Pet Talk

Today's extended show began with a question about an unusual breed of dog, an American bully. The caller had concerns about his dog's pulling and aggressive behavior on walks. Laurie encouraged people to look for answers even when they think they have "tried everything" and explained the difference between commands and rules. A caller was worried about her friend's cat that was not eating while she was baby sitting the cat at her house. Laurie offered some suggestions to a caller whose beagle was scratching up a door. Another caller wanted to know how to stop a dog from eating mulch on walks. A woman wanted  to share her good experience with and the advantages of adopting an older pet. Laurie discussed the Volhart Puppy Aptitude test. The final caller had a 10 year old German shepherd with diarrhea. 

The first caller on today's show posed the question "Is it normal for an older dog's behavior to change?" A woman wanted to start fostering dogs but was concerned about how to integrate the fosters with her cats. Laurie offered some suggestions on how to avoid tripping on an over friendly cat and another caller was worried about her cat being lonely. Laurie explained the first step in solving any problem is to believe you can do it and she made the point that being dominant is not the best solution to behavior problems, but creating trust, understanding and respect is. The last caller was worried her cat wasn't drinking enough, but the caller had  plenty. 

To commemorate St. Patrick's Day Laurie lists dog breeds, and the Manx cat, that originated in Ireland. Laurie discussed problems people have with leash manners and some ideas to control it. A caller had a question about an Airedale that had some issues at a boarding kennel. A woman was concerned that her poodle ate dirt. Laurie remembered a business call she received years ago from a woman whose Rottweiler was chewing the extension phone while she was trying to talk. Criticism was cast on how training is represented on TV. Finally the question was raised "do dogs outgrow doggie day care and are some dogs just not suited for it"?

We opened Pet Talk with a discussion on Rabies. Followed by several callers with questions.

Today's show opened with a woman who wanted advice about calming a 13 year old Cocker spaniel. Other calls included a woman wanting suggestions for food appropriate for a cat with allergies, a Fidelco Guide dog rejected from the program adopted as a pet who behaves wildly when people come to the door. Laurie suggested that a German Shepherd who barks and nips people when they leave practice sit-stay as a solution. Another caller with 3 German shepherds was concerned about one of his dog's behavior after spay surgery, and where another one of his dogs should sleep. A dog walker was having trouble with a Golden retriever who would grab and tug the leash when outside. A woman called to share an alternative therapy that worked well for her cat with allergies. The show ended wit a very disgruntled man who claimed his Dogo Argentino was biting and out of control.

Today the topics were Dental Awareness Month and we touched on Dog Flu Facts

On today's edition of Pet Talk Laurie Fass took caller's questions about how to use a dog crate as a cat carrier for a difficult cat, can a friendly quiet dog be trained as a watch dog, what to do about a dog who wants to constantly go inside and outside all day? Laurie gave advice on using Scat Mat to protect Christmas trees. Other calls included discussion about a shy Maine Coon cat, a dog who wakes people up at 4 AM to play ball, is it best to keep a cat in it's own home when people go on vacation, and a beagle who acts like Cujo on walks when she sees a dog. The show finished with the misconceptions and uses for raised dog bowls, and waterproofing dog beds.

Dr. Andrea Dennis discussed Diabetes Awareness in Pets and how to easily and effectively treat both cats and dogs.

Laurie Fass discusses why TV dog training shows should be viewed primarily for entertainment. Callers had questions about a dog with Addison's disease who whines and drinks a lot of water, and a woman whose neighbor's cat uses her bushes as a litter box. Laurie advises when it may be time to give up a dog. A caller wants to know how to keep his dog in his yard when he leaves him loose outside all day long, and the last caller had a question about how to get her Lhasa Apso to be more reliable using pee pads.

On today's behavior edition Laurie gives an explanation of what is and is not a trained dog and what would be expected if you wanted a trained therapy dog. Callers had questions about a Maltese who is loosing vision in one eye, a Schipperke who could say "I love you Daddy", wondering if dry or wet food is best for cats, and a border collie X golden retriever who nips people in the butt. Laurie cautioned people about purchasing micro mini dogs, a caller wanted to know if any other dogs run wildly after drinking water, and a question solving leash aggression. Laurie encouraged a man to be creative in his training approach to accommodate his disability. 

Dr Andrea and Eva are joined by special Guest Dr. Allison Tuttle from the Mystic Aquarium. New exhibits and the mission of the aquarium were discussed along with listeners medicine questions.

This week's behavior edition opens with Laurie explaining that dogs are not verbal. How you say words and how you act when you say it is more important than the words themselves. She also explains why dogs don't do things out of "spite". A reminder to encourage people to learn how to communicate clearly and do training to prevent injury to self and others. A caller asks why her dog picks out certain dogs not to like on walks and what do do about it, and another caller is trying to get advice for her daughters Rat Terrier who chews up rugs and blankets.

Today's behavior edition with Laurie Fass began with discussion about "Clear the Shelters"; things people need to consider before adopting. Call in questions questions included  a Lhasa Apso's chewing problem and whether a harness or collar would be better for him, Laurie interjected advice that common sense is sometimes the best advice, a poodle who eats dirt, a cat with fleas, suggestions on using a remote e collar to control a German Shepherd, a Wheaten Terrier who acts crazy in the car, and some cat carrier advice.

"Coughing Cats and Dogs" 

On today's edition of Pet Talk Laurie shares her experience of scary noises coming out of her fireplace and has an interview with Jayne Neville from the Mount Vernon  Bird Sanctuary to solve the mystery and learn about Chimney Swifts. http://www.therecoverywing.org/ Laurie encourages people to respect dog's boundary's and treat them like adults and not perpetual puppies. A caller has a problem with getting topical flea and tick treatment on his cat, and another caller calls in with a flea and tick collar recommendation that worked well for her pets.

The Dr's take your calls. They also talk about pets and water safety.

Laurie Fass takes caller's questions about keeping an Australian Cattle dog out of the pool, a 5 month old puppy who wakes up in the middle of the night,a cat who pees on the bed and couch,and an aggressive little dog who bites. Laurie gives her opinion about dogs on the bed, makes a suggestion about using a dog crate as a cat carrier, and things to keep in mind if you are considering getting an underwire containment system for your dog.end.

Dr's Andera and Eva answer all your animal questions. No animal to big or to small for a little help from a human friend. The opening dialogue was about avoiding being sprayed by skunks and the most effective recipe for removing the odor from your pet!

Today's Pet talk with behavior expert Laurie Fass features discussions about the attention span of dogs and people and the best ways to teach and learn, the winner of this years ugliest dog contest,the profound effects of early socialization on both dogs and cats, the difference between feral and stray cats, and a call in about the dangers of pesticides.

Dr. Andrea and Dr. Dennis answer all your animal questions. No animal to big or to small for a little help from a human friend.  The opening of the show dealt with 'how do you know when it's time to say goodbye to our pets...making the difficult decision of euthanasia'