Safe and Healthy!
Many of the questions that are asked of the instructors at Kindred Spirits Canine Education Center are about caring for dogs. Sometimes the question may be about controlling fleas or ticks, or about exercise, or any number of things concerning dog care, health, and safety. Now, all of the instructors are quick to point out that we are not veterinarians, but as long time dog owners ourselves, and professionals in dogs, we can answer most basic care questions. In this show, we answer many of the questions that we hear most often. If your questions are not answered here, or you need more help, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian.

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Ten Training Tips
Training your dog - whether he is a show prospect, performance sports dog, or a well loved companion - can sometimes be overwhelming. But here are ten training tips that students at Kindred Spirits Canine Education Center in Vista, CA are given when they enroll in classes. These tips can help any dog owner and trainer. In addition, the trainers put together a list of some of the most common training mistakes. Hopefully you won't see yourself on this list! But if you do, this is a good time to make some changes! Enjoy!

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Pup Manners
Thanks for tuning in to “It’s a Doggy Dog World” This week we are continuing our series on puppies. In previous shows we discussed choosing the right puppy, bringing that puppy home, and last week we talked about housetraining. This show is all about helping that new family member grow up to be your best friend. Preventing behaviors that will lead to problems is certainly one step in that process, and teaching the puppy what to do instead is another. But for more, listen to the show! And enjoy!

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Housetraining Your Dog
Welcome to "It's a Doggy Dog World!" In previous weeks we talked about finding the right puppy for you and your household, and we discussed what to expect when you brought that puppy home. In this show, we're talking about housetraining - all about housetraining, from teaching your puppy a command to how to prevent problem behaviors regarding housetraining. So tune in and find out how to accomplish this with as little fuss and mess as possible. For more on housetraining, pick up a copy of Liz Palika's book, "The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Housetraining."

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Global Pet Expo
We went to the Global Pet Expo in San Diego recently. Wow! What a show. This is the largest trade show for pet products in the world! And we had a great time. Tune in and listen to some of the neat things we found there; from new dog foods to doggy sneakers; from awesome dog treats from New Zealand to toys from New Hampshire.

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Choosing A Dog - Part 3
In the last two shows, we talked about choosing a dog and gave you some thing to think about as you made that decision. After all, this new dog will be a part of your family for 14 to 15 years so let's make sure you make the best decision possible! In today's show, we're talking about how to bring your puppy home. What should you do before you bring him home? When should he come home? And what should you expect? This can be a frightening and frustrating time (for you and your new puppy) so we'll talk you through some of the hard stuff.

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Choosing A Dog - Part 2
In this “It’s a Doggy Dog World” show, we are continuing last week’s discussion about adding a new dog to your family. Last week, we talked about things you should think about before taking that step; and in this show, we talk about how to find and choose a dog or puppy. There’s a lot to think about, including whether you want to rescue a dog from the local shelter or you want to buy from a breeder. In next week’s show, we’ll continue the discussion by talking about what to do and expect when you bring that new dog home.

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Choosing A Dog - Part 1
I'm quite sure most listeners to "It's a Doggy Dog World" are already dog owners, but you may be thinking about adding another dog to your household. Or perhaps a friend has been thinking about a dog. In this week's show, we'll be talking about some of the things to think about prior to bringing home a dog. Including such practicalities as whether everyone in the family wants a dog, Or the financial costs of dog ownership. So tune in and let us talk through some of the important aspects of dog ownership before you go out and get a dog.

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs
Do you know what the difference is between these two types of working dogs? Many people get therapy dogs and service dogs confused. In this podcast Liz, Petra and Kate will discuss the differences (and similarities) as well as what is required of the dogs and their owners. They will also talk about the Americans with Disabilities Act as it pertains to service dogs. Tune in for all the scoop!

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

New Year's Resolutions
Have you made your New Year’s resolutions for yourself and your dog? The trainers from Kindred Spirits Canine Education Center in Vista, CA gathered together to talk about the resolutions they have made for themselves and their dogs, but also some problems they often run into in their training classes and so as a result, the resolutions some dog owners might wish to make. Maggie wants to make sure her service dog, Quimby, isn’t pushing her limits too much. Cayla wants to work with her German Shepherd, Teddy, and have him certified as a service dog before the holiday season next year. Debra says she needs to work on her relationship with her Australian Shepherd, Apache, because he doesn’t take her seriously even when he should. And there’s more! List to the show and perhaps get some ideas for yourself and your dog..

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Kids And Dogs
This week Petra Burke is our moderator, with Liz Palika, Kate Abbott and all of the trainers and assistant trainers from the Kindred Spirits Canine Education Center pitching in to help. We asked everyone to add to this show because we’re talking about kids and dogs and wanted a lot of input on this sometimes controversial subject. Should a child be responsible for a dog of his/her own? How can we prevent kids from being bitten by dogs? With dog bites at an epidemic level, especially with children, this is very important. Tune in to hear what was said.

Check out Liz's dog podcast & blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!" Questions or Comments? Email Liz at: liz@petliferadio.com

Living With A Disabled Dog
Dogs can have disabilities of many kinds, from blindness, deafness, the loss of a limb, hip dysplasia and more. Some disabilities come with old age, some may be due to injuries and other may be congenital defects. As much as we may feel sorry for the dog with a disability, our dogs don't need that pity. Dogs don't pout about their disabilities; they just get on with life. However, you can help your dog live a quality life in many different ways. Listen to this show for quite a few easy suggestions.

Check out Liz's dog podcast and blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!"

Holiday Safety
This is the time of year to give thanks for friends and family, and that definitely includes all our four legged friends. The holidays have hazards, too, of course, from the turkey carcass after Thanksgiving dinner to the decorations on the Christmas tree. After all, to puppy, those bright bolored balls on the Christmas tree look just like the balls he plays with – just shinier! In this show, Liz, Petra and Kate offer some advice on how to keep your canine best friend safe. They also talk about ways to incorporate your dog into the holiday celebrations, including protecting Santa from your dog as Santa delivers his holiday gifts!

Check out Liz's dog podcast and blog at "It's a Doggy Dog World!"

Pure Breeds, Mixed Breeds and Designer Dogs

Petra, Kate and I have been seeing an increasing number of designer dogs (or breeds) in our classes. Although we don’t have a problem with mixed breeds dogs; we’ve all owned mixed breeds, we do have a problem when the new owners of these dogs have unrealistic expectations.

I also feel that people are paying way too much money for these mixed breed dogs; especially when there are so many in the local shelters and humane societies who can be adopted for very reasonable prices. Tune in and listen as we discuss what a pure breed is, what these designer breeds are and some of our thoughts on the subject.

Traveling With Your Dog - Part 2
“Petra, Kate and I, and our significant others, all enjoy traveling with our dogs. Granted, we also travel without them once in a while. But when you bring your dog with you, it adds a different perspective to things. You may notice things you wouldn’t have otherwise seen. In addition, it’s fun to watch the dog’s reactions to new situations. However, traveling with a dog requires some preparation. This show will help you make sure you and your dog are ready to take off together.”

Traveling With Your Dog - Part 1
“Petra, Kate and I, and our significant others, all enjoy traveling with our dogs. Granted, we also travel without them once in a while. But when you bring your dog with you, it adds a different perspective to things. You may notice things you wouldn’t have otherwise seen. In addition, it’s fun to watch the dog’s reactions to new situations. However, traveling with a dog requires some preparation. This dog podcast will help you make sure you and your dog are ready to take off together.”

Tricks & Treats!
Halloween can be a fun time of year with people in costumes, lots of candy, and many parties. Your dog can part in this with you as long as you take some precautions to keep him safe. Don’t let him get into the candy (and don’t forget chocolate is poisonous to dogs!). Introduce your dog to a costume well before Halloween so he gets used to it gradually, and make sure it’s safe for him to wear. Let him see you put on your costume, too, so he isn’t afraid of it.

Many groups use a Halloween party as a fund raiser for their efforts and these parties can be great fun. Kindred Spirits Canine Education Center in Vista, CA is sponsoring their 18th Annual Halloween Party this year as a fund raiser for their service dog training program and for the North County Chapter of the Love on a Leash therapy dog group. If you belong to a dog group or club, you may want to think about a party like this, too.

Keeping Your Dog Safe In A Disaster
Today pets are no longer animals relegated to the back yard; they are a vital and well loved part of our family. When emergencies happen, it’s important to be able to keep your pet safe, either in your home with you or with you as you evacuate. A well stocked emergency kit and a first aid kit are very important, as are plans. If you have to evacuate, where will you go? Prior planning is very important. In this dog podcast, we’ll give you some important tips on how to plan for a future disaster.

Fearful Dogs
Living with a fearful dog can be tough; not only for the dog who is so worried and afraid, but also his family. No one likes to see a dog suffering from fear and we would all like to alleviate that fear. In this show we’ll be talking about what causes a dog to be afraid and some of the ways to avoid those things. We’ll also discuss what to do and what not to do should your dog be afraid of something specific, such as the garbage truck going by or a motorcycle.

Plus, Halloween is a few weeks away but we’ll talk a little about how you can prepare your dog for Halloween so he won’t be afraid of masks and costumes.

Managing A Busy Dog
It’s a Doggy Dog World is all about living with dogs; the challenges as well as the joys. This week we’re talking about how to live with and manage a busy dog. A busy dog is one who if not kept busy, will find something to amuse himself. Unfortunately, that can be the kitchen trash can, the leg of your dining room table, or he may simply decide you need to amuse him. But you can manage a busy dog and we’ll take a look at easy ways to do it.