Pet Peeves - hot-button pet issues that make owners growl, wag and purr, or bare their teeth - Pets & Animals on Pet Life Radio (PetLifeRadio.com)

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 , discusses the pros and cons of the procedure.

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.

It's a national tragedy that a special month promoting cat adoptions is necessary. But the ugly truth is, there are many more cats and kittens than available homes. When the spring and summer romances results in a bumper crop of kittens, shelters need all the help they can get finding forever homes for needy felines. Dena Fitzgerald of the American Humane Association describes the adoption initiative, resources made available to shelters, and what sorts of furry love YOU get out of the deal!

Having a baby should be a happy time. But what about the cat? Will she get her tail in a twist over the interloper? When in-laws cast dire predictions about kitty attacks, unsanitary conditions, and pending allergies should you give up Tabby? HECK no! Listen as we de-bunk myths about toxoplasmosis, suffocation dangers, and other fanciful fabrications. Get the facts and tools to prepare your cat for the new "human-kitten" in the family, and teach toddlers proper kitty respect. In Part 2 of our look at pets-and-infants, cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger helps cover all the feline angles. Check out the guest page for additional resources.

Half of all kids age twelve have been bitten by a dog. The reason? Owners, parents, and children are clueless about canine language. Many fail to respect Fido's feelings. We even trust strangers to know if their dog is "friendly to kids" when in truth--they're often mistaken! Jennifer Shryock, the US Coordinator for Doggone Safe, describes how the program teaches children to become "doggie detectives," recognize canine language, and make safe choices around all dogs.

Today, many of us look on our dogs as part of the family. People choose to have kids later in life, and dogs often are their first “baby.” But what happens when a human infant enters the picture? Some new parents play it safe and simply get rid of the dog. Yikes! Others who adore Fluffy couldn’t think of getting rid of their beloved pet--and instead put themselves and the dog through hell putting up with all kinds of problems and potential injury. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Join Jennifer Shyrock, founder of “Dogs & Storks” baby-proofing program for some tips on what a true dog lover should do.

We've all seen the trained dolphins and zoo animals, heard about the lab mice that push levers and run mazes, and most of our cats and dogs will perform--at least, for a really special treat. But who ever thought you could train a goldfish to play basketball? Dr. Dean Pomerleau and his son Kyle not only dreamed it, they turned Fish School into a business that's swimming upstream against common pet purr-ceptions. Dive into this special show with an open mind, and before you come up for air, Dr. Dean's ideas will net you great rewards!

Having a pet offers humans an excuse to act goofy with them, love them (and be loved back) and indulge ourselves--and them--with a little innocent spoiling. Nobody could argue with lavishing extra attention on Spiffy, or dressing up the shivering Chihuahua with a warm snuggly sweater. But can pampering go too far? Over-doing in the treat department certainly leads to pudgy pooches and cause health problems. But are there hidden dangers to spoiling? Behavior expert Darlene Arden, author of "Rover, Get Off Her Leg!" clues us in on where to draw the pampering line.

You love your dog, and he loves you--but what does he think of the postman? Maybe you, a neighbor, or your child have been on the receiving end of Fido's fangs. The third week of May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and we're talking with pet expert and media pet guru Steve Dale about ways to protect ourselves and our pets from bites. We'll even gnaw on the pros and cons of breed-specific bans--do they work, what dogs are "dangerous" and how to deal with this volatile issue that makes pet people on both sides of the fence howl in frustration. Check out the guest page for additional resources and links.

When people are out of work, or struggling to make ends meet, they often downsize to more economical housing, or lose their homes to foreclosure. And dogs and cats suffer. Many are relinquished to shelters, left behind in yards, or abandoned inside house where they can starve before being discovered. Dr. Lauren Brickman, a spokesperson for the popular Petside.com website, joins Pet Peeves. We talk about the economic crises, ways it affects pets, and how to save money and keep your pets despite $$$-hits to your pocketbook.

Part 2 of this show offered some great information about sterilization--and as great a tool it may be, our experts from the ASPCA, AKC and CFA come down soundly on the side against Mandatory Spay-Neuter ordinances. Join the continuation of our discussion into this volatile issue. We're joined by Lisa Peterson of the American Kennel Club, and Joan MIller of the Cat Fanciers Association.

Hey, I know we're preaching to the choir here at Pet Peeves--listeners love pets of every purr-suasion, from dogs and cats, to birds, fish, horses, and even scaly critters and gerbils that go BUMP in the night. But why do you and I adore pets while others don't? Psychologist Dr. Aubrey Fine joins us to discuss this question, explain how people benefit from this pet relationship, and share stories from his new book "Afternoons with Puppy."

Springtime brings out the romance in our dogs and cats. And if owners aren't careful, your precious FiFi will shake her furry tail at the Romeo down the street, and present you with a boatload of babies. It's time to nip such romantical notions in the bud, and a great time to learn about the benefits of spay/neuter--including pediatric procedures done as early as 6 weeks on the youngsters. Join Dr. Lila Miller of the ASPCA for a discussion of the pros and cons of PET-SEX, and how to relieve your best friend of the urge to splurge on that love connection.

Young pets, ill pets, and upset pets can result in hit-or-miss potty protocol. A single accident can lead to multiple offenses if the "dirty deed" hasn't been properly cleaned. Cats and dogs can detect minute chemical scents humans can't fathom. Simply mopping up the mess may satisfy your nose, but the smell lures pets back to the scene of the crime to repeat the dirty deed, time after time. So we're talking with Dusty Rainbolt, a pet product reviewer for Catnip magazine and author of the new book, "Cat Wrangling Made Easy" to get tips and tricks for preventing crappiocca in your lives--and the best products for cleaning up inevitable messes.

Millions of people around the world have a special relationship with animals. We love them, joyfully share our lives with them, and deeply mourn when they die. Pet lovers comfort themselves with tales of "Rainbow Bridge" where we are someday reunited with these beloved companions. Yet is there any religious teaching anywhere in the world to support the notion of an afterlife for pets? Do animals have souls? And if they don't, would you consider the place "paradise" if Spratz and Fuzzbucket weren't welcome? Lutheran Pastor Craig Sturm, and Angel Animal Network founders Linda and Allen Anderson join Pet Peeves for a spiritual discussion about pets.