It's A Doggy Dog World - All about dogs as pets & caring for your pet dog, - Pets & Animals on Pet Life Radio (PetLifeRadio.c

Petra, Kate and I wish to thank all of our wonderful loyal listeners for the past ten, twelve? Fourteen years. We have had a blast but things change. Two of us are moving. Kindred Spirits Dog Training is closing. It's the end of an era. But thank you! EPISODE NOTES: Thank You And Signing Off

What happens once your pet is gone? Will your other pets grieve? Liz's middle dog, Hero, is having a bit of a hard time after Bones passed away as is her orange tabby cat, Kirk. Yet the youngest dog, Seven, is absolutely fine. Your three hosts discuss grieving, how to help your pet after the loss of their companion, and how to find that new normal. EPISODE NOTES: When It's Time To Say Goodbye Part 2

One of the downfalls of loving dogs (and other pets) is they don't live long enough. Liz recently lost her good dog, Bones. Your three hosts talk about making the decision as to when to say goodbye, whether to take your dog to the vet clinic or have one come to the house, and other issues concerning end of life. This isn't a happy subject to discuss but is one everyone will face at some time. EPISODE NOTES: When It's Time To Say Goodbye Part 1

Dog owners and trainers both face challenges in keeping training new, fresh, and interesting for both dogs and their owners. If training becomes rote and boring, no one is going to have fun with it and if you're not having fun, you're less likely to do it. If the dog doesn't enjoy it, he's less likely to cooperate. Kindred Spirits is introducing a new program that combines obedience training, trick training, and games. Join Liz, Petra, and Kate as they talk about their hopes for it. EPISODE NOTES: Work and Play

Newly adopted dogs don't go to their new home and immediately adapt. It takes time for them to learn where they are, who the people are, what the rules, are and so much more. Plus, the dog's behavior is going to change as they adapt to the new home. Join Liz, Petra, and Kate as they explain what the stages of adjustment are, what to expect, and how to react. EPISODE NOTES: The Honeymoon Period

Recently someone told Kate that his dog was bilingual. She asked, "'English and dog?" He laughed, "Okay, tri-lingual. Dog, English, and Spanish." Our dogs understand what we teach them. So how about Klingon? Or Harry Potter spells? Or Italian dishes? Yep, people have taught their dogs a whole lot of different languages. EPISODE NOTES: Speak! In Another Language!

There is a dog club for every dog owners. Clubs for German Shepherd owners, people interested in agility, clubs for therapy dog owners; clubs for everything. Let's define what certain kinds of clubs are, who could benefit, and why you might want to join one. And of course, how to avoid the politics. EPISODE NOTES: Dog Clubs of All Kinds

Let's talk about dog care, coat types,, shedding, grooming, toenails and more. Dogs need a surprising amount of care. EPISODE NOTES: Look At Dog Care Too Before Bringing Home A Dog

Ideally, choosing a puppy or dog for you should be more than falling in love with a puppy. All puppies are cute, right? Tune in and listen as Liz, Petra, and Kate talk about breed tendencies and other things you should be aware of. EPISODE NOTES: Breed Characteristics And You

As we recorded this podcast we're still in the midst of COVID and most of us are at home either full time or part time. We're all, at least, being careful. Last year we recorded a couple of podcasts with suggestions about keeping your dog occupied or at least not bored, but we thought we'd revisit that topic. A year ago, none of us thought we'd still be doing this. Join us for some more ideas. EPISODE NOTES: Keeping Busy

We have a new sponsor this month and all of us - Liz, Petra, and Kate - are excited about it. Remember the James Herriot books? The veterinarian from Yorkshire, England? Yeah, we do, too. As we were talking about those books, we also talked about some TV shows with dogs, movies, and of course, books. Join us and hear about our favorites. If you have favorites, drop us an email and maybe we'll revisit this topic with your comments. EPISODE NOTES: All Things Great and Small

Several listeners have asked us if it's possible for dogs and smaller pets to live together. Well, yes and no. We're not trying to make things difficult but there are many pieces to this puzzle. Sit down and relax while Liz, Petra, and Kate talk about small pets, dogs, and whether a peaceable kingdom is possible. EPISODE NOTES: Dogs and Smaller Pets

If your dog is, for example, chasing a squirrel it's tough at that point to get your dog's attention. Calling him to come would most likely be futile. However, if you can take some time and teach him to ignore distractions and focus on you, you can prevent unwanted situations where he could get into trouble. Tune in and listen as Liz, Petra, and Kate talk about teaching focus. EPISODE NOTES: Teaching Your Dog to Focus on You

In the last couple of weeks prior to recording this podcast, there were eight or nine headlines concerning bad dog bites, maulings, and even fatalities. Liz, Petra, and Kate aren't going into why aggressive dogs are aggressive, or why the dogs are running loose (at least not in this podcast) but instead what should you do if you're faced with an aggressive dog? And what should you do afterwards. This isn't a fun subject, it's not a happy podcast, and hopefully you'll never need this information. But if you do, we hope we can help. EPISODE NOTES: What to Do When Faced with an Aggressive Dog

Liz, Petra, and Kate debunk a few common but erroneous canine myths. Were you told to let dog's get to know you by letting them smell your outstretched hand? How about the one that dogs must sniff each other's genitalia? There is a lot of misinformation available to dog owners that isn't necessarily true and could potentially actually cause problems. Tune is for more information. EPISODE NOTES: Let's Talk about Canine Myths

A listener emailed us asking us to discuss small dog reactivity as her small dog is having some problems with this. This is a subject Liz, Petra, and Kate have all shared their homes with small dogs. Liz had Papillons; Petra Pomeranians; and Kate has a cockapoo and a Jack Russell terrier. Tune in for their discussion in why small dogs can be reactive towards other dogs, what owners can do to manage these episodes, and some training ideas. EPISODE NOTES: Small Dog Reactivity; A Listener's Question

Liz, Petra, and Kate have talked several times in previous podcasts about traveling on road trips with dogs but traveling in the era of COVID is different. Tune in to hear about Liz and Petra's recent 2000 mile trip in Kevin, the RV, with four dogs and four foster kittens during COVID. They have tips on traveling safely, avoiding potential problems, and of course, some things to do before you travel. Plus, kittens! EPISODE NOTES: Traveling with Dogs, Revisited

We have talked about private training so lets talk about group classes. What are the pros and cons? What will be covered in class? What do you need to do to be successful? EPISODE NOTES: Let's Talk Dog Training, Part 2

There are many different forms of dog training but let's talk about private one- on-one training. How does it work? What can it include? And most importantly, what is the dog owner’s responsibility? EPISODE NOTES: Let's Talk Dog Training

During the COVID crisis, we've been staying at home, isolating ourselves from other people, and really, doing the opposite of socializing. What is you have a puppy or teenage dog who needs socialization? Join Liz, Petra, and Kate as they talk about ways to socialize your canine safely. EPISODE NOTES: Socialization During Social Isolation

With so many dog owners staying at home during the COVID crisis, our dogs are getting used to our company all the time. When people need to start leaving home, either for grocery shopping or work, many dogs may react with signs of separation anxiety. Join Liz, Petra, and Kate as they discuss potential ways of alleviating this. EPISODE NOTES: Preventing Separation Anxiety

As much as Liz, Petra, and Kate are enthusiastic about dog training, there is no dog-training magic wand. Training cannot and never will solve all dog behavior issues. Sometimes managing the dog and the behavior is a better idea. Tune in for an explanation, examples, and some how to's. EPISODE NOTES: Management and/or Training?

Liz has a new puppy, Seven, and Petra has added Willow to her household. Both English Shepherds, as Liz's Bones and Hero are and Petra's Poncho and Tango. Listen in to find story behind the new puppies, where they came from, and how they are doing. Plus, in case you are wondering why Liz's puppy is named Seven, that will be explained too. EPISODE NOTES: Please Meet Seven and Willow on Pet Life Radio

Most dog owners have recognized that their dog responds when the owner is sad or upset and it's wonderful when that aware dog tries to make us feel better. But there is more to this than just that. When raising a puppy it's especially important to be aware of your emotions as puppies are just little balls of emotion anyway. Then, too, when training your dog your emotions can help you or hinder your efforts. Liz, Petra, and Kate talk about emotions and your dog so tune in. EPISODE NOTES: Your Emotions and Your Dog on Pet Life Radio

Some puppy owners bring home two puppies thinking that they will amuse each other, perhaps keep each other out of trouble, and free the family from some of the burdens of puppy raising. Unfortunately this is incorrect. Two puppies at the same time is a big problem, so much so that there has been a lot written about it. Listen in as Liz, Petra, and Kate discuss double the trouble. EPISODE NOTES: Two Means Double the Trouble on Pet Life Radio

Liz, Petra, and Kate discuss creativity in dog training. This doesn't mean you have to teach your dog to paint (although that might be fun!) but instead, creativity can help prevent boredom, both for yourself and your dog. Creativity can also get your dog more involved in his own training. EPISODE NOTES: Dog Training: Be Creative on Pet Life Radio

Liz, Petra, and Kate talk about generalization in regards to dog training. What is it? Why is it important? And how to you help your dog learn these important skills. Tune in and listen. EPISODE NOTES: Dog Training Skills: Generalization on Pet Life Radio

Recently Petra's two-year-old dog, Tango, was diagnosed with Addison's disease. She talks about the diagnosis, treatment plan, and how he's doing. Living with a dog with a chronic illness means more trips to the veterinarian, usually a change in your routine for vet visits and medications, as well as an emotional upset. It's tough. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Living with a Dog with Chronic Illness on Pet Life Radio

Liz has lost two dogs to cancer in the last four years. Petra has lost four dogs to cancer; as has Kate. A traumatic illness, it affects vast numbers of dogs. So let's talk about how it affects your dog and you. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - When Your Dog Has Cancer on Pet Life Radio

Training class students ask Liz, Petra, and Kate for recommendations as to what is good (and safe) for their dogs to chew on. Plus, what can you give dogs who are fussy about their chews? Thankfully, there are some good alternatives. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Chew Ideas for Your Dogs on Pet Life Radio

Liz, Petra, and Kate have talked previously about choosing the right dog. Taking a look at breed, gender, activity level and more. But it's also important to have a vision of where this new dog will fit into your life. Thinking about that prior to bringing home a dog is vital. After all, the dog can't change who he is. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Have a Vision on Pet Life Radio

In this, the second of two podcasts on housetraining, Liz, Petra, and Kate discuss options for housetraining including the pros and cons of doggy doors, potty pads, litter box options, and more. Included are suggestions for housetraining a dog in the big city as well as what you can do should you work long hours. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - More on Housetraining on Pet Life Radio

In this and their next podcast, Liz, Petra, and Kate are talking about housetraining. This subject is the source of many questions from class students and podcast listeners. In this podcast, they discuss the definition of housetraining, why a schedule is important, teaching a vocabulary, word, crate training, and much more. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Housetraining on Pet Life Radio

A common problem that dog trainers here is that the dog won't come when called. Since a reliable come makes everyday life so much easier and can be a life saver for your dog, teaching the come is important. Liz, Petra, and Kate discuss several ways to teach the come as well as a couple of things you shouldn't do. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Teaching the Come on Pet Life Radio

Spring is an great time to get ready for summer's challenges. Just as we check our smoke and CO2 alarms when time changes we can check a few other things. Are you prepared for fleas, ticks, and heartworms? If not, talk to your veterinarian. When was the last time you scrubbed out your dog's outside water bowl? It's easy to forget. Liz, Petra, and Kate don't want to tell you how to live with your pet, but instead just want to offer some suggestion you may not have thought about yourself. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Spring into Summer on Pet Life Radio

Kate's cocker mix, Walter, is thirteen now and is almost blind and pretty much completely deaf. Kate's been doing quite a bit of research on how to help her dog and wants to share that. Liz and Petra talk with Kate about disabled dogs, old dogs, and ideas for helping them. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Walter's Thirteen Now on Pet Life Radio

If you're listening to this podcast, you already think dogs are pretty special. We do, too. But the love that our dogs have for us sometimes goes beyond special. There's a touch of magic there, too. Tune in and listen as Liz, Petra, and Kate talk about some special dogs and the magic they provide. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - The Magic of Dogs on Pet Life Radio

We asked veterinarians on social media this question, "What can your clients do to help you help their pets?" We received a number of responses from veterinarians across the US. Although some of their responses were expected, others were not. Tune in to see what they said. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Help Your Veterinarian Help Your Pet on Pet Life Radio

We talked about adolescence a few years ago but this is a subject that can't be re-visited too many times. The teenage stage in puppies (or humans for that matter!) can be frustrating and challenging. Since Liz and Petra both have teenage puppies, as does another of Kindred Spirits' trainers, this is a subject that has been on our mind. We'll share some of our coping techniques. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Adolescence Re-Visited on Pet Life Radio

Liz, Petra, and Kate have talked several times previously about traveling with dogs, both at hotels and in RVs. On their last trip they invited friends Wayne and Kei to join them. Kei joins the podcast to talk about their decision to rent an RV, the challenges in getting to know the RV, how their dogs reacted, and the fun they had on the trip. Kei also offers suggestions for those thinking about doing this. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Revisiting RVs, Dogs, and Travel on Pet Life Radio

Liz, Petra, and Kate invite a friend and fellow dog trainer, Sue Dewer to talk about the dog bite Sue is still recovering from. The dog that bit Sue is a pit bull but Sue isn't blaming the breed, or even that particular dog. Instead, the dog was newly adopted and Sue is questioning the shelter's screening process. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Let's Talk About a Dog Bite on Pet Life Radio

There are a number of reasons why some dog owners would like to teach their dog to relieve herself inside, appropriately of course! In this podcast Liz, Petra, and Kate discuss some of the reasons why, new and old products that can make it easier to do, how to transition the dog to outside if you'd like to do that, and of course, how to teach your dog. Petra, who has Pomeranians trained to go inside, talks about her experiences. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Indoor Housetraining on Pet Life Radio

Hurricane Irma was charging up the coast of Florida while Liz, Petra, and Kate were recording this podcast. At the same time, 100 dogs from Texas were landing in San Diego to make room in Texas shelters for dogs rescued from Hurricane Harvey. While everyone seems to agree that these dogs needed a chance for a better life, sometimes well meaning rescue groups aren't as careful as they could be. Kate leads the conversation here and discusses her concerns. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Long Distance, Large Numbers Dog Rescues on Pet Life Radio

Liz and Kate have been voracious dog books readers since childhood but Petra admits that as a kid she read more horse books than dog books. But all three talk about their favorites, from older ones such as Jack London's Call of the Wild and White Fang to newer books. Tune in to hear the wild variety mentioned. Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Our Favorite Dog Books on Pet Life Radio

Liz, Petra, and Kate talk about their favorite movies featuring dogs. The dogs may or may not have been the stars, such as with Lassie, but may have played an important part. Older movies, such as Turner & Hooch, are mentioned as well as newer movies like the Secret Life of Pets. Tune in and see who likes what. Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Our Favorite Dog Movies on Pet Life Radio

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) continues to grow even though it's been shown not to work. Overall, it doesn't lessen overall dog bites in any community where it's been instituted. Plus, once one breed has been banned, it's easy for the legislative body to add one or more breeds. And if you think you're breed won't be banned, think again! Liz, Petra, and Kate talk about breed bans, BSL, and what would work better. Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Ban the Act not the Breed on Pet Life Radio

Although we certainly don't want to frighten our listeners - and that isn't our intent - we do hope that this coming summer will be a safe one for you and your dog. Liz, Petra, and Kate talk about some common dangers including insects, hot camp fires, dangerously hot asphalt, and more. Tune in for things to know to help keep your dog safe. Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Summer Safety on Pet Life Radio

Oppositional reflex is a commonly used term that refers to the actions of your dog when pressure is applied. A good example is when your dog pulls hard on the leash as you're acting as an anchor. The word reflex isn't appropriate for these actions though as it truly isn't a reflex. Tune in and hear what Liz, Petra, and Kate have to say as they explain this action and what a more appropriate term might be. Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - What is Oppositional Reflex on Pet Life Radio

It's impossible, or at least difficult, to teach your dog if he doesn't know how to pay attention to you. Plus, when your dog knows how to pay attention, especially with distractions, you can use this as a way of preventing problems. In addition, as with so many things, we also make a game out of teaching attention. So tune in and find out what Liz, Petra, and Kate do with this training exercise. Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Teaching Your Dog to Pay Attention on Pet Life Radio

If you're a regular listener you know Liz, Kate, and Petra travel a lot with their dogs. Staying at RV parks, campgrounds, with friends, and at hotels; their dogs are always expected to be well behaved and Liz, Kate, and Petra work to make sure their dogs don't disrupt other travelers. Here are some of their tips. Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - How to be a Considerate Traveler with Your Dog on Pet Life Radio

With the holidays in mind, Liz, Kate, and Petra did some research for some things you and your dog might like. We talked to dog owners, looked at reviews online and at Amazon, and what looked fun to us. Hopefully some of them will sound good to you! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your dogs. Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Interesting Gifts for Your Dog on Pet Life Radio