Good Dog

The advantages of dog parks are many. They offer opportunities for exercise, play and socialization, both for the dogs and their owners. But not all dogs are cut out for all that freedom and interaction and not all dog parks are safe environments for your dog. In this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, dog author Cheryl Smith tells us how to evaluate both your dog and the park to determine if there's a match and how to prepare your pup for a great dog park experience.

Under the Dogwise label, Charlene Woodward has published more than 70 books about dogs. On her e-commerce site, Dogwise.com, she sells over 2,000 dog titles, along with hand selected toys, foods and supplements that are recommended by experts. On this episode of "Good Dog", Joanne discusses current trends in the dog world with Woodward and how the role of the dog is changing in American society.

Dogs need play and as your dog's #1 person, you're elected for the job. Dogs play differently than humans which is why we've devoted this episode of "Good Dog" to the ways in which dogs play and how to make most of your games, both for your dog and your relationship with her. Different dogs enjoy different styles and amounts of play so it helps to be able to assess each individual dog. Pat Miller, pet columnist for national dog publications, dog trainer and the author of four books, including "Play With Your Dog" provides tips and insights for keeping your dog engaged and happy.

In her most recent book, "Angel Dogs with a Mission", Linda Anderson shares touching stories about dogs that have served humanity in extraordinary ways. Breeding and training aside, these animals tune in to people and make conscious choices to nurture and heal and, in some cases, save lives. In conversation with host Joanne Greene, Linda talks about a chihuahua police dog, a spaniel who comforted students at Virgina Tech after the shootings, and her dog, Leaf, who helped her husband through critical brain surgery.

Some of us see ourselves as "big dog" people; others of us like nothing more than to have a small dog curled up on our laps. Speculation about what this says about us aside, there are plenty of differences worth noting to keep your small dog safe and feeling secure. On this week's "Good Dog" podcast episode, Joanne Greene explores some of the unique joys and challenges of training and living with small dogs in conversation with dog trainer Kim Moeller.

Sadly, dog fighting is alive and well in the U.S. It's estimated that there are currently 40,000 professional and another 100,000 amateur dog fighters, including children and gang-affiliated teens. The Michael Vick case brought this to national attention and showed that pit bulls are often victimized in this sadistic activity. Kris Crawford, founder of For Pit's Sake, has now launched "Knock Out Dog Fighting". With the help of fighters like Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, she produces public service announcements and visits schools and juvenille detention facilities to break the cycle of violence. In this episode of "Good Dog" podcast, Kris and Anthony speak about dog fighting and their efforts to eradicate it.

Our dogs do not need fancy collars or high end treats. The DO need good veterinary care, training, and quality food. On this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, Executive Vice President of the ASPCA National Program Office, shares a wealth of information on how to reduce what you spend on your dog and, especially, protect yourself against major expenses down the road. We cover necessary medical care and what you can do at home, why investing in professional training makes sense, and how to save on medicines and supplies.

Helping a dog acclimate to the new smells, sounds, and demands of a baby takes a bit of time and forethought, according to Trish King, Director of Behavior and Training at the Marin Humane Society. There will be many changes in the dog's life; best to begin instituting those changes before the baby arrives on the scene. Listen to this week's "Good Dog" podcast episode for a wealth of information on how to keep baby safe from your well meaning but, perhaps, excitable pup.

The predatory instinct in dogs and cats is strong, yet with patience and some good instruction, most pet owners can create harmony between their canine and feline family members. On this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, Trish King, author of "Parenting Your Dog" offers helpful advice to cat owners hoping to add a dog into the mix and dog owners who plan to bring home a cat.

Dogs are naturally aggressive. It's in-bred so that they can survive on their own. But aggressive behavior in domestic dogs - toward people or other dogs - isn't exactly desirable. In this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, Kate Knight of Clear Signals Dog Training offers insight and advice on helping dogs to overcome aggressive behavior. Step one, she says, is changing the association in the dog's mind. If, for instance, your dog reacts upon seeing a large dog walking on the opposite side of the street, give him or her a treat every time he sees a large dog. Soon enough, he'll see a large dog and think "great, it's time for a treat!"

There's a language barrier that separates us from our dogs. They don't understand our world and feel that we are their responsibility. That's why they run to the door when someone is approaching and bark when they hear a new sound. Penny Locke is a "dog listener" who helps people to train their dogs to be dogs, freeing them from the anxiety of responsibility. Through simple shifts in behavior, you become the leader of your pack and your dog can relax. She uses no force, no gadgets and no confrontation. Her approach is based on the work of Jan Fennell of Great Britain who studied wolves in the wild to learn about canines. This episode of the "Good Dog" podcast will improve your relationship with your dog forever.

T-touch is a system of gentle, circular movements which, when practiced on animals including dogs, can release tension, activate cells, promote healing and solve a range of behavior challenges. Linda Tellington-Jones developed these techniques 40 years ago and certified practitioners now teach T-Touch all over the world. Learn some simple movements that you can use on your dog today in this episode of "Good Dog" featuring Linda Tellington-Jones.

Dr. Eric Barchus who writes the Vet Blog for Dogster.com has been warning dog owners of the importance of keeping dogs cool in the summer heat. We all know that dogs overheat pretty quickly, but how quickly? Is it reasonable to leave your dog in the car for an hour if it's in the shade and the window is open? Do some breeds overheat more easily than others? Would dipping their paws into cold water help to cool them down quickly? These questions and more are addressed in this issue of "Good Dog" podcast.

Public complaint about "flexible pet ownership" led to hearings and, now, legislation in Massachusetts banning businesses that rent pets. In this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, Massachusetts Representative Vincent Pedone discusses the issues behind the ban and why so many animal rights activists and veterinarians cared enough to get involved.