Good Dog!

Remote collar training is especially effective when you're not always tethered to your dog.

While clicker training works especially well with guide dogs, police K9s are often trained using remote collars. Some people are reluctant to even explore this option, thinking that their animal might experience pain but, as Fred Hassen of SitMeansSit points out, a dog's perception of pain or discomfort is quite different than yours. In this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, Joanne explores remote collar training with Fred Hassen who has been successfully training dogs and puppies of all sorts for nearly a decade.

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

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Most dogs experience acupuncture as we do, falling into a deep state of relaxation. Daphne Lavoni practices traditional Chinese medicine on animals and explains the conditions that can be treated with herbal formulas, acupuncture and massage. Along with diseases of the heart, liver and kidney, Chinese medicine is helpful for respiratory problems, musculoskeletal issues, gastrointestinal concerns, skin conditions, and emotional challenges. Lavoni has a bachelors degree in Animal Science and a Masters in Asian Medicine.

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

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Greyhounds have been racing since biblical times, though the sport is dying a slow death in the U.S. There are only about 50 dog tracks remaining in 15 states; other states have banned the sport. Yet, thousands of greyhounds are euthanized each year when their careers end. Rescue organizations, like REGAP, Retired Greyhounds as Pets, foster these dogs and then make them available for adoption as family pets. In this episode of the Good Dog Podcast, Joanne speaks with Ken Marten of the Michigan chapter of REGAP and dispels the myths about this lovable breed.

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

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While shelter dogs often come with baggage, there are many who will make perfect pets. In this episode of Good Dog, Jan McHugh Smith, President of the San Francisco SPCA, advises listeners on how to select the right dog for your lifestyle from an animal shelter. Many dogs arrive at shelters because their owners moved and the new landlord wouldn't accept pets. The SFSPCA has an Open Door Program that helps dog owners find pet-friendly housing and makes recommendations on how to approach landlords on this topic. Go to SFSPCA.org for tons of great information on renting an apartment with a dog.

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

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Designer or hybrid dogs have become high fashion in Hollywood, but Gary Garner, founder of the American Canine Hybrid Club, has been breeding and registering these pups for decades. In an effort to capture the characteristics of two different breeds, breeders have been experimenting with every conceivable mix. Imagine a chihuahua-dalmation (chimation?). Some combinations are best left to the imagination! Many mixes include poodles in an attempt to create non-shedding non-poodles, but there are no guarantees. Learn all about hybrid dogs on this episode of Good Dog.

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

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In recent years, our pet dogs have been treated to an ever increasing array of products and outfits. Nothing is too fine for our furry friends. Now, in SF and other California cities, pampered pooches can stay at the Wag Hotel where high end suites come complete with video showing of films about dogs. On this week's episode of "Good Dog", Joanne tours the Wag Hotel with general manager Brian Rios. Get ready: Wag Hotel may be coming to your city next!

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

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Many of us agree that it's responsible to end our dogs' lives to save them from pain when there's no hope of recovery. But rarely does the decision to euthanize one's pet come easily. In this week's episode of "Good Dog", Joanne speaks with her veterinarian, Dr. Gary Jones, who compassionately ended Farfel's life, the dog in whose memory "Good Dog" is dedicated. Hear about the decision to euthanize, how it's changed over the years, and what it means to vets.

Please click on the Pooch Pix page at GoodDogPodcast.com. We have photos of our dog friends who love the Good Dog Podcast. Send us a digital photo of your dog listening to the Good Dog Podcast on an iPod or you computer, along with the dog's name, your city and state and a caption for the photo. Send it to [email protected]

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

We'd love your feedback, please fill out our Listener Survey at GoodDogPodcast.com

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Years ago, Dobermans were the dogs to be feared. Then it was the Rotweiller. Today, pit bulls are in the proverbial dog house with advocates touting the sweetness of the breed and adversaries saying they have no place in our communities. Listen to experts on both sides of the fence discuss the breed and recent moves to legislate against pit bulls. Guests on this episode of the "Good Dog" Podcast include Mary Harwelik of The Real Pit Bull.com, Marcy Setter of Pit Bull Rescue, and Oklahoma State Representative Paul Wesselhoft who, for many years, has been trying to make his constituency safe from pit bulls.

Please click on the Pooch Pix page at GoodDogPodcast.com. We have photos of our dog friends who love the Good Dog Podcast. Send us a digital photo of your dog listening to the Good Dog Podcast on an iPod or you computer, along with the dog's name, your city and state and a caption for the photo. Send it to [email protected]

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

We'd love your feedback, please fill out our Listener Survey at GoodDogPodcast.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Last winter, thousands of dogs and cats became ill with kidney disease after eating tainted pet food. Some pet owners continue to question the safety of commercial brands and wonder if they should be cooking their dog's food at home. On this episode of "Good Dog", we hear from Dr. Sean Delaney, VP of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and Dr. Robert Poppenga, a professor of veterinary toxicology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine on what's safe to feed our pets, what's in commercial pet food, and how this recent contamination has probably made the industry more vigilent than ever before.

Please click on the Pooch Pix page at GoodDogPodcast.com. We have photos of our dog friends who love the Good Dog Podcast. Send us a digital photo of your dog listening to the Good Dog Podcast on an iPod or you computer, along with the dog's name, your city and state and a caption for the photo. Send it to [email protected]

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

We'd love your feedback, please fill out our Listener Survey at GoodDogPodcast.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

The status of dogs continues to rise in American society and hotels, restaurants, retailers, and municipalities are all responding loud and clear! Many of us want to take our pups along when we travel and in this episode of Good Dog, Maria Goodavage, author of The Dog Lover's Companion to California, (and separate editions for the Bay Area and LA) offers tips and suggestions for great vacations with four legged friends. Hear why Carmel, Mendocino, San Diego, and San Francisco are all great places to travel with dogs.

Please click on the Pooch Pix page at GoodDogPodcast.com. We have photos of our dog friends who love the Good Dog Podcast. Send us a digital photo of your dog listening to the Good Dog Podcast on an iPod or you computer, along with the dog's name, your city and state and a caption for the photo. Send it to [email protected]

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

We'd love your feedback, please fill out our Listener Survey at GoodDogPodcast.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.