WAG

Science tells us that spending time with dogs can boost our mood, improve our physical health, and even help us navigate difficult emotions such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, and grief. Yet statistics show how easily the human-canine bond can break down, sometimes with devastating effects—and as Todd explains in Wag, misunderstanding our dog's needs is most often to blame.

Wag bridges the gap between human and canine by drawing on new research to clearly state what your dog needs at each stage in your journey together: from new puppy to end-of-life care. Along the way, informative chapters on topics such as “How Dogs Learn,” “Fear and Other Problems,” and “Dogs and Children” share new solutions to old problems, and a “Checklist for a Happy Dog” helps put new ideas into practice. Wag interweaves Todd's own expertise with interviews with leading veterinarians, dog trainers, and psychologists to create a fascinating portrait of today's canine, and an indispensable guide to improving your relationship with your dog. The book is illustrated with photographs and diagrams. Greystones Publishing will publish in North America in spring 2020 along with an audiobook.

Dr Zazie Todd
Zazie Todd, PhD, is the author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy (Greystone Books, March 2020). As an animal behavior expert (and former social psychologist), she loves nothing better than helping people have a better relationship with their pet. Her award-winning blog, Companion Animal Psychology, is described as the “coolest behavior blog on the planet” by renowned dog trainer Jean Donaldson. Todd has been featured in the Washington Post, National Geographic, HuffPost, PetMD, Bustle, Happy Paws, and Slate, amongst others. She is an adjunct professor at Canisius College, the owner-operator of Blue Mountain Animal Behavior, and gives talks and webinars for animal lovers and pet professionals. She has a Psychology Today blog, Fellow Creatures, and her writing has also appeared in Pacific Standard, Reader's Digest, and The Psychologist.

Todd has a PhD in Psychology (University of Nottingham) and an MFA Creative Writing (UBC). She is an honors graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers and has a Certificate in Feline Behavior (with Distinction) from International Cat Care. She is a member of the Fear Free Advisory Group, a multi-species professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (where she serves on the Shelter and Rescue Committee), and a shelter affiliate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. As well, she is an affiliate member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Todd is originally from Leeds, UK, and now lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, one dog, and two cats.