Raising Your Paws- Your resource for dog & cat pet parents

Does one of your cats bully other cats in the house hold? When human bullies torment other people, it seems like the reasons for doing so, is that they take delight in picking on others. Bullying cat’s behavior may look the same –torturing and attacking others, but the reasons are very different and specific to being a feline. I’ll explain a few of most common reasons a cat may turn into a bully.

Then, continuing the conversation with animal communicator, Tim Link (http://www.wagging-tales.com/_index.html), author of “Talking with Dogs and Cats: Joining the Conversation to Improve Behavior and Bond with Your Animals (https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Dogs-Cats-Conversation-Behavior-ebook/dp/B00XM75JSQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16Z7WGYJO20N4&keywords=talking+with+dogs+and+cats&qid=1568062338&s=gateway&sprefix=talking+with+dogs%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1), he shares the three steps he uses to “talk” more deeply with dogs and cats. Keeping an open mind, you can learn how to do this as well to increase the bond with your pet. Plus, you’ll hear the story about the dog who was eating socks, and paper clips and how Tim helped him to stop in addition to how Tim helps solve the number one behavior issue people call him about regarding cats and likewise for dogs.

Has your sweet, quiet, cuddly, obedient puppy who used to respond to everything you asked, changed overnight into a disobedient, counter surfing, stealing, creature, who runs away from you and seems to have forgotten all its training? There’s a very normal, inevitable reason for this that’s part of your dog’s developmental stages. I’ll reveal what this is, and offer some tips to help you deal with the behavior changes.

If you have any in-depth questions or want to share your stories about anything you hear on the show today, please write me at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or leave me a comment at the end of the blog article for this episode number 49.

When your dog catches sight of that rabbit and runs off for the chase does your pet ignore you as you call for them to come back and act like they don’t hear you? I’ll explain this phenomenon.   

Then, has your pet ever suddenly started acting differently, you can’t understand why or what to do to help and you just wished they could just tell you what’s wrong? Many people have gotten their answers through animal communicators. My guest is Tim Link (http://www.wagging-tales.com/_index.html), an animal communicator, who specializes in missing or lost pet cases. Hear his stories of how together with the dogs and cats, behavioral issues were solved and lost animals returned back home. 

What can you do to stop a dog fight? There are a few physical interventions that are recommended, but more practical and useful are a number of tools you can carry with you that dogs will find aversive or offensive to their senses and are strong enough to stop the behavior. In this episode, I’ll list what they are.

Regarding animal communication if you have any stories of times your dog or cat understood things you’ve said that seem impossible and/or felt your pet actually communicated messages and talked back to you, I’d love to hear them. Write me at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or leave a comment on the blog for this episode, number 48.

Additional Resources for the Show:

Source for the story about why your dog ignores you at times – “Why Does My DOG Do that? By Sophie Collins. (https://www.amazon.com/Why-Does-Dog-That-Questions/dp/1782401296/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=why+does+my+dog+do+that&qid=1566839261&s=gateway&sr=8-3)

Tim Link’s website. http://www.wagging-tales.com/_index.html (http://www.wagging-tales.com/_index.html)

Amazon link to order Tim’s book, “Talking with Dogs and Cats: Joining the Conversation to Improve Behavior and Bond with Your Animals”. (https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Dogs-Cats-Conversation-Behavior/dp/1608683222/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415215338&sr=8-1&keywords=talking+with+dogs+and+cats)

Amazon link to order “Wagging Tails, Every Animal has a Tale” by Tim Link (https://www.amazon.com/Wagging-Tales-Every-Animal-Tale-ebook/dp/B0098O5FTK/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=wagging+tales+tim+link&qid=1566839165&s=gateway&sr=8-1).

Source for the story about how to stop a dog fight – “Play with Your Dog, by Pat Miller, CPDT, CDBC. (https://www.dogwise.com/play-with-your-dog/)

Does your dog want to eat the wild grasses that sprout during the spring and summer?  Do you let them? There are mixed opinions between dog owners about this. Why do dogs want to eat grass anyway and is it okay for them to eat? We start this episode by asking dog trainer, Katie-K-9 (http://www.ktk9.com/) for her opinion.

For a dog to listen to you, you don’t have to be the Alpha or dominant – you do need to be a good leader.  I’ll describe an effective way to handle some of your dogs out of control behavior that uses your body, not the leash, to stop certain movements and that establishes you as the leader in your dog’s eyes. .

Want an easy way to give your cat some more exercise in the house? Grab two chairs, some treats and get your cat jumping – I’ll explain how.

Have additional questions about the tips and techniques in the show or would like to share some of your own stories and solutions you’ve found with your pets please write me at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Additional Resources for the show:

Katie K-9’s website (http://www.ktk9.com/)

Listen to Katie-K-9’s podcasts. (https://www.mytalk1071.com/katie-k9-ondemand/)

Resource for obtaining green tripe for dogs: greentripe.com. (http://greentripe.com/index.html)

Source for story about dog leadership and body blocking: “How to be the Leader of the Pack… and have your dog love you for it” by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D. (https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/store/Leader-of-the-Pack-eBook.html)

Did you know that a cat’s tail is an extension of its spine? The tail can tell you much about their mood. In this episode, I’ll explain what twitching and thrashing can mean about how your cat is feeling.

Then, dog trainer Katie K-9 (http://www.ktk9.com/) is back on the show, answering listener’s questions about what to do when the new puppy won’t leave the human kids alone - roughhousing and chewing on them.

Plus, I tell you the story of my dog Rosy, who has a very dangerous habit of eating bees and the first aid I must enlist to keep her safe and breathing.

Additional Resources for the Show:

Katie K-9’s website (http://www.ktk9.com/) and how to listen to her radio show and podcast.

Source for the story about cat’s tails. “How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language” by Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman, D.V.M. (https://www.amazon.com/How-Speak-Cat-Decoding-Language/dp/1426318634/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=how+to+speak+cat&qid=1563216706&s=gateway&sr=8-1)

For first aid tips regarding pets, insects and the summer see the blog for this episode, number 46 on our website, www.raisingyourpaws.com (http://www.raisingyourpaws.com/).

Does your dog have a separation anxiety problem? Not quite sure what it is or what to do about it? Nicole Wilde (http://www.nicolewilde.com/), professional dog trainer, behavior specialist and author of the book, Don’t Leave Me! Step by Step Help for Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety (https://www.amazon.com/Leave-Step-Step-Separation-Anxiety/dp/0981722733/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FZZ5C4CMVE5K&keywords=dont+leave+me+by+wilde&qid=1562008859&s=gateway&sprefix=dont+leave+me%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1), explains that there is hope and help for you and your dog to alleviate the numerous challenges that result from a pup who becomes severely anxious when left alone.

Then, I’ll share a few more unique ways in which dogs apply their noses to assist fire and termite inspectors as well as beekeepers.

Resources for the episode:

Link to order Nicole Wilde’s book, Don’t Leave Me! Step by Step Help for your Dog’s Separation Anxiety. (http://www.nicolewilde.com/store/dont-leave-me/ )

Nicole Wilde’s Website.

Nicole Wilde’s Facebook Page.

Nicole Wilde on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nicolewilde).

For the resources Nicole mentioned on the podcast and to see photos of her beautiful dog, Sierra, see the full show notes on the blog that accompanies this episode, no. 45, at RaisingYourPaws.com (http://raisingyourpaws.com/2019/07/vacationing-with-your-dog-prevent-separation-anxiety/).

Source for the story about dog’s smelling arson and insects: “How Dogs Think” By Stanley Coren. (https://www.amazon.com/How-Dogs-Think-World-Looks/dp/0743222334/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2ZORYO99SLM24&keywords=how+dogs+think+by+stanley+coren&qid=1562007695&s=gateway&sprefix=how+dogs+think%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-3)

Did you know that the pitch of your voice and how you say words, can affect if your dog ignores or obeys you? I’ll explain how to use your words in the most effective way so your dog will be more apt to listen to what you are asking. 

Where ever did we get the idea that you can’t train a cat? In part two of my conversation with, feline behavior specialist, Sarah Ellis, from International Cat Care (https://icatcare.org/), and co-author of the book, The Trainable Cat: A Practical Guide to Making Life Happier for You and Your Cat, we talk about what you can do to prepare felines for major changes in the home and when training cats, if punishment is a good or bad way to stop problem behavior.

Does your dog start barking every time the doorbell rings and scare visitors with their noisy greeting?  Since dogs are aware that the front door is the entrance to the home territory and a place that everyone in the family treats as important, many dogs take on the role of being the sentry. Hear what you can do to manage or change this behavior. 

Please subscribe to the podcast for free at iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-your-paws/id1313060210&ls=1) and at Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/raising-your-paws). 

Additional Resources for the Episode:

Source for the story about how you use your voice. “The Other End of the Leash,” By Patricia McConnell. (https://www.amazon.com/Other-End-Leash-What-Around/dp/034544678X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3072N8JW7664Z&keywords=the+other+end+of+the+leash&qid=1560719728&s=gateway&sprefix=the+other+end+o%2Caps%2C274&sr=8-1)

International Cat Care Website. (https://icatcare.org/)

Dr. Sarah Ellis, Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/DrSarahEllis/)

Amazon link to order “The Trainable Cat: A Practical Guide to Making Life Happier for You and Your Cat (https://www.amazon.com/Trainable-Cat-Practical-Making-Happier/dp/046509371X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+trainable+cat&qid=1559595395&s=gateway&sr=8-1)” by John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis.

Do you get embarrassed when you meet a new dog and the first thing they want to do is bury their nose in your crotch? Why do they have to do that? In this episode, I’ll tell you what the dog is doing - and it’s no different than what they do with other dogs – they’re simply finding out information about you -  but not in the way you probably think.

Whoever hears about cat trainers?  – And the common belief is that cats can’t be trained. But it’s not true. They can - and the benefits for an owner’s sanity and the cat’s welfare are plenty. Feline behavior specialist,  Sarah Ellis, from International Cat Care (https://icatcare.org/), and co-author of the book, The Trainable Cat: A Practical Guide to Making Life Happier for You and Your Cat (https://www.amazon.com/Trainable-Cat-Practical-Making-Happier/dp/046509371X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+trainable+cat&qid=1559595395&s=gateway&sr=8-1), talks about why and how to train cats. Find out what to do so that your cat likes its carrier and how to make going to the vet easier.

When you’ve had too much to drink and wake up with a hangover, someone may suggest the “hair of the dog” – meaning take another drink! How did dog hair get associated with curing a hangover?    I’ll explain where this expression comes from.

Please rate and review the podcast. It really helps!  Easy links to iTunes and Stitcher at: www.raisingyourpaws.com (http://www.raisingyourpaws.com/).

Resources for the Episode:

Source for the Story about dog’s investigating our bodies. “How Dogs Think” by Stanley Coren. (https://www.amazon.com/How-Dogs-Think-World-Looks/dp/0743222334/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38PKQ19WRHUIN&keywords=how+dogs+think+by+stanley+coren&qid=1559594965&)

International Cat Care Website.

Dr. Sarah Ellis, Facebook page.

How to order “The Trainable Cat.” By John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis. (https://www.amazon.com/Trainable-Cat-Practical-Making-Happier/dp/046509371X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+trainable+cat&qid=1559595395&s=gateway&sr=8-1)

Source for story about the expression, “hair of the dog, “A Fine Kettle of Fish and 150 other Animal Expressions”. By Michael Macrone. (https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Kettle-Other-Animal-Expressions/dp/1567314589/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+fine+kettle+of+fish+michael+macrone&qid=1559595063&s=gateway&sr=8-1)

Dogs lick their lips as a sign they are feeling uncomfortable, but what does it mean when a cat flicks its tongue out when there is no food around? I’ll explain what this gesture can indicate about a cat’s mood.

Then, in part two of my conversation with, Steve Pearson, a former police officer, SWAT commander and owner and trainer at Performance Kennels Inc. (http://www.performancekennels.com/) he tells stories about the police K-9 dogs that chase down, apprehend and detain criminals. Hear trade talk about how they learn their special skills and what it is like to work with these special dogs.

What is the secret to dogs being able to sniff out explosives and narcotics even when smugglers commonly hide them in stronger smelling things to mask their odor? The answer has to do with another remarkable difference between canine and human noses. I’ll explain using the example of a pot of stew cooking on the stove.    

Resources for this Episode.

Does your cat ever groom himself so much and so hard, it is causing bald spots?  Find out possible causes and what to do - on the blog, for this week’s episode, at www.raisingyourpaws.com (http://www.raisingyourpaws.com/).

Performance Kennels, Inc. Website.

Performance Kennels, Inc. Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/performancekennelsinc/)

Source for story about dogs smelling narcotics.  “How Dogs Think,” By Stanley Coren. (https://www.amazon.com/How-Dogs-Think-World-Looks/dp/0743222334/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A8434XVZF28D&keywords=how+dogs+think+by+stanley+coren&qid=1558385019&s=gateway&sprefix=How+Dogs+think%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1)

When you take your dog’s photograph or bend over to pet him you might notice that your dog turns its head away from you.  Your dog also does this at times when other dogs approach.  This is not a random meaningless motion, it’s a signal. I’ll explain what your dog is saying through this gesture.

K-9 Police dogs and their handlers, assist law enforcement by searching for drugs and explosives, locating missing people, finding crime scene evidence, and apprehending people targeted by the police.   What does it takes for a dog to become police dog and what is it like to work with a K-9?  My guest today, is Steve Pearson, a former police officer and SWAT commander and owner and trainer at Performance Kennels Inc. (http://www.performancekennels.com/) a company that selects, and trains patrol, narcotic and explosive detector dogs for law enforcement. He tells on-the-job stories, and describes why German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois make such good detection dogs.

Then, how do you identify if your dog’s barking is about boredom or frustration? What can you do to address the problem and stop the barking? I’ll explain this and tell you the story of how my family inadvertently caused my beagle to bark continually.

Please check out the blog that accompanies this podcast, at www.raisingyourpaws.com (http://www.raisingyourpaws.com/).  There you will find articles that expand on the shows, photos and video’s all about raising your four-legged family members.

Additional Resources for the Episode:

Resource for the story about a dog’s head turning:  "On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals” by Turid Rugaas. (https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Terms-Dogs-Calming-Signals/dp/1929242360/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28RN7953VCHBM&keywords=on+talking+terms+with+dogs+calming+signals&qid=1557170147&s=gateway&sprefix=on+talking%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-1)

Performance Kennels, Inc. Website.

Performance Kennels, Inc. Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/performancekennelsinc/)

Resource for the story about frustration barking: “Barking, The Sound of a Language” by Turid Rugaas. (https://www.amazon.com/Barking-Language-Dogwise-Training-Manual/dp/1929242514/ref=pd_sim_14_1/142-8459608-6866727?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1929242514&pd_rd_r=70d4fb9a-7033-11e9-ae85-d37b4766c647&pd_rd_w=Bjlqn&pd_rd_wg=XXe6E&pf_rd_p=90485860-83e9-4fd9-b838-b28a9b7fda30&pf_rd_r=CE7AM26E7ZN5BHVN2H5B&psc=1&refRID=CE7AM26E7ZN5BHVN2H5B)

For a list of which podcast episodes explain how to identify and solve other kinds of barking, see the blog for episode, number 41 at www.raisingyourpaws.com (http://www.raisingyourpaws.com/).

In this episode, I’ll look at three instances where looks can be deceiving – the theme for this week’s  show.

Does your cat pad her feet up and down on your chest or stomach which is called kneading? And/or ever suck on you or your clothing? Even though you know you are not a cat, and couldn’t deceive anyone, you don’t fool your cat. To them, you resemble its mother well enough that they engage in those behaviors with you. In this episode, I explain why and how.

Anxiety in a dog at night, can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease and often by the look of your dog, it results in this diagnosis - but it can also be something else. Don’t be fooled by appearances. My guest for this show, is veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Nicolas Dodman, author of two books spoken about during the show, “Good Old Dog” and “Pets on the Couch.” (https://www.amazon.com/Pets-Couch-Neurotic-Compulsive-Psychiatry/dp/1476749035/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QDORA0YZNVRR&keywords=pets+on+the+couch&qid=1555962784&s=gateway&sprefix=pets+on+the+%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1) He explains other reasons for your dog’s night time jitters and impresses on you why it’s so important to take your dog to see the  vet.

Have you heard people say the dog attacked totally out of the blue – for no reason?  Mostly, there are three very distinct reasons – the causes for dog aggression. Although most of us, don’t recognize the signs nor understand the triggers. In this episode, I tell the circumstances in which dogs actually do attack with no provocation at all.  It does come from out of no-where that we can see – but not being visible is the clue for what is happening to cause a dog to go berserk. I’ll relate the experiences of Dr. Nicolas Dodman, from his book, Pets on the Couch.

Please tell your friends about the podcast and subscribe for free on i-Tunes, or your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on Stitcher, for android phones here. (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/raising-your-paws)

Resources for this Episode:

Amazon link to: Good Old Dog: Expert advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy and Comfortable, (https://www.amazon.com/Good-Old-Dog-Keeping-Comfortable/dp/0547662416/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AOBBK79K8WWD&keywords=good+old+dog+by+dodman&qid=1553542015&s=gateway&sprefix=good+old+dog%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1-spell) Book by the Faculty of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Edited by Dr. Nickolas Dodman with Lawrence Lindner.

Source for the story about seizures in dogs: Pets on the Couch: Neurotic Dogs, Compulsive Cats, Anxious Birds, and the New Science of Animal Psychiatry. By Nicholas Dodman, DVM. (https://www.amazon.com/Pets-Couch-Neurotic-Compulsive-Psychiatry/dp/1476749035/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QDORA0YZNVRR&keywords=pets+on+the+couch&qid=1555962784&s=gateway&sprefix=pets+on+the+%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1)

For more about Dr. Dodman.