Episode 50 - Biting Back At Crime: ATF Tactical Dogs

While I hate the thought of guns, I understand how hunters and sports-folk have a passion for them. And I also recognize the need for firearms in law enforcement to counter all the bad guys out there using deadly force. But I really like the idea of canine officers trained to assist their human partners. Because once that trigger’s pulled, there’s no calling the bullet back—not so, with a tactical canine officer. Recent shows featured arson and bomb detection canines, and today I talk with Special Agent Mark Murray about his tactical canine partner, Barron. I had the privilege to see Barron and SA Murray give a demonstration at Thrillerfest 2009 in New York and am delighted to share some insights into this special partnership.

Are your cats and dogs puzzling you? Need pet info-tainmnt and behavior tips? Wonder about links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes? Sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 49 - The Big Bang Theory? ATF Explosives Detection Dogs

Television CSI programs rely on scientific techniques to uncover evidence of a crime. But some of the most effective crime fighting detectives have four feet and fur, and sniff their way through the workload. Explosives detection dogs can identify guns, bombs, a huge array of bomb components, and do so with a happy wag. Join today’s show and learn how these ATF canines are trained. Special Agent Chris Bombardiere and his explosives detection canine Ithaca join Pet Peeves, and it’s a blast! Need pet care articles and behavior tips? Wonder about links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes? Sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 48 - Fire Engine Dogs: Arson Detecting Canines

Wildfires decimate thousands of acres each year, destroying homes and lives. Many are deemed acts of nature, but 25 percent of fires in the United States result from arson. Join Lt. Arthur Czajkowski and his arson-detection canine Porsche to learn how dogs are trained, and the work they do as part of the ATF Federal Task Force and National Response Team.

Are your cats and dogs puzzling you? Need pet info-tainment and behavior tips? Wonder about links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes? Sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 47 - Entertain The Brain: Feline Enrichment

Last week was all about understanding our canine family members better. This week, cats get equal time. Did you know that cats need brain-candy as much as dogs--or people? It’s not just a treat, it’s a necessity--and our felines are starving for intellectual enrichment. Too often, Kitty ends up getting in trouble because she has no legal outlet for her normal energy—or becomes a feline couch potato getting pudgy in her nether regions and her brain. Cat behavior counselor Ingrid Johnson offers great suggestions for keeping your cats healthy both emotionally and physically, and preventing potential problems at the same time. Are your cats and dogs puzzling you? Need pet info-tainment and behavior tips? Wonder about links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes? Sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 46 - Dog-Whispering, Not! Picture This!

Animals communicate with us constantly--and misunderstanding can have dire consequences. A dog wagging his tail means he’s friendly so you can pet him…right or wrong? He licks his lips to say--what? Every dog wants to be dominant, correct? Alpha-rolling a dog shows you’re the boss--true or false? Misunderstandings can mean a damaged relationship or worse. What do those doggy signals really mean? Join Barbara Handelman as she describes her stunning new book, CANINE BEHAVIOR, A PHOTO ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK, and debunks some common misconceptions about what your dog is telling you. 

Need pet care articles and behavior tips? Wonder about links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes? Sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 45 - The Write (Pet) Stuff: Dogged Research & Furry Muses

Pet lovers enjoy novels that include dogs and cats, but the author better get the facts right! Misspelling breed names, calling the cat an “it” or (horrors!) showing the supposedly savvy heroine doctoring the doggy hero with human medication toxic to pets brings out readers’ claws. We purr with delight when authors include real-life characters and their pets—and bestselling author John Gilstrap’s latest thriller, No Mercy includes a tribute to his own furry muse. John also shares his take on author responsibility, and whether writers should worry about giving bad guys dangerous ideas.

Need pet care articles and behavior tips? Wonder about links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes? Sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 44 - Animal CSI: Giving Voice to the Abused

Most cases of animal abuse are never reported, because the victims can’t cry out for help. Animal cruelty is against the law—but can’t be stopped if offenders aren’t identified and prosecuted, and existing laws enforced. Dr. Melinda D. Merck pioneered veterinary forensics and joined the ASPCA in 2007 as a Forensic Veterinarian. Her work has been instrumental in nailing notorious abusers, including Michael Vick. Learn how Dr. Merck’s career evolved, what she does, how she’s teaching others to be a voice for abused animals, and ways you can make a positive difference in your own community.

More information including pet care articles, behavior tips, and links to past and future Pet Peeves radio shows can be found in the free Pet Peeves monthly E-newsletter—sign up at www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 43 - Criminal Minds & Animal Abuse: Reality, Fiction, and Crossing the Line

Hurting animals is not only unethical, society agrees it’s sick. Appalling news reports of children torturing and killing cats and dogs makes pet lovers’ blood run cold. Such crimes demand more than a slap on the wrist, and not just to protect animals. Because abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people. Cat lover Dr. D.P. Lyle, the Macavity Award winning and Edgar Award nominated author of many how-to writing books including Forensics for Dummies discusses the link between animal abuse and serial killers. We also discuss why more pets are being included in recent fiction, and what rules authors might want to heed.

And remember you’ll find pet care articles and behavior tips, and links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes when you sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 42 - “Cheep” Thrills? Getting The Bird

Some pets make our hearts take wing—literally. There are 350 species of parrot, and people who share their lives with companion birds understand they’re more than mere decorations. But the normal behavior of these lovely companions can frustrate owners. What do you do when your parrot bites, screams nonstop, or pulls out his feathers? Parrot behavior consultant Kashmir Csaky, a breeder of the mellow-fellow indigo-colored Hyacinth and the flying-rainbow Scarlet Macaw, offers answers to all your must-know parrot questions.

And remember you’ll find pet care articles and behavior tips, and links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes when you sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 41 - Who’s The Boss? Parrots, Pets & Positive Regard
When an animal companion is “bad” we just want the behavior to stop. But waving a wand that makes the critter “act nice” could be compared to inserting a cork when diarrhea develops, without addressing the “why” of the symptom. We short-change our pets by not looking deeper into why they misbehave. Dr. Susan Friedman says we all behave for an effect, and it’s important to understand what prompts an action in order to address it. She’ll explain all this and more—including some fascinating insights about parrots—in this episode. Look for pet care articles and behavior tips, and links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes when you sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 40 - Dogs Behaving Badly?—IAABC & Finding Qualified Help
When your parrot, cat, dog or horse acts up, who ya gonna call? These days, every Tom, Dick and Jane claims to be an expert, and frankly, they can “whisper” all they want but it doesn’t mean your pets will listen. Finding qualified behavior help can be a challenge, especially if you don’t want to make a bad situation worse with bad advice. Join Marjie Alonso, a certified dog behavior consultant and president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, for a down-and-dirty discussion of what to look for (and avoid) when seeking behavior help for your pets. Look for pet care articles and behavior tips, and links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes when you sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 39 - Who’s Training Who? Cat Training 101
Cats can’t be trained! Everybody knows that—never mind that cats they learn to use the litter box, scratch the right object, come running when the can opener whirrs, and and and…Wait a minute! Does that really count as training? You betcha! Before your cat gets his claws into your brain and turns it to mush training you, tune into this episode of Pet Peeves to learn how to train your cat. Syndicated columnist and behavior consultant Steve Dale not only explains some step-by-step training tips for your special purr-kid, he offers some pretty nifty reasons why you’d want to explore the world of kitty training. Look for pet care articles and behavior tips, and links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes when you sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 38 - Shut Your Mouth – Not!! Two-Way Pet Talk
Communicating with our companion animals takes more than a shout-out. In fact, cats and dogs (and other critters) talk back to us all the time. If we’d just shut up and listen, our relationship would be so much richer. Animal trainer Kayce Cover says true two-way communication with our pets isn’t just a dream; she’s turned it into a reality. Listen and learn in this unique Pet Peeves episode how to teach your animals ways to speak so you can understand what they’re saying! And don’t forget that you’ll find pet care articles and behavior tips, and links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes when you sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 37 - Cat-egorically Wrong! Cats, Babies, and Myth-takes
A recent column by noted baby doctor and syndicated columnist Dr. T. Berry Brazelton managed to hiss-off cat lovers across the country, including me! He obviously missed Pet Peeves Episode 19 - Oh, Baby! Cats & Infants and instead advised a pregnant woman to get rid of her cat, warning that the kitty could spread disease, act jealous and suffocate the infant. Give me a break! Join my guest Dr. Deb Eldredge, the author of the updated Cat Owner’s Veterinary Handbook, as we yowl about bad advice, and clear the air with accurate information about toxoplasmosis and more. You’ll find pet care articles and behavior tips, and links to past and future Pet Peeves radio episodes when you sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 36 - Dogged Journalists: Dog Writers of America
From warm-and-fuzzy to stories with bite, canine features fill the mainstream press these days. The popularity of pets means local and national media outlets pay attention to doggy stories. But who writes the stories, and reports breaking news on the 6 o’clock report? Too often, it’s a person who doesn’t know a Beagle from the son-of-a-Bichon down the street! And if they don’t know the right questions to ask, they can’t give their audience balanced information. That makes dog people howling mad—to the point that some dog clubs want to ban “the press” altogether. Dr. Deb Eldredge, author of the Dog Owners Veterinary Handbook and the newly elected president of the Dog Writers Association of America, gives the low-down on where to find the best dog-savvy writers on the planet. And don’t forget to surf over to www.shojai.com to sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter for more pet-centric information, fun tips, and advice.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 35 - Deadly Beauty, Part 2: Cat Breeding for Health
In Episode 26, we covered dogs, and now it's time to take a walk on the feline side. With more than 40 recognized cat breeds around the world, there's a cat to suit the most finicky cat lover. How careful are breeders when it comes to creating new breeds? Do they breed for looks, or for health--or both? Listen as geneticist and researcher Dr. Leslie Lyons of the Lyons Laboratory at UC Davis explains all about feline gene mapping, ways it's identifying (and potentially eliminating) diseases in many species, and even how feline forensics can solve human crimes! And to keep up to date with all past and present radio topics (plus pet care articles and behavior tips) sign up for the free Pet Peeves E-newsletter from www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 34 - Dewey The Library Cat: Changing The World
If you love cats, you doubtless have read the book about this special feline, or have heard of it. It's hard to believe that a throw-away kitten had such impact on his human "mom" and town, and in fact has touched the world. Join Vicki Myron, author of the book, and find out secrets you won't read--including who will play her when the movie version comes out! Don't forget to check out the monthly free Pet Peeves newsletter with more behavior, training and care information at www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 33 - Clipping Their Wings: The Grounding of America's Pets
With the holiday season in full swing, we plan to spend vacations with long-distance families--and we want to include our fur-kids in the festivities. But many airlines are no longer such "friendly skies" when it comes to travel with pets. Passengers rarely know they share cabin space with a pet; human travelors are noisier, more pungent, and aggravating. Yet the pet's ticket costs double or more the price of a human, even when Fluffy rides under the seat as carry-on, and never gets a free snack! So what's the big hairy deal? Join frequent pet-flier Patie Ventre for her take on the state of pet travel, and a call for frequent flier miles for globe-trotting pets. Don't forget to check out the monthly free Pet Peeves newsletter with more behavior, training and care information at www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 32 - Dancing With Dogs: The World Canine Freestyle Organization
Has the economy curbed your spending? Are you looking for cheap thrills? Is your dog the "star" of your household? Have we got the show for you! Enjoy your own "Dancing with the Stars" success with Canine Freestyle...dancing with your dog! Patie Ventre, the founder of the World Canine Freestyle Organization, explains all the fancy footwork involved in creating this innovative dog sport--and how to get your dogs involved. Don't forget to check out the monthly free Pet Peeves newsletter with more behavior, training and care information at www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 31 - A Foundation Of Love -- Morris Animal Foundation
If you share your life with a cat, dog, horse, or love the idea of keeping wildlife healthy--you have the Morris Animal Foundation to thank. Founded in 1948, the Foundation has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research benefiting animals all over the world. Yet there are some illnesses and concerns that have dogged our pets--and especially our cats--for years. Dr. Patricia Olson, the President and CEO (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org) describes some of the special initiatives funded by Morris that address feline health, canine cancer, horse studies, and behavior issues--and how you can help! Don't forget to check out the monthly free Pet Peeves newsletter with more behavior, training and care information at www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 30 - Acting Up: The American Humane Keeping Animal Actors Safe
An earlier program offered some history and insight into how animals have been treated in movies and TV. This show brings you up to date with the current state of animal actors, and how The American Humane Association leads the charge for humane care. Karen Rosa has worked behind-the-scenes for more than 18 years, keeping critters safe while the cameras are rolling, and when they stop. Hear about what happened on the set of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Greatest American Dog, and other shows. Learn about the rules, how they're enforced, and why it's important to look for that "No Animals Were Harmed" language on your entertainment! Don't forget to check out the monthly free Pet Peeves newsletter with more behavior, training and care information at www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 29 - Acting Up: Animals In Media--The Real Story
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! plus dogs, cats, birds, wolves, spiders and more. Do animals in movies make you smile? Critters on camera certainly sell products, and can be big business for the entertainment industry. But there's a sordid history of abuse used to get those "exciting/enthralling" shots. And even today, with American Humane Association leading the charge for humane care, some studios know how to get around the anti-cruelty laws. For instance, they'll film "ify" footage in Mexico. The new "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" was shot exclusively in Mexico, so were the dogs treated well? You be the judge, after hearing insights from my guest, professional actor and film historian Frank Steele. Don't forget to check out the monthly free Pet Peeves newsletter with more behavior, training and care information at www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 28 - Feral Friends: TNR for "Community Cats"
The un-owned cats of America caterwaul from alleyways, give birth in
woodpiles, and slink beneath dumpsters eking out a meager existence on the scraps of civilization. Nobody knows how many live homeless and unloved, but wherever cats gather, controversy soon follows. Many "solutions" have been tried, and opinions abound regarding the best way to deal with un-owned and feral felines. In the last decade, a small army of dedicated and caring cat advocates has come to believe that TNR is a viable and ethical answer. Join Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies, the recognized authority on feral cats. Don't forget to check out the monthly free Pet Peeves newsletter with more behavior, training and care information at www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 27 - Canine Houligans: Teaching Polite Behavior
Does the vet cringe when your dog appears? Are relatives and neighbors dodging your visits? We love our dogs, and expect everyone else to appreciate them, too. But dogs aren't born with human social skills and need help learning the ropes. Even dogs who SIT-STAY-COME in your own back yard become doggy delinquents when out on the town. Join dog trainer and book author Lorie Long to learn how you can have A DOG WHO'S ALWAYS WELCOME (her new book). Don't forget to check out the monthly free Pet Peeves newsletter with more behavior, training and care information at www.shojai.com.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 26 - Deadly Beauty? Breeding for Looks
With more than 400 recognized dog breeds around the world, there's a smorgasbord of choices for the picky pet lover. But should looks rule our hearts? Can breeding for specific traits cause quirky canine consequences? Experts say pedigree dogs are plagued by more than 500 genetic disorders, from back problems and birthing difficulties to blindness and seizures. What in dog's name are breeders thinking! Are they blinded by shiny cups and satin ribbons? Listen as pet health journalist Christie Keith of the Pet Connection weighs in. And to keep up to date with all past and present radio topics (plus pet care articles and behavior tips) sign up for the free PET PEEVES E-newsletter from www.shojai.com

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 25 - Pet Psychics: Real Deal or Charlatans?
Wouldn't you love to know what Zipper and Honcho think? Can a pet psychic explain why the cat stopped using the litter box, or the reason your dog hates Aunt Gretchen, simply by looking at a picture? There are hundreds of thousands of "Animal Communicators" ready and willing to do just that--for a nominal fee, of course! Do you get what you pay for? Are pet psychics legit or do they prey on gullible pet lovers? Have YOU ever "heard" your pet's thoughts? Hear what Beth Adelman, a pet expert and author from New York, has to say. Then put your psychic powers to work and make up your own mind. Let me know your thoughts—visit www.shojai.com and subscribe to the free PetPeeves newsletter.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 24 - Mandating Responsibility: Spay-Neuter Laws
Many cities across the country want to force you to fix your cats and dogs. They say making it a law will cut pet overpopulation and save money we now spend warehousing and euthanizing unwanted animals. But these laws actually cost MORE, and can work against successful programs like TNR (trap-neuter-return for feral cats). Can you legislate responsibility? Who will bear the cost? Will new laws work when old ones haven't been enforced? Steve Dale, a pet expert and media personality in Chicago, weighs in. Let me know your thoughts--visit www.shojai.com and subscribe to the free PetPeeves newsletter.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 23 - Pawsitive Parenting
Modern childhood, filled with video games, text messages, and MTV, seems far removed from the farm and field encounters of yore. Does it make a differences? Let me know your thoughts at www.shojai.com. Should the "Green Revolution" include back-to-nature encouters with companion animals and wildlife? Are children suffering from a disconnect with the natural world around them? Listen as co-authors Christine Hamer, MS, CCBC and Margaret Hevel, RN, BSN, PHN discuss their book, "Parenting with Pets: The Magic of Raising Children with Animals." Learn about the positive impact pets have on your kids--and parents!

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 22 - Nip-Tuck: Cropping & Docking
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and have been bred for centuries to have a certain "look." But we don't stop there. Many newborn pups get their tails docked--without pain medicine or anesthesia!--and/or ears cropped by twelve weeks of age, simply to satisfy our taste for a given style. But do these surgeries offer any benefit to the dog? What about negative consequences? Some countries deem it unethical or even illegal to crop or dock ears or tails. Dr. Lore I. Haug, a veterinary behaviorist practicing at South Texas Veterinary Behavior Services (www.texasvetbehavior.com), discusses the pros and cons of the procedure.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.

Episode 21 - Cloning Around--Best Friends Again?
We've all mourned the passing of a special pet friend. If you could, would you bring Sparky back? No longer science fiction, Dolly the Sheep made cloning a reality and today if you have the bucks, it's possible! But is it ethical? Will cloning take away from shelter adoptions? Is the $100,000+ price tag worth the service? Should your funds instead be aimed at more "worthy" goals? Will duplicating that one-in-a-million Sparky devalue the pet experience? Listen as CEO Lou Hawthorne of BioArts International shareshis experience with Mira (a clone of his dog Missy), explains about the BestFriendsAgain.com auction--AND offers a contest to win the Golden Clone Give-Away, a FREE cloning of your special dog.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: amy@petliferadio.com.