Best Veterinary Behaviorist Podcasts (2025)

1
Killing 2 Amys with 1 Stone 40:04

Play Pause

15h ago40:04

40:04

Turns out calling someone “bird brained” isn’t an insult at all... Join the Amys and their exotic guest, Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant, founder of Parrot SOS, and ultimate wingwoman, Robin Horemans, as they swoop into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) world of parrot behavior. Parrots possess an extremely high degree of cognitive a…

1
Who makes the best dog owner? 7:34

1d ago7:34

7:34

Curious about what really makes a great dog owner? In this episode, Scott Sheaffer of USA Dog Behavior breaks down the four key traits every successful dog owner needs: patience, commitment, realistic expectations, and belief. Using real-life examples from his work with dogs struggling with aggression and anxiety, Scott shows how these qualities tr…

1
The Amys Pee'd Their Pants (with laughter) 45:13

15d ago45:13

45:13

The crazy train is pullin' into Urination Station. Can you guess who's on board? It's the Amys, of course! You've officially entered cat territory, and if kitty elimination questions are littering your brain (or your abode), this is the stop for you. In this episode the Amys guide you through all the marks and misses of the most common behavioral c…

1
The Hidden Risks of Board & Train Dog Training Schools for Aggression Cases 8:20

16d ago8:20

8:20

In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior podcast, Scott Sheaffer, a certified dog behavior consultant and behaviorist, dives into the complexities of board-and-train programs for dogs with aggression issues. While these programs may seem appealing for their promise of quick fixes, Scott explains why they often fall short—especially for aggression ro…

1
Dogs, Data & The Dating Game : Adoption Advice from a Canine Scientist 48:51

29d ago48:51

48:51

Bachelor #1 likes long walks on the beach, snuggling by the fire, and is a massive foodie. Bachelor #2 loves to travel and is always planning his next big adventure. He spends Saturdays at the lake, Sundays at the brewery, and enjoys hosting big gatherings for his huge family and wide circle of friends. Bachelor #3 works 14-hour days from the comfo…

1
Cleaning Up Dog Accidents the Right Way: It Matters More Than You Think 6:44

1M ago6:44

6:44

In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior podcast, certified dog behavior consultant Scott Sheaffer dives into the often-overlooked but crucial topic of properly cleaning up dog accidents. He explains why scent matters more than the visible mess, comparing it to a "text message" for dogs that can lead to repeat accidents if not fully erased. Whether …

1
One FLU Over the Cuckoo's Nest 37:43

1M ago37:43

37:43

In this episode, the Amys take on RFK Jr and the Trump administration. Ok, not really... But we are talking about Avian Flu and how this administration’s policies regarding science are leaving a fowl taste in the mouths of experts. Join the Amys and their expert guest Dr. Kate Allison, internationally renowned for her work in public health and zoon…

1
Is Euthanasia Ever Right for Severe Dog Behavior Problems? 5:53

1M ago5:53

5:53

Deciding whether euthanasia is appropriate for a dog with severe behavior issues is one of the most heartbreaking choices a dog owner can face. In this episode, we explore when behavioral euthanasia may be the most compassionate option—such as when a dog poses an unmanageable safety risk, suffers from poor quality of life due to extreme anxiety or …

1
Talk Dirty to Me 36:55

2M ago36:55

36:55

Are you sick of people not understanding gay rights or transgender peoples? Animals don't care! The Amys understand that love is love no matter who you are. Join us in celebrating pride month with our sexpert Dr. Kara Kolster, studier of the creation of the beast, as we discuss the animal kingdom's secret and not-so-taboo sexual encounters. Normal,…

1
Science DOES Matter! 1:12:38

2M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

Dr. Kristina Spaulding returns to flip the script on the Amys! Research Bites is Dr. Spaulding’s podcast and platform for delivering applied animal behavior to non-scientists, and revealing how science and research apply to working and living with dogs in our everyday lives. Join the conversation about everything from the Mind-Body Unit, to the con…

1
Cesar Millan’s 4 Biggest Dog Training Myths 6:42

2M ago6:42

6:42

In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior Podcast, we’re calling out some of the most persistent, and damaging, dog training myths made popular by Cesar Millan. From the outdated “alpha dog” theory to the idea that a tired dog is a well-behaved dog, we unpack four harmful misconceptions that continue to mislead dog owners. Backed by modern science an…

1
We're Off to See the Wizard! 54:47

3M ago54:47

54:47

Steve Dale has his pulse on the veterinary and training world at all times - thats why we call him the Wizard! Join the Amys and certified Animal Behavior Consultant, pet expert, public speaker, and host of Steve Dale's Pet World, the fabulous Steve Dale, as they discuss heart disease in cats and emerging new treatments. They also delve into behavi…

1
The Hidden Ways You Might Be Punishing Your Dog Without Knowing It 7:48

3M ago7:48

7:48

In this episode, we uncover the hidden ways you might be punishing your dog without even realizing it. While many associate punishment with physical corrections like shock collars or leash jerks, behaviors like yelling or harsh tones can be just as intimidating—and counterproductive—for your pup. Learn how dogs perceive punishment differently than …

1
Why Are Some Dogs Aggressive? 11:54

3M ago11:54

11:54

In this insightful episode of the USA Dog Behavior Podcast, certified dog behavior consultant and behaviorist Scott Sheaffer delves into the complex topic of canine aggression. He explains that aggression in dogs often stems from fear rather than inherent hostility, serving as a defensive mechanism to create distance from perceived threats. Sheaffe…

1
Tails of Tethered Cord Syndrome : A Medical Mystery 44:02

3M ago44:02

44:02

Is your pet a medical or behavioral mystery? Searching for the veterinary version of Dr. House can be frustrating. Join the Amys as they discuss Malus - a very special Terrier with a medical mystery. Without his mom Katrina pushing for a diagnosis, Malus' behavior would never have improved. Learn more about this mysterious disorder - Tethered Cord …

1
Losing a Dog Hurts—Here’s the True Story Behind a Famous Poem That Eases the Pain 5:59

4M ago5:59

5:59

In this heartfelt episode of the USA Dog Behavior podcast, Scott Sheaffer explores the deep emotional impact of losing a beloved dog. Scott shares his personal reflections on the grief that follows such a loss and introduces listeners to the famous poem The Rainbow Bridge, which has brought comfort to countless grieving pet owners for over six deca…

1
Wag More, Bark Less 31:53

4M ago31:53

31:53

Ever wonder if your dogs and cats are happy? What constitutes happiness for our companion animals? Join the Amys and their esteemed guest, award-winning author and creator of Companion Animal Psychology, Dr. Zazie Todd, as they discuss the science of our pet's happiness. Dr. Todd remains a major voice and driving force behind the worldwide humane d…

1
The Crisis of Unqualified Dog Trainers Treating Dog Aggression 10:58

4M ago10:58

10:58

In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior podcast, certified dog behavior consultant and behaviorist Scott Sheaffer addresses the critical issue of unqualified dog trainers handling aggression cases. He highlights the lack of regulation in the dog training industry, where inexperienced individuals often use harmful methods like shock collars or domin…

1
I Like Big Brains and I Cannot Lie! 1:01:37

4M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Do you like BIG, JUICY, SEXY BRAINS as much as we do? (We're not talking about zombies again...) We're talking about something so much cooler – neuroscience! Join the Amys and their favorite neuroscientist, Dr. Marsha Penner, owner of Learning to Dog Training & Enrichment in Durham, North Carolina, for a mind-tingling discussion about the brain and…

1
Can Dogs Be Psychotic? Understanding Bizarre Canine Behavior 9:58

5M ago9:58

9:58

In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior Podcast, certified dog behavior consultant and behaviorist Scott Sheaffer explores the question: Can dogs be psychotic? While dogs may exhibit behaviors that resemble human psychosis—such as staring at "nothing" or sudden aggression—these actions are typically linked to medical or environmental causes rather …

1
From Panic to Purrs: Getting Unstuck with Canopy Cat Rescue 50:01

5M ago50:01

50:01

Send us a text Sean from Canopy Cat Rescue takes us behind the scenes of an extraordinary mission—saving cats from towering trees across Washington State. As a professional arborist and mountain guide, Sean reveals how he and his partner Tom turned their climbing expertise into a specialized rescue organization that's saved nearly 8,000 feline live…

1
Stressed The F Out! 1:37:46

5M ago1:37:46

1:37:46

Have you ever been stressed out? Were you experiencing eustress, distress, or toxic stress? Do you know what factors in your life have directly affected your stress threshold? Join the Amys and their bee-guiling guest, Dr. Kristina Spaulding - the stress expert - and founder of Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, as they discuss all the F w…

1
Cat Minds Decoded with Dr. Kristyn Vitale 53:49

5M ago53:49

53:49

Send us a text Ever wondered what's really going on inside your cat's mind? Prepare to have your understanding of feline behavior completely transformed in this captivating conversation with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, a certified applied animal behaviorist and pioneering researcher in feline social cognition. Dr. Vitale dismantles the persistent myth that…

1
Can Your iPhone Really Identify Dog Breeds? I Put It to the Test 5:00

5M ago5:00

5:00

Can your iPhone really identify dog breeds? In this episode, I'm going to put it to the test. In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior Podcast, certified dog behavior consultant Scott Sheaffer puts Apple’s dog breed identification feature to the test! If you have an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, your Photos app can automatically detect 350+ dog br…

1
Vet Med For Idiots By Idiots - Part 1 1:07:23

5M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

Have you ever wondered what happens when the world turns upside down? Do you know Angela Bassett? Does she run a Board and Train? Join The Amys and their idiotic guests Cory & Kent, co-hosts of the Vet Med For Idiots By Idiots podcast, for an obnoxiously long discussion on the history of veterinary behavior and dog-human interactions. Do you know h…

1
Leaf It Alone: A Cat Owner's Survival Guide to Houseplants 49:13

6M ago49:13

49:13

Send us a text Ever brought home a beautiful houseplant only to discover your cat treating it like an all-you-can-eat buffet? You're not alone. The delicate balance between maintaining a green home and keeping our feline friends safe is something many pet parents struggle with. Hiss and Tell welcomes plant and pet specialist Anastasia from Leaf & P…

1
Why Your Dog Ignores You (and What to Do About It) 9:23

6M ago9:23

9:23

Does your dog ignore you when you call their name or give a command? It’s not stubbornness—there’s always a reason behind it! In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior Podcast, certified dog behavior consultant Scott Sheaffer breaks down the most common reasons dogs “tune out” their owners and what you can do to fix it. From poor generalization of co…

1
Dark Sarcasm in the Classroom 34:42

6M ago34:42

34:42

You can't have any pudding if you don't eat your meat! If you want to have any pudding, join the Amys and their esteemed guest, Jean Donaldson, world-renowned dog trainer, author, and founder of The Academy for Dog Trainers, for a conversation about the state of the training world and how training trainers is serious business. Grab a 🥄 spoon and a …

1
When Your Dog Acts Out: How to Handle Aggression Toward Dogs and People 6:29

6M ago6:29

6:29

What do you do when your dog suddenly acts out, showing aggression toward other dogs or even people? It’s a stressful and often confusing situation for any dog owner, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to manage and address this behavior. In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior Podcast, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do …

1
Taming the SAVAGE BEAST! 40:06

6M ago40:06

40:06

Join the Amys and their guest, Luke Hollenbeck, certified cat behavior consultant and all-around amazing human, to learn more about enriching our feline family member’s lives. Luke’s enthusiasm for all things CAT is infectious - you will leave this episode wanting to craft homemade enrichment items and spend more quality time with your kitties! Luk…

1
Bird Flu & Your Cat : What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know With Dr. Ann Hohenhaus 35:12

6M ago35:12

35:12

Send us a text This episode addresses the recent concerns surrounding avian influenza and its potential effects on cats, offering vital information and practical advice for cat owners. We explore how avian influenza spreads, its symptoms, and essential steps pet owners can take to protect their feline companions. • Overview of avian influenza and i…

1
From Chaos to Calm: Using Pattern Games for a Happier Cat 48:48

7M ago48:48

48:48

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to a happier, healthier cat through the innovative use of pattern games. Join us for a captivating conversation with Beth Brown, a certified cat behavior consultant, as we uncover how these structured exercises can transform your feline friend’s life. From providing predictability for shy cats to reducing stress fo…

1
Dog Bite Liability: What Owners Need to Know (Including Texas-Specific Laws in the USA) 10:16

7M ago10:16

10:16

In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior Podcast, Scott Sheaffer explores the legal responsibilities of dog owners when their pets bite someone, with a focus on dog bite liability laws in Texas and beyond. He breaks down key legal principles, including strict liability, the "One Bite Rule," and negligence-based liability, providing insights into how…

1
Cruise Director on the River Styx 37:38

7M ago37:38

37:38

Join the Amys as they embark on a journey down the River Styx with their cruise director, and death doula, Kate LaSala, Owner, Rescued By Training, LLC. The Amys discover what a death doula is, and how certified doulas help families navigate difficult end-of-life decisions. Kate also provides her unique perspective on the often “taboo” subject of b…

1
Two Signs You’ve Found an Effective Dog Trainer 8:50

7M ago8:50

8:50

This podcast episode explores two critical signs of an effective dog trainer or behaviorist. First, it emphasizes the importance of positive, reward-based training techniques, especially for addressing challenging issues like aggression or separation anxiety. Positive reinforcement, supported by modern behavioral science, fosters faster learning, l…

1
Unraveling Cat Genetics with Dr. Leslie Lyons 41:59

7M ago41:59

41:59

Send us a text What secrets do our feline friends hold in their DNA? Join us on a captivating exploration into the world of cat genetics with the esteemed Dr. Leslie Lyons. We promise you'll gain a newfound appreciation for how cats, with their genetic parallels to humans, serve as invaluable models in biomedical research and how their genetic dive…

1
15 Truths That Thousands of Dogs and Their Owners Have Taught Me about Dogs 12:02

8M ago12:02

12:02

What can thousands of dogs and their owners teach us about behavior? In this insightful episode, Scott Sheaffer, certified dog behavior consultant and behaviorist, shares 15 foundational truths he’s learned from years of hands-on experience. Covering common misconceptions—from barking and leash pulling to food guarding and misunderstood dominance. …

1
Feline Feelings: Love, Loss, and the Science of Attachment with Dr. Jennifer Vonk 56:08

8M ago56:08

56:08

Send us a text Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of our feline friends? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Vonk, a trailblazer in comparative and cognitive psychology, to uncover the mysteries of animal cognition and behavior. From her journey transitioning from human cognition research to studying a variety of species like orangutans an…

1
Should You Avoid Dog Parks Before Your Puppy is Fully Vaccinated? 7:17

8M ago7:17

7:17

In this episode, we tackle a question every new puppy owner faces: should you take your puppy to public spaces like dog parks before they’re fully vaccinated? We’ll explore the risks and benefits from both a health and behavioral perspective, share safe alternatives for early socialization, and discuss how to strike the right balance for your pup. …

1
Thrilling Them Softly with Kibble 51:55

8M ago51:55

51:55

Have you ever wondered if you're feeding your dog the right things? Have you ever thought that your pet’s diet might have a significant effect on their health or behavior? Join the Amys as they set sail on their fancy yacht with Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Martha Cline, to discuss all the juicy details about pet food facts and fables. V…

1
Emergency & Disaster Preparedness for Cats! 55:22

8M ago55:22

55:22

Send us a text Ensure your feline companions are protected and prepared for emergencies and natural disaster with insights from Dr. Gina Rendon, a trusted veterinarian from Williamsburg Vets. Discover essential strategies for creating an impeccable emergency preparedness plan, ranging from assembling a foolproof emergency kit to mastering the art o…

1
FAKE NEWS in the World of Science 43:02

8M ago43:02

43:02

You know what they say... If it's on the internet, then it must be true! Well, sorry to bee a buzzzzzz kill, but, there’s A LOT of fake news in the world. The spread of false information has become a serious challenge to evidence-based decision-making and science communication. So, how can one attempt to cut through the noise and separate fact from…

1
Do Dogs Get the Winter Blues? 8:21

9M ago8:21

8:21

Does your dog seem a little less energetic during the colder months? In this episode, we explore whether dogs can experience the winter blues and how seasonal changes might affect their mood. Learn the signs to watch for, how your own behavior plays a role, and practical tips to keep your furry friend happy and healthy all winter long. Don’t let th…

1
Understanding Community Cats: A Deep Dive with Stacy LeBaron 57:23

9M ago57:23

57:23

Send us a text Discover how community dynamics and infrastructure planning can apply to outdoor cat welfare with our inspiring guest, Stacy LeBaron from the Community Cats Podcast. Stacy takes us on her journey from urban planning to championing cat welfare, revealing insights on the transformative impact of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. She e…

1
Jumping Off the Rainbow Bridge 54:54

9M ago54:54

54:54

Working in the pet behavior field isn't always rainbows and unicorns. Instead, sometimes it involves the Rainbow Bridge. This topic is often misunderstood and stigmatized as the dark side of behavior. However, in science and in life, it is essential we refrain from drawing conclusions or placing blame without weighing facts and exploring varying po…

1
The Problem with Shock Collars in Dog Training 7:11

9M ago7:11

7:11

Why are so many dog trainers still using shock collars despite decades of research showing their harmful effects? In this episode, we explore how shock collars suppress unwanted behaviors like barking and aggression but fail to address the underlying causes such as fear and anxiety. Learn why humane, science-based dog training methods provide lasti…

1
AMA: Your Cat Behavior Questions Answered! 38:52

9M ago38:52

38:52

Send us a text Ever wondered how to help your feline friends live their best lives? Get ready to unravel the mysteries of cat behavior with us on Hiss and Tell as Kristiina Wilson teams up with journalist and documentarian David Farrier for an engaging AMA episode. From handling intercat aggression to counter-surfing deterrents, we tackle questions…

1
Decoding Fear in Dogs: How Territory and Triggers Shape Their Behavior 6:43

9M ago6:43

6:43

In this episode, we dive into the two biggest factors behind fear-based behavior in dogs: their territory and their fear triggers. Learn why dogs often react more strongly to strangers at home, what they find scary, and how you can help them feel safer. Whether it’s unfamiliar people, other dogs, or sudden noises, this episode provides practical ti…

1
The Art of the Science 23:33

10M ago23:33

23:33

All sentient beings can have BIG feelings. In the animal behavior field, the work is not just about the pet. Join the Amys for an enlightening discussion about helping the humans that seek help for their pets. The Amys are joined by their colleague and special guest, Dr. Rachel Malamed, DACVB, who guides us on a behind the scenes tour of the art of…

1
Enriching Indoor Cat Lives with Dr. Lynn Bahr 55:16

10M ago55:16

55:16

Send us a text Explore the fascinating world of indoor cat enrichment with our special guest, Dr. Lynn Barr, a renowned feline veterinarian and founder of Dezi & Roo. Together, we unpack the critical role of environmental enrichment in maintaining your indoor cat's physical and emotional well-being, revealing simple yet effective strategies to comb…