Pet Talk

“CORONAVIRUS-IS YOUR PET AT RISK”

Who is "alpha" in your house, and does it matter? Facts and myths about dominance. Callers had questions about begging and barking.

How are dogs and cats different? And how different are the people who love them? Listen to today's show to find out. Callers share stories about their dogs and cats watching TV and what shows their pets most enjoyed watching.

Did you know you may only be allergic to MALE dogs?

Today's show featured tips on training puppies. A former student of Laurie's called in to get help with his husky's habit of chasing squirrels, and two more people called in who had either been students or called in the past, to report success stories. A caller wanted to know why her previous dog had the habit of peeing on the floor shortly after going outside. Laurie finished up with funny stories about dogs and cats  together.

Love is in the air, so let's keep those pets safe this Valentines Day. 

We discuss winter safety tips for your pets.

On today's behavior edition of Pet Talk, Laurie recounts unlikely acts of bravery and heroism by cats. A caller was concerned about her Bernadoodle eating poop. A young girl called to ask if it was OK to give her Pug a bath with a garden hose which prompted 2 callers to weigh in on the safety of hoses. A woman needed a suggestion to stop her Bichon from eating dirt out of flower pots, and another caller was looking for advice about a biting Maltese. The last caller shared how he had a bear "friend" who he was feeding and Laurie cautioned him about how bears that become to accustomed to people can end up in danger themselves.

Today's show started with Laurie giving advice to a woman about her daughter's recently adopted heeler mix who was behaving aggressively to men. Laurie discussed the random nature of animal's comfort with different types of people. The next caller wanted help with his Maine Coon cat who was mourning the loss of his Manx cat. The last caller had an 11 year old hound mix who pees in the house and is very destructive. Laurie recounted some of her memories of the most destructive things dogs have done.

We discuss New Years Pet Resolutions for 2020.

On today's show Laurie shared her experiences with her new puppy and stressed the importance of socialization. Callers had questions about; a labradoodle who jumped at the window after squirrels but only when she left the room, and a man wanted to know what kind of pet a Bull Terrier would be for a first time pet owner. 

On today's show:  is this the right time to get a puppy, the right fit for you, and the right fit for your other pets? and ideas to protect your Christmas tree were discussed. Callers had questions about a 4 year old Rat Terrier mix who won't go for walks, introducing a new dog to living with older cats, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who attacks the TV when animals are on the air, and an 8 year old chihuahua who air snaps at her owner's face when she cradles her. And lastly Laurie reminded people to not be embarrassed to get your dog a coat if he seems cold.

Liz Bennet from Bandit's Place shared information about pets she has for adoption including a senior beagle, parakeets, and two five foot long iguanas. The adoptable pets can be seen here. A caller wanted to give an update on his puppy's infected foot. A woman wanted some ideas to stop her dog from jumping up and licking dishes in the sink and Laurie convinced a man to keep his cat. Liz and Laurie discussed things to consider before adopting a pet

We discuss safety tips for Thanksgiving.

November is "Adopt a Senior Pet" month so Laurie listed some advantages of adopting older pets. Laurie shared some unusual solutions for dog anxiety including a bulldog whose confidence was raised from wearing a turtle costume, a pit bull who got comfort from a stuffed shark, and her own dog who had a special blanket.  Hunger4words is blog about teaching a dog to communicate using a sound board which sounds out words when  the dog presses the correct button. A caller was confused and worried about his dogs behavior. Laurie recalled people's frequent misinterpretations of their dog's behaviors.The show wrapped up with tips on dogs with babies and children. Details can be accessed here: http://www.lauriefassdogtraining.com/training-tips/safety-guidelines-for-new-babies-and-young-children/%20%20

What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing dog training in a group class?  Callers had questions about a 9 year old Maltese who was coughing when excited,  a 15 year old Dalmatian who was barking and disoriented, and a 13 year old dog who had developed a fear of the dark. Laurie explained the many reasons why a dog might bark and how each one needs to be treated differently, and shared heroic acts by rescue dogs. The last caller had a 2 year old Siberian Husky who barked and jumped excessively.

Are your pets safe from EEE and West Nile Virus?

Today's episode featured the dangers of improperly fitting collars and harnesses, how dog crates can be a better option for cats than traditional carriers, and crazy dog training ideas. A caller wanted to share that his Maine Coon cat was still alive and doing well at 18 years and 5 months. Laurie pointed out how dogs are smarter than people in some ways and the last caller was looking for suggestions to comfort a 16 year old dog who was grieving her deceased litter mate.  

It can be hard to make difficult decision regarding your pet, but it's something we all face eventually. We discuss the best ways to make these hard choices.

Today's show featured discussion was about a dog behavior study by Dr Nicholas Dodman, and using a siren to chase animals out of the yard. Callers had questions about a cat with destructive scratching, a cat who starts howling around midnight, and dogs who keep getting tangled up with porcupines. Laurie's fall group classes are beginning in Windsor, Wethersfield, and West Hartford. For more information or to contact Laurie off the air go to www.lauriefassdogtraining.com.

How do you keep your pets safe, while living in an environment with bears, coyotes, and venomous snakes? Hear helpful tips about ensuring your pet's health and safety living among other wildlife.

Today was "Clear the Shelters Day" and Laurie's guest was Liz Bennett from Bandits Place Animal Rescue. Liz can be seen on Lost and Pound in the morning on Channel 3 every third Sunday of the month. Liz described the challenges of finding good homes for animals and the dogs she currently has available. For more information go to her website banditsplace.org or call her directly at 860 653-0558.

Laurie explained Dino chickens, pet cloning, and DNA testing. Callers had concerns about a terrier mix who was barking and chasing things all the time, a cat who was throwing up frequently, and a caller who wanted to know why her dog was shaking her head after being groomed. The show wrapped up with Laurie listing the many different reasons dogs bark. 

How to prevent Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke) and treatment.

This episode featured discussion about how people's perception of time increases the dangers of hot cars, Furbo, a treat dispensing video camera, GPS pet collars, pet toys, bark collars, and dog crates. Callers had questions about reintroducing their cat after a 2 week quarantine to a cat she used to get along with, and a nine month Labrador who chews and jumps.

We look at why you should suspect dog treats with a Salmonella outbreak.

We opened with discussion about problems and things to consider when installing an underground pet containment system, like Invisible Fence. Callers had questions about a Golden Retriever x hound who jumps, an American Eskimo who barks excessively, a Chihuahua who stopped using the pee pad, and concerns about a cat not drinking enough water.

On this behavior edition Laurie explained the value of asking the right question. A caller asked about his 3 Siamese cats going after his male rescue Manx cat named "Stubbie". Laurie reminded people to keep dogs out of cars as the weather heats up, and pointed out the difference between making excuses for bad behavior and not respecting a dog's boundaries and limitations. Laurie shared a story of 2 cats who bonded over a common enemy illustrating how "the enemy of my enemy is my friend " is not just for people.The last caller wanted advice for his daughters Golden Doodle who pulls excessively on the leash.

It's Kentucky Derby day and Laurie posed the question; "Is there a dark side to horse racing"? Citing news stories about a race track in Santa Anita where 23 horses died, and a purported 2000 horses dying this year from racing related injuries. Laurie referred to a website www.horseracingwrongs.com Laurie reflected on her previous naivete about captive marine mammals and suggested reading books by Ric O'Barry. Laurie also shared her meeting a breed she previously didn't know existed, a pudlepointer, a registered hunting breed developed in the 1800's by crossing poodles with pointers. Callers had questions about a nipping barking 6 pound Maltese, and a German Shepherd who chases cars. The last caller wanted to make the point; race horses like to run and are specially bred for the task. Laurie acknowledged this but still asked if humans owe it to animals to keep them safe?

When people ask Laurie what her methodology or philosophy about dog training, the answer to that question may not useful information. Following successful training advice is like following a recipe. Different types of dog training head collars, pros and cons,was discussed. A caller was concerned about her min pin x chihuahua's pillow licking and a follow up caller shared how his toy poodle licked bed covers. Laurie told a funny story about a dog who was "water bottle" trained. Callers had questions about a kitten's destructive chewing, clipping the fur on the feet of a long haired dachshund, and a woman who was worried about her fearful rescue dog

On today's show Laurie cautioned people about contracts, paying for evaluations, and guarantees when signing up for dog training. A description of "the coyote vest", a coat designed to protect dogs from coyotes, was discussed. https://www.coyotevest.com/ Callers included a woman who was concerned about her maltese x yorkie's extreme attachment to her, a man warning about hawks grabbing small animals, a woman seeking advice on training a deaf dog, and a question about acclimating a cat to a vacation home so he can safely go outside. 

Learn what you need in your pet's First Aid kit.

As the weather gets warmer and the ground gets muddier Laurie offered a solution for mud patches in your lawn, straw. People don't think of cats as being heroes, but Laurie shared stories proving otherwise. How to keep dogs safe in the car was discussed. Callers had questions about how to give a dog a shot and what reward should a dog get for spotting a tumor and saving a life. A woman needed instructions on how to get her 9 month old puppy to walk up and down stairs, and a caller recalled his cousins poodle predicting a heart attack.

We discuss the danger with pets and e-cigarettes.

Laurie wants you to be aware of the upcoming fund raiser event, The Bark Twain Bash, at The Mark Twain House on March 15th to raise money for Kenway's Cause. Details can be seen at https://marktwainhouse.org/event/bark-twain-bash-its-the-cats-meow/ Callers had questions about a Golden retriever who licked his feet after chasing his ball, a 12 year old dachshund mix who was no longer housebroken, and a 15 year old cat who eats too fast then throws up. A caller prompted a lengthy discussion about prong collars and which dogs are the most stubborn. The final caller also had concerns about her dog's excessive licking.

Looking back over the years, Laurie recalled some of her craziest questions and impossible requests. On today's show callers had questions about a cats and litter boxes; one cat used the sink as a litter box and another cat was just missing the litter box. A woman was concerned about her 17 year old cat who was licking her fur off. The last caller had a problem acclimating a dachshund x chihuahua with a guide dog foster puppy.

Learn about cold weather safety tips for your pets.