In this episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding dives deep into two foundational—but often under-discussed—forms of non-associative learning: sensitization and habituation. Drawing on research and classic learning theory, she explains what these processes are, how they differ, why they matter, and how they show up every day in companion animals. 

Dr. Spaulding connects the research to practical strategies you can use right away. From monitoring behavior and adjusting stimulus intensity to incorporating conditioning and systematic desensitization, this episode offers clear guidance for helping animals move toward calmer, more adaptive responses.  This episode will help you learn how to apply these principles thoughtfully in real-world training and behavior work. 

Whether you're a trainer, behavior consultant, or simply passionate about science-informed practice, this episode will deepen your understanding of how animals learn—and how you can support them more effectively.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

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One of the most common questions Dr. Kristina Spaulding hears is whether stress “stays in the system” for three days. In this episode, she digs into what that really means, what the research shows, and why the truth is more complex than a simple yes or no.

She begins with the biology of the stress response—how the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system work together, the roles of cortisol and corticosterone, and why not all stress is bad. Then she takes on the central question: how long does stress actually last? You’ll learn how long it typically takes for stress hormones to peak and return to baseline, and the many factors that influence recovery, making exact estimates of the duration of the stress response extremely difficult.

Dr. Spaulding also explores sensitization and cross-sensitization—how prior stress can make animals more reactive to future challenges, even entirely different ones. This has big implications for understanding anxiety, PTSD, and the impacts of stress on behavior. Finally, she discusses chronic and developmental stress and why a blunted stress response doesn’t necessarily mean an animal is “fine.”

The idea that stress lingers for three days is a myth. Hormones often normalize within hours, but the effects of stress—especially repeated or early-life stress—can last for days, weeks, or even a lifetime.

Resources:

Garcia, Arantxa, Octavi Marti, Astrid Valles, Silvina Dal-Zotto, and Antonio Armario. “Recovery of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Response to Stress: Effect of Stress Intensity, Stress Duration and Prevention Stress Exposure.” Neuroendocrinology 72, no. 2 (August 2000): 114–25.

Belda, X., Rotllant, D., Fuentes, S., Delgado, R., Nadal, R., & Armario, A. (2008). Exposure to severe stressors causes long‐lasting dysregulation of resting and stress‐induced activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1148(1), 165-173.

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In this episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding talks with Dr. (Jessica) Perry Hekman, DVM, PhD — behavioral geneticist and co-founder of the Functional Dog Collaborative — about what genetics can (and can’t) tell us about dog behavior.

Dr. Hekman shares her journey from veterinary practice to genetics research and helps unpack key concepts like heritability, epigenetics, and behavioral phenotypes. Together, they explore what the science really says about breed and behavior — including a thoughtful look at the much-debated 2022 Darwin’s Ark study.

The conversation takes a nuanced look at some of the biggest questions in our field: What does “breed” actually mean? How much variation exists within breeds? And how do genes and environment interact to shape the dogs we live and work with? While these questions don’t yet have clear, concrete answers, Dr. Hekman helps shed light on what current research can tell us — and where science is still evolving.

Dr. Hekman also discusses the goals of the Functional Dog Collaborative, which promotes evidence-based breeding practices that support genetic diversity, health, and sound temperament. The discussion concludes with a look at how trainers and behavior professionals can contribute to a more informed, ethical approach to breeding and behavior.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

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This podcast was originally released in April 2022 as a shortened version. This is the full version of the original podcast.

Dr. Ádám Miklósi is a full professor and the leader of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös University in Budapest (Hungary). He is also the co-founder and leader of the Family Dog Project ( http://familydogproject.elte.hu ) which studies human-dog interaction from an ethological perspective. In recent years he has also become interested in the automatization of measuring dog behavior and his research group has pioneered  studying the neural and genetic aspects of dog behavior using non-invasive methods like fMRI and EEG.  

Over more than twenty years The Family Dog Project published over 180 scientific papers, and organized several conferences. 

In 2014 Miklósi published the second edition of an academic volume entitled Dog Behavior, Evolution and Cognition by Oxford University Press that summarizes the most recent status on dog oriented research. More recently, together with his colleagues, he published The Dog: A Natural History with Ivy Press, London.  For more information on Dr. Miklósi and his lab visit: https://familydogproject.elte.hu/

In this episode we talk about meeting the needs of dogs, approaches to training, imitation, self-awareness, exceptional word learning capabilities in certain dogs, and much more.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

• Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/
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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 School, for a deep dive into what it truly means to support positive animal welfare.

From competence and resilience to cognitive bias and decision-making, Dr. Mendl explores how animals perceive and interact with the world—and why individual differences matter so much. You’ll hear how animal-based indicators can reveal nuanced welfare states, why emotions play a pivotal role in behavior, and how the dimensional model of emotion can help us better understand and assess an animal’s experience.

Along the way, we discuss:

• How competence and resilience shape behavior and well-being
• How animals set and pursue their own goals
• Cognitive bias testing as a window into welfare states
• Recognizing when hidden medical issues influence behavior
• Using positive states—not just the absence of negatives—to improve lives
• Future directions for research in welfare and emotion

Whether you’re a trainer, behavior consultant, veterinarian, or simply a science-curious animal lover, this conversation offers both practical insights and a deeper appreciation for the complexity of animal minds. By connecting the latest welfare science with real-world applications, Dr. Mendl’s work challenges us to move beyond preventing suffering and toward actively fostering lives worth living.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

• Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/
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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 explores the benefits and pitfalls of labels, the messiness behind mental health classifications, and how new models in psychology might help us think differently about animal behavior. At the heart of the discussion: lasting change comes from addressing underlying processes—like stress, emotional regulation, and impulsivity—rather than focusing only on behaviors. If you’ve ever wondered how labels shape your work—or how to use them more effectively—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a trainer, behavior consultant, vet, or science-curious animal lover, you’ll come away with a richer, more nuanced view of how labels shape our understanding—and results.

Links & Resources:
Unlocking Resilience:  https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience

First, M. B., Rebello, T. J., Keeley, J. W., Bhargava, R., Dai, Y., Kulygina, M., ... & Reed, G. M. (2018). Do mental health professionals use diagnostic classifications the way we think they do? A global survey. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 187-195.

Maj, M. (2018). Why the clinical utility of diagnostic categories in psychiatry is intrinsically limited and how we can use new approaches to complement them. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 121–122. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20512

Nasrallah, H. A. (2021). Re-Inventing the Dsm as A Transdiagnostic Model: Psychiatric Disorders Are Extensively Interconnected. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 33(3), 148–150. https://doi.org/10.12788/acp.0037

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

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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 intersection of veterinary care and public health, emphasizing how financial and systemic barriers affect access to veterinary services, particularly for low-income and BIPOC families. Dr. Blackwell introduces Align Care, a program designed to subsidize veterinary care through community-supported fund accounts, and highlights the benefits of case management over strict enforcement in animal control policies. 

The episode also delves into the importance of diversity within the animal welfare field, effective strategies to make it more inclusive, and the pioneering role of veterinary social workers in supporting pet owners' mental health. This insightful conversation underscores the need for systemic changes and community involvement to improve the well-being of pets and their families.

00:00 Welcome to Research Bites
01:19 Introducing Dr. Michael Blackwell
03:02 Dr. Blackwell's Journey and Mission
04:36 The Intersection of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health
07:12 Mental Health and Veterinary Medicine
11:26 Racial Disparities in Animal Welfare
17:13 Challenges in Animal Control and Sheltering
26:05 Improving Diversity in Animal Welfare
32:56 The Importance of Inclusive Public Health
35:56 Introducing Align Care: A Solution for Veterinary Subsidies
36:25 How Align Care Works: Structure and Goals
41:26 Community Involvement and Funding for Align Care
45:15 Align Care's Impact on Shelters and Local Governments
50:20 Behavioral Services and Align Care
53:31 Veterinary Social Work: Supporting Pet Owners
59:12 Future Directions and Final Thoughts

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

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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 and behavior. We dive into Dr. Spaulding’s new favorite concept: mindbody unity, and explore how physical health and behavior are deeply intertwined.

Dr. Pike has been caring for patients for well over 20 years. She is a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through IAABC, and is Fear Free Certified. She is the Secretary for the American College of Veterinary Behaviorist's Board of Regents, and the Head of the Specialty Training Committee. Dr. Pike is currently the co-owner of both Animal Behavior Wellness Center locations in Fairfax, VA and Richmond, She sees pets with behavior disorders ranging from mild fears to extreme aggression, compulsive disorders, and panic disorders. 

Dr. Learn attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she completed an internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in NJ. Dr. Learn remained in general practice for 20 years, when she completed her residency in Clinical Behavioral Medicine. She is currently the Chief of Clinical Behavioral Medicine at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Richmond VA. Dr. Learn has received the prestigious RK Anderson Resident Achievement Award from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists for outstanding research in the field of applied animal behavior. Dr. Learn is also an active member on the board of the IAABC Foundation.

Join us as Drs. Learn and Pike share compelling case studies that highlight the medical roots of behavioral concerns, and offer practical insight into how behavior consultants and veterinarians can collaborate more effectively. We also examine the roles—and limitations—of medications, nutraceuticals, CBD, and probiotics in behavior work, discussing what we know and where uncertainty still remains.

We end by taking on the recent question of playin

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

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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 – or work closely with shelter or rescue dogs - this is the podcast for you! 

Lisa Gunter is an Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Virginia Tech in the School of Animal Sciences, and she directs the Center for Applied Animal Behavior and Education. Before beginning her graduate studies, she worked for nearly a decade in animal shelters and with pet dogs and their owners.

The goal of Lisa's teaching, research, and extension is to better the lives of people and their pets. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Coastal Carolina University and the Maddie's Fund Research Fellow at Arizona State University. Lisa is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and earned her Ph.D. and M. A. in the Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology program at Arizona State University. In the canine science collaboratory. 

Dr. Gunter discusses how weekend foster stays and brief field trips affect shelter dogs. Specifically, she explains how these activities influence stress and length of stay. Another factor that may impact length of stay is breed labeling – Dr. Gunter shared key insights from her research on this topic as well. This exciting research sheds light on how shelters can best serve the animals in their care. 

Next, Dr. Gunter and Dr. Spaulding share their thoughts on the future of animal sheltering– it’s a very different model than what is being used today! Finally, make sure you stay to the end to learn more about the upcoming Canine Science Symposium!

00:00 Introduction to Research Bites Membership
00:53 Welcome to the Research Bites Podcast
01:27 Introducing Dr. Lisa Gunter
01:44 Dr. Gunter's Background and Research Focus
03:34 The Importance of Shelter Dog Research
05:44 Impact of Short-Term Foster Stays
08:42 Measuring Stress in Shelter Dogs
10:24 Challe

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

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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: Science is for everyone! You don’t need a fancy degree to understand and apply science in meaningful ways.
• Science is deeply connected to real-world applications, including the everyday work of dog training and behavior.
• Dr. Spaulding shares examples of research that directly informs and improves how we work with dogs.

Myth #2: There are black-and-white answers about behavior.

• The Truth: Behavior and biological systems are incredibly complex.
• Oversimplifying them can hinder our ability to truly understand and help animals.
• Science evolves as we learn more, and this is a good thing! Progress means discovering better ways to do things, rather than sticking to outdated methods.

Key Takeaways:

• Science matters! It can be approachable and valuable for anyone working with animals. 
• Complexity is part of what makes science (and behavior) fascinating—and embracing it can lead to better outcomes.
• Learning and adapting as new evidence emerges is essential for growth, both as individuals and as practitioners.

This episode is about making science less intimidating, highlighting how it connects to what you do every day, and encouraging curiosity about the way we approach training and behavior.

Let’s dive in!

Unlocking Resilience course (starts February 5th, 2025): https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience 
Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites 

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

• Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/
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