Good Dog

Ever wonder why it's OK to bring your dog to dinner in Paris but not in any American city? There's no federal law prohibiting pets in restaurants and, recently, dining establishments with outdoor seating have been growing increasingly tolerant of our furry friends. Hear all about pet-friendly restaurants in this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast with Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant hosts of the podcast "Stuff You Should Know" and writers/editors at www.howstuffworks.com.

When a 10-year old Sussex spaniel won 'best in show' at Woodminster, the world applauded. After all, if 60 is the new 40 for humans, then 10 is the new 7 for dogs. Author Ted Kerasote contends that we can prolong the lives of our dogs and keep them both sharp and agile by working them physically and mentally, just as we do ourselves. His forthcoming book, "Why Dogs Die Young and What We Can Do About It" charges inbreeding, environmental pollutants, commercial dog foods, and vaccinations as factors which cut short our dogs lives by giving them, among other diseases, cancers. We really appreciate your feedback and value your opinion. Could you please let others know what you think of the Good Dog podcast by writing a review in iTunes? Plus I'd love to recieve your questions or suggestions, please click on Email Joanne at GoodDogPodcast.com

Chloe's Bill, before the Illinois state legislator, would set standards for dog breeding facilities and require pet stores to provide consumers with the full medical history of dogs that are for sale. The ASPCA and Humane Society strongly favor the bill, yet the American Kennel Club (AKC) is among those who feel the bill is unnecessary and too restrictive. Hear both sides of the argument on this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast as Joanne interviews the bill's author, Jordon Matyas, Director of the Illinois Humane Society and Sarah Sprouse, Government Relations Manager of the AKC. We really appreciate your feedback and value your opinion. Could you please let others know what you think of the Good Dog podcast by writing a review in iTunes? Plus I'd love to recieve your questions or suggestions, please click on Email Joanne at GoodDogPodcast.com

Adopted dogs generally arrive with baggage, so one should be prepared and never make an impulsive decision when adopting a rescued or sheltered dog. Of course, it always makes sense to know what you're in for before getting a pup. Kim Saunders, VP of Shelter Outreach and PR for Petfinder.com has written "The Adopted Dog Bible" and on this episode of the Good Dog Podcast, Joanne speaks with her about the kind of up front research that really helps to insure that you make the right decisions. It helps to realistically consider your time and money constraints before you take the leap, as well as the kind of environment and exercise you'll be able to provide for your new family member.

Many factors should be considered when choosing the right breed of dog for your family or personal situation. Dog trainer Laurie Williams, perhaps best known for her role on the CBS reality show "Greatest American Dog", talks about everything from shedding to the need for exercise that set some breeds apart. On this historic presidential inauguration day, we focus on the dogs that the Obamas are considering as well as the issues that should be considered when selected a breed. We also talk about what it's like to be on a Survivor-style television series with a tiny Chihuahua. We really appreciate your feedback and value your opinion. Could you please let others know what you think of the Good Dog podcast by writing a review in iTunes?

If you do everything by the book, expect that housebreaking your puppy will take at least a few weeks. Generally, according to Pooch Coach Beverly Ulbrich, it can take up to a couple of months to insure that your dog understands where and when to go. On this episode of the "Good Dog" podcast, we learn how to reward appropriate behavior, how to handle mistakes, and how to reinforce what you've taught your puppy or dog.

Imagine the difference it could make to a child giving testimony about her sexual abuse if she could be petting a trained dog. In Seattle, Courthouse Dogs are calming witnesses, reducing stress for defendants and their families, and greeting members of the jury. In this episode of "Good Dog" podcast Courthouse Dogs founder, prosecuting attorney Ellen O'Neill-Stephens, explains how the organization began, how the dogs are trained, and shares inspirational success stories.

When a vet recommends a serious and costly medical procedure, it often makes sense to seek a second opinion. How to ask and whom to ask are issues worthy of discussion, which is what we do on this episode of "Good Dog" with veterinarian Dr. Nancy Kay. We also explore when it's appropriate to purchase medical insurance for dogs and how to determine which policy is best for your needs.

When a dog is injured, your first moves should be defensive. On this week's "Good Dog" episode, Dr. Nancy Kay explains the importance of getting a muzzle on an injured dog before attempting to move him. Hear numerous tips and insights on how to handle a medical emergency before you're able to get professional medical attention.

There's a lot of talk about raw food diets being the best way to go for dogs. After all, it's what they eat in the wild. But it's not right for every dog or every dog owner. On this week's "Good Dog" episode, Joanne Greene speaks with Kymythy Schultze, author of “Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats", about canine nutrition and how to determine the best diet for your particular dog.

We've all heard about the conditions in puppy mills but were you aware that most pet stores buy their puppies from these sorts of enterprises? On this week's "Good Dog", we hear from Stephanie Shain, director of the Stop Puppy Mills Campaign for the Humane Society of the United States. They've just completed an 8-month investigation and the results are grim.

Caring for a disabled dog takes time and patience but it can provide endless inspiration to both you and others. Vicki Tiernan's dog, Ruby, lost the use of her hind legs, but with the help of a special harness with wheels, she was running on the trails. Vicky's story is just one that appears in the anthology " Almost Perfect - Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them", available for purchase through "Smarter Shopping" on http://gooddogpodcast.com.

Learning to train and care for a dog is a plus for most any child. For inner city kids, rarely if ever exposed to well cared for pets, it's a tremendous opportunity. Lynn Loar, PhD., got a 3-year grant to bring shelter dogs to tough SF neighborhood apartment buildings to teach children to train dogs. The program was a great success and two of the students went on, with Lynn's help, to write and publish a book entitled "Good Dog". Hear the full story on this week's episode of the "Good Dog" podcast.

Each of us should be our dog's medical advocate, according to Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Kay, author of "Speaking for Spot." We know our dogs best, can read their behaviors, and are best equipped to make health care decisions that will maximize the chances that they'll lead longer, healthier lives. In this episode of "Good Dog," Joanne and Dr. Kay discuss some of the basic medical issues that dogs face and what we as pet owners can do to provide the best possible care.

Many of us love our dogs AND our gardens. But dogs, by nature, like to dig and patrol and engage in behaviors are often unkind to tender plants. There's much that can be done in the planning to insure that your emerging garden is dog friendly and your dog, if you're selecting a breed, is better suited to your mature garden. On this episode of "Good Dog", Joanne Greene speaks with Cheryl Smith, author of "Dog Friendly Gardens; Garden Friendly Dogs" and Cheryl provides lots of information for dog and garden loving listeners. Big news: Good Dog is in the finals of the People’s Choice Podcast awards! To help us win in the General category, where we’ve been nominated, please go to podcastawards.com every day between now and November 6, 2008 and vote for Good Dog. Much thanks for your support.