Research Bites Podcast
The goal of Research Bites is to bring the science of applied animal behavior to non-scientists. In each episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding interviews an animal behavior researcher and talks about how we apply science and research to working and living with dogs. Research Bites members get access to full-length episodes, as well as monthly webinars and chats about current research in dog behavior. Visit https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites for more details or to become a member.
- Update frequency
- every 35 days
- Average duration
- 47 minutes
- Episodes
- 34
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
#33: Building Resilience: Dr. Mike Mendl on Positive Welfare, Emotion, and Decision-Making in Animals
In this thought-provoking episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding is joined by Dr. Mike Mendl, professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary…
#32: Labels, Behavior, and the Bigger Picture
In this episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding dives into the complex world of labels—how we define, categorize, and talk about behavior in both humans and animals. Drawing on her psychology background, she…
#31: Dr. Michael Blackwell on increasing access to services in the animal field
In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, Dr. Spaulding interviews Dr. Michael Blackwell, Director of Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee. The discussion centers around the intersec…
#30 - Dr. Amy Learn and Dr. Amy Pike on medical issues and behavior
In this episode, we’re joined by not one, but two Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorists—Dr. Amy Learn and Dr. Amy Pike—for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of medicine…
#29: Dr. Lisa Gunter on sleepovers and field trips for shelter dogs
In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, Dr. Spaulding interviews Dr. Lisa Gunter about her work on reducing stress and improving welfare in shelter dogs. If you work or volunteer in a shelter…
#28 Science Myths Busted: Understanding Behavior and the Role of Science
In this episode, we explore two common myths about science and how they relate to the world of dog training and behavior:
Myth #1: Science is elitist and doesn’t apply to the real world.
- The Truth: Sci…
#27: Dr. Sara Hintze on animal well-being and intrinsic reward
00:00 Introduction to Research Bites Podcast
00:30 Join the Research Bites Membership
01:08 Introducing Dr. Sara Hintze
02:01 Dr. Hintze's Journey into Animal Welfare
04:43 The Evolution of Animal We…
#26: Dr. Daniel Mills on understanding animal emotions and behavior
In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, host Dr. Kristina Spaulding interviews Professor Daniel Mills, a renowned expert in veterinary behavioral medicine from the University of Lincoln. They …
Podcast Update!
Hello everyone! I am taking a break to develop a more effective and consistent system for podcast production so that I can release episodes on a regular timeline. That means I need to take a short br…
#25 Monique Udell - Problem solving, communication, and attachment (full length version of original, shortened version)
Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC
This podcast was originally released in March 2022 as a shortened version. This is the full version of the…
#24: Mini episode 4 - Pair housing revisited, survey on guardian training methods and information sources
Summary
In this conversation, Kristina discusses two research papers. The first paper explores the effects of pair housing versus single housing in shelter dogs (yes, this was discussed last episode, …
#23 - Dr. Patricia McConnell on intrinsic reinforcement, flow, and agency
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Kristina Spaulding explore the concept of flow, which is a state of complete absorption and engagement in an activity that is intrinsically…
#22: Mini-episode 3 - Puppy whines and maternal care, impacts of housing on shelter dog stress
Summary
In this conversation, I discuss two research papers related to dog behavior. The first paper explores the influence of puppy whines on maternal behavior in dogs. The study found that puppy whi…
#21 - Dr. Lucia Lazarowski - Odor and cognition, working dogs, resilience and arousal
Dr. Lucia Lazarowski, chief behavioral scientist at Auburn University's Canine Performance Sciences Program, discusses her research on olfaction and behavior in detection dogs. Dr. Lazarewski shares …
#20: Mini-episode #2 - Perspectives on puppy development, training and impulse control, barking in shelters
It's time for another mini-episode on recent research! In this episode, I discuss papers about 1) gaps in our understanding of puppy development, from a unique perspective, 2) the impact of dog sport…
#19: Mini-episode #1 - Handling in horses, cat aggression at the vet clinic and at home, pandemic puppies
Here is a quick little episode for you with a summary of three recent papers. If you enjoyed this information and would like more opportunities to stay current with dog behavior research, check out R…
#18 - Dr. Erin Hecht - Breed differences in dog brains
In this episode, I will be talking to Dr. Erin Hecht. She received her bachelor of science degree in cognitive science from the University of California, San Diego in 2006, and her PhD in neuroscienc…
#17 - Dr. Sharmaine Miller - One Health
Dr. Sharmaine Miller is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Her research focuses on stress, One Health, and health equity and she is interested in human-animal relationshi…
#16 - Pierre Zimmerman - Addressing burnout and emotional well-being in humans
We can't help animals if we, ourselves, are not okay. Taking care of your mental health and well-being is essential to avoid burnout. In this episode, I interview Pierre Zimmerman, a Buddhist chaplai…
#15 - Dr. Allison Scagel - Cognition and training
Dr. Allison Scagel. She is the owner and founder of Scholars with Collars Training and Behavior LLC. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in wildlife and conser…