canine or feline topics, or to register for the entire program to gain a holistic perspective. Each webinar is offered live, providing attendees with an interactive platform to pose questions directly to the expert. For those unable to attend the live sessions, recordings are made available for a period of 60 days, ensuring broad accessibility. The program is also accredited for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by various professional organizations, including the Pet Professional Guild (PPAB) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), underscoring its relevance and value within the professional community.

Dr. Zazie Todd, the driving force behind Companion Animal Psychology, brings a wealth of academic rigor and practical experience to these webinars. With a PhD in psychology and extensive work in the field of human-animal interaction, Dr. Todd is recognized for her ability to distill complex scientific concepts into actionable advice. Her commitment to promoting positive, humane approaches to animal training and behavior modification is a cornerstone of the Companion Animal Psychology ethos, which is reflected in the content and pedagogical approach of this webinar series. The platform serves as a vital resource for thousands of individuals seeking to understand their pets better, fostering a community dedicated to ethical and effective animal care.

Detailed Chronology and Content Breakdown

The webinar series is meticulously scheduled to provide focused learning experiences across three months, allowing participants to absorb and apply the information progressively.

Part 1: Parenting Styles and the Human-Dog Relationship

• Dates: Tuesdays, January 13, 20, 27, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM UK)
• Focus: This mini-series delves into the intriguing parallels between human parenting styles and the ways guardians interact with their dogs. It explores how concepts such as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved parenting might manifest in dog-directed care and their subsequent impact on canine behavior and attachment.
• Content Deep Dive: The webinars will critically review existing research on human-dog attachment and the influence of guardian behavior on dog welfare. Participants will learn how different "dog-directed parenting styles" can shape a dog’s learning, emotional regulation, and bond with their human. For instance, an authoritative style, characterized by clear boundaries combined with responsiveness to a dog’s needs, has been theoretically linked to more secure attachments and better behavioral outcomes, similar to its effects in human child development. Conversely, highly authoritarian or neglectful styles may correlate with increased stress, anxiety, or problematic behaviors in dogs. The series will explore empirical studies examining these correlations, offering dog trainers and behavior consultants valuable frameworks for assessing owner-dog dynamics and tailoring intervention strategies. The ultimate goal is to equip professionals with the knowledge to guide guardians toward interaction styles that foster stronger, healthier, and more secure relationships, thereby improving the overall welfare of pet dogs.
• CEUs: PPAB 3 CEUs; CCPDT 2 CEUs (trainers), 1 CEU (behavior consultants).

Part 2: Unwanted Scratching in Cats: Understanding and Humane Interventions

• Dates: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM UK)
• Focus: Addressing one of the most common complaints from cat guardians, this series unpacks the natural behavior of scratching, distinguishing it from "unwanted" scratching and offering humane, effective solutions.
• Content Deep Dive: Scratching is an innate, essential behavior for felines, serving multiple physiological and psychological functions, including claw maintenance, stretching, scent marking through paw pads, and visual communication. When cats scratch household items, it often signals an unmet need in their environment or a misunderstanding of their natural drives by guardians. The webinars will examine the ethology of feline scratching, exploring factors such as substrate preference (e.g., vertical vs. horizontal, carpet vs. sisal), location preference, and the role of stress or territorial insecurity. Research indicates that a lack of appropriate scratching surfaces, or surfaces that do not meet a cat’s individual preferences, significantly contributes to "inappropriate" scratching. The series will also discuss the impact of early life experiences, multi-cat households, and environmental enrichment on scratching behavior. Participants will gain insights into identifying risk factors for unwanted scratching and developing comprehensive, welfare-centric strategies, including providing a variety of scratching posts, enriching the environment, and utilizing positive reinforcement techniques to redirect scratching behavior effectively. This approach emphasizes understanding the cat’s perspective rather than punitive measures, aligning with contemporary animal welfare science.
• CEUs: PPAB 3 CEUs.

Part 3: Dog Behavior Issues: Supporting the Dog’s Humans Through Hard Times

• Dates: Tuesdays, February 24, March 3, 10, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM UK)
• Focus: This series shifts the lens to the human side of the human-animal bond, exploring the emotional and psychological toll on guardians whose dogs exhibit challenging behaviors and how professionals can better support them.
• Content Deep Dive: Having a dog with significant behavioral issues, such as aggression, severe anxiety, or destructive tendencies, can be profoundly stressful and emotionally draining for guardians. Studies consistently show that owners of behaviorally challenged dogs often experience elevated levels of guilt, shame, frustration, anxiety, and even social isolation. This "burden of care" can impact their mental health, their willingness to adhere to training protocols, and, in some unfortunate cases, their ability to keep the dog. This mini-series will synthesize research on the psychological impact of living with a behaviorally challenged dog, including the phenomenon of "compassion fatigue" or "caregiver burden" experienced by pet guardians. It will explore how these human emotions can inadvertently affect a dog’s prognosis, as an overwhelmed or stressed guardian may struggle to consistently implement training plans or maintain a positive emotional environment. Professionals will learn strategies for empathetic communication, building rapport, managing guardian expectations, and providing robust emotional support. The emphasis will be on recognizing the interconnectedness of human and animal well-being, arguing that effective behavior modification for the dog often begins with supporting the human. By empowering guardians and validating their experiences, professionals can foster greater compliance with training, improve long-term outcomes for dogs, and prevent relinquishment.
• CEUs: PPAB 3 CEUs; CCPDT 1 CEU (trainers), 2 CEUs (behavior consultants).

Supporting Data and Background Context

The need for such a comprehensive webinar series is underscored by several trends in companion animal ownership and professional practice. Globally, pet ownership has continued to rise, with dogs and cats occupying increasingly central roles within families. This closer integration, while beneficial, also highlights the complexities of interspecies living. Behavioral issues remain a leading cause of relinquishment to shelters, emphasizing the critical need for effective intervention and guardian education. Research from organizations like the ASPCA consistently points to behavior problems as a significant factor in owner surrenders, indicating a gap in understanding and support that these webinars aim to bridge.

Furthermore, the professionalization of dog training and behavior consulting has accelerated, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based, humane methods. Organizations such as PPAB and CCPDT play a vital role in setting industry standards and promoting continuing education. The CEU accreditation for this series reflects its alignment with these professional development goals, ensuring that participants receive training that is both scientifically sound and professionally recognized.

Dr. Zazie Todd’s work through Companion Animal Psychology has been instrumental in disseminating scientific findings to a broad audience, fostering a more informed approach to pet care. Her publications and online resources consistently advocate for positive reinforcement and a deep understanding of animal ethology. This webinar series is a natural extension of that mission, providing a structured, interactive learning environment.

Implications and Broader Impact

The Canine and Feline Science Winter Webinar Series 2026 carries significant implications for various stakeholders within the companion animal community.

• For Pet Professionals: The series offers cutting-edge knowledge and practical tools, enabling trainers, behavior consultants, veterinarians, and shelter staff to enhance their expertise. By staying abreast of the latest research in areas like attachment theory, feline ethology, and human psychology, professionals can refine their diagnostic skills, develop more effective intervention strategies, and provide more holistic support to both animals and their guardians. The CEUs offered further validate their professional commitment and growth.
• For Pet Guardians: While primarily aimed at professionals, the insights derived from these webinars ultimately benefit pet guardians. A more informed professional community can offer superior advice, more compassionate support, and more effective solutions to behavioral challenges, leading to stronger human-animal bonds and improved pet welfare. Understanding the "why" behind behaviors and the human emotional landscape surrounding pet problems can transform frustration into empathy and effective action.
• For Animal Welfare Organizations: By equipping professionals with better tools to address behavioral issues, the series indirectly contributes to reducing the incidence of pet relinquishment due and improving the quality of life for animals in homes. Enhanced understanding of cat scratching, for instance, can lead to fewer cats being rehomed due to property damage. Similarly, supporting guardians through difficult behavioral periods can prevent surrenders rooted in owner stress and despair.
• Advancement of Companion Animal Science: By presenting and discussing current research, the webinars contribute to the ongoing dialogue and dissemination of scientific knowledge within the field. They encourage critical thinking and evidence-based practice, reinforcing the importance of scientific rigor in an industry that has sometimes been characterized by anecdotal approaches.

In conclusion, the Canine and Feline Science Winter Webinar Series 2026 represents a crucial educational endeavor designed to elevate the standards of companion animal care and foster deeper, more harmonious relationships between humans and their beloved pets. Through its meticulously curated content, expert instruction, and flexible learning format, the series promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone committed to the well-being and understanding of dogs and cats. The insights gained are poised to have a lasting positive impact on individual animals, their families, and the broader professional landscape of animal behavior and welfare.