Pet Talk

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...

Fireworks frustration for pet lovers

The connection between animal abuse and violence to people is well established. The shooters in Buffalo and Uvalde both had a history of animal abuse. Laurie recommended taking a closer look and having a registry as another tool to prevent future mass shootings and other violent crimes. A caller was looking for some more comfortable alternatives to the cones used for dogs post surgery. Callers had...

Liz Bennett from Bandit's Place Animal Rescue and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was today's guest. Liz described the differences between animals that may be dangerous and ones that aren't, how to react if you see a wild animal, and who and when to call for help if you need it. A caller had questions about a dog with megaesophagus.

Today's behavior edition explored the connection between what your pet eats, their weight, and their behavior. A caller had a question about getting a GPS device for his cat, and another caller had some questions about his dog's growling and why his dog won't stay on the couch with him.

Be carful of Easter plants. Especially Lilies. 

Laurie Fass discusses, Will dogs protect you or your property and when it can get dangerous? The differences between area and personal protection dogs and what training can and can't do. A caller suggested pepper spray, another caller wanted suggestions for an arthritic dog, and beware of dog signs were discussed.

People hate daylight savings time, but what about pets? There are so many pet products,  high tech pet toys and gizmos, some practical, some not. You can decide what might be good for you and your pet. A debate was prompted with a caller about using a laser for playing with dogs, frisbees, and glucosamine.