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Latest episodes from WGN - Steve Dale's Pet World

Dog trainer Zak George talks why shock collars are problematic and more

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025


Hard to believe that a dog training organization that seeks to set licensing standards for dog trainers is willing to accept the use of shock collars. Dog trainer Zak George explains why that is unacceptable. He notes that while the use of shock can stop of a problematic behavior in its tracks, it will also cause […]

The most common behavior problem in dogs, the role the economy is playing in relinquishing of pets, and more

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025


Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Co-founder of Center for Behavior Studies explains what this non-profit to support pet studies and keeping pets in homes is all about. Dr. Dodman reveals the most common behavior problem in dogs. Why do dogs sometimes have compulsive behaviors, such tail or light chasing, and what can be done to help these […]

Chicago's oldest and most significant animal shelter fundraiser, Bark in the Park, returns to Lincoln Park on May 31st

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025


Dog trainer Jeff Millman on a new way to think about dog bite prevention, which is actually Steve's idea. Millman is the author of Triggers and Reactions: A Guide to Fixing Dog Behavior Problems: Volume One: On-Leash Aggression  Anti Cruelty President Darlene Duggan talks about the city's oldest and most significant animal shelter's biggest fundraiser, Bark in the […]

Susan Russell talks about her book ‘Midnight: Don't Judge Me Ruiz' and the still-existing long list of pit bull related fallacies

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025


Once the executive director of Chicago Animal Care & Control, Susan Russell is now in Philadelphia and after a stint at an animal shelter there, she has authored Midnight: Don't Judge Me Ruiz. She discusses the book and the still existing long list of pit bull related fallacies and Philly cheese-steak sandwiches. Good news about heart […]

Neutralizing cat allergies, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald talks his autobiography, and more

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025


You may recall Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald from Animal Planet's Emergency Vets and E-Vet Interns or perhaps you've even seen him perform his stand-up act at a comedy club. He talks about what he's learned about veterinary medicine from the best and about what he's learned about show biz from the likes of the Rolling Stones to George Burns. He talks about […]

Chicago Animal Care and Control is turning a new leaf and is focused on absolute transparency

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025


Straight up, asking questions listeners would want to ask of Armando Tajeda, Executive Administrative Assistant and Public Information Officer Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC). He conceded the agency doesn't have a long history (and that's true in many other cities as well) of absolute transparency, that's now changed. And offer Armando an opportunity to […]

Author Susan Hartzler talks about her latest books and shares her love for dogs

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025


Unlucky in love but lucky with dogs, Susan Hartzler talks openly about her life in “I'm Not Single, I Have A Dog: Dating Tales from the Bark Side.” She explains that she's fine and content today and accepting that she may from now on only have partners with four legs. And why in many ways, that is […]

Steve Dale is joined by Dr. Sheldon Rubin for an in-depth conversation about the dangers of heartworm disease, the importance of Anti-Cruelty, and more

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025


Legendary Dr. Sheldon Rubin has been a guest on WGN radio dating back to Wally Phillips, when he was among the first veterinarians to talk regularly about pets in the media. Dr. Rubin is passionate about informing people of the dangers of heartworm disease which is nearly always preventable. He also recalls odd animals he's dealt […]

Steve Dale reveals the most popular and trendy dog breeds; learns more about Simon Tofield's latest book; and more!

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2025


With over 300 million views on his Simon the Cat's YouTube page, and several books published, Simon Tofield explains the origin of Simon and why he think his animated cat became an international sensation. With countless interviews under his belt this is the first time he explains why he feels he is so innately in […]

Major advancements and breakthroughs for your cat's health; How your dog can become an assisted therapy animal; and more

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025


Pretty much everything we know about cats was once funded by the non-profit – EveryCat Health Foundation. Jackie Ott Jaakola, Executive Director, explains further and how recently treatments have been found for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (the most common heart disease in cats). In fact, anyone can attend virtually or in […]

Who will win the Windy City Sweets cookie contest?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025


Oh rats! It's a real dog sport, and now available in Evanston from City Sniffers. Megan Renner is a Certified Canine Sports Training Professional and Certified Canine Training & Behavior Specialist. Currently she is a judge for Happy Ratters and Rat Games. What the heck is that all about? Who will win the Windy City Sweets cookie […]

Certified Dog Trainer Kathy Callahan offers unexpected advice to new puppy parents

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2025


Funny lady JoAnne Worley from TV's Laugh In and countless TV shows and stage work also happens to be President of Actors and Others for Animals. She talks about the mission and work of the non-profit, including a continued focus on spay/neuter and supporting the wildfire's animal victims. The big question? Will she gift Steve Dale and WGN […]

Steve Dale: How to stop your dog from eating its own waste

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025


WGN Radio's pet expert and host of Steve Dale's Pet World and Steve Dale's Other World joins Wendy Snyder, in for John Landecker, to discuss what you can do if your dog will not stop eating its own waste.

Dr. Sally Haddock talks continuing education available to veterinarians, an in-depth conversation with the author of ‘Living While Human', and more

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025


Dr. Sally Haddock, Board President of the North American Veterinary Community discusses the massive continuing education available to veterinarians and how this all trickles down to pet parents. Discussed is how intense the human animal bond is today, compared to how it was years ago. Though affording veterinary medicine is more challenging than ever, which is also […]

Dr. Matthew McGlasson on ‘How to Rate a Cat'

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025


He admits he has a problem. Dr. Matthew McGlasson says, “I'm obsessed with cats.” As a result he's authored How to Rate a Cat. Discussed are serious misconceptions many have about cats, topics such as declaw and why he's opposed, and more.  A secret way to communicate with your cat – blink. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7285891/7285891_2025-02-18-020031.64kmono.mp3

Comedian Drew Lynch talks about the difference his service dog has made in his life

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025


They are the underdogs of veterinary medicine, and at the same time the backbone of the profession – they are veterinary technicians. A conversation with Beckie Mossor, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Also, she a founder of the non-profit Veterinary Industry Giving Tree. Drew Lynch is arguably one of the hottest stand-up comedians […]

Petco Love has been working around the clock supporting pets and families around L.A. and also reuniting lost pets with their owners as well

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025


Petco Love President Susanne Kogut talks how the non-profit significantly supported pets and families around Los Angeles, and how Petco Love Lost reunites lost pets with their people. Steve and Susanne also discuss why so many animal shelters today remain filled to the max, and what's being done to relieve the pressure. And why do dogs […]

Everything there is to know about the upcoming Lincoln State Cat Show; an effective treatment may be on the horizon for HCM; and more

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2025


You've never been to a cat show? Lincoln State Cat Show Manager Jeremy Basterash describes the fun you'll miss by not attending, and how cats are judged. The Lincoln State Show is February 22-23, Kane County Fairgrounds 525 S, Randall Rd. St Charles. Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is likely the number one cause of death in […]

A look into the 2nd edition of ‘Dr. Sophia Yin's Low Stress Handling and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats'

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025


Steve feels honored to interview Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Christine Calder, co-editor (with Pat Koven) of Dr. Sophia Yin's Low Stress Handling and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats (second edition). Dr. Yin was a friend, and frequent guest, not to mention training pioneer. Steve talks about cooperative care, having pets participate by their own consent to veterinary […]

A chat with the author of ‘My Broken Dog', how handicapped dogs and cats are brought back to their potential with rehab modalities, and more

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025


Nancy Kubillus, Waukegan, IL-based author of My Broken Dog:  Living with a Handicapped Pet, tells her emotional story of how she cared for an English Springer Spaniel named Kaylee.  Tod Miner of Arfit Canine Rehab Fitness in Chicago talks about how handicapped dogs and cats are today often brought back to their potential with various rehab modalities, and […]

PetCast: What's new for pets in 2025?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025


Dr. Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer North American Veterinary Community, talks about the giant VMX veterinary conference and takes pet parents behind the curtain. What's new for pets in 2025? Mostly, the latest and greatest will fall into two buckets, individualized medicine and AI, and we go deep talking about each.

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Animal Behavior Training Concepts and the importance or adhering to leash laws

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025


Laura Monaco Torelli is the owner and founder of Animal Behavior Training Concepts and she is an internationally celebrated dog trainer, and based in Chicago where an awful event occurred. If the two dogs were leashed the attack would never have occurred. Her new passion is to advocate for adhering to leash laws. She also talks about […]

PetCast: Crystal Ball for Pets for 2025

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025


Dr. Adam Christman, chief medical officer DVM360, whips out his crystal ball offering his predictions for what you will all experience regarding pet care for 2025. At the start of this list is artificial intelligence, it's here from helping diagnostics to smart collars to training tools to new ways to discover pain recognition.  How veterinarians […]

The importance of the Furever Home Dog Sanctuary, a new way to think about dog bites, and more

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025


So, what do behavior consultants do and how do they differ from “ordinary” dog trainers? Dot Bailey is the Executive Director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and she explains. What's more, there are certified cat, bird and equine behavior consultants. David Kerpel is proving that dreams can come true. He is the founder […]

Dr. Katherine Leahy on keeping pets safe in frigid temperatures, The Great American Dog Show at the Tinley Park Convention Center, and more

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025


Baby, it's getting cold and getting colder out. Dr. Katherine Leahy of Heal Veterinary Clinic on keeping pets safe in frigid temperatures. What about booties? And at which temperature do which dogs need a coat or a sweater? Also, warnings about even lapping up a taste of antifreeze. Erika Wyatt, co-owner International Kennel Club of Chicago on […]

Jon Provost from the TV series ‘Lassie' recalls his time on the show; Dr. Ernie Ward discusses the connection between spay/neuter and obesity in dogs; and more

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024


Jon Provost who was Timmy in Lassie sincerely – even all these years later (he's now 74-years old) – has a love for dogs  as much as he did when he played Timmy. Steve reminisces and Jon tells all sorts of stories. And did he ever really fall into a well? What was the craziest peril […]

Tips from Dr. Bailey on keeping pets safe during the holiday season, an annual reading of ‘Twas a Pet's Night Before Christmas', and more

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024


A howliday tradition for Steve Dale's Pet World! Steve speaks to the President elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) about what's to come in 2025. Dr. Michael Bailey pulls out the AVMA crystal ball to offer his predictions for the New Year.  Also, tips from Dr. Bailey on keeping pets safe over the howliday […]

Dog Trainer Drayton Michaels offers a refresher course in house training puppies; Steve Dale shares an update soon the WGN Radio Petcasts; and more

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024


Raising a puppy can be great fun but to be honest it's not for everyone says dog trainer Drayton Michaels, author of The Puppy Parents Handbook: Raising A Well Trained Puppy in the 21st Century. Michaels offers a refresher course in housetraining 101. He has also long been involved in fighting breed bans (typically targeted to dogs referred […]

PetCast: Pet safety over the Howlidays

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024


This is the time of year when organizations such the Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) receive the most calls. Steve talks with veterinary toxicologist Dr. Renee Scmid, director of veterinary medicine and a senior veterinary toxicologist at PPH. Lilies are fragrant for us but very toxic to cats. And chocolate is never a good idea. She […]

Dr. Mark Goldstein shares his predictions for what's to come in veterinary medicine in 2025

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024


Larry Holm is host a podcast called What About Grief. Steve Dale appeared on a segment called “Our Pets: Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Pet,” and that is the topic of this conversation. Indeed, Holm found that the loss of a pet can be as profound as losing any other family member. Dr. Mark Goldstein has done it […]

Zak George covers how to choose a dog trainer, the best way to handle reactive dogs, and more

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024


Zak George is no doubt the most popular and one of the most outspoken dog trainers in social media, as he tells the truth – based on science – regarding dog training methods. He's totally no fan of the use of shock collars and takes a deep dive in describing why. Included is how to choose […]

Steve Dale and David Frei discuss ‘doodle dogs' and 23 years of the Thanksgiving Day National Dog Show presented by Purina

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2024


David Frei, renowned broadcaster of dog shows, has now broadcast 50 national dog shows, and 23 years of the National Dog Show presented by Purina on Thanksgiving Day on NBC (and now also on Peacock) at noon following Macy's Parade. Frei discusses the so-called ‘doodle dogs.' Also, animal-assisted activities, and how therapy dogs go into hospitals, libraries, […]

Steve Dale and John O'Hurley discuss how dogs are the most varied species on the planet ahead of the Thanksgiving Day National Dog Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024


Dr. Taylor Rezvani, professor Husson University, Bangor ME, board member of the Human Animal Bond Association (HABA) discusses International Human Animal Bond Day and how around the world the bond for companion animals has intensified in recent years. And the bond goes beyond dogs and cats. HABA is seeking images of pet parents with their pets for […]

PetCast: Human animal bond

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024


Human Animal Bond Association's International Human Animal Bond Day is November 8. Dr. Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society has authored so many important books about dogs. His most recent is Dogs Demystified: An A to Z Guide to […]

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention covers why we need to think differently regarding overweight/obese pets

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024


What percent of dogs and cats do you think are overweight or obese? The numbers are staggering. Dr. Ernie Ward, a world expert on this topic and Founder/President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention explains that we need to think differently and stop “the blame game” regarding overweight/obese pets. There myths about what causes pets to […]

Do we need this new professional position in Veterinary Medicine?

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024


It's a new hot topic in veterinary medicine – a sort of physician's assistance in veterinary medicine, except with this new position will have latitude to do far more but with questionable training. Dr. Gail Golab, Chief Veterinary Officer and Executive Vice President at the American Veterinary Medicine Association, explains that the veterinary professional associate […]

Pet Poison Helpline is determined to keep your pets safe, especially during the holidays

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024


Halloween can be very scary but Dr. Ahna Brutlag, Vice President of veterinary services and senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, is determined to keep your pets safe. She discusses everything from candies sweetened with a dangerous sugar substitute, raisins, Macadamia nuts and chocolates and their potential dangers to pets. Also, she explains how THC […]

Should a few common tools that some dog trainers use be banned?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024


10/20 – Victoria Stilwell from It's Me or the Dog in a wide-ranging conversation regarding common tools that some dog trainers use, and should never use – in fact, should be banned. And Victoria articulately explains why. She also describes why reactive dogs are doing what they are doing, and what to do about it. It's Me or […]

PetCast: Single ingredient is the key

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024


Dr. Ernie Ward, is a world-renowned expert and advocate for pet health and nutrition. He's the founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. He explains just how many pets are overweight or obese. He says we need to stop playing the blame game. Yes, feeding too much and feeding the too many […]

Farm to Pet offers simpler treats with fewer ingredients, including special flavors just in time for Halloween

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024


Pet parents have been asking for simpler pet treats with far fewer less ingredients…and Jackson Jones founder/owner Farm to Pet, based in Chicago, offers just that. There's no processing, no salt, no preservatives and no names that are really long that you can't pronounce – we're talking pure protein (truly single ingredient treats). Many of the […]

Dr. Jeff Bloomberg on what Fear Free is all about and his work to provide ultrasound imaging for pets

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024


Dr. Jeff Bloomberg of Veterinary Diagnostic Centers on how he has fulfilled a niche in the Chicago area which provides imaging for pets, primarily offering cardiac and abdominal ultrasounds. In fact, he's been so successful – because of the need for his services and his Fear Free approach when fulfilling those services, similar centers may now […]

Everything you need to know about the award-winning film ‘You're Out'

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024


Head of Development and Community Engagement at Orphans of the Storm in Riverwoods, Sandy De Lisle, talks a special upcoming tribute to dog loving, fallen Chicago Police Officer Ella French; and shares an update and truth about the animal sheltering situation on the North Shore and all about her award-winning film You're Out, co-starring a pit bull looking […]

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