Pet Talk

A caller wanted to share his experience about his cat that went missing. A recent news story about a police dog attacking an unarmed trucker in Ohio prompted a discussion about bad training and irresponsible use of police dogs. A caller wanted suggestions for her dog that was throwing up.

Animals have a wide variety of personalities which can be interesting and sometimes challenging. There are some dogs just don't fit with their families. Sometimes animals, because of mischievousness or bullying, can act like jerks.

Laurie shared her experience calling Poison Control. A caller wanted people to let people know about the AKC's program, Reunited, which provides a microchip and in addition, poison control information. Another caller wanted to report back about how previous advice given on the show was working out well for her Gordon Setter who had been tormenting her Cocker Spaniel, and someone called to get advice about feeding a 31 pound cat named Butterscotch. Laurie had to vent about how dogs are portrayed on TV shows and movies.

Today's guest was Liz Bennet from Bandits Place Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue.Liz shared ideas on how to coexist with wildlife and avoid problems . A caller had a question about his 1 year old Coonhound getting out of control when she saw cars.

Liz Bennet, of Bandit's Place, called in today. Laurie wanted her to hear about three 7 month old puppies that need homes. The puppies are Cane Corso x Husky x Pomerianians. Laurie went to meet these pups last week and found them to be lovely dogs and the owner called in to give more details. Liz and Laurie discussed the challenges of owning multiple dogs. A caller had a question about giving adult formula dog food to a 6 month old Bernese Mountain dog, and another caller wanted suggestions about a dog who licks her feet. Laurie suggested people do a google search on small wild cats to learn about wild cats that are as small and smaller than house cats.

The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog for the last three decades until now. The French Bulldog has taken over the #1 spot. Laurie cautions people to be aware of the health issues for the flat faced breeds . Medication may not be the best answer for behavior problems. Dog training is not absolute. People need to be aware of what is necessary to make it work, especially if you choose to have someone else train your dog for you. Some people suffer from "the Emperor's New Clothes" effect when evaluating their dog's behavior.

If you have a dog breed that your homeowners insurance won't cover there are some things you can do. Would you feed your cat or dog pet food that is made out of insects? It exists and 2 callers weigh in. Laurie critiques a movie that features an unrealistic presentation of an electric dog training collar. When daylight savings time springs ahead most pets are pleased that you are getting up earlier.

A Bull Terrier mix was living with a pack of coyotes for months in Nevada. "Sniffspot" is a new website that connects people to fenced in spaces to rent their own private dog park. A caller had concerns about her 17 year old cat who wanders off and meows. Taking care of older pets needs special consideration and care. Laurie recalls why she dropped out of academia to become a dog trainer.

Arctic air prompted talk about coats, keeping pets in cars, and resurrecting the wooly mammoth. The silver lining in the blast of sub zero temperature is it might kill off ticks. A caller wanted to know what to do about her constipated Maine Coon cat. How do you judge a pet's intelligence? How important is intelligence for training and communicating, and how many types of intelligence are there?

Today's Pet Talk covered some of the unrealistic expectations people have about their pets. Callers had questions about a labradoodle who guards objects, a 5 pound poodle who barks excessively in the car,and a man who wanted suggestions for his daughter's over-rambunctious labrador. A man called to share his joy from getting kittens after a time with no pets. A woman wanted advice about selecting a cat that would get along with her current cat, and the last caller wanted to know what to do about a cat that is scared to get her nails clipped.

What are the differences between dogs and cats and how people relate to them? Callers had questions about a younger Gordon Setter bothering an older Cocker Spaniel, a Labrador x PitBull with its tail tucked, a Beagle who likes to whine all the time, and a 6 month old Border Collie who went after their 12 year old Sheepadoodle

Taking care of sick and older dogs is always a challenge. Laurie shared some of her recent struggles. Someone who does a remarkable job with these issues is Carrie Haggart from Out to Pasture Farm and Rescue in Coventry Connecticut. She specializes in taking care of animals that are terminal, sick, or handicapped. Main Page (outtopasture.org) A woman contacted Laurie off the air to ask about a device that is supposed to help with anxiety. Further research found what she was asking about, a PEMF technology device called Calmer K9. Calmer Canine® Anxiety Treatment System: Device Only - Assisi Animal Health Laurie shared her love of reading and recommended any book by Sy Montgomery about animals. Pets and kids can be great together as long as you keep your expectations realistic.

Are costumes for pets a good or bad idea? Some dogs benefit from wearing coats. Laurie offers some suggestions about what type of coats work best. A caller wanted to know if her neighbor's Siberian Husky would get cold if she stays outside all day and night, which prompted another caller to discuss animal cruelty and what the laws say about it.

The truth about "shock collars"? Laurie weighs in. Two callers share their opinions and experience.

New laws on tethering and appropriate shelter for dogs take effect today. Lauire explains why using Bitter Apple may not work, and how to use it so it will. Callers had questions about the best age to neuter kittens,how to introduce a dog to a new kitten, and what to do about an American Bulldog with swollen oozing joints and pulling on the leash. Laurie recounts people's comments about what they think she will tell them "because she is a dog Trainer" and how that may not be the case.

Most people recognize that every dog has their own personality, but did you know the same dog can have different personalities in different situations? Are big dogs really better behaved than small dogs? Callers had questions about a Chihuahua who barks and is not always comfortable with people, an unruly yellow Labrador Retriever puppy. and a cat that is starting to drink a lot of water.

Laurie shares a story about the closest she came to doing wildlife rehabilitation, rescuing a baby mouse. A caller wanted advice about her cousin's Papillion who chases shadows. Sometimes things that don't seem to work may indeed work when done correctly. A caller wanted to know if his Great Pyrenees could be trained to walk in a mannerly fashion and a caller wanted to tell Laurie her advice from a call months ago, to just ignore his Maltese, worked out well.

The Netflix show "Man vs Bee" is a hilarious movie, featuring a dog named Cupcake played by Pixel, a collie poodle mix. If you are looking for a product to help with thunder storms or other anxiety issues Laurie tested Thunder Wunder chews on her dogs and it worked well. If there wasn't reason enough already, Southington police are arresting people who keep dogs in hot cars. Newington residents are reporting coyote attacks on their pets. Keep a close eye on yours. A caller from Enfield had a sad story about his Maltese getting attacked by 2 large dogs. Laurie shared some stories about things dogs and cats can perceive and understand that are unexplainable.

Today's Pet Talk explores some common misunderstandings. Does your dog really "know it's wrong", do it "out of spite", is "protecting you", has "fear" aggression, or separation anxiety? Is it really a bad reflection on you or your dog to get kicked out of doggie daycare? Callers today wanted help with a 7 year old cat who keeps attacking a 22 year old cat, and a Maltese who likes to terrorize other dogs and people.

Fireworks frustration for pet lovers

The connection between animal abuse and violence to people is well established. The shooters in Buffalo and Uvalde both had a history of animal abuse. Laurie recommended taking a closer look and having a registry as another tool to prevent future mass shootings and other violent crimes. A caller was looking for some more comfortable alternatives to the cones used for dogs post surgery. Callers had questions about a puppy who drags his feet, a Great Dane mix who isn't coming reliably when called, a disagreement about the use of long lines for training being dangerous, and a Shiba Shepherd mix who likes to grab big chunks of grass.

Liz Bennett from Bandit's Place Animal Rescue and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was today's guest. Liz described the differences between animals that may be dangerous and ones that aren't, how to react if you see a wild animal, and who and when to call for help if you need it. A caller had questions about a dog with megaesophagus.

Today's behavior edition explored the connection between what your pet eats, their weight, and their behavior. A caller had a question about getting a GPS device for his cat, and another caller had some questions about his dog's growling and why his dog won't stay on the couch with him.

Be carful of Easter plants. Especially Lilies. 

Laurie Fass discusses, Will dogs protect you or your property and when it can get dangerous? The differences between area and personal protection dogs and what training can and can't do. A caller suggested pepper spray, another caller wanted suggestions for an arthritic dog, and beware of dog signs were discussed.

People hate daylight savings time, but what about pets? There are so many pet products,  high tech pet toys and gizmos, some practical, some not. You can decide what might be good for you and your pet. A debate was prompted with a caller about using a laser for playing with dogs, frisbees, and glucosamine.

Protecting Your Pets During the Winter Cold

Today's show reminds people that you can use straw to control mud in your yard and reveals a new product called dooloop that keeps your used dog poop bags on your leash so you don't have to carry them.Do you think of your dog as a "fur baby"? Maybe that's not such a good idea. Find out why.  Callers had questions about suggestions for removing skunk odor, what is the best dog to train, selecting a dog, and why a ten year old cat might stop using the litter box.

We talked about ‘Heart Health’ for Pets. Best ways to keep your pet from succumbing to heart failure.

Some cautionary notes about giving your dog Gabapentin. Keeping your pet safe and warm when the temperatures plummet. A caller wanted to caution people about using retractable leashes, another caller prompted the subject of keeping your pet and solving behavior problems rather than trying to rehome them. The most important thing, and the most difficult thing to teach, is awareness.

How to safely include your pet in holiday celebrations. And is it bad behavior or is it just your pet's personality? Callers had questions about a dog who licks things excessively, and a woman was worried about how to get her skittish cat to eat when her friend pet sits.

Do pets have a sense of time? How will they adjust to daylight savings time ending? Tune in Saturdays 1-2pm and get all the information you need to become more informed about your pet. Listen on the air or download the all new Audacy app.