Pet Talk

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.