There is often confusion about the difference between positive and negative reinforcement training, and the efficacy of each. Eric Wiese, a certified trainer and the host of Lucky Dog on CBS, joins us to clear up some of the misconceptions and help Pet Parents get on the best track with their training. Tune in to learn: What could be causing increased nipping? (3:00) What are the differences between positive and negative reinforcement? (7:30) The science of dog training (9:35) Clearing up misconceptions about what negative conditioning is (17:22) Is there a right and wrong way to train? (26:4 ..read more

For many of us, we try to make choices with the environment in mind. We often ask ourselves how we can be more sustainable with our food, our clothes, and our energy. But what about with our pets? Are there ways that we as Pet Parents can think about sustainability and help the environment in a positive way? On this episode, Rachel Fall, Capabilities & Sustainability Brand Manager at Blue Buffalo Co, Nicole Kandoth, Pet Packaging Lead, Blue Buffalo, and Patrick Keenan, R&D Principal Engineer, Blue Buffalo, help us understand how the pet industry is thinking about this and provide tips ..read more

There are people and pets who are less fortunate than others. Dr. Kwane Stewart wants to help them. On this episode, Dr. Kwane discusses why he started Project Street Vet and how he is helping pets and people who experience homelessness. Tune in to learn: The early days of Dr. Kwane’s work on the streets (3:30) The kitten who inspired Dr. Kwane to revamp his shelter (7:00) Why you shouldn’t judge individuals who experience homelessness who have pets (8:45) Common issues Dr. Kwane sees in the animals he treats (14:05) Building trust with people and pets (21:14) How you can get involved (24:45 ..read more

There is an undeniable bond that humans have with their pets, and the benefits of that relationship are numerous. But what is actually going on between humans and animals? How are these bonds forming and what are the positives and negatives that they yield? Dr. Kerri Rodriguez, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine where she directs the Human Animal Bond Lab, researches this very subject, and she explains these powerful bonds on this episode.   Tune in to learn: How Kerri began her research about human-animal bonds (3:45) What happens in ..read more

As humans, we know why it’s important to take care of our teeth and we take steps to keep them healthy. But oftentimes we don’t do the same for our pets. On this episode, we’ll hear from Jae and Adrienne, AKA the Two Crazy Cat Ladies, about the lessons they learned the hard way about their pets’ dental health. And then Dr. Todd McCoy, a board certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon, explains everything we need to know about what’s going on in our pets’ mouths and what we can do to keep them healthy. Tune in to learn: The story of the Two Crazy Cat Ladies (0:05) The basics about pet oral ..read more

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest parts of being a Pet Parent. Lap of Love tries to make the process as easy and beautiful as possible. On this episode, Dr. Dani McVety, the founder and CEO of Lap of Loves, guides us through the tough questions that surround the end of life for our pets, and how we can give them the most compassionate send-off possible.  Tune in to learn: The powerful work of Lap of Love (5:00) Dr. McVety’s personal journey (7:45) How to know when it’s time (14:05) Dealing with feelings of guilt (23:15) Going through the grieving process (26:00) Findi ..read more

If we could bring our pets everywhere with us, we probably would. Luckily, traveling with your pet is becoming more and more feasible. So what do Pet Parents need to know? Bryan Reisberg, the man behind Little Chonk pet carriers, and Dr. Paige Hashimoto, a licensed vet and pet travel expert, share their insights on this episode. Tune in to learn: How bringing your pet on adventures can have an impact (1:00) Some basic considerations if you want to travel with your pet (4:20) Preparing to fly with your pet (7:35) Tips and resources for flying internationally (11:30) Must-haves when traveling w ..read more

You probably know Angela Kinsey from her role as Angela Martin on the award-winning sitcom, The Office. In the show, Angela is a proud cat lady and, as it turns out, that’s true for the real-life Angela as well! On this episode, Angela discusses life with her two cats, and all the mischief they get up to with the other human and canine members of the family. Tune in to learn: The comedy cats bring to our lives (5:45) Keeping cats busy during the day (9:45) Bringing new pets together (12:35) How to make life as a Pet Parent easier (18:15) Can you train your cat? (21:15) What it’s like working ..read more

When life gets hard, we look for support and comfort wherever we can. For little Anna, a battle with cancer revealed a new community of friends and partners, including Make-A-Wish and Blue Buffalo, who worked endlessly to make her wish for a puppy come true.     Tune in to learn: Life’s toughest curveball (0:30) Wishing for a puppy (2:00) Finding the perfect fit (3:55) Making a wish come true (5:40) The light in the darkness (11:50) Mentions: Make-A-Wish Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/.  Mission ..read more

Pets and children give parents incredible amounts of fulfillment. But what’s even better is when our pets and our children share a bond that brings joy to each of them. In this episode, Rashi Wiese, a former social worker and current co-host of Lucky Dog on CBS, explains the benefits of bringing pets and children together, sharing advice on how to ease each side into the relationship from the beginning. Tune in to learn: The benefits of having both dogs and children (4:30) How pets and children can form bonds (8:30) Preparing to bring a baby into a home with pets (11:00) Letting children and ..read more