106. Backyard Chickens, Canine Science & Rethinking How Dogs Love Us

In this lively March edition of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore the fascinating intersection of pet science, backyard farming, and the emotional lives of dogs. From the surprising rise of hobby livestock to cutting-edge research on canine cognition and love, this episode challenges assumptions while offering practical guidance for modern pet families.

Story Time features: Kristen shares insights into the growing popularity of professional pet sitting, highlighting National Professional Pet Sitters Week and the increasing demand for certified pet care support across the country.

Chris explores global pet naming traditions, including France’s unique alphabetical naming system for purebred dogs — a cultural twist on how we define identity and connection with our pets.

Special Guests: Dr. Clive D. L. Wynne, Professor of Psychology, Arizona State University & Director, Canine Science Collaboratory

Dr. Mike Pesato, President, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners

Pet Product Recommendations: Cat Sushi Bonito Flakes Cat Food Topper – https://www.chewy.com/cat-sushi-bonito-flakes-classic-cut/dp/1301294

Muddy Mat Super Absorbent Door Mat – https://amzn.to/3O3EuvV

Q&A Topics: My dog freezes in the snow and refuses to walk or even go to the bathroom outside. How can I help him feel more comfortable in winter? (Submitted by Ethan from Burlington, VT)

Our dog keeps chewing furniture and table legs, and it’s pushing us to the breaking point. Is this anxiety, boredom, or something else — and how do we stop it? (Submitted by Mark from Plano, TX)

Related Links: Canine Science Collaboratory (ASU): https://caninesciencecollaboratory.com

Dr. Clive Wynne: https://clivewynne.com

Four State Veterinary Services: https://fourstatevet.com

Pet Sitters International: https://www.petsit.com

American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org

DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed

Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org

Social Channels: Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!

Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast

Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV