Steve Dale's Pet World

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.

Human Animal Bond Association’s International Human Animal Bond Day is November 8. Dr. Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society has authored so many important books about dogs. His most recent is Dogs Demystified: An A to Z Guide to All Things Canine with a forward by his friend Dr. Jane Goodall. Dr. Bekoff dispels several myths, such as if dogs always love us conditionally? And are dogs even capable of love? Also, discussed is the intensification of the human animal bond.  Sponsored by www.farmtopettreats.com

What percent of dogs and cats do you think are overweight or obese? The numbers are staggering. Dr. Ernie Ward, a world expert on this topic and Founder/President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention explains that we need to think differently and stop “the blame game” regarding overweight/obese pets. There myths about what causes pets to pack the pounds. He states that without question, quality of life is compromised when pets are overweight or obese. So what do you do when pets are overweight or obese? And that answer about what to do will be changed in a few years as pharmaceutical companies are working on a weight loss drugs for cats (with dogs to follow). 

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention is hoping you partake in a special survey to help better understand what pet parents are thinking, if your dog or cat is overweight or obese or not doesn’t matter – your input counts.

Why retractable leashes ought to be banned.

It’s a new hot topic in veterinary medicine – a sort of physician’s assistance in veterinary medicine, except with this new position will have latitude to do far more but with questionable training.

Dr. Gail Golab, Chief Veterinary Officer and Executive Vice President at the American Veterinary Medicine Association, explains that the veterinary professional associate – or mid-level professional – would be practicing at the intersection of the veterinarian and the credentialed veterinary technician.

For starters, do we really need this new position? And it seems this additional job will drive up costs further. What’s more, veterinary technicians who arguably should be making more money, won’t benefit and the shortage of credentialed technicians may worsen. Also, discussed is telehealth, and why it’s a good idea if and only if there is a veterinary client-patient relationship.

Petco has banned the sales of rabbits (they will adopt from shelters or rescue). It’s great news for bunnies.

Halloween can be very scary but Dr. Ahna Brutlag, Vice President of veterinary services and senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, is determined to keep your pets safe. She discusses everything from candies sweetened with a dangerous sugar substitute, raisins, Macadamia nuts and chocolates and their potential dangers to pets. Also, she explains how THC (marijuana) is hazardous for pets, and what you might not have known about CBD for pets. And what that number one toxic danger to pets happens to be, and it’s from your medicine cabinet at home. And can too much catnip be toxic to cats?

October is National Pet Obesity Awareness Month.

10/20 – Victoria Stilwell from It’s Me or the Dog in a wide-ranging conversation regarding common tools that some dog trainers use, and should never use – in fact, should be banned. And Victoria articulately explains why.

She also describes why reactive dogs are doing what they are doing, and what to do about it.

It’s Me or the Dog is celebrating 20 years, and can be seen on the It’s Me or the Dog  YouTube channel and learn from experts, including professor Victoria herself,  which you can find and then watch Positively Pillars at positively.com.

Take a selfie with your pet for International Human Animal Bond Day.

Dr. Ernie Ward, is a world-renowned expert and advocate for pet health and nutrition. He’s the founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. He explains just how many pets are overweight or obese. He says we need to stop playing the blame game. Yes, feeding too much and feeding the too many human treats, definitely a part of the problem. But the explanation for so many overweight/obese pets is far more complex. He also offers the truth about pet treats, and what to watch out for. He’s a fan of a pure single ingredient, and he explains why.  Sponsored by www.farmtopettreats.com

Pet parents have been asking for simpler pet treats with far fewer less ingredients…and Jackson Jones founder/owner Farm to Pet, based in Chicago, offers just that. There’s no processing, no salt, no preservatives and no names that are really long that you can’t pronounce – we’re talking pure protein (truly single ingredient treats). Many of the treats can be utilized as food toppers too because they are so darn tasty and may be one of the most effective toppers on the market.  Farm to Pet also has a Halloween contest – check out Farm to Pet for scary Halloween treats, and the Farm to  Pet Instagram to learn about a costume contest, @farmtopet on Instagram.

Dr. Tammy Grubb, president International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management about how pain is sometimes hidden in dogs and nearly always hidden in cats.

Why do dogs so often stare at us?

Take a selfie with your pet for International Human Animal Bond Day.