Eau Claire Hometown Media

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting-but it also comes withplenty of surprises, challenges and learning curves.  Heather teaches A LOT of puppy classes and touches on the things new pet owners should realistically expect when they arewelcoming a new furry friend to their home.   From sleepless nights and pooping on your carpet to cuddles and laughter, all the ups and downs of puppyhood are covere...

In this episode, Keenan Crawford with Eau Claire's Poquette, Donnellan and Schlewitz Law dives into the different type of trusts available to individuals andfamilies.  From revocable living truststo irrevocable trusts, what are the pros and cons of each that provide assetprotection. How does all of thisdiffer from a “will”? Who should be thinkingabout trusts and why your marriage status factors in...

Hosted at The Phoenix Taproom and Kitchen T.J. Atkins (The Community Table) faces Chelsea Seckora (EC Chamber of Commerce) in this month's matchup. Hear who comes out on top in a series of general and local trivia questions

Presented by Poquette, Donnellan and Schlewitz What is estate planning? From “wills” to more intricatedocuments that cover deeper property that you have. Regardless, the goal is to preserve what you have for those you wish to leave it to.  Whether it be family, friends or organizations the objective is to leave the items to them and avoid probate.

The debut of this new series highlighting the Heyde Centerfor the Arts in Chippewa Falls, features a conversation with three local artists.  Darious Hussain, Jacoby Mattot and Joe Niese share their journeys, inspirations and the spark behind their various works. How has their backgrounds influenced their writing?  The most challenging parts they’ve needed toovercome and what their typical “routine...

Sure we have humans on this podcast but the true star is Chip, the Chippewa Fall’s Police Department’s therapy dog.  Investigator Joan Lawcewicz is Chip’s handlerand she and Chip visit with Heather on this latest episode to discuss the role Chip and therapy dog’s in general play. There are the fun outreach events including parades, butChip is also used for example soothing young children (and adul...

Presented by the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District Giving students the skills and experiences to develop acareer with is the ultimate goal of a school. We meet with Laura Bushendorf who is the Career & Technical Education Coordinator for the district. She brings along junior Tyler Douglas along with one of the community partners, Amanda Christensen from WI Metal Fabto dive into the Y...

The thousands of runners who participate carry a story withthem and this month we hear a fascinating one.  Dr. Mike Broeker is a family physician in Eagan, MN who ran the marathon this spring but its more than that.  In2022, he donated one of his kidneys to a stranger. He has also been a “living liver” donor, saving additional lives. Find out what led to him doing this, and the role being anactive...

As discussed in Episode #112 HERE , Brian Muntro is a dog behavior specialist from the Twin Cities who recently took a trip to India to see first hand the lifestyle of street dogs.  These dogs roam freely among humans, similar to how we see squirrels and rabbits roaming around our backyards. These dogs live in a more natural state. On this episode, Brian discusses behavior trait takeaways hetook f...

In this episode, Heather talks with Brian Munro who recentlytook a trip to India to see first hand the complex world of street dogs in that country.  These animals have livedalongside humans for centuries.  From the bustling cities like Delhi to the beaches along the ocean. Brian is a dog behavior and training specialist in the TwinCities and details how what he saw with the free roaming dogs as o...

On today’s episode, we’re diving into how our furry friends experience different types of pain! From gastrointestinal discomfort to chronic injuries and neurological issues. Whether it’s itchy skin, limping, or restlessness in the car, recognizing subtle signs is key. Journaling behavioral changes can help you catch these issues early, because your dog’s body language often speaks louder than bark...

In this episode of Dose of Dog , we dive into the world of harnesses and collars for dogs. We explore the benefits and specific uses of different styles, from no-pull harnesses to martingale collars. This episode also covers the controversies and debates within the dog training community about which tools are safest and most effective. Whether you’re a new pet owner or a seasoned trainer, you’ll g...

Reinforcing desired behaviors is something Heather hasexplained throughout the series. She is a big believer in positive/added reinforcement in her training. That said, like anything, if certain steps aren’t followed the results might not be what you were hoping for.  We may actually be reinforcing a undesired action.  On this episode, shespecifically centers in a properly using “food” reinforcers...

What does it mean to give your dog “agency” -the ability tomake choices and have some control over their environment?  Heather discusses ways we can offer our dogsmore say and autonomy in what they do and why this leads to a healthier animal and a stronger bond. -           Understanding agency as it pertains to a caninecontext -           Simple ways to offer choice and options.  Such as sleeping...

Its summertime and we want to be in our yards and hangingout with our dogs.  Heather dives intothings to do with our dogs in the backyard and managing behavioral issues.  Your vision of that ideal summer night in thebackyard may differ from your dogs.  Whatare some of the common issues Heather hears. From barking to undesired digging.

Heather breaks down the real life expectations every newpuppy owner should have.  From sleepless nights and house training accidents to the joy of bonding and socializing.  Learn what you should be prepared for and set the proper expectations. The experience of having a puppy can (and should) be a greattime in life, but like all good things, takes work.

One of the keys to eliminating a bad habit is to slowlyreplace it with a good one.  It’s a philosophy that works with humans and one that is a great training tool for dogs aswell.  Heather discusses identifying a dog’s unwanted behavior and slowly working in a desired one via reinforcement. She gives some examples of creating a “yes” behavior toreplace a dozens of “nos”.   Installingdesired behavi...

Heather explores the simple yet powerful game of ‘fetch”  and how it can strengthen the bond between a dog and their owners.  However, like any game and physical activity there are rules to try to follow to make sure the benefits outweigh any potential risks Why is fetch a great game for both dog and owner? What are some potential “cons” to playing? Other options to consider if necessary Are there...

Dogs provide us with way more than they cost, but there isstill that cost. Heather brings on Cooper Larson from RCU to discuss the real costs of owning a dog. From veterinarian expenses to food and other essentials.  What are things to be prepared for so that you can make sure your dog’s well-being is budgeted for.

Early in the series, Heather went about out busting some commonly held myths when it comes to dog behavior.  Onthis episode, she updates and debunks some more myths as evidence has come forward that changes the way things are viewed. -           Are dog’s truly “den animals” -           How much should dog’s be made to “work” forattention -           The use of collars

How may physical issues, especially ones that haven’t beendiagnosed, impact the way your dog behaves. Heather discusses why this is apiece that can be overlooked because its subtle, but have a substantialimpact. 

We all remember being home from school and hearing Bob Barker promote having pets spayed or neutered. Over the years, research has led to more experts advising people to hold off on spaying their female dog.  Theynote benefits with various other diseases. In this episode Heather talks to us on this episode aboutwhat people should know when it comes to living with a dog that is “in tact”. What are...

Can puppies deal with separation anxiety?  Does my puppy have it?  Heather brings on Dawn Olson a local dog trainer/behavior consultant who has gone  through specific education to help answer these questions.  We learn what separation anxiety may look like and specify what is normal vs. abnormal.

We learn about a training method that can be applied to almost any breed at any age. The concept is called “SMART times fifty” or lazy dog training.  The basis of the method is to mark 50 behaviors you see from your dog throughout the day and reward the dog as they happen.  Heather explains in detail how this method works and why this can be a good method for you and your dog.

With the holidays approaching full of parties and large family gatherings, how do we make sure our dogs are comfortable and needs met? -           Managing the event (crates, baby gates, etc.) -           Arming your guests with both knowledge and items -           Allow time/space to decompress -           Find alternative activities for dogs beyond the party -           Utilize obedience skills...