Good Dog!

In 1975, T.C. Boyle published his first short story in Esquire Magazine entitled "Heart of A Champion". It was a satirical tale about an exceptionally smart Lassie who has to continually save a particularly pathetic Timmy. Boyle has continued to write about dogs in stories and novels and, in this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, he gives us a preview of his upcoming novel and some stories in a new compilation due out in 2009.

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We all know that dogs have exceptional hearing, but HOW they hear and WHAT they hear is a mystery to most of us. Psychoacoustics expert Joshua Leeds partnered with Veterinary Neurologist Dr. Susan Wagner to create a book and CD entitled "Through a Dog's Ear - Using Sound to Improve the Health and Behavior of Your Canine Companion" after learning, through extensive research, that certain classical musical had a calming effect on dogs. In this fascinating conversation, Leeds talks about how dogs are affected by the sounds in your home and neighborhood and how their nervous systems are impacted by auditory stimulus.

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There's a lot to know about running with dogs. When she's not designing websites, Susan Knoll runs with her dog and writes a blog about running. In researching the topic, after receiving a request from a "Good Dog" podcast listener, I found an article by Susan that packed a ton of great information plus some infectious warmth and humor. In this episode, Susan talks about which breeds make wonderful running companions, what to do to keep your dog safe and healthy, and how to identify when the distance or surface are too much for your pup. You can learn more at her website runnersusan.com

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Gather a group of dog owners in a room and chances are you'll hearing stories of how dogs understand their owners. Marta Williams, wildlife biologist, environmental scientist and animal communication specialist says that you can practice the skill and become quite adept at intuitive communication. In workshops, consultations, and in her book, "Ask Your Animal- Resolving Behavioral Issues Through Intuitive Communication", Marta provides step by step instruction for honing these skills. In this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, she shares stories and offers tips on how to get your dog to cooperate and be more receptive to training by using intuitive communication.

If you have a question that you'd like answered about your dog, write to us at [email protected]

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Most dog waste ends up in landfills where it oozes methane, a greenhouse gas. Check out options for reducing our paw print and turning dog poop into energy.

Each year, some 72 million American dogs create about 274 pounds of waste a piece. Most of it ends up in landfills, contributing significant greenhouse gas in the form of methane. Fortunately, there are options that are becoming increasingly practical. On this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, Joanne speaks to Mark Klaiman, co-owner of Pet Camp kennel in SF, who donates his company's dog waste to an off-site plant that converts it into electricity. We also hear from Will Brinton, president of Woods End Laboratories in Maine, about a system they've developed to turn dog waste into power.

If you have a question that you'd like answered about your dog, write to us at [email protected]

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Hear what happens when authorities seize 800 tiny dogs from deplorable conditions. 

About 800 small dogs, primarily Chihuahuas, were seized from a mobile home in Southern Arizona when a woman, responding to an Internet ad to purchase a puppy, became suspicious. Authorities described the living conditions as among the worst they’d ever seen.

Marin Humane Society staff was dispatched to the Tucson area and transported as many dogs as they safely could back to Novato, California. Fifty or more of these tiny pups are in foster homes and more than 300 applications have come in from local families interested in adopting one. The story may have a happy ending, but there's much to learn about preventing this sort of animal abuse and neglect. Kim Snyder, Director of Animal Care and Veterinary Services at the Marin Humane Society tells the whole story and provides great information about hoarding, how to avoid puppy mills, and how you can help when crises like these occur.

If you have a question that you'd like answered about your dog, write to us at [email protected]

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MannersMinder™ remote-controlled reward system.

Some dogs love to spend hours trying to get the peanut butter out of the Kong. Others would prefer to behead a stuffed cat and tear out the stuffing. For dogs who care, toys play an important role and determining which toys are right for your dog can take a moment of thought. On this week's "Good Dog" podcast, Janet Velenovsky, Training & Behavior Education Manager for Premier Pet Products, tells us all about dog toys and products that can aid in the training process. We demonstrate one such product - the MannersMinder™ remote-controlled reward system - which can be helpful in training a dog not to jump up on guests or beg at the table.

If you have a question that you'd like answered about your dog, write to us at [email protected]

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With the cost of vet appointments rising, it sure would be nice to know when it's necessary for the dog to be seen and when the condition is something that you could responsibly treat at home. On this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, Dr. Robert Silver, Chief of Staff and lead veterinarian for Boulder's Natural Animal: An Integrative Wellness Center in Boulder, Colorado, shares safe and effective home remedies that you can try for upset stomachs, diarrhea, and itchy skin in dogs. Of course there are warning signs that indicate when a dog should receive professional treatment, and Dr. Silver describes those as well.

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While training a puppy is far easier than training an older dog, trainer Trish King maintains that you absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks. In this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, Trish and Joanne discuss doggie etiquette - the kinds of behaviors that are socially acceptable both to humans and to other dogs. Consistency is the name of the game. If Dad likes to rough-house and Mom can't tolerate wild behavior, it's going to be tough to get the dog to understand what he's supposed to do. With special focus on jumping up on people, Trish offers tips for helping you train your dog to refrain from actions that frighten or alienate others - other dogs as well as humans. Learn how to handle a dog that barks incessantly, particularly at night, and what simple modifications can make a real difference.

If you have a question that you'd like answered about your dog, write to us at [email protected]

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Scientific evidence shows that visiting with animals can lower blood pressure, slow heart rate, and release endorphins. That's why the Delta Society has established standards for animal assisted therapy and has been training people and their pet partners for more than 30 years. Pet partners work in classrooms, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and hospice facilities, bringing joy and and a sense of calm everywhere they go. On this episode of the Good Dog podcast, we hear from Dianne Bell, Progarm Manager of the Pet Partners Program for the Delta Society. Based in Washington state, Dela Society is an international organization. There are many organizations training and coordinating visits for therapy dogs and their owners; Delta Society is one of the first and largest, and was on the forefront of research on how this kind of work can contribute to healing.

If you have a question that you'd like answered about your dog, write to us at [email protected]

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.