So, what do behavior consultants do and how do they differ from “ordinary” dog trainers? Dot Bailey is the Executive Director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and she explains. What’s more, there are certified cat, bird and equine behavior consultants.

David Kerpel is proving that dreams can come true. He is the founder of the Furrever Home Dog Sanctuary in Richmond, IL.  This will be the only facility of its kind located anywhere near Chicago. Steve will speak at a fundraiser called Barks and Brews at Norton’s, 1905 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, February 19, 6 p.m. I will talk about why Furrever Homes is forever critically important, and a new way to think about dog bites. There is no admission.  

And would most dog owners risk their life for their dog?

Baby, it’s getting cold and getting colder out. Dr. Katherine Leahy of Heal Veterinary Clinic on keeping pets safe in frigid temperatures. What about booties? And at which temperature do which dogs need a coat or a sweater? Also, warnings about even lapping up a taste of antifreeze.

Erika Wyatt, co-owner International Kennel Club of Chicago on today’s Great American Dog Show at the Tinley Park Convention Center, and all those family-friendly activities, including a celebration of puppies.

Leptospirosis is now a core vaccine for dogs.

Jon Provost who was Timmy in Lassie sincerely – even all these years later (he’s now 74-years old) – has a love for dogs  as much as he did when he played Timmy. Steve reminisces and Jon tells all sorts of stories. And did he ever really fall into a well? What was the craziest peril Lassie saved him from?

How spay/neuter is realistically associated with overweight and obese dogs, a conversation with Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

In veterinary medicine, telehealth can be a great idea – but only with these caveats.

A howliday tradition for Steve Dale’s Pet World! Steve speaks to the President elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) about what’s to come in 2025. Dr. Michael Bailey pulls out the AVMA crystal ball to offer his predictions for the New Year. 

Also, tips from Dr. Bailey on keeping pets safe over the howliday season, expressing concerns about tinsel and ribbon; Christmas tree water; potpourri, preventing pancreatitis and so much more.

Another howliday tradition – it’s Steve’s dramatic reading of Twas A Pet’s Night Before Christmas.

Raising a puppy can be great fun but to be honest it’s not for everyone says dog trainer Drayton Michaels, author of The Puppy Parents Handbook: Raising A Well Trained Puppy in the 21st Century. Michaels offers a refresher course in housetraining 101. He has also long been involved in fighting breed bans (typically targeted to dogs referred to as pit bulls) and explains why these bans never do what they’re intended for. 

Answering the email: Why does my dog stare at me? And an update on the Steve Dale WGN Radio Petcasts.

This is the time of year when organizations such the Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) receive the most calls. Steve talks with veterinary toxicologist Dr. Renee Scmid, director of veterinary medicine and a senior veterinary toxicologist at PPH. Lilies are fragrant for us but very toxic to cats. And chocolate is never a good idea. She warns about products with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol or birch sugar. The discussion is wide-ranging, and includes dispelling Internet jokesters and disinformation.

Larry Holm is host a podcast called What About Grief. Steve Dale appeared on a segment called “Our Pets: Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Pet,” and that is the topic of this conversation. Indeed, Holm found that the loss of a pet can be as profound as losing any other family member.

Dr. Mark Goldstein has done it all in veterinary medicine, from working as Zoo Director at the Los Angeles Zoo, to President of San Diego Humane Society, to caring for cats and dogs, to working primarily on cancer treatments. Additionally, Dr. Goldstein is also author of Lions and Tigers and Hamsters: What Animals Large and Small Taught Me About Life, Love, and Humanity. Back for the third straight year, he takes out his crystal ball to offer his predictions for what’s to come in veterinary medicine in 2025, from AI to Fear Free. 

Zak George is no doubt the most popular and one of the most outspoken dog trainers in social media, as he tells the truth – based on science – regarding dog training methods. He’s totally no fan of the use of shock collars and takes a deep dive in describing why. Included is how to choose a dog trainer, how to best deal with reactive dogs, and being dominant or alpha “over dogs.” He explains, “If you take care of the bond, the training takes care of itself.”

David Frei, renowned broadcaster of dog shows, has now broadcast 50 national dog shows, and 23 years of the National Dog Show presented by Purina on Thanksgiving Day on NBC (and now also on Peacock) at noon following Macy’s Parade. Frei discusses the so-called ‘doodle dogs.’ Also, animal-assisted activities, and how therapy dogs go into hospitals, libraries, schools, nursing homes and more. Not all too long ago, it was a challenge to sell the notion to any facility and today there aren’t enough dogs to fill the need. As Frei says, “A faithful friend is the medicine of life.”

Skunks are out and about – what you can do if your pet gets skunked?

Dr. Taylor Rezvani, professor Husson University, Bangor ME, board member of the Human Animal Bond Association (HABA) discusses International Human Animal Bond Day and how around the world the bond for companion animals has intensified in recent years. And the bond goes beyond dogs and cats. HABA is seeking images of pet parents with their pets for their newly designed website, email [email protected]

John O’Hurley will broadcast his 23rd National Dog Show presented by Purina on Thanksgiving Day, on NBC (and Peacock) at noon. Around 30 million people watch this show, more than the Academy Awards or most of the World Series games. Discussed are how dogs are the most varied species on the planet. What attracted J. Peterman from Seinfeld to a dog show? And will there be a Seinfeld reunion?

A description of what Fear Free is all about.