Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys

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, force, or intimidation. It is our mission to drive comprehensive pet wellness to the forefront of veterinary medicine and mainstream pet culture. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND, to set the record straight on the hottest and most controversial topics we encounter as clinicians, educators, and guardians.

  1. The Lanternfly Hunters

    6 days ago

    The Lanternfly Hunters

    "Problem-solving is hunting; it is savage pleasure and we are born to it.”  – Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Silence of the Lambs Join the Amys for a fascinating conversation with innovative dog trainer Melissa McCue-McGrath, who’s turning canine noses into powerful conservation tools… What started as a simple passion project for a research article has grown into a mission-driven crusade against the spotted lanternfly—one of America’s most destructive invasive species. We explore how scent detection training works, why dogs are uniquely suited for this kind of environmental work, and how Melissa is bringing this training into shelters—giving dogs not only enrichment and purpose, but potentially a second chance at adoption. From the science of odor detection to the real-world impact on ecosystems and agriculture, this conversation bridges behavior, enrichment, and conservation in a truly inspiring way. Whether you’re a trainer, veterinarian, or just someone who loves seeing dogs make a difference, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what our canine companions are capable of, and how they might just help save our trees. 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 podcast. Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode references and more information about our bee-guiling guest, Melissa McCue-McGrath. Thanks, Melissa! 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® Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host Teryn Blais, Executive Producer John LaSala, Podcast Editor

    44 min
  2. KONG®- A Legacy of Play

    29 Apr

    KONG®- A Legacy of Play

    Join The Amys and two powerhouse team members from KONG® — a veterinarian specializing in feline medicine and a long-time professional trainer — for a deep dive into enrichment, play, and solving real-world behavior challenges. They explore how thoughtful play supports physical health, emotional wellbeing, and stronger human–animal bonds in both cats and dogs. From food puzzles and prey-sequence play to managing boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors, their guests share practical strategies that pet professionals and owners alike can implement immediately. Whether you’re a veterinarian, trainer, or devoted pet parent, this conversation will reframe how you think about play — not as a luxury, but as a behavioral and emotional necessity. Because when we enrich their lives, we transform their behavior. Grab some liquid enrichment 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! Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode references and more information about our fantastic guests, Dr. Danielle Graziano & Amy Leewood. Thanks, Danielle! Thanks, Amy! 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® Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host Teryn Blais, Executive Producer John LaSala, Podcast Editor

    1 hr
  3. 16 Apr

    Losing Lulu - The Origins of Caretaker Support

    In this deeply meaningful episode, The Amys sit down with Sue Alexander, founder of Losing Lulu, to talk about one of the most painful and misunderstood decisions in companion animal care: behavioral euthanasia. Together, we explore the emotional weight carried by families and professionals when love isn’t enough to keep everyone safe. Sue shares her behavioral euthanasia stories, and the origin story behind Losing Lulu, how the community has become a lifeline for grieving pet guardians, and why shame and silence so often surround this topic. We discuss the moral injury experienced by veterinarians, trainers, and behavior teams, and how creating space for honest, compassionate dialogue can change outcomes for everyone involved. We also preview the upcoming Losing Lulu Summit — a gathering dedicated to education, support, and reducing stigma around complex behavioral cases. If you work in veterinary medicine, training, or behavior — or if you’ve ever loved a “complicated” pet — this episode offers validation, nuance, and hope in the midst of heartbreak. This is a tender, courageous conversation about grief, ethics, responsibility, and the profound love we carry for the animals who challenge and change us 🌈. 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 podcast.  Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for more information about Losing Lulu and our very special guest, Sue Alexander. Thanks, Sue! 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® Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host Teryn Blais, Executive Producer John LaSala, Podcast Editor

    1hr 32min
  4. Lifestyle Support for Complex Pets

    11 Mar

    Lifestyle Support for Complex Pets

    Some pets don’t fit neatly into a single diagnosis – and neither do their treatment plans. Join the Amys and their dynamic guests, Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. E’Lise Christensen and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Ursa Acree, to discuss their innovative Complex Pets Program, which is designed to support animals with interwoven medical and behavioral needs. They discuss what makes a case “complex,” why collaborative care is essential, and how bridging behavior and medicine can change outcomes for pets and their people.  Dr. Christensen and Ursa share how their program creates a structured, compassionate approach for families who may feel overwhelmed, unheard, or stuck. This conversation is a thoughtful look at truly wholistic pet care – where behavior, pain, chronic disease, stress, and environment all matter. And a reminder that even the most complicated cases deserve clarity, teamwork, and hope. Whether you’re a veterinary professional or a deeply devoted pet parent, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical takeaways for navigating complexity with confidence. It’s time to 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 podcast. Follow Dr. C on Facebook & InstagramVisit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for additional episode references and more information about our brilliant guests. Thanks, E’Lise! Thanks, Ursa! 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® Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host Teryn Blais, Executive Producer John LaSala, Podcast Editor

    1hr 8min
  5. A Dog Trainer Mystery - Part 1

    25 Jan

    A Dog Trainer Mystery - Part 1

    In this two-part series, the Amys are joined by world renowned animal behaviorist and author, Dr. Patricia McConnell, to discuss her new mystery novel, Away to Me. Known for her decades of work in animal behavior and her gift for storytelling, Dr. McConnell shares how her own love of reading, and her deep understanding of behavior, relationships, and emotional nuance shapes her fiction. We explore the inspiration behind Away to Me, the themes woven throughout the story, and how her background in behavior influences the way she develops characters—human and animal alike. The conversation also touches on creativity, empathy, and the unexpected ways science and storytelling intersect. This episode is a thoughtful, engaging departure from the exam room—proof that great stories, like good behavior work, start with curiosity and compassion. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dr. McConnell or discovering her work for the first time, this is a buzzzzzz-worthy listen. It’s time to 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 Dr. McConnell on Facebook & InstagramDr. McConnell's website: patriciamcconnell.comAway to Me website: patriciamcconnell.com/away-to-me/Dr. McConnell's blog: The Other End of The LeashVisit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for additional episode references and more information about our mysterious guest, Dr. Patricia McConnell. Thanks, Tricia!!   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® Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host Teryn Blais, Executive Producer John LaSala, Podcast Editor

    35 min
  6. Stop Trying to Fix Your Clients

    7 Jan

    Stop Trying to Fix Your Clients

    Join The Amys and their extraordinary guest, Lily Hargis, a dog trainer whose work spans both animal behavior consulting and a human medical teaching hospital, where they teach young doctors to lead with empathy in clinical practice.  The skills used to support animals and their caregivers—listening, emotional awareness, clear communication, and compassion—translate directly into human medicine. Discover how Lily’s degree in Theater led them down this uniquely important path.  Is empathy a clinical skill? Or a personality trait? How does empathy play a critical role in patient outcomes, team dynamics, and burnout prevention? Can we learn to lead more effectively, communicate more thoughtfully, and care more deeply—without losing ourselves in the process?  Grab a  cocktail and a snuggle buddy, 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. Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode resources and more information about our friend and guest, Lily Hargis. Thanks, Lily! 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® Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host Teryn Blais, Executive Producer John LaSala, Podcast Editor

    49 min
  7. Behind the Scenes with a Veterinary Practice Manager

    30/11/2025

    Behind the Scenes with a Veterinary Practice Manager

    Step behind the scenes and into the heartbeat of a veterinary clinic. Join the Amys and their guest, Kanada Oliver, Practice Manager of Main Street Veterinary Hospital in Flower Mound, Texas, as they pull back the curtain on everything clients don’t see — from staff management, to emotional support for the team, and the controlled chaos of keeping a hospital running smoothly. Our guest shares candid insights, surprising stories, and practical wisdom about what it really takes to balance patient care, client expectations, and the well-being of a veterinary team. Whether you're a veterinary professional or a curious pet parent, you'll appreciate the essential, unsung work that keeps a clinic thriving. So 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 podcast.  Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode resources and more information about our special guest, Kanada Oliver. Thanks, Kanada! 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® Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host Teryn Blais, Executive Producer John LaSala, Podcast Editor

    40 min

About

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, force, or intimidation. It is our mission to drive comprehensive pet wellness to the forefront of veterinary medicine and mainstream pet culture. JOIN US and the HIVE MIND, to set the record straight on the hottest and most controversial topics we encounter as clinicians, educators, and guardians.

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