Pet Talk

Laurie Fass discusses how animals communicate, highlighting the book Why Animals Talk: The New Science of Animal Communication by Arik Kershenbaum. She focuses on how dogs and cats vocalize, with an emphasis on dogs, exploring why they vocalize, the meaning behind different vocalizations, and how pet owners should respond. Additionally, she takes a call from a listener seeking advice on integrating a new cat into a home with other cats, addressing issues of feline conflict. Laurie announced her upcoming group class starting in March. Information here Windsor | Laurie Fass Dog Training West Hartford | Laurie Fass Dog Training A book about animal communication Laurie recently read is "Why Animals Talk" by Arik Kershenbausm. Laurie gives a brief review of the book and weighs in on her experience with dogs and cats. A caller wanted to know the best way to calm his older cat's aggressive behavior towards a new cat.

Laurie Fass celebrates the Chinese New Year of the Snake with Brian Kleinman, owner of Riverside Reptiles Education Center in Enfield, discussing snakes, reptiles, and their rescue work. They explore the pros and cons of owning reptiles as pets, what to expect when caring for them, and the unique features of the center, which focuses on education, conservation, and showcasing reptiles and amphibians. For more information, visit www.riversidereptileseducationcenter.com.

A look back at past shows from 2024. A caller, who had called in before, had more questions about a Tom cat that has adopted him, and his 13 year old cat who is not always pleased about it.

Dr. Andrea Dennis explores a range of pet related topics, focusing on health, safety, and overall care. She addresses avian influenza (bird flu), offering valuable insights and precautions for those with backyard chickens to help prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, she emphasizes the hazards of ice melts during winter and provides practical tips to protect pets. Dr. Dennis also answers questions from callers on various pet health issues, including animal cancer (such as melanoma and chemotherapy) and whether to remove a dog's lipoma. She offers holiday safety advice, emphasizing the need to keep toxic foods like chocolate away from pets, create safe spaces for them during holiday and New Year’s celebrations, and keep essential emergency numbers, such as the ASPCA Poison Control Center, readily available. She is also joined by Paul Massa, a longtime client and devoted pet parent. Together, they discuss the challenges and rewards of caring for aging pets, including ensuring their quality of life and making informed decisions about their well-being.

Laurie Fass discusses how dogs react to colder temperatures, including tips on protecting their paws, getting them used to boots, and washing their feet after walks. She highlights how different breeds and coats handle the cold and provides advice for helping pets during winter months. Laurie also addresses a caller's question about a stray cat adopting their home and shares insights on the impact of getting a pet during the holiday season.

Dr. Andrea Dennis shares insights on enjoying a safe and happy holiday season with pets. She provides tips on keeping dogs and cats safe around Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, cords, and tinsel, as well as gift ideas for pets and their owners. Additionally, she offers advice on preparing for winter and potential disasters, ensuring pets are well cared for during the season.

Laurie Fass recaps her Thanksgiving and shares what she gave her pets, discussing which human foods are safe and unsafe for animals. She also addresses leash manners and dog walking, emphasizing the importance of training while offering tips and statistics. Laurie takes a call about introducing a new cat into a household with an existing cat, providing advice on the process. Additionally, she responds to a question about choke collars versus harnesses, sharing her thoughts on the use of these tools.

Laurie Fass discusses the Peanut the Squirrel incident in New York State, sharing her perspective and what actions she would take in such a situation. She examines the various options law enforcement could have pursued, highlighting the distinction between the letter and intent of the law and how it can be misinterpreted when it comes to animals. Laurie also delves into the legalities of pet ownership, introduces notable animal laws, and offers her opinions on them.

With the holiday season fast approaching, Dr. Andrea Dennis shares valuable advice on pet care, starting with Thanksgiving. She highlights safe and healthy foods for pets, how to prepare them, and which foods to avoid. Additionally, she addresses callers' concerns about their pets, including issues related to itching, coughing, and claw trimming.

Laurie Fass discusses her experiences with separation anxiety in dogs, available treatments, and answers behavioral questions from callers about training, caring for elderly dogs, and working with rescue dogs.

November is National Senior Pet Month, and Dr. Andrea Dennis shares the joys of adopting senior pets while cautioning that it may not be suitable for everyone. She defines what constitutes a senior pet and addresses hyperthyroidism in older animals, particularly in cats. Dr. Dennis highlights key signs to watch for, treatment options, and discusses the ways we connect with our pets.

Dr. Andrea Dennis talks about how to keep pets safe during Halloween, covering key issues such as managing pet anxiety when guests come over, animals tolerating costumes, and the risks associated with Halloween candy. She also offers tips to help pets navigate the holiday more comfortably.

Laurie Fass talks about online pop-up ads focused on dog training and animal products, the risks associated with retractable leashes, dressing pets in Halloween costumes and jackets, the impact of daylight saving time on animals, and the importance of choosing the right dog for you.

Laurie Fass discusses the precautions to take with robotic automated litter boxes for cats and emphasizes the importance of thoroughly understanding reviews, contracts, and guarantees related to animal products and services.

There are so many new and surprising types of kitty litter. It can be confusing picking one that's right for your cat. "The Kiffness" is a South African musician who is known for making funny and clever musical mixes often using sounds from dogs and cats. Recently he went viral with a mix spoofing Trump's comments about "they're eating the dogs and eating the cats". Resource guarding is a common problem. Laurie discusses how natural instincts and domestication can lead to these issues.

An escaped donkey living with an elk herd, a lost Bull Terrier living with coyotes, and one author's bizarre "con" of having a Shih Tzu are some of the things you can find on the internet. Laurie explains many of the misconceptions people have about dog training

Dog bites, when dogs are unfairly accused and how insurance companies make exceptions for dog owners. Some rescue groups are going to puppy mill dog auctions and buying dogs at exorbitant rates. Good dog breeders and good rescues have a lot in common. Callers wanted to know; why her Labrador retriever won't play ball at her boyfriend's house, why can't puppy mills be stopped ?, and a caller wanted to point out reasons to get a dog from a reputable breeder and express some of his safety concerns.

Today's show featured Liz Bennett from Bandits Place Rescue and Wildlife Rehabilitation. Liz wants people to know that despite the bear population remaining the same, human confrontations keep increasing. She dispelled some myths about wildlife and gave some ideas about how to keep you and your pets safe.

Laurie weighs in on the Kristi Noem news story about her shooting her dog and goat. Can any dog be trained to do anything and can most dogs be trained to be good pets? A caller wanted to share some humor by sharing the definition of an "ask-hole". Another caller wanted to know how to stop her dog from constantly pawing her and jumping on the back door.

Today's show was about aggression in dogs and cats. There are many different types of aggression. Laurie discusses some of these and makes the point that a pet having good discretion is the difference between inappropriate and appropriate aggression. A caller had a question about introducing a German Shepherd puppy to his two cats.

How are animals going to react to the eclipse? Laurie makes some predictions. Scientists are planning to resurrect the woolly mammoth in a few years. Maybe it's not a good idea. Laurie recounts a dog she had named Tino. A caller who lived in the path of a full solar eclipse in South Dakota in the 70's recalls a friend with a dairy farm describing his cows coming in to the barn in the middle of the day when it got dark, not their usual time, and it took 3 months for the cows to reorient to real time. A caller wanted advice on how to teach his dog not to jump.

Animals are capable of complex thinking. To illustrate this Laurie shared stories about an African Grey parrot, a chimpanzee, and a fox. Callers had questions about a new cat with dandruff, a new puppy getting along with their older dog, a temperamental three-pound poodle, and a labrador hound mix who gets scared of loud noises.

Rabbits were the subject of the day. Dr. Tanya Battison, rabbit expert, explained why you should think carefully before getting a rabbit as a pet, especially as an Easter gift. Rabbits are not easy pets. Dr. Battison explained the many responsibilities involved with having a pet rabbit as well as the fun side. She is the veterinarian for Every Bunny Counts Rabbit Rescue. Home - Everybunny Counts (everybunnycountsct.org) More information about Dr. Battison can be found hereDr. Tanya Battiston, DVM | Star Meadow Animal Clinic and here Transcendent Souls Illuminated LLC | Spiritual Mentor | 5 Grosvenor Place, Farmington, CT, USA

There are so many gadgets, gizmos, and supplements for pets. Which ones are useful and which ones aren't? A caller with an itchy Puggle wanted advice, and a "frantic mom" wanted suggestions for her new, sometimes overly rambunctious rescue dog.

Dr. Andrea Dennis is joined by Dr. Ally Salazer, owner and founder of Canine Behavioral Blueprints to discuss the process of working with a certified animal behaviorist and your veterinarian to resolve unacceptable pet behavior which can often start with a medical issue

Dr. Andrea Dennis from the Bloomfield Animal Hospital recognizes February National Pet Dental Awareness Month. Along with answering questions from the listening audience, dental maintenance at home and in the veterinary hospital are discussed

In the news recently; dogs being stolen and a woman pretending to be a veterinarian performs a C section on a Bulldog resulting in the dog's death. Laurie cautions people and gives some suggestions to keep pets safe. A caller wanted to give a progress report about a stray cat he took in and how well it eventually acclimated with his cats. Another caller wanted to know how to handle her chihuahua who snaps when people move their hands away after belly rubs.

Laurie explains why she dropped out of college and decided to become a dog trainer. Three things Laurie didn't use for years, but changed her mind when she realized their value. Those things were crates, muzzles, and prong collars.

Dr. Andrea Dennis leads a discussion on osteoarthritis and the latest treatments for dogs and cats. She is joined by her guest, Dr. Sharon Campbell, Zoetis Animal Health lead in canine chronic pain

Liz Bennet from Bandits Place Animal Rescue and Wildlife Rehabilitation was a guest. Liz is also the ACO (animal control officer) from Southwick MA. Topics included the currently overcrowded dog pounds, Laurie's memories of an encounter with a bully ACO from years ago, how the standards for selecting ACOs have changed over the years, and an article about how the policies at the Victoria County Texas pound drastically improved the outcomes for the animals there.

Laurie complained about a tragic news story that had drastic misinformation claiming a woman was fatally mauled by her "French Bulldog". Callers had questions about their Jack Russel mix with barking problems, an American Eskimo with separation anxiety, a dog that barks at the TV and resists going outside, and a rescue cat that keeps throwing up.

Today's guest was Christine Johnson from Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation. Over the years a lot has changed at racetracks including the treatment of greyhounds. With only two remaining racetracks in the country there are fewer dogs for adoption. Greyhounds have special needs and potential adopters need to understand their unique qualities to see if you are a fit for them and if they are a fit for you, For more information go to greyhoundrescuerehab.org

Today's guest was Lynn Mannix from Intuition at Hand, a metaphysical store in Rocky Hill CT. Lynn's store carries products for humans and pets including custom made pajamas, coats and costumes. She also does intuitive readings and Reiki for pets and humans. For information about her store and events at the store check her website Home (intuitionathand.com). To see her custom made pet clothing check out her Etsy page Royaltailcoats.etsy.com RoyalTailCoats - Etsy Or just stop in at 2010 Silas Deane Highway Rocky Hill CT. Bring your dog. It's pet friendly.

People's descriptions of their dogs' behaviors frequently differ from reality. Liz Bennet, from Bandit's Place, called to find a home for a German X Dutch Shepherd female. You can see her here: Dog for adoption - Ruby Dee, a Dutch Shepherd & German Shepherd Dog Mix in East Hartland, CT | Petfinder Be careful believing information posted on Facebook and the internet. It can be misleading. A caller had a question about his 10 year old dog who whines incessantly at his wife. Another caller wanted to talk about how it's getting increasingly difficult to get an appointment with a vet, especially in an emergency.