Raising Your Paws- Your resource for dog & cat pet parents

Your cat makes all sorts of different vocalizations and does a pretty good job of communicating its message but for those of us who don’t talk cat, they can be confounding. Hear some examples and find out what those silly sounds mean.

Then, during the first three months of your puppy’s life, the experiences it has, will greatly determine its ability to get along well with both people and other dogs. Find out the fun and easy things you’ve GOTTA   do to ensure your dog has every chance to become a confident, socially well- adjusted adult.

Resources for the episode
Cat sound effects by Soundsnap

Click here to find the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position on puppy socialization and vaccinations.

Click here for the article by Dr. Anderson about his belief that Puppy Vaccination and Early Socialization Should go together.

There is a special adaptation in medium and large breed dogs feet that allows them to walk on snow and ice in the winter in comfort. Find out about the trait that they inherited from their ancestors, the wolves.

Then, listen to the true story of one family’s experience when their puppy pulled away from their 11 year old son, and was hit by a car – in front of the boy. A story of trauma and triumph.

Plus, a pet first aid tip for what NOT to do if your cat gets into the holiday package’s wrappings.

Resources for this episode.

Check out our blog that compliments the podcast with the full show notes at www.raisingyourpaws.com.

Click here for Information about frostbite for dogs and cats,

If you enjoy this podcast please tell a friend. An easy way to subscribe on your computer or tablet so you won’t miss an episode is by going to our website: www.raisingyourpaws.com

Does your dog pull you down the street every time you go for a walk - just like Rosy did when I first adopted her? You may be surprised to find out there is a physiological reason that makes your dog want to pull on its leash. Find out what is it and what you can do to reduce the pulling.

Then, in this third and final segment of my interview with Pam Johnson Bennett, a leading animal behavior consultant, you’ll hear ways to enrich your cat’s indoor life which is crucial for their mental and physical well-being.

Also, if you have a sporting or high energy dog, this simple exercise to do together,  provides a great workout for your canine, plus a handy tip to keep your active dog hydrated without overdoing it.

Resources for Episode 5.

Visit http://raisingyourpaws.com/ to see photos of Rosy wearing her harness, more information about front clipping harnesses and the full show notes.

The link to Pam Johnson- Bennett’s website where you can also order her books.

Your cat’s whiskers and ears indicate its mood, and something they do with their eyes, is considered a show of affection. Dogs clearly let you know when they are nervous or uneasy by doing these two things. We start today’s episode by explaining these signals that help you know how your pets are feeling. See photos of these body language signs on the blog that matches this episode at www.raisingyourpaws.com.

Then, is it a good idea to play tug of war with your dog? You may have heard a number of different opinions on this matter. Jean Donaldson, a world renowned dog trainer, and the author of the book, The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding the Relationship between Humans and Domestic Dogs shares why playing “tug” is such a beneficial activity.

Plus, the reasons why certain holiday time foods are hazardous to the health of your dogs and cats.

And, are cats naturally independent and aloof? Pam Johnson-Bennett, the author of the book, Cat Wise: America’s Favorite Cat Expert Answers Your Cat Behavior Questions, offers her second truth to know about your cat’s nature that will improve your relationship with your feline.

Resources For Episode 4.

Link to see pictures of the dogs and cats spoken about during pet talk segment

Link to Jean Donaldson’s website

Link to to order Jean Donaldson’s book The Culture Clash

Link to Pam Johnson-Bennett’s Website

Link to order Pam Johnson-Bennett’s book, Cat Wise.

There is a simple way to tell if you are feeding your dog too much, that is not about how much the dog weighs. Find out what it is.

Then, being aware of your cat’s capabilities in this one particular area can make caring and living with your feline, so much easier and better provide for its needs. Pam Johnson – Bennet, a certified cat behavior consultant and author of Cat Wise, Americas Favorite Cat Expert Answers Your Cat Behavior Questions, tells you this truth about what your cat can do.

Also, my promised story about the first time I called the poison control hotline about my dog, Rosy. You can hear the first story by listening to episode 1.

Finally, why your dog may be repeating a particular behavior you find annoying and how to handle it.

Resources for this Episode:
Pam’s Website and ordering her book:    http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/

ASPCA Poison Control Hotline Phone number – 888-426-4435.

You can find full show notes for this episode on our blog  Raising Your Paws.

Get ready to re-count the age of your dog or cat. There is new information about how to figure out your pet’s age in human years See the charts on our blog for this episode to figure out your pets age. 

Plus, your dog does many things for reasons that are not so obvious to us. Jean Donaldson, author of the book, The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding the Relationship between Humans and Domestic Dogs shares some of her top 10 list of things known about the true nature of canines that explains their behaviors and how we can help to meet their needs..

Read about games you can play to burn off your dog’s predatory energy on the blog for this episode. Here's the link: Raising Your Paws Website

Link: Jean Donaldson’s website: Academy for Dog Trainers.

Link: How to order her book The Culture Clash

Then, you can switch your pet’s food if you need or want to without it causing major stool issues. There are two things you can do to make it easier.  

And, finally, are you having problems with a cat that is not using its litterbox? If you have more than one cat at home, and there is no medical problem, the issue could be solved by this need-to-know, practical solution.

What should you do first, if you think your pet may have been poisoned… besides panic?  We’ll start today’s episode with a story about when I accidentally fed a toxic drug to my dog and a phone number you’ll want to post on your refrigerator.

ASPCA Poison Control Hotline Phone number – 888-426-4435.

Then, do you wonder if you need to have pet health insurance for your cat or dog? Dr. Doug Kenney, DVM, author of the book, Pet Health Insurance, A Veterinarians Perspective, poses two simple questions to ask yourself and then explains how to select a good company that meets your needs. There is also an online resource that helps you work through this step-by step, his Pet Insurance Tool kit. 

Link: How to order his book.

Link: Dr. Kenney’s Website.

Link: Pet Health Insurance Tool Kit.

Link: Podcast: Pet Insurance Guide.

Plus, your dog may be communicating with you and other dogs, through doing a particular behavior. Find out what it is and increase your skills in reading your dog’s body language.

And, why pouring your dry pet food from the bag it came in, into another can or bucket is not the best way to store the food.

You could win 6-months of free NutriSource pet food by subscribing, rating and reviewing the podcast during our launch celebration. Find out how to enter the drawing.

Here's where to enter: Raising Your Paws Website

This is a welcome greeting from Susan Frank, host of Raising Your Paws. Susan explains the features and benefits of this podcast for pet parents and tells you why this is your go-to pet parent resource. Each episode contains quick tips and practical solutions for caring for the four-legged members of your family, including interviews with leading pet authors and experts.