How to help dogs with separation anxiety with Malena DeMartini

How to help dogs with separation anxiety with Malena DeMartini

Author: Zazie Todd PhD and Kristi Benson CTC January 6, 2026 Duration: 32:06
Leave us a voicemail! If your dog has separation anxiety, what can you do to help them, how can you cope with not leaving your dog alone for longer than they can handle, and why is it so important? We're joined by separation anxiety expert Malena DeMartini to talk about how you can help your dog with their separation-related issues. We talk about: what separation anxiety is and whether other labels like separation-related distress are useful to dog trainers and dog guardianswhat it means to s...

Ever wondered what your pet is really thinking, or how the latest animal behaviour research might change your approach to a common challenge? That’s the kind of ground covered in The Pawsitive Post in Conversation. Hosts Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson bring their combined expertise-rooted in science and practical, hands-on training-into a series of discussions that feel more like a thoughtful chat with knowledgeable friends than a formal lecture. You’ll hear them unpack the nuances of dog and cat behaviour, offering actionable advice that always aligns with kind, reward-based methods. The conversation often extends beyond training tips to explore the fascinating science behind our pets' actions, helping to build deeper, more empathetic relationships. As avid readers, Zazie and Kristi also regularly share insights from the books on their nightstands, from animal-focused titles to broader works that inform their perspective. This Canadian-made podcast is a resource for anyone-whether you’re a parent teaching kids about animal kindness, a new pet owner, or a seasoned enthusiast-looking to cultivate a more thoughtful and harmonious life with their dog or cat. It’s a space where curiosity meets compassion, and where every episode aims to leave you with a clearer understanding of your companion animal.
Author: Language: en-ca Episodes: 57

The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal Psychology
Podcast Episodes
Culture Clash and  Beyond with Jean Donaldson at Bark! Fest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:35
Leave us a voicemail! Bark! Fest gets off to a tail-wagging start with a conversation with one of the world’s top dog trainers. Jean Donaldson’s seminal book The Culture Clash reframed how we think about dogs and has ins…
Dogs, trauma, and both ends of the leash with Patricia McConnell PhD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:44
Leave us a voicemail! Patricia B. McConnell PhD is an internationally-renowned applied animal behaviourist who has dedicated her life to improving the relationship between people and animals. Amongst her many treasured d…
What you need to know about herding dogs with Emily Priestley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:07
Leave us a voicemail! Zazie and Kristi talk to dog trainer Emily Priestley about her book Urban Sheepdog and what you need to know about herding breeds. We start by discussing which breeds count as herding breeds and wha…
How to include your pet in wedding photos with Nicole Ettenhofer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
Leave us a voicemail! Zazie and Kristi speak to Nicole Ettenhofer, VP of Growth and Strategy at George Street Photo & Video, about pet-friendly ways to get cute wedding photos with your pet. As people increasingly consid…
How to Help Dogs Prepare for a New Baby with Kate LaSala [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:34
Leave us a voicemail! Zazie and Kristi chat with Kate LaSala of Rescued By Training about the important steps to take to help dogs prepare for the arrival of a baby in the family. Kate takes a lot of fear and aggression…
Flat-faced dogs and cats with Dr. Dan O'Neill and Dr. Rowena Packer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:00
Leave us a voicemail! We talk about the health issues faced by flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs and cats and why these breeds are still to popular with Dr. Dan O'Neill and Dr. Rowena Packer of the Royal Veterinary Colleg…
Freddie the rescue dog and how dogs save us with Grant Hayter-Menzies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:52
Leave us a voicemail! Zazie and Kristi are joined by Grant Hayter-Menzies to talk about his book Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me. In this episode, we’re joined by writer and biographer Grant Hayter-Menzies to talk…