We thoroughly enjoyed the engagement from everyone who joined us for this year’s Misbehaviour or Misunderstood - Season 2 webinar series. Over the course of five sessions, we were fortunate to host both local and international experts, share recorded interviews with four overseas speakers, and have local panelists on hand for discussions on the night. None of this would have been possible without the enthusiasm of our audience and the generosity of your donations - thank you!
In this article, we revisit some of the key insights from the five webinars and take the opportunity to answer a number of the questions we couldn’t get to during the live sessions.
Click on the below webinar headers to open the summaries:
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Maria Alomajan, a certified dog behaviour consultant, trainer, author, and winner of the 2025 Companion Animal NZ Māimoa Award, spoke about one of the most common challenges dog owners face: recall. In theory, a perfect recall means a dog immediately turns and runs back to its handler the moment it’s called. In practice, though, distractions are everywhere, and most owners have experienced the frustration of those moments, when their dog simply won’t come back.
Maria explained that puppies are born with a natural tendency to return to their caregiver, but this only lasts until around 14 weeks of age. After that, recall is no longer instinctive - it has to be carefully taught and reinforced. Things become especially tricky during adolescence, which can last anywhere from six to twenty-four months. During this period, hormonal surges and changes in the brain make dogs more impulsive, forgetful, and easily distracted. They seek novelty, test boundaries, and often seem to “forget” their training overnight. The emotional part of the brain dominates, which means recall can feel unreliable, no matter how much effort owners put in.
Another key reason recall often fails is that the world itself is rewarding. Dogs love chasing after other dogs, investigating food scraps, splashing in puddles, or greeting people. All of these things compete directly with an owner’s call. Maria stressed that it’s not enough to call the dog and hope for the best - owners need to make sure that coming back is worth it. Every successful recall should be rewarded, ideally with something the dog finds exciting and irresistible… i.e. treats or toys.
Training recall, Maria explained, starts with being very clear about what “coming back” looks like. For some dogs, it might mean touching the owner’s hand; for others, it could mean sitting directly in front. Once that definition is set, the next step is consistency: using the same cue every time, being enthusiastic, and rewarding generously!
Dogs learn best in short, fun sessions that begin in quiet places before moving into more distracting environments. Tools like whistles can cut through noise and act as emergency cues, while long lines and harnesses give dogs freedom to explore safely as they practise. For added peace of mind, technology such as GPS trackers can help owners feel secure as they give their dogs more independence.
Maria emphasised that recall training should be joyful, not stressful. Owners need to be more exciting than the environment - sometimes this means using toys, favourite treats, or even unusual rewards like paper towels or squeaky noises. It also means being mindful of factors like stress, fatigue, pain, or fear, which can affect how a dog responds.
Practised daily and reinforced consistently, recall becomes not only a reliable behaviour but also a way of strengthening the bond between dog and owner.
One question we didn’t get to on the night was how to manage challenging behaviours in dogs - such as resource guarding, aggression, or excessive barking - particularly in highly social or stimulating environments.
Challenging behaviours such as resource guarding, aggression, or excessive barking often occur because a dog feels stressed, overstimulated, or is trying to protect something they value, whether that’s their human, food, or toys. In highly social or stimulating environments, these behaviours can be amplified simply because the dog is processing a lot at once.
Positive reinforcement training helps by rewarding calm, alternative behaviours instead of punishing the unwanted behaviour. As Debbie Jacobs says in Webinar 5, focus on the behaviour you want to see rather than the undesired behaviour. Managing triggers, teaching clear alternative behaviours, and consistently rewarding desired actions helps dogs feel safe, confident, and less likely to resort to guarding, aggression, or excessive barking. We recommend seeking guidance from one of our CANZ-accredited professionals to ensure your approach is safe and effective.
Another question was around a dog with a strong food drive. Their dog follows cues reliably when offered a treat, but sometimes ignores them if no treat is visible, or throws a tantrum if they follow a cue and don’t get a reward. They wanted to know the best way to manage this behaviour.
Some dogs may only respond reliably when a visible reward is present. This typically occurs when training relies too heavily on constant food rewards or fails to build generalisation across different contexts. Intermittent reinforcement, rewarding the desired behaviour unpredictably rather than every time, helps dogs maintain reliable responses even when a treat isn't immediately visible. Pairing food rewards with secondary reinforcers like praise or a favourite toy builds a broader reinforcement foundation and reduces dependency on treats alone.
Gradually fading visible food cues while teaching dogs to offer behaviours proactively, combined with training across varied environments and situations, helps build independence and intrinsic motivation. The goal is to use a dog's strong food drive strategically during training, then transition to more variable reinforcement schedules that maintain behaviour without creating dependency. For guidance on implementing these training strategies effectively, look for a CANZ-accredited professional near you.
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Angela Fletcher, a veterinary nurse, elite-level Fear Free trainer, Delta Level 4 cert holder, IAABC-ADT and CANZ Accredited Animal Training Instructor, presented on how to best bring a new baby into the household – which creates big changes, not only for the parents but also for their pets. For dogs, the arrival of a baby can mean new sounds, smells, routines, and restrictions. And it helps to prepare in advance, to reduce stress and ensure both child and dog can live together safely and happily. This might include adjusting walking times, feeding schedules, or the spaces your dog can use in the house. Gradual change prevents the dog from associating restrictions directly with the baby.
Babies bring with them a whole range of novel experiences - crying, giggling, squealing, and the constant buzz of toys. Playing recordings of baby noises at low volume, then gradually increasing, helps dogs become accustomed. Similarly, allow your dog to explore baby furniture and prams before they are in daily use. Reward calm behaviour so the dog learns these new additions are nothing to fear.
Both dog and baby need their own safe zones. Dogs should have access to a comfortable retreat, a bed or crate in a quiet area, where they are never disturbed. This helps prevent frustration or defensive behaviour. At the same time, establish clear boundaries about which areas will be baby-only spaces. Consistency is essential.
Basic manners become even more important once a baby arrives. Reliable skills such as “sit” and “stay”, and walking calmly on a lead make everyday life easier. Practise these skills in distracting environments to ensure your dog can manage excitement. Introducing baby-related routines, such as waiting calmly while you carry something, is also valuable.
When baby comes home, the first meeting should be calm and controlled. The dog should be on lead, with a trusted adult managing the interaction. Allow the dog to sniff from a comfortable distance, rewarding relaxed behaviour. Over time, short, positive exposures build trust and familiarity.
Preparation doesn’t stop once the baby is home. As children grow, new stages bring fresh challenges: crawling, grabbing, running. Close supervision is always required, and children should be taught respectful handling skills from an early age. Positive reinforcement for the dog, combined with education for the child, keeps interactions safe.
By planning ahead, families can avoid many of the common problems that arise when dogs feel displaced, anxious, or confused by a baby’s arrival. Preparation fosters confidence in the dog, reduces stress for parents, and lays the foundation for a safe, positive bond between child and pet.
Angela provided answers to all the questions during the session
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Dr Jess is an accredited veterinary behaviourist and the Founder and Director of Kiwi Vet Behaviour, a team of qualified vets and trainers providing compassionate, science-based services. In this webinar, Jess explored the challenges and considerations of caring for aging pets, focusing on both physical and cognitive changes in dogs and cats.
Aging in pets involves complex biological, physical, and psychological shifts, similar to those seen in humans, but often overlooked in companion animals. Lifespan varies by species and breed, with smaller dogs typically living longer than larger breeds, and cats frequently reaching their late teens with appropriate care.
Physical changes in older pets can include arthritis, dental disease, hormonal imbalances, lumps, and reduced mobility. Chronic pain from these conditions can significantly affect mood, behaviour, and overall wellbeing, often presenting subtly before obvious signs emerge. Early intervention, including regular veterinary check-ups, blood tests, dental care, and grooming, is crucial for maintaining quality of life. Environmental modifications, such as ramps, non-slip surfaces, accessible resting areas, and user-friendly litter trays, can help pets navigate their world comfortably.
Aging also brings psychological and cognitive changes. Older pets may experience anxiety, altered social interactions, depression, changes in sleep patterns, reduced sensory perception, and cognitive decline - sometimes referred to as canine or feline dementia. Signs of cognitive dysfunction can include disorientation, memory loss, inappropriate toileting, and changes in activity levels. Accurate diagnosis requires distinguishing these changes from underlying medical conditions.
Management strategies for cognitive decline are multifactorial. Nutrition is central: specialised diets, rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, and other nutrients, support brain health. While some medications may offer limited benefits, no single drug can reverse cognitive decline, making a holistic approach essential.
Owner involvement and environmental enrichment play a vital role. Cognitive stimulation through puzzle toys, scent-based games, problem-solving activities, and gentle training exercises helps maintain mental sharpness. Exercise, even in shorter or modified forms, supports both physical and cognitive health. Social interaction, grooming, and massage provide comfort, mental engagement, and relief from aches and stiffness.
Jess emphasised the importance of proactive, contextualized care - balancing veterinary treatment, environmental support, cognitive enrichment, and the pet’s physical needs with the guardian’s resources and capabilities. Even in the face of aging or cognitive decline, pets can continue to live engaging, fulfilling lives with thoughtful care.
The overarching message of the webinar was clear: aging does not mean life stops being good for pets. With early recognition, targeted support, and active engagement, senior dogs and cats can maintain comfort, function, and a strong bond with their human companions.
An unanswered question on the night was about how we can support pets with cognitive decline to feel safe, comfortable, and engaged, especially when we aren’t at home?
Supporting pets with cognitive decline when you're not home involves creating a predictable, secure environment that accommodates their changing needs. Keep lighting consistent and furniture arrangements unchanged to reduce confusion, while providing non-slip surfaces and clear pathways for safe navigation. Comfort measures like familiar scents from your clothing, pheromone diffusers, and soft background music can help reduce anxiety.
For gentle mental engagement, try puzzle feeders or lick mats, and rotate familiar toys to maintain interest without overwhelming them. Most importantly, maintain calm, consistent routines around departures and returns, ensure easy access to essentials like food and water, and consider remote check-ins through pet cameras or trusted neighbours.
Another question was about aging pets with multiple health concerns, such as cognitive decline and physical conditions like arthritis, how to best manage their diet to support both mental and physical wellbeing?
The good news is that many nutritional strategies can support both cognitive decline and joint health at the same time. However, it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to evaluate prescription diets that target both conditions and to determine whether additional supplements might be needed to complement the base diet. Aging pets often have other health issues that can make certain diets unsuitable, so veterinary guidance is essential.
Diets that benefit both arthritis and cognitive function typically include Omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA), antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, and high-quality, easily digestible protein to maintain muscle mass and provide essential amino acids.
Any dietary changes should be introduced carefully, with close monitoring of your pet’s response. Adjustments may be needed to ensure appropriate calorie intake and to maintain ideal body weight.
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This webinar explored animal emotions and included the latest research in the field of dog, cat and horse emotional expressions. It featured recorded interviews with three international experts and we welcomed panelist Dr Gosia Zobel to the webinar to share insights from a researcher’s point of view.
Dog Emotions
Dr. Holly Molinaro from Arizona State University discussed dog emotions, body language, and human perception, emphasising that understanding animal emotions is more complex than simply mapping human feelings onto animal behaviours. She outlined that there are two main theories of emotion: the basic/discrete theory, which proposes universal, evolutionarily based emotions, and the constructed theory, which views emotions as shaped by context, culture, and individual experience. While most animal research follows the basic theory, Holly highlighted the importance of bottom-up approaches that consider dogs’ unique emotional capacities.Studies show that human perception of dog emotions is highly context-dependent. The same dog behaviour may be interpreted differently based on the observer’s mood, experience, or environmental cues. Participants often rely heavily on facial cues and risk anthropomorphizing. Holly advised dog owners to observe their own dog closely, track individual behaviours, and develop a personalised understanding of emotional cues. Gosia noted that similar principles apply across species, where physical responses - such as ear, eye, or body movements in chickens, horses, and cows - can reveal emotional states without projecting human emotions.
Horse Emotions
Dr. Gabriel Lencioni from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, presented research on the objective assessment of horse emotions and pain, combining AI, computer programming, and behavioural knowledge. His team has achieved 75.8% accuracy in distinguishing absent, moderate, and present pain, and 88.3% accuracy in identifying whether a horse is in pain. These methods complement traditional tools like the Grimace Scale, which scores facial action units to detect subtle pain cues and has been adapted across species.Gabriel emphasised the core affect concept, which classifies emotions by valence (positive vs negative) and arousal (energy level). Assessing emotions in real-life and competition settings is challenging due to context and human interaction, but AI can help standardise observations, reduce subjective variability, and identify patterns not previously recognised.
Practical applications include monitoring welfare during training and competitions, enhancing human-horse interactions, and supporting ethical handling practices. By integrating AI with expert knowledge, researchers aim to develop tools that objectively assess horse emotions, improve welfare, and inform decision-making in equestrian contexts.
Cat emotions
Dr. Britt Florkiewicz, a comparative and evolutionary psychologist from Lyon College, Arkansas, shared fascinating insights into how cats use facial expressions to communicate their emotions and navigate social interactions. Cats, like many other mammals, combine movements of their ears, eyes, whiskers, nose, and mouth to convey a wide range of feelings. These expressions are not only important for interacting with other cats but also for communicating with humans.
Defensive expressions toward humans often involve pinned-back ears, dilated pupils, and an open mouth, sometimes accompanied by hissing. When interacting with other cats, subtle differences appear. For instance, a cat anticipating conflict may constrict its pupils, pin its ears back, and lick its lips, signalling readiness to defend itself. In contrast, friendly interactions are characterised by slow blinking, forward-facing ears and whiskers, and partially or fully closed eyes - signs of trust and a willingness to engage socially.
Britt emphasised that context matters: cats express themselves differently with humans than with other cats, and understanding these nuances can help owners encourage positive interactions and intervene before conflicts escalate. She also highlighted that cats are capable of at least 276 distinct facial expressions, with likely more yet to be documented. Interestingly, cats can engage in rapid facial mimicry, copying positive expressions from humans or other cats to strengthen social bonds and better predict behaviour.
The research shows that cats have a rich and nuanced repertoire of facial expressions. By learning to read these cues, humans can better understand what their cats are feeling, foster positive interactions, and respond appropriately to signs of stress or aggression.
All questions were answered during the webinar session.
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Debbie Jacobs is from Vermont, U.S. and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a Registered Behavior Technician, accredited by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board, and author of A Guide To Living With And Training A Fearful Dog. As our final speaker in the series Debbie explored the complexities of fear and anxiety in dogs, emphasizing that these behaviours are often misunderstood. Debbie clarified that dogs typically display fear or aggression to communicate “leave me alone,” and that responding appropriately - acknowledging the dog’s signals without escalating the situation - helps build effective communication and trust.
Her presentation highlighted practical strategies for managing challenging behaviours, including aggression between dogs, house training, and handling equipment like harnesses or jackets. Debbie emphasised small, structured training sessions that use positive reinforcement, shaping behaviours incrementally, and avoiding punishment. She also explained common fears, such as strangers, separation, noise, and car rides, and how counter-conditioning and skill-building can gradually change a dog’s emotional response to triggers.
Special attention was given to separation anxiety, which Debbie described as a mental health concern rather than a result of poor ownership. Treatment focuses on preventing panic, creating positive environments, and using gradual training strategies, sometimes alongside medication, to achieve lasting results. Throughout the webinar, Debbie stressed the importance of understanding the function of a dog’s behaviour, reinforcing appropriate responses, and using patient, thoughtful approaches to improve the dog’s emotional wellbeing.
We were pleased to have Dr Jess Beer on the panel for Webinar 5, and every question submitted was answered.
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The answers provided to questions addressed in this article are written by the CANZ Welfare Team and do not represent the personal opinions of the speakers. Any specific behavioural concerns should be addressed by a qualified professional, such as a CANZ-accredited professional or a veterinarian.
For more info on finding a CANZ-accredited professional near you, go to:
CANZ Accreditation — Companion Animals New Zealand