Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys

33 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Dr. Amy L. Pike & Dr. Amy Learn

We're your sassy hosts, Dr. Amy L. Pike and Dr. Amy Learn, A.K.A...THE AMYS! As Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists, we understand the challenges of pet guardianship. Every day we diagnose and treat behavior problems. And, every day we help pets and their people navigate the sea of confusing, misleading, and downright false information swirling around on the internet and social media.We provide clinical insight into underlying causes of behavior problems, make cynical sense of nonsense, disprove myths, and promote positive, trusting human/animal relationships. We're dedicated to modern, science-based intervention without the use of pain, fear, f...

One FLU Over the Cuckoo's Nest
#8
Last Wednesday at 9:00 PM

In this episode, the Amys take on RFK Jr and the Trump administration. Ok, not really... But we are talking about Avian Flu and how this administration’s policies regarding science are leaving a fowl taste in the mouths of experts.

Join the Amys and their expert guest Dr. Kate Allison, internationally renowned  for her work in public health and zoonotic disease, for a feather-ruffling discussion about the right wing's defunding of testing and research grants necessary to prevent another pandemic.

What spreads faster - Avian Flu or misinformation? Grab a c...


Talk Dirty to Me
#7
07/02/2025

Are you sick of people not understanding gay rights or transgender peoples? Animals don't care! The Amys understand that love is love no matter who you are. Join us in celebrating pride month with our sexpert Dr. Kara Kolster, studier of the creation of the beast, as we discuss the animal kingdom's secret and not-so-taboo sexual encounters. 

Normal, natural, and free from judgement wins the day! It sounds like human society just needs to move from Puritanical to Prideful. 🏳️‍🌈

Grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, c...


Science DOES Matter!
#6
06/18/2025

Dr. Kristina Spaulding returns to flip the script on the Amys! Research Bites is Dr. Spaulding’s podcast and platform for delivering applied animal behavior to non-scientists, and revealing how science and research apply to working and living with dogs in our everyday lives. Join the conversation about everything from the Mind-Body Unit, to the controversy over the game of fetch.

What if a rose was not a rose at all? How should veterinarians, trainers, and behavior consultants be working collectively toward common goals?

...


We're Off to See the Wizard!
#5
06/04/2025

Steve Dale has his pulse on the veterinary and training world at all times - thats why we call him the Wizard! 

Join the Amys and certified Animal Behavior Consultant, pet expert, public speaker, and host of Steve Dale's Pet World, the fabulous Steve Dale, as they discuss heart disease in cats and emerging new treatments. They also delve into behavior and training - 🎶because, because, because, because... that's what the Amys do!🎶

Grab a cocktail and your ruby slippers, and get up to speed on the lat...


Tails of Tethered Cord Syndrome : A Medical Mystery
#4
05/21/2025

Is your pet a medical or behavioral mystery? Searching for the veterinary version of Dr. House can be frustrating. Join the Amys as they discuss Malus - a very special Terrier with a medical mystery. Without his mom Katrina pushing for a diagnosis, Malus' behavior would never have improved. Learn more about this mysterious disorder - Tethered Cord Syndrome - which can only be diagnosed and treated by a few veterinarians in the world!

Grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episod...


Tails of Tethered Cord Syndrome : A Medical Mystery
#4
05/14/2025

Is your pet a medical or behavioral mystery? Searching for the veterinary version of Dr. House can be frustrating. Join the Amys as they discuss Malus - a very special Terrier with a medical mystery. Without his mom Katrina pushing for a diagnosis, Malus' behavior would never have improved. Learn more about this mysterious disorder - Tethered Cord Syndrome - which can only be diagnosed and treated by a few veterinarians in the world!

Grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episod...


Wag More, Bark Less
#3
04/30/2025

Ever wonder if your dogs and cats are happy? What constitutes happiness for our companion animals? Join the Amys and their esteemed guest, award-winning author and creator of Companion Animal Psychology, Dr. Zazie Todd, as they discuss the science of our pet's happiness. Dr. Todd remains a major voice and driving force behind the worldwide humane dog training movement and has dedicated her career to animal welfare and improving the human-animal bond.

Are YOU the secret to your pet's happiness? How can you help break down barriers and encourage the...


I Like Big Brains and I Cannot Lie!
#2
04/16/2025

Do you like BIG, JUICY, SEXY BRAINS as much as we do? (We're not talking about zombies again...) We're talking about something so much cooler – neuroscience! Join the Amys and their favorite neuroscientist, Dr. Marsha Penner, owner of Learning to Dog Training & Enrichment in Durham, North Carolina, for a mind-tingling discussion about the brain and its critical periods of development.

What are the different parts of the brain and what do they do? When is the best time to learn a new language or musical instrument? Do gambling rats play th...


Stressed The F Out!
#1
04/02/2025

Have you ever been stressed out? Were you experiencing eustress, distress, or toxic stress? Do you know what factors in your life have directly affected your stress threshold? Join the Amys and their bee-guiling guest, Dr. Kristina Spaulding - the stress expert - and founder of Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, as they discuss all the F words that have to do with stress and how it affects our bodies. They touch on the important areas of the brain that deal with stress and some strategies for better coping.

...


Vet Med For Idiots By Idiots - Part 1
#24
03/20/2025

Have you ever wondered what happens when the world turns upside down? Do you know Angela Bassett? Does she run a Board and Train? Join The Amys and their idiotic guests Cory & Kent, co-hosts of the Vet Med For Idiots By Idiots podcast, for an obnoxiously long discussion on the history of veterinary behavior and dog-human interactions. Do you know how to properly mark your territory? Or what a wagging tail REALLY means? We cover how to use your polite manners around every dog, how to teach a basic cue, and, we reveal whether the Amys ever make...


Dark Sarcasm in the Classroom
#23
03/05/2025

You can't have any pudding if you don't eat your meat! If you want to have any pudding, join the Amys and their esteemed guest, Jean Donaldson, world-renowned dog trainer, author, and founder of The Academy for Dog Trainers, for a conversation about the state of the training world and how training trainers is serious business.

Grab a 🥄 spoon and a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast. 

Follow T...


Taming the SAVAGE BEAST!
#22
02/19/2025

Join the Amys and their guest, Luke Hollenbeck, certified cat behavior consultant and all-around amazing human, to learn more about enriching our feline family member’s lives. Luke’s enthusiasm for all things CAT is infectious - you will leave this episode wanting to craft homemade enrichment items and spend more quality time with your kitties! Luke introduces us to the 5 pillars of a healthy feline environment, and, a must-have book for cat owners and their consultants.

Grab a cocktail or a cup of herbal tea, and get up to speed on the latest buzz...


Cruise Director on the River Styx
#21
02/05/2025

Join the Amys as they embark on a journey down the River Styx with their cruise director, and death doula, Kate LaSala, Owner, Rescued By Training, LLC. The Amys discover what a death doula is, and how certified doulas help families navigate difficult end-of-life decisions. Kate also provides her unique perspective on the often “taboo” subject of behavioral euthanasia. Will the Amys encounter Cerberus on their journey? Grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior p...


Thrilling Them Softly with Kibble
#20
01/01/2025

Have you ever wondered if you're feeding your dog the right things? Have you ever thought that your pet’s diet might have a significant effect on their health or behavior? Join the Amys as they set sail on their fancy yacht with Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Martha Cline, to discuss all the juicy details about pet food facts and fables.

Visit
The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode references and more information about our guest, Dr. Martha Cline. Thanks, Dr. Martha!




FAKE NEWS in the World of Science
#19
12/21/2024

You know what they say... If it's on the internet, then it must be true! Well, sorry to bee a buzzzzzz kill, but, there’s A LOT of fake news in the world. The spread of false information has become a serious challenge to evidence-based decision-making and science communication. So, how can one attempt to cut through the noise and separate fact from fiction?

Join the Amys and their brilliant guest, Dr. Erica Feuerbacher – professor, researcher, and applied animal behavior extraordinaire – for a closer look at what makes research valuable and valid. We discuss how to critic...


Jumping Off the Rainbow Bridge
#18
12/07/2024

Working in the pet behavior field isn't always rainbows and unicorns. Instead, sometimes it involves the Rainbow Bridge. This topic is often misunderstood and stigmatized as the dark side of behavior. However, in science and in life, it is essential we refrain from drawing conclusions or placing blame without weighing facts and exploring varying points of view. One perspective is that the practice of euthanasia is a painless and humane way of releasing a pet from their suffering when all other means have been exhausted, and can be considered a compassionate and selfless gift.

Join The...


The Art of the Science
#17
11/16/2024

All sentient beings can have BIG feelings. In the animal behavior field, the work is not just about the pet. Join the Amys for an enlightening discussion about helping the humans that seek help for their pets. The Amys are joined by their colleague and special guest, Dr. Rachel Malamed, DACVB, who guides us on a behind the scenes tour of the art of communication. Meet us at the intersection where the art and science of behavior merge, and learn how our relationships with pet parents serve to improve outcomes far beyond what’s attainable when focusing on th...


What's Next... Banned Books? Addressing the paucity of behavior education in veterinary schools
#16
10/19/2024

Who is to blame for the lack of behavioral medicine in our veterinary education system? Certainly NOT the Amys! In this episode, the Amys tackle the state of veterinary behavior medicine education in North America with their colleague, Dr. Chris Pachel, DACVB. Dr. Chris educates veterinary students and veterinarians around the globe on behavior medicine, so why is there still such bad advice coming out of the mouths of our veterinarian friends and colleagues? What are we to do about that? Can trainers and clients even trust what their vet says about behavior?

Take a listen...


The Dog Whisper of Death
#15
10/06/2024

No toxic masculinity here! Only good old fashioned, non-confrontational, reward-based dog training. In this episode, The Amys are joined by world-renowned dog trainer and advocate, Zak George, to discuss the current state of affairs in the dog training industry. They tackle tough topics like why people are drawn to punitive methods and tools, whether the training industry should be regulated, and how to ensure dog training certification is accessible to those with limited financial means if regulation is enacted. Zak updates listeners about what he has on the horizon for the rest of 2024 and beyond!

Grab...


Never Say Goodbye - Separation Related Behavior
#14
09/11/2024

There are so many misconceptions about separation related behavior out there! Did you know that Beagles are NOT the only breed affected? And (surprise!), you can’t just leave your dog alone with a stuffed human decoy of yourself, and expect them to be ok!

Join the Amys and their passionate guest, world-renowned educator and trainer, Malena DeMartini, founder of MISSION Possible! online separation anxiety program for guardians, and, the Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) certification program for dog professionals, as they set the record straight ab...


Keep Calm and Buzzzzzz On!
#13
07/29/2024

"How will they remember me?" Join the Amys and their enchanting guest Dr. Sarah Kuhlo, Veterinary Services Manager at Ceva Animal Health, as they discuss pheromones and their role in creating the ultimate Calm Clinic experience for pets and their people.

Chemical communication is the oldest, most common, and most important form of intra-species communication used by most animals. Semiochemicals, such as pheromones, send powerful chemical "signals" that affect behavior. ThunderWorks® and FELIWAY® products are species-specific synthetic formulations of calming pheromones. Their use in veterinary settings and beyond, is proven to assist with environmental fa...


The 420 - Clearing the CBD Smokescreen
#12
06/03/2024

Do you know what costs A LOT more than a bottle of CBD oil? A trip to the ER. Join the Amys and their mentor, Dr. Lisa Radosta, as they clear the smokescreen and hash out the science regarding the use of cannabis products in veterinary medicine.

The market is flooded with so-called quick-fix solutions to common pet behavior problems. And, when pet parents are desperately searching for answers, it can be challenging to navigate the barrage of messaging and pseudoscience available at their fingertips. Given the inconsistencies in policy and legislation, and society’s...


Sleeping with the Fishes
#11
04/29/2024

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a dolphin trainer? Join the Amys for a deep dive into the world of aquatic and exotic animal training with Ashley Conlin, IAABC CDBC, IAABC ADT, and owner of Pets Behave Dog Training in sunny Niceville, Florida, as they discuss the most important element in every training relationship - TRUST. 

Before shifting her focus to dogs, Ashley worked with dolphins, stingrays, sharks, sea turtles, alligators, and birds in zoos and aquariums around the world. She knows all about the patience, learning theory, and...


Buzzzzzz Byte - MISSION KITTEN!
#10
04/10/2024

Let's play the name game! Join your favorite veterinary behaviorists, The Amys! and their fabulous friend Dr. Liz Bales, inventor of Doc and Phoebe's Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder, for the first ever BUZZZZZZ BYTE challenge! We need your help, HIVE. MIND! Who's ready to tackle MISSION KITTEN?


Bee Positive. Bee Informed.

JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com
Facebook behaviorbuzzzzzz
Instagram @behaviorbuzzzzzz

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®


Life Imitates Art
#9
02/20/2024

Join the Amys and their brilliant guest, renowned illustrator Lili Chin, as they discuss her inspirational journey - from animator, to interpreter of animal communication and behavior. Lili has famously captivated veterinary and behavior professionals, children, and adults alike with her endearing animal illustrations. In addition to publishing her own books,  she has illustrated for groundbreaking behavior legends Dr. Sophia Yin and Grisha Stewart, and has even been commissioned by the IAABC. Lili is deeply passionate about improving human/animal communication and relationships, which is resoundingly evident in her body of work.

Lili is responsible for gi...


The Amys Have Lost Their Marbles - CDS
#8
01/23/2024

Join the Amys as they discuss Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual and progressive cognitive decline in dogs and cats, similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans.

The Amys discuss cognition, and how changes in awareness and responsiveness to stimuli impact our pet's memory and behavior. They cover the physical changes that occur in the brain that lead to decline, and, the intimate connection between pain and systemic illness. 

What is inflammaging? Can I screen my dog for CDS at home? What management strategies can help to keep aging p...


Hunger Games - May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor
#7
01/02/2024

Join the Amys and their cat-tastic guest, Tabitha Kucera, RVT, KPA-CPT, CCBC, VTS (behavior), and owner of Chirrups and Chatter Behavior Consulting and Training in Cleveland, Ohio, as they pounce, feet first (am I righting?), into the dynamics of cat behavior and intercat aggression.  

Misconceptions, myths, and generalizations about cat behavior have resulted in misleading and harmful labels that leave kitties in the dark when it comes to standards for behavioral wellness, quality of life, and cooperative care. And, when the dynamics of a multicat environment echo a blockbuster battle - a f...


Holiday from Hell
#6
11/27/2023

There's no place like Hell for the Holidays! Join the Amys for "tails" of holidays past, and lessons in holidays present and future. Even naughty pets can make the nice list with the proper stress management strategies in place. Keep your fur babies safe, and your in-laws feeling right at home, with ideas from your favorite doctor duo, The Amys! Grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz during episode 6 of the Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.

Resources:

ASPCA Holiday Pet Safety Tips...


Back Alley Drug Dealing
#5
11/05/2023

Join the Amys and their distinguished guest, Julia Albright, DVM, MA, DACVB, and Associate Professor of Veterinary Behavior at University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, as they venture into the dark, dirty, and dangerous back alleys of illicit drug dealing. The unregulated training industry has left the door wide open for unqualified imposters, posing as experts, to deceive pet parents and veterinarians alike. These shady charlatans falsify their education history and credentials, and grant themselves carte blanche to not only make drug recommendations to unsuspecting pet parents, but actually...


Born Again Trainer
#4
10/22/2023

Join the Amys and their extraordinary guest, Mandy Eakins, IAABC-CDBC, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, and Owner of Manners Matter Dog Training and Daycare, for a candid and introspective discussion on the use of pain, force, fear, and intimidation in the dog training industry. What is LIMA, and why is it so important? Why do flashy, social media dog “trainers” attract followers? What is learned helplessness? 

Mandy shares her passionate perspective on these controversial topics including how we can implement regulation, hold trainers accountable, and protect pets and their guardians from dangerous misinformation and a...


It's ALL YOUR FAULT (just kidding, it isn't)
#3
10/08/2023

Join the Amys and their fabulous guest, Kiki Yablon, MA, KPA CTP, KPA Faculty, CPDT-KA, and Owner of Kiki Yablon Dog Training, for a deep dive into factors contributing to behavior. They discuss the impact of genetics, learning history, and current conditions. How does one define environment? What's really to blame for behavior problems? Kiki shares her perspective on controversial topics including the appropriateness of rehoming pets with behavior problems, and if regulating the dog training industry will "fix" all of its problems. Does DNA predict behavior? Should Kiki run for President? Get up to...


Zom "Bee" Apocalypse
#2
09/24/2023

The Amys discuss the use of psychotropic medications and products in our pets. AND disclose if any of their patients have transformed into ZOMBIES! The Amys answer all of your most frequently asked questions about behavior medications and products. They make sense of common misconceptions, and explain how the use of behavior medications can help facilitate learning and improve overall wellness. The Amys discuss efficacy, side effects, behavior modification, and MORE!

This episode is sponsored by PRN® Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®.
Thank you, PRN!

...


The Secret Lives of Veterinary Behaviorists - Cold Callin'
#1
09/10/2023

The Amys introduce you to the secret world of veterinary behavior, and reveal a bit about their personal lives. Did you know there are fewer than 100 board-certified veterinary behaviorists in the whole world?

Get to know the Amys and hear about their most interesting cases, how they became veterinary behaviorists, and what it's like to work in a veterinary behavior clinic.

The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the certifying board for veterinarians who are specialty trained to advance the behavioral health of animals through research, science-based behavior education, and the practice of clinical...