A Deep Dive Into Why Being Fluent in “Cat” and “Dog” Is Key

Cat and dog expert Frania Shelley-Grielen uses science and experience as guides.

Updated May 27, 2026 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

Most people with whom I’m in contact agree that books about the behavior of cats and dogs, and teaching each individual how to have the best life possible, vary greatly in quality. In Dogs Demystifie d, I covered a large number of topics, stressing that it’s essential to focus on the individual personalities of our canine companions. It’s important to take their point of view on matters at hand, and we must offer as much agency—freedom of choice—as possible and give them the opportunity to consent when we ask something of them.

I didn’t write much at all about cats, so that is among the many reasons why I was pleased to read a recent award-winning book by cat and dog expert Frania Shelley-Grielen, simply titled Behavior Matters for Cats and Dogs, which is very much grounded by the slogan, “Don’t just bring them home—keep them there.”

Most people don’t know that behavior concerns are among the top reasons for people consulting professionals and for companion animals to be either abandoned or surrendered to shelters. I’m pleased Frania could take the time to answer a few questions about her “information-packed guide to managing and modifying cat and dog behaviors sensitively and effectively” (Kirkus Reviews), an excellent seamless follow-up to a different sort of interview I did with dog and cat expert Dr. Zazie Todd, also about giving these and other companion animals the best lives possible using science, extensive on-the-ground experience, and positive force-free training. Here’s what Shelley-Grielen has to say about her long-time experience working with feline and canine companion animals.

Marc Bekoff: Why did you write Behavior Matters for Cats and Dogs ?

Shelley-Grielen: Writing Behavior Matters for Cats and Dogs was a culmination of my work in various aspects of behavioral concerns for cats and dogs and the cresting overflow of surrenders to shelters post-pandemic. Behavior figures among the top reasons for surrender and consulting animal professionals—but not everyone with those concerns seeks out guidance, especially when that has to be scheduled or paid for. Putting a resource in people’s hands that could help with understanding the “whys” of problem behaviors and the step-by-step “how” of addressing those behaviors to keep the animals we bring into our homes there and out of shelters was an inspiration.

MB: Who do you hope to reach?

S-G: Guardians with thoughts or questions about their companion animals. Particularly where there is frustration with behaviors or how to address them without force, the science of behavior modification can show how working to get the behaviors we want, instead of punishing for those we don’t, is more effective .

MB: What are some of the topics you consider, and what are some of your major messages?

S-G: I start with the natural history of the cat and dog. Looking at how the animals live in their natural environment lets us know how to best replicate those benefits to ensure welfare.

Species-specific behavior, perception, sensation, and empathy follow. Considering how each species perceives the world differently allows us to appreciate them even in ways we cannot know. For instance, we can’t hear or smell the way cats and dogs can, but we can allow for dogs to sniff on the walk so they get to “see” where they are going down the street. We can look at cat greeting behavior to better appreciate how we should be approaching cats in ways they welcome.

How animals communicate is vital. Non-human animals have a different language, some of which may overlap with our own and much of which has entirely different meanings. For instance, signals like yawning or lip licking out of the context of fatigue or hunger indicate stress and not disinterest for cats and dogs.

Next is applying interventions: whether resources, enrichment, behavior modification, or more, all of which need to take individual, history, and context into account with a thoughtful protocol, monitored and adjusted over time.

As a social species, we are heavily influenced by culture; when we share that animals are lesser beings, without feelings or awareness, to serve or be dominated, that sets not just how they are viewed but how we treat them.

Such a disconnect can lead to force, from thinking that a cat or a dog not responding to what we want them to do is belligerence, rather than an appreciation that the animal does not understand what we are asking of them or is responding in a way appropriate to their species.

The easy and quick fix of punishment is a draw for people and an out for services without any true expertise beyond force. The most harmful fallout for the animals in all of this, is not just the popularity of charismatic trainers or pseudo scientists promoting aversive training, it is in the clients and followers bringing those methods home to their animals. 2

We promote “forever homes,” yet most puppies will not make it past their first year in a home. And why? Because socialization and housetraining never happened on schedule, jumping and biting puppy games are no longer fun when puppies get bigger, etc., etc. If we can appreciate and meet the needs of that growing puppy, that first year can increase to many.

Having a book taking you through the most common behavior concerns (for dogs: resource guarding, separation anxiety , aggression , and for cats: unacceptable elimination and multi-cat aggression) and more, why they are happening, and how to address them step-by-step can help with forever.

MB: Are you hopeful that as people learn more about the importance of paying close attention to cat and dog behavior, they will be better able to form close bonds with their companion animal, treat them with more respect, compassion, dignity, and empathy, and allow them more freedom and agency—a win-win for all?

S-G: When asking questions about behavior, we are already wondering about the animal’s point of view. From there, tools to better understand why certain behaviors can be problematic and how to modify them or environments deepens the human animal bond and increases welfare—good training and behavior modification is a dialogue of close attention , deliberation, and response. And for those on the fence on force, or status of animals, or “we’ve always done it this way,” even if it is just to keep the dog from barking so the neighbors won’t complain. If we can change that for one dog or one cat, we change those lives forever. One by one.

In conversation with cat and dog expert, applied animal behaviorist, award-winning author, and educator Frania Shelley-Grielen , MA, MS.

The Clout of Companion Animal Psychology for Dogs and Cats
) Science Shows Positive Reward-Based Dog Training Is Best ; The Biopsychology and Practice of Positive Dog Training ; Training Your Dog With Love, Science, and Consent ; The Psychology and Art of Positive “Do No Harm” Dog Training ; Canine Anthropology: A Major Shift in Dog-Human Relationships ; Dog Training’s Dirty Little Secret: Anyone Can Legally Do It ; Choose a Dog Trainer as Carefully as You Would a Surgeon ; Demystifying Dogs’ Emotions: A Fun-Filled Illustrated Guide ; Demystifying Dogs’ Minds: A Fun-Filled Illustrated Guide

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Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.