We opened with discussion about problems and things to consider when installing an underground pet containment system, like Invisible Fence. Callers had questions about a Golden Retriever x hound who jumps, an American Eskimo who barks excessively, a Chihuahua who stopped using the pee pad, and concerns about a cat not drinking enough water.

On this behavior edition Laurie explained the value of asking the right question. A caller asked about his 3 Siamese cats going after his male rescue Manx cat named "Stubbie". Laurie reminded people to keep dogs out of cars as the weather heats up, and pointed out the difference between making excuses for bad behavior and not respecting a dog's boundaries and limitations. Laurie shared a story of 2 cats who bonded over a common enemy illustrating how "the enemy of my enemy is my friend " is not just for people.The last caller wanted advice for his daughters Golden Doodle who pulls excessively on the leash.

It's Kentucky Derby day and Laurie posed the question; "Is there a dark side to horse racing"? Citing news stories about a race track in Santa Anita where 23 horses died, and a purported 2000 horses dying this year from racing related injuries. Laurie referred to a website www.horseracingwrongs.com Laurie reflected on her previous naivete about captive marine mammals and suggested reading books by Ric O'Barry. Laurie also shared her meeting a breed she previously didn't know existed, a pudlepointer, a registered hunting breed developed in the 1800's by crossing poodles with pointers. Callers had questions about a nipping barking 6 pound Maltese, and a German Shepherd who chases cars. The last caller wanted to make the point; race horses like to run and are specially bred for the task. Laurie acknowledged this but still asked if humans owe it to animals to keep them safe?

When people ask Laurie what her methodology or philosophy about dog training, the answer to that question may not useful information. Following successful training advice is like following a recipe. Different types of dog training head collars, pros and cons,was discussed. A caller was concerned about her min pin x chihuahua's pillow licking and a follow up caller shared how his toy poodle licked bed covers. Laurie told a funny story about a dog who was "water bottle" trained. Callers had questions about a kitten's destructive chewing, clipping the fur on the feet of a long haired dachshund, and a woman who was worried about her fearful rescue dog

On today's show Laurie cautioned people about contracts, paying for evaluations, and guarantees when signing up for dog training. A description of "the coyote vest", a coat designed to protect dogs from coyotes, was discussed. https://www.coyotevest.com/ Callers included a woman who was concerned about her maltese x yorkie's extreme attachment to her, a man warning about hawks grabbing small animals, a woman seeking advice on training a deaf dog, and a question about acclimating a cat to a vacation home so he can safely go outside.

Learn what you need in your pet's First Aid kit.

As the weather gets warmer and the ground gets muddier Laurie offered a solution for mud patches in your lawn, straw. People don't think of cats as being heroes, but Laurie shared stories proving otherwise. How to keep dogs safe in the car was discussed. Callers had questions about how to give a dog a shot and what reward should a dog get for spotting a tumor and saving a life. A woman needed instructions on how to get her 9 month old puppy to walk up and down stairs, and a caller recalled his cousins poodle predicting a heart attack.

We discuss the danger with pets and e-cigarettes.

Laurie wants you to be aware of the upcoming fund raiser event, The Bark Twain Bash, at The Mark Twain House on March 15th to raise money for Kenway's Cause. Details can be seen at https://marktwainhouse.org/event/bark-twain-bash-its-the-cats-meow/ Callers had questions about a Golden retriever who licked his feet after chasing his ball, a 12 year old dachshund mix who was no longer housebroken, and a 15 year old cat who eats too fast then throws up. A caller prompted a lengthy discussion about prong collars and which dogs are the most stubborn. The final caller also had concerns about her dog's excessive licking.