Pet Theories Podcast

Yes, Australia, where the dog walks now grow on trees, thanks to a new law. What else? Oh, NHL teams are hiring service dogs to tenderize their gloves! All this, plus Halloween costume tips and a toucan update!

We got a little busy putting tomatoes into jars this weekend to edit a full episode . . . or even stay on topic . . . BUT we did have an in-depth conversation changing thoughts on spaying and neutering. Listen back for the full episode later on this week, with Australian news, toucan updates, and doggy Halloween costumes!

This week, we dive deep into labradoodles and their regretful creator. Introspective monsters on the loose! Then we answer your questions— Why won’t my puppy walk? And why must death be a thing? Plus, a trick! In Beyond Sit, we teach our dogs how to balance and catch a treat off their nose! Enjoy your dogs while you can folks!

With Efrem having other things to do this past week, we bring you a News for Dogs special episode! And we have some great ones for you pups! First: It’s true, your parents do like their cats better than you. Sorry. Then: Scientist spend time playing hide and seek with rats! What could possibly go wrong? And a vaccine for cat allergens? Sounds too good to be true…  And finally, a use for facial recognition that we can all get in front of. Last but not least, we cover an update out of Chevy Chase, MD.

This week, Eve has a little freak out about the some of the National Dog Day coverage. But first, the national news story about a tiny dog park in Maryland and its discontents. And is the future of pet food just a bunch of maggots? Plus, your questions: How do I stop the “excited pees” ? And what is my dog telling me when he leaves stuff for me to find?

This week, we start with a warning to stay out of the water when the algae's blooming. Plus, dogs & cats are allowed back in North Carolina's breweries, while humans in Colorado are cancelling games to avoid THE PLAGUE PRAiRiE DOGS!!! We teach our dogs to play volleyball! Oh, and Efrem has some pointers on photographing wild animals. Plus, your questions: What's that meow mean? What are you pet-naming guidelines?

Important new results of the FDAs investigation into DCM and grain-free diets.  New training tech for dogs: haptic-style vests so you can communicate with your dog over long and noisy distances. GOATS! And what they’re talking about to each other, and how they’re feeling about it. And last, a new study into Snowball the dancing cockatoo and all his fly moves. Plus Eve answers some questions Efrem made up in a pure jet-legged mode! Do you correct someone who has their animals harness on wrong? What’s up with pet turtles in Lyon? Can you feed fish and birds bread? I mean, what could possibly go wrong?

We start with some ways for cat parents can help contribute to cat science! And, find out what your cats are doing all day—just “resting,” or something far more sinister? Probably just resting. Plus, a warning about long-range ball throwers and your dog’s joints. And finally, sheep breeders in the UK seem to have a ram issue that has nothing to do with their memory. Onto your questions! How can I tell when it’s too hot on the pavement for my dog’s paws? Any suggestions for having your dog run off-leash when you can’t set up a fence. And in Beyond Sit, we teach our dogs how to Treibball!

Learn about helping your dog out with separation anxiety, fireworks and other loud noises, getting walks in when the days get too hot, and tips for swimming and bathing with your dog. We’ll have a regular episode in two weeks so get your questions in now!

We talk this week about what makes a dog person (and missing twins!). A reminder again to not use retractable leashes—if you won’t listen to Eve, how about the British Society for Surgery of the Hand? Plus, some actual (super promising!) science on dog seizures and CBD. And two new vaccines to help American bats survive White-nose syndrome!

Plus, a follow-up on our fascinating discussion of window dressings, and how to properly pop a doggie’s pill.

Two quick News for Pets items this week while Eve recovers from her wisdom tooth—twin stories of a long-lost (or never-lost) tortoise and a newfound possum.

There are so many dogs named Finn out there making news this week, from Finn the British hero police dog getting his law passed to Finn the very good bat dog out in Las Vegas just trying to do his job. We also talk about whether cats even care that you named them, a reminder on the importance of microchipping and tagging your dog, and a study looking into elephant milk! All this, plus your questions! Just how do I get all this pet hair off of me? And is CBD A-OK? And it was just National Dog Bite prevention week, we have tips!

An extra News for Dogs story for you this week! 

We’ll start with some local dog-output news, and your usual assortment of puppy crimes, the most popular dog in America, and some government researchers feeding cats to . . . well, just listen. Plus, your question this week—how do I keep my cat from clawing up my screens? And for some sci fi doggy weirdness, check back in a few days for our BONUS STORY, which was too long to include in today’s episode.

As promised, here's our Iditarod special—9 days of high-tension arctic racing, boiled down to 20 minutes of talk by two people who've never been to Alaska. Stay tuned for an exciting listen into a world of dog bickering, sous-vide pizza, and slushy mud. Lots of mud. 

Today, we cover the news out of Crufts 2019, especially the agility star Kratu! And we talk about all the bats hanging out at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. Plus, we answer some great questions about how to get new sibling pups from rasslin’ all. of. the. time. And answer a bunch of philosophical bee questions from Phil and Metz of Alzabo Soup. Oh, and go back and listen to episode 29 for more information about pedestal training (or as we refered to it then, “platform training”), and come back later next week for our Iditarod 2019 special!

On episode 64 we bring you a shorter episode due to us both getting a horrible flu last week. But we had to bring you the story of Edda of Ahlen town. Plus Eve does give some tips on improving your young dog’s focus on their walks. So that way they stop walking into lampposts.

We do our Westminster Kennel Club post-show wrap up, featuring Verb the border collie! Gabby the Papillon! And all them Best In Group winners Plus, Efrem & Eve opine on eugenics, aerobics, and the ethics of dog shows.

Episode 62 is here to answer all of your pet questions! What happens to birds in the polar vortex? What happens to some elephant seals when we leave their breeding grounds alone? Wait, how early were dogs helping humans hunt? Plus! Why is my cat cranking up the Tom Waits? Is it on purpose?

Welcome to an all new episode talking about animal science that isn't happening because of the government shutdown in News for Dogs: from counts of humpback whales still happening in Hawaii without the help of NOAA, to wolves and moose not being counted because they can't get to Isle Royale, and even a baby brown pelican and owl can't get the health care that they need.  Plus an organic pest control secret to one woman's Christmas tree, a Miracle Puppy!, and a study that looks into if gut bacteria can be linked to canine aggression. So much animal news! And of course, tour questions! New Years Resolutions, why retractable leashes are so bad, and Eve has a question for Efrem!

Happy New Year,  everyone—We're back with an all new episode!  Before the government shut down, the TSA considers how the children were judging their dogs.  Ford designs a noise canceling dog house, and new theories on the origins of dogs (and scientists who get testy). Plus, your questions!

We’re back and as full of news for your pets as ever! We appreciate your patience. Now on to the animals! We make up for missing an episode with a bunch of news. To start, there’s another dog food recall, so be sure to check if your food is on the list. In some better news out of the FDA, there’s a new drug approved to help treat dogs with anxiety. And a report out of the UK shows that Breed Specific Legislation caused the deaths of hundreds on innocent dogs. Finally, Florida is trying to figure out what to do with all those greyhounds we mentioned last episode, and an Ikea in Italy is really taking the Christmas spirit to heart and allowing stray dogs to hang out in the store and on the furniture. Yes, there’s a video too. And your questions! My dog has dry skin, do I need to buy the fancy products from the vet? My pet doesn’t know it’s the holidays, don’t buy her my gifts! And how to secure your Christmas tree to make sure the cat won’t take it down.

And your questions: Can I ride my bike with my dog? How do I deal with my family feeding my dog table scraps at thanksgiving? And a Beyond Sit combo with day light savings time shifting techniques!

Happy Halloween! We have a sporktakular episode for you all today! From eclipsed bees to dogs carrying MRSA around hospitals, hear all the news for animals to keep you up at night! Plus a deep look into the value of pet insurance. And your scariest questions! Halloween costumes for pets and fat weiner dogs. And Beyond Sit with some tips for how to help your dog handle all the ghouls' night out. (We know you cats have today all figured out.)

We talk about some drunk birds in Minnesota and some new research on preventing separation anxiety. Then we answer your questions on wedding doves, whether dogs have a “most important meal of the day”, and what to look for in a new dog walker. Plus, a new DIY puzzle for Beyond Sit!

This episode has all the answers—What's going on at PetSmart? Did you get scammed and lease your pet? Well, NY State can help! And have these female cockroachesfigured it all out?  Plus, your questions: Should I get a dog in a foreign country? Can I bring my cat to the office? How do I tell my dad to stop buying clothes for my dog?  All that, and another brain teaser for your dog!

In this episode we talk a lot about spiders in the news and on twitter. And give advice for a cabin-fevered dog during a hurricane. Just where should your dog go to the bathroom when you aren't allowed outside? 

This week, we say "good show" to England for banning shock collars, talk about mis-identified dogs (with some killer charts and graphs), and get a bit into why your pup is watching you pound. And we answer your questions: Are pets bad for the environment? And how good is yogurt for dogs? Plus, Eve takes us through The Bang Game, and we stop for a little monkey torture.

This episode! A summer dog flu alert. Plus, a French theme park hires some industrious crows. Plus, your questions about puppy pronouns and dog-park flirts. Eve has a Dennis Miller moment. Oh, and how to adopt a failed government dog! They can't smell bombs, but they can smell love.

This week, we're looking back at some of your favorite questions, along with an encore presentation* of our interview with the Senior Keeper at the Carolina Tiger Rescue. In this episode... Can I compost my dog's poo? What do I do about my dog hating it's collar? Is my cat a sadist? How can I tell if my dog is panting or smiling?  While you're here, please check out the Carolina Tiger Rescue's Amazon Wish List and get them something fun, like essentials oils for animal enrichment or giant plastic tubs so they can make bloodsicles to help the cats keep cool in the hot summer months.  We'll be back with an all-new episode next week! *that means a rerun  

It's episode 50! We discuss the DC cat census, along with the ancient dogs of the Americas, and some new research about a rare dog cancer.   Check out this seagull!  Plus your questions on horse pets and bug pets.  Finally! Impress the Gong Show judges! Have your dog jump thru your arms!

This week, we talk about training people (surgeons, no less) with dog clickers, the ASPCA rehabbing "unadoptable" dogs, and if humans are causing animals to be more nocturnal. And dingos and their fences, changing the landscapes of Australia.  And we answer your questions: Is this dog depressed? How do you handle hot spots? And we wrap up with some more tips for walking your dog in the dog days of ugh nevermind forget I just wrote that.

This week, we have News for Dogs, and then some . . .  First, we talk about a new study on equine sex stereotyping Then—how human encouragement influences dogs puzzle solving skills  and we briefly talk about Delta's new policy, (and a lot about how great pit bulls are).  Plus, your questions: Can I make my own dog food? What are the air-lock rules at the dog run? And can I throw my cat a birthday party?  And like dogs to water, we talk about some swimming and water tips for you and your dog.

Sorry for the delay in a real episode this week, but Efrem went to HerosCon instead!  Go to our website pettheoriespodcast.com and check out the great drawings of Olive Oyl that he got made. 

This episode, we discuss a squirrel and its new pinecone stash, the lesser long-nosed bat being taken off the endangered species list, a new Guam kingfisher born at the Smithsonian, and whether "emotional support" animals really provide any benefits. And your questions about gentrification and fancy dog food, and the best way to find an adoptable dog when you have a small kid. Then, Eve tells us how to help our dogs take a bath this summer.

This week, we help out two dogs waylaid by their owners' romantic lives.  Plus, we look into the seedy world of wildlife photography, Jacksonville's newest dog park, and the wonderful intestinal flora we share with our pets.

This episode, we're all about it finally being springtime! We answer your questions about helping your anxious dog cope with thunderstorms, and long road trips with your best friend. Plus news about some catty dog owners in Tribeca, and spring health tips about fleas, ticks and heartworms. 

As a special Anniversary Edition of the show, we're devoting the whole episode to this fascinating Washington Post story about the weird, co-dependent relationship that's sprung up between two unlikely groups—dog breeders and dog rescues. The internet makes for strange kennel-fellows. We'll be back next week with more of your pet questions!

It's #NationalPetDay and we're back with an all-new episode! We talk about African greys imitating a pack of dogs, cleaning up after your dogs (and not leaving it for nature), sound-conditioned animal shelters, and a tribute for a local fallen k9 hero.    And your questions! Are homeless pets a con? My dog growls at me when I try to take trash out of its mouth! And how do I get my dog to make that cute face again?  Then we finish by teaching our our pups to give themselves a mani-pedi.

Sorry for the delay, but one's was worth the wait! We talk about robots spying on fish Animals imprinting on everything from robot hens to sheep to buckets full of tuna! How long does it take for a dog to turn a stranger into a friend? Meanwhile, we're domesticating mice without even breeding em. All this, plus your questions: What do you do when the vet says "don't worry about it" . . . but you still worry about it? And does overlapping dogs help kids cope? Finally, we teach our dogs how to wipe their paws before they come inside. How nice of them!

A nice long show to take you through the next massive snow storm, with an all-new batch of questions and stories.  Cloning dogs—science fiction or science MADNESS?? How do I take care of my girlfriend's anxious dog? Plus, an update on that dog food recall (seriously, don't buy Gravy Train or Kibbles'n'Bits), some new rules at Crufts, DARPA scanning the pelagic depths for enemy intelligence, and foxes and coyotes, man, living in harmony, thanks to our garbage. All this, with just time enough to squeeze in a new trick: teaching your dog directions.

I an episode chock full of animal news, we end up discussing the logic of the Disney universe, salmonella—a lot—and an auspicious start to the Year of the Dog.   We also answer questions about doggy escape artists, safe leftovers, and argue a bit about chickens.

In this episode, we follow a golden eagle across several national parks, help some old dogs learn new video games, and calculate if being axious makes you more likely to get bitten by a dog. Plus, just what is dander, tips for walking a big dog, and how can I get my cat into better shape?

This week! We talk about Delta Airlines tightening rules for service animals, paw-preference and stress in cats, and the most News for Dogs story ever! Man. Bites. (Police) Dog.  Also, your questions about what kind of dog to get, carpets and cats and landlords . . . and catupulting foxhounds.  Plus Efrem interrupts Beyond Sit! to find out how to teach Olive Oyl how to roll over.

This episode we discuss new breeds, dogs and cats working together, some new ways for dogs to use their art history degrees, and frozen iguanas!  And your questions: Is my dog going senile? And can I get a little privacy in my studio apartment? Plus a Beyond Sit for the human in your life, how to Be a Tree! 

In this episode, we have news of a rescued mountain lion in California, randy mice (and how you can hear 1600 hours of their sultry singing), and a video of a squirrel on the run from the law.  Plus your questions on tougher dog toys, cat people vs. dog people, and helping out a kitties' self-confidence.  Finally, here's a round up of our favorite animal charities

This week we answer all your holiday tipping and winter dog questions! Plus, the story of the first pit bull police dog in Kansas! 

How do I protect my cat and my Christmas tree? How small can my new studio be for me and my greyhound? And there's no shame in being a failed foster!  Plus, a report from the FDA warns against giving your dog processed bone treats for Christmas. We discuss handler bias with police K-9s. And what you've all been waiting for — is dog brain soup smarter than cat brain soup?  Finally, we teach our pets how to be Perching Pirate Parrots!

This week, we talk turkey—that is, what Thanksgiving foods your pets can and cannot eat. Plus we take your pet questions—What's up with hissing cockroaches? Can I put a dog on a rotating schedule? And a deep dive into canine composting. Plus in News For Dogs, we explore some shocking revelations about prehistoric dog owners,  some not-at-all shocking news about dog vision, and meet some highly intelligent squirrels.

Here we are, back with a new episode on our new bi-weekly schedule. Your questions: Posting pee notices and eye gunks, before a nose-flip of a trick for Beyond Sit! But first! The return of Efrem's Bat Eave, the 60th anniversary of Leika's fateful trip, and fluid dynamics in fish schools.