Pet Talk

An escaped donkey living with an elk herd, a lost Bull Terrier living with coyotes, and one author's bizarre "con" of having a Shih Tzu  are some of the things you can find on the internet. Laurie explains many of the misconceptions people have about dog training

Dog bites, when dogs are unfairly accused and how insurance companies make exceptions for dog owners. Some rescue groups are going to puppy mill dog auctions and buying dogs at exorbitant rates. Good dog breeders and good rescues have a lot in common. Callers wanted to know; why her Labrador retriever won't play ball at her boyfriend's house, why can't puppy mills be stopped ?, and a caller wanted...

Today's show featured Liz Bennett from Bandits Place Rescue and Wildlife Rehabilitation. Liz wants people to know that despite the bear population remaining the same, human confrontations keep increasing. She dispelled some myths about wildlife and gave some ideas about how to keep you and your pets safe.

Laurie weighs in on the Kristi Noem news story about her shooting her dog and goat. Can any dog be trained to do anything and can most dogs be trained to be good pets? A caller wanted to share some humor by sharing the definition of an "ask-hole".  Another caller wanted to know how to stop her dog from constantly pawing her and jumping on the back door.

Today's show was about aggression in dogs and cats. There are many different types of aggression. Laurie discusses some of these and makes the point that a pet having good discretion is the difference between inappropriate and appropriate aggression. A caller had a question about introducing a German Shepherd puppy to his two cats.

How are animals going to react to the eclipse? Laurie makes some predictions. Scientists are planning to resurrect the woolly mammoth in a few years. Maybe it's not a good idea. Laurie recounts a dog she had named Tino. A caller who lived in  the path of a full solar eclipse in South Dakota in the 70's recalls a friend with a dairy farm describing his cows coming in to the barn in the middle of th...

Animals are capable of complex thinking. To illustrate this Laurie shared stories about an African Grey parrot, a chimpanzee, and a fox. Callers had questions about a new cat with dandruff, a new puppy getting along with their older dog, a temperamental three-pound poodle, and a labrador hound mix who gets scared of loud noises.

Rabbits were the subject of the day. Dr. Tanya Battison, rabbit expert, explained why you should think carefully before getting a rabbit as a pet, especially as an Easter gift. Rabbits are not easy pets. Dr. Battison explained the many responsibilities involved with having a pet rabbit as well as the fun side. She is the veterinarian for Every Bunny Counts Rabbit Rescue.  Home - Everybunny Counts...

There are so many gadgets, gizmos, and supplements for pets. Which ones are useful and which ones aren't? A caller with an itchy Puggle wanted advice, and a "frantic mom" wanted suggestions for her new, sometimes overly rambunctious rescue dog.

Dr. Andrea Dennis is joined by Dr. Ally Salazer, owner and founder of Canine Behavioral Blueprints to discuss the process of working with a certified animal behaviorist and your veterinarian to resolve unacceptable pet behavior which can often start with a medical issue

 Dr. Andrea Dennis from the Bloomfield Animal Hospital recognizes February National  Pet Dental Awareness Month. Along with answering questions from the listening audience, dental maintenance at home and in the veterinary hospital are discussed

In the news recently; dogs being stolen and a woman pretending to be a veterinarian performs a C section on a Bulldog resulting in the dog's death. Laurie cautions people and gives some suggestions to keep pets safe. A caller wanted to give a progress report about a stray cat he took in and how well it eventually acclimated with his cats. Another caller wanted to know how to handle her chihuahua w...

Laurie explains why she dropped out of college and decided to become a dog trainer. Three things Laurie didn't use for years, but changed her mind when she realized their value. Those things were crates, muzzles, and prong collars.

Dr. Andrea Dennis leads a discussion on osteoarthritis and the latest treatments for dogs and cats. She is joined by her guest, Dr. Sharon Campbell, Zoetis Animal Health lead  in canine chronic pain

Liz Bennet from Bandits Place Animal Rescue and Wildlife Rehabilitation was a guest. Liz is also the ACO (animal control officer) from Southwick MA. Topics included the currently overcrowded dog pounds, Laurie's memories of an encounter with  a bully ACO  from years ago, how the standards for selecting ACOs have changed over the years, and an article about how the policies at the Victoria County T...

Laurie complained about a tragic news story that had drastic misinformation claiming a woman was fatally mauled by her "French Bulldog". Callers had questions about their Jack Russel mix with barking problems, an American Eskimo with separation anxiety, a dog that barks at the TV and resists going outside, and a rescue cat that keeps throwing up.

Today's guest was Christine Johnson from Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation. Over the years a lot has changed at racetracks including the treatment of greyhounds. With only two remaining racetracks in the country there are fewer dogs for adoption. Greyhounds have special needs and potential adopters need to understand their unique qualities to see if you are a fit for them and if they are a fit f...