Pet Talk

Liz Bennet, of Bandit's Place, called in today. Laurie wanted her to hear about three 7 month old puppies that need homes. The puppies are Cane Corso x Husky x Pomerianians. Laurie went to meet these pups last week and found them to be lovely dogs and the owner called in to give more details. Liz and Laurie discussed the challenges of owning multiple dogs. A caller had a question about giving adul...

The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog for the last three decades until now. The French Bulldog has taken over the #1 spot.  Laurie cautions people to be aware of the health issues for  the flat faced breeds . Medication may not be the best answer for behavior problems. Dog training is not absolute. People need to be aware of what is necessary to make it work, especially if you choos...

If you have a dog breed that your homeowners insurance won't cover there are some things you can do. Would you feed your cat or dog pet food that is made out of insects? It exists and 2 callers weigh in. Laurie critiques a movie that features an unrealistic presentation of an electric dog training collar. When daylight savings time springs ahead most pets are pleased that you are getting up earlie...

A Bull Terrier mix was living with a pack of coyotes for months in Nevada. "Sniffspot" is a new website that connects people to fenced in spaces to rent their own private dog park. A caller had concerns about her 17 year old cat who wanders off and meows. Taking care of older pets needs special consideration and care. Laurie recalls why she dropped out of academia to become a dog trainer.

Arctic air prompted talk about coats, keeping pets in cars, and resurrecting the wooly mammoth. The silver lining in the blast of sub zero temperature is it might kill off ticks. A caller wanted to know what to do about her constipated Maine Coon cat. How do you judge a pet's intelligence? How important is intelligence for training and communicating, and how many types of intelligence are there? 

Today's Pet Talk covered some of the unrealistic expectations people have about their pets. Callers had questions about a labradoodle who guards objects, a 5 pound poodle who barks excessively in the car,and a man who wanted suggestions for his daughter's over-rambunctious labrador.  A man called to share his joy from getting kittens after a time with no pets. A woman wanted advice about selecting...

What are the differences between dogs and cats and how people relate to them? Callers had questions about a younger Gordon Setter bothering an older Cocker Spaniel, a Labrador x PitBull with its tail tucked, a Beagle who likes to whine all the time, and a 6 month old Border Collie who went after their 12 year old Sheepadoodle

Taking care of sick and older dogs is always a challenge. Laurie shared some of her recent struggles. Someone who does a remarkable job with these issues is Carrie Haggart from Out to Pasture Farm and Rescue in Coventry Connecticut. She specializes in taking care of animals that are terminal, sick, or handicapped.  Main Page (outtopasture.org)  A woman contacted Laurie off the air to ask about a d...

Are costumes for pets a good or bad idea? Some dogs benefit from wearing coats. Laurie offers some suggestions about what type of coats work best. A caller wanted to know if her neighbor's Siberian Husky would get cold if she stays outside all day and night, which prompted another caller to discuss animal cruelty and what the laws say about it.

The truth about "shock collars"? Laurie weighs in. Two callers share their opinions and experience.

New laws on tethering and appropriate shelter for dogs take effect today. Lauire explains why using Bitter Apple may not work, and how to use it so it will. Callers had questions about the best age to neuter kittens,how to introduce a dog to a new kitten, and what to do about an American Bulldog with swollen oozing joints and pulling on the leash. Laurie recounts people's comments about what they...

Most people recognize that every dog  has their own personality, but did you know the same dog can have different personalities in different situations? Are big dogs really better behaved than small dogs?  Callers had questions about a Chihuahua who barks and is not always comfortable with people, an unruly yellow Labrador Retriever puppy. and a cat that is starting to drink a lot of water.

Laurie shares a story about the closest she came to doing wildlife rehabilitation, rescuing a baby mouse. A caller wanted advice about her cousin's Papillion who chases shadows. Sometimes things that don't seem to work may indeed work when done correctly.  A caller wanted to know if his Great Pyrenees could be trained to walk in a mannerly fashion and a caller wanted to tell Laurie her  advice fro...

The Netflix show "Man vs Bee" is a hilarious movie, featuring a dog named Cupcake played by Pixel, a collie poodle mix. If you are looking for a product to help with thunder storms or other anxiety issues Laurie tested Thunder Wunder chews on her dogs and it worked well. If there wasn't reason enough already, Southington police are arresting people who keep dogs in hot cars. Newington residents ar...

Today's Pet Talk explores some common misunderstandings. Does your dog really "know it's wrong", do it "out of spite", is "protecting you", has "fear" aggression, or separation anxiety? Is it really a bad reflection on you or your dog to get kicked out of doggie daycare? Callers today wanted help with a 7 year old cat who keeps attacking a 22 year old cat, and a Maltese who likes to terrorize othe...