The Dog That Put Subway's Jared Behind Bars
Dennis Clark, Tactical Detection K9

Dennis Clark tells us how he trained the dog that sniffed out the thumb-drive containing Jared Fogle's child pornography. Training a dog to smell electronics can't be easy. Dennis will explain what type of dog it takes to smell pirated DVDs in import containers.

Dennis Clark is the President, Tactical Detection K9, based in Louisville, Kentucky. Tactical Detection K9 trains detection dogs for drugs, explosives, arson and now electronic detection. These dogs are referred to as single purpose dogs, because they are just drug or bomb or electronic sniffers.

Drugs and explosives have a distinct smell, but how can a dog detect electronics? Dennis tells us that their lab found one product that is in all devices that hold memory. They then took as much as they could of that product to imprint that odor on the dogs. It is much harder for a dog to smell electronics than drugs or explosives, but it can be done.

In the latest case on electronic sniffing dogs, the FBI came to Tactical Detection K9 regarding a child pornography case involving Subway spokesperson, Jared Fogle. They were having problems finding SIM cards and thumb drives. These items are so easy to conceal, they knew only a dog could sniff them out. Bear, one of the electronic sniffing dogs, was able to find a thumb drive that Jared Fogle hid, which involved child pornography. Since the find, Jared Fogle has plead guilty and will be sentenced in November.

Dennis states that it takes about 6 to 8 months to train one of these dogs, because the items don't have much odor. They are also small and can be hid in places like a mattress, requiring the dog to work much harder to find them. On the other side, it only takes about 30 days to train a dog to sniff out drugs.

Once a dog has been trained to sniff out electronics, they are sold for $9,500, which includes handler training and certification. Dogs that have been trained to sniff drugs, arson and explosives sell for about $4,500. If you break down the training, which is done every day, hour by hour, it comes out about the same for all types of dogs. Before the 2008 recession, these dogs sold for twice as much. At the current price, it makes it more affordable to a lot of small police departments that couldn't afford a $12,00 - $14,000 dog.

Plus, as in this case where Jared plead guilty after the thumb drive was found, more money was saved over the long run because a trial was unnecessary, saving on court costs.

About two years ago, most departments moved away from the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds and started using Labrador Retrievers. Everybody loves Labs and they do as good a job in detection as these other dogs. About 75-percent of the dogs trained at Tactical Detection K9 are now Labrador Retrievers. This is because they are a non-threatening dog to the public. They are athletic and social and aren't bothered by environmental changes.

When they are not working, these dogs stay with the handlers and their families. They are crate and kennel trained. If you take them home and make a complete pet out of them, and start playing ball with them, then their drive for work will drop down. So, there is a fine line there that you have to walk so that they are happy at home, but also have a high drive for work.

http://www.tacticaldetectionk9.com

Advice from Cats
Francesco Marciuliano, You Need More Sleep

Francesco Marciuliano is back for more abuse. The writer for the "Sally Forth" syndicated comic strip moonlights as a writer of satirical cat and dog books. His latest, "You Need More Sleep" has advice from cats for humans. It is lessons that cats have learned on their own and is basically a self-help book from the self-involved! We'll have giveaways of his new book.

Our feline friends have spent eons observing, napping, pondering, napping, and taking notes about the human condition. In between naps, they've realized that we humans could use some catlike guidance when it comes to handling the ups and downs of life.

The book is split into sections like personal relationships, social interactions, how to help your career and entirely focused on you, because these are cats!

These cats have condescended to share their invaluable wisdom in short advice columns such as "Always Stay at Least 30 Feet from a Loved One" and "Never Let Anyone Dress You."

Whether it's coping with romance, surviving a social gathering, or clawing your way to the top of the corporate ladder only to realize you can't get down, the cats in this book will have you relaxed and ready to take on the world! Just after one more nap.

Francesco Marciuliano is the author of the bestselling I Could Pee on This, I Could Chew on This, and I Knead My Mommy, as well as Sally Forth, an internationally syndicated family comic strip that appears in nearly 800 newspapers around the world. He lives in New York City and is "cat-less." However, he tells us that two kittens will soon be joining his household.

http://www.chroniclebooks.com

How Many Are Too Many?
Doc Halligan, Lucy Pet Foundation

How many animals are too many to have? Perhaps it's not so much as a number, but how many can you physically take care of? How many can you cover all of their emotional needs? And how many can you financially support?

For some people, their limit is one or two to meet all of an animal's needs, while others may be able to handle a few more. There are also laws in most cities that tell you the maximum of animals you can have in one household.

Hoarding usually begins with rescuers who get out of control. There is even a profile, as they tend to be middle-aged, single women. Sort of the old saying "Little Old Cat Lady."

So where do you draw the line from being a rescuer to becoming a hoarder? A hoarding situation is when you have a lot of animals that are not being taken care of properly.

When a person becomes a hoarder, there is usually an underlying mental health problem with that person that goes along with it. It is also not always a socio-economic problem, meaning it is not about social status or low incomes.

Doc Halligan tells us about a woman who was an advertising executive, who made good money. She lived in Los Angeles and had over 500 rabbits. The animals were eventually confiscated and animal cruelty charges were filed against the woman. She started out with a couple of rabbits, but didn't spay or neuter them, leading to hundreds of rabbits over time.

It is believed that most hoarders start out with good intentions but then get in over their heads. It is tragic that 80,000 animals are killed weekly in the Untied States simply because they have no home. These people get into that mindset that you have to save every single one and no one can care for these animals like they can.

Some hoarders don't even know how many animals they have. They may also have deceased animals amongst the living or may have a freezer full of animal bodies.

If you know someone like this, you should go to the animal control that governs the city you live in and report these people. Animal control will then go into the home and remove the animals and try to find homes the ones that they can.

The Mission of The Lucy Pet Foundation is to reduce pet overpopulation by having mobile spay/neuter clinics across the country and to support causes that benefit animal welfare. The Lucy Pet Foundation currently has two buses that travel around Southern California focusing on spaying and neutering. These buses are state of the art surgery units. Their next focus is in generating more funds to expand the work of these buses and have more across the country.

The Lucy Pet Foundation not only offers free and reduced spays and neuters, they also do microchipping, vaccines and de-wormings. Spaying and neutering is not only great for pet population control, but it has been proven that an animal will live on an average of 40-percent longer after having this surgery.

Here is a list of upcoming free or reduced fee mobile spay and neuter clinics in California (Please call and reserve space):

September 27
VACCINE CLINIC
Location: Tustin Toyota, 36 Auto Center Dr., Tustin, CA
11:00am - 2:00pm
Please call 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment.

September 28
SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
Location: Baldwin Park, 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., Baldwin Hills
Check in 7:30am
ACCEPT COUNTY AND CITY VOUCHERS
Please call 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment.

September 30
SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
Location: Inland Valley, Washington Park, Pomona
Check in 8:00am
Prices Vary
ACCEPT COUNTY AND CITY VOUCHERS
Please call 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment.

Remember, you must get on a list to have your pet seen at these locations. Please call The Lucy Pet Foundation toll free at 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment, or register at the events.

See the current list of clinics at http://www.lucypetfoundation.org.




7th Annual Get Your Licks On Route 66

FIDO Friendly is once again traveling down the Mother Road, stopping at shelters along the way to support adoption events. The cross-country pet adoption tour started September 11 in Riverside, California at the Riverside Animal Shelter. Every year Susan Sims of Fido Friendly Magazine travels from Los Angeles to Chicago, helping to place puppies and kittens into new forever homes. In the previous 6 years of the tour, they placed over 3,000 pets in their new forever homes and he states.

The Get Your Licks On route 66 tour will include 15 cities to visit this year and they would like everyone to come out. Even if you are not looking to add a forever family member you can still join the fun by visiting one of their partner shelters and donating $2.00 to spin their custom spinning wheel filled with prizes you can win, with proceeds going to the shelter at the end of the day!

Spinning wheel prizes will be provided by John Paul Pet, Synlawn, Petmate, Sleepypod, Fresh Scents, Pets Best, Buddy Belts, Kurgo, Earth Rated, Charlee Bear, Kids n Pets, Pet Botanics and Simply Fido. Thanks to the sponsors who have signed up to help us save lives, one shelter at a time! Please visit their websites to see the great products they have to offer.

If you can't attend and would like to donate to the tour, they will send you a complimentary one-year digital subscription to FIDO Friendly magazine with a minimum donation of $10! With a $30 or more donation you will also receive a Get Your Licks on Route 66 t-shirt. Your name will also be listed as a grass-root supporter.

Here are the upcoming dates and locations of the 7th Annual Get Your Licks on Route 66® tour:

September 26
Oklahoma City
Noon-4pm
The City of Oklahoma City
Division of Animal Welfare
2811 S.E. 29th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73129

September 27
Tulsa, OK
Noon-4pm
Benefits ARF Animal Rescue Foundation
Event Held:
Woodland Hills Mall
7021 S. Memorial Drive Ste. 225B
Tulsa, OK 74133

September 29
Springfield, MO
Noon-4pm
Humane Society of Southwest Missouri
3161 W. Norton Rd.
Springfield, MO 65803

October 1
Joplin, MO
Noon-4pm
Batman will make an appearance!
Golden Paw Animal Rescue and Sanctuary
2300 N. Main
Joplin, MO 94801

October 4
St. Louis, MO
11am-3pm
Benefits Animal Protection Association of Missouri
Event Held:
Canine Carnival
Tilles Park in Ladue
9551 Litzsinger Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63124

October 10
Chicago, IL
11am-4pm
PAWS Chicago
1997 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614

October 11
Springfield, IL
Noon-4pm
Benefits Animal Protection League
Event Held:
Scheel's
3801 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62711

October 17
Kansas City, MO
2pm-6pm
Wayside Waifs
3901 Martha Truman Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64137

October 18
Merriam, Kansas
Noon-4
Great Plains SPCA
5428 Antioch Drive
Merriam, Kansas 66202

FIDO Friendly is an American dog travel and lifestyle magazine published bimonthly including hotel and destination reviews along with health and wellness topics, dog training advice, celebrity interviews, and the latest fashion trends.

http://www.fidofriendly.com/blog




Pheromones In Puppy Training -Dr. Debbie

So you just got a new puppy and you have all your training tools at the ready, the collar, leash and dog crate. But beyond that, do you have the one thing that can make your training tasks easier all around? Tap into your puppy's own sense of smell using canine pheromones, and ease your new pup's training and transition into the home.

Pheromones are scent signals emitted by all animal species, including humans. Various pheromones work under the radar to influence the perceptions and behaviors of others within a species.

Shortly after whelping, a pheromone is emitted from the bitch's sebaceous (oil) glands located between the mammary glands. The pheromone, dubbed the canine appeasing pheromone, reassures the puppies, calms them and facilitates nursing. The bitch stops emitting this pheromone as the pups mature, but all dogs retain the ability to "read" this pheromone. Not only do older dogs recognize this pheromone, but it continues to have a natural calming effect on canines of all ages.

In veterinary behavior cases, the dog appeasing pheromone is used for dogs with noise phobias, car travel anxiety, separation anxiety, and other fearful situations. Various forms are available including pheromone collars, plug in diffusers and sprays. The canine appeasing pheromone doesn't sedate the dog; rather it decreases fear and excitability.

The dog appeasing pheromone is also helpful for newly adopted puppies. Those first few days to weeks in a new home are full of changes for the pup faced with novel environments far from the comfort of mother and siblings. The dog appeasing pheromone has been shown to ease the transition of the pup into new home and improve sociability and training during a pup's critical socialization period.

Pheromone Research
For skeptics that need to see the proof in the studies, veterinary behavior studies have examined the positive influence of the dog appeasing pheromone. When comparing treatment responses for dogs with separation anxiety, the use of the dog appeasing pheromone equaled the benefit of the anti-anxiety medication, amitriptyline.

One study looked at 66 puppies as they settled into new homes after adoption. Approximately half of the puppies wore a pheromone collar and half wore a placebo. The study found that puppies wearing a pheromone collar displayed significantly fewer nuisance behaviors like vocalizations or scratching within 3 days of adoption. Pups wearing the pheromone collar woke their owner's less during the night and displayed fewer signs of distress and vocalizations throughout the course of the study.

The researchers concluded that pheromone collars helped both the pup and family. Pups were less stressed and adapted easier. By decreasing the pup's stress and fearful behaviors, the pet owners found a more enjoyable bonding experience with the new pup and faced less frustration through the training process.

In another study, puppies 8 to 15 weeks were enrolled in an eight-week long puppy socialization and training class. Half wore a pheromone collar and the other half wore a placebo collar. The pups wearing the collar were calmer in the face of novel experiences and displayed less fear, anxiety, and aggression. In the end, the pups with pheromone collar not only were less nervous, but had fewer behavioral problems and learned better. And a long-term effect on sociability was recognized in dogs up to one year after the class and study was completed.

Pheromones and My Pup
As the new owner of a nine-week old Bouvier puppy named Nikki, I used both the pheromone collar and diffuser upon welcoming my new pup home. One day before bringing Nikki home, I placed a pheromone diffuser close to the puppy crate, where it would have maximum benefit during her first nights in the kennel away from mother and siblings. Immediately upon leaving the breeder's home, Nikki was fitted with a pheromone collar to serve as a source of reassuring pheromones that went everywhere she did. The pheromone collar has become a tool in Nikki's socialization. It's on her when she meets new people or animals, when she explores new environments, and during puppy kindergarten class.

Did pheromones help in my pup's transition and training? The four hour drive home from the breeders was a dream, no crying or whining the entire trip. Now three weeks later from acquiring my pup, and Nikki never soiled in her kennel during the day or night. I'll admit I had my share of interrupted sleep in the first two weeks, but most of Nikki's night time wakes were for genuine elimination needs. Overall her transition into the home was smooth and lacked the wailing, inconsolable cries of a stressed pup.

The canine appeasing pheromone isn't a magic bullet though. Nothing matches a quality pup obtained from a reputable breeder who focuses on health, genetics, and early socialization. Likewise pheromones do not replace the hard work and consistent training efforts that any new pet owner must provide. However, by adding the the canine appeasing pheromone to your new puppy training, you can help your pup become the best he or she possibly can.

For more information on the DAP products, visit CEVA.

Featured veterinarian known as "Dr. Debbie" on national pet radio program, Animal Radio. Ebook author of "Yorkshire Terriers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Pugs: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Mini Schnauzers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; and "Shih Tzu: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend."

http://www.drdebbie.net

It's a Wacky Wednesday Here at the Animal Radio® Studios

WackyWed Contest IS ON - LIKE your FAVORITE pic and the three pics with the most LIKES & SHARES are this week's winner will receive an oral supplement specifically designed for anal gland problems from Glandex.

TO ENTER Send us your FUNNY pet pic to WackyWed@AnimalRadio.com - (Please put WACKYWED in the subject line & give us your pet's name, your name & where you hail from) If YOUR pic is chosen then spread the word to your friends & family on Wednesday - the pics w/the most LIKES and SHARES will be the winner!

This week we are giving away Glandex, which is a much more effective alternative to frequent anal gland expressing, which can lead to further irritation of the anal glands. . Glandex works from the inside out to target the underlying causes of anal gland problems and helps your pet empty their anal glands naturally. You can finally "Boot the Scoot!" and say goodbye to your dog's anal gland problems

Join Animal Radio® on Facebook for Wacky Wednesday! Win great prizes every week for your wacky pet pictures. Last month we gave out goodies from POD Pet Tracker, Twigo Tags, Omega Paw, Zero Odor and more. Visit us on Facebook now.

Animal Radio® News - Lori Brooks

Hero Dog Awards
Actor James Denton and model/animal activist Beth Stern will be hosting the Annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards again this year. It's scheduled to air October 30th at 9 p.m. on the Hallmark Channel. This year's show will be taped before a live audience on September 19th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Each year, the program honors eight dogs, one per category, chosen in a nationwide online vote. Those categories have some pretty amazing dogs including Arson Dogs, Guide Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs and Law Enforcement Dogs.

Study Will Show How Companion Animals Affects Seniors
The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative has awarded a $43,000 grant to the University of Missouri for a new study to explore how companion animals effect social engagement and psychological well being in adults ages 55+. It aims to discover if companion animal owners have better social engagement and well-being than those who do not . The lead investigator says, "We believe that people who have a dog or cat will be less socially isolated, have lower depression, and higher life satisfaction compared to non-pet owners." With 75 million baby boomers entering mid and later adulthood it is vital to understand how everything, including pets, can improve their lives

Tired of Throwing That Ball For Fido?
For those who tire quickly of throwing a ball for their best friend, there is now the iFetch, an automatic ball-launching phenomenon, developed by a teenager who was trying to concentrate on his homework while the family's Toy Poodle was pestering him to play ball. Some inventions just seem destined to happen. Lucky for this young inventor that his grandfather is a retired who also has 19 patents to his name. The result is a cute, igloo-shaped contraption that is a little bit larger than a toaster. It can keep your dog endlessly entertained by launching a ball 10, 20, or 30 feet. Some have criticized the iFetch as a technological device that allows humans to spend less meaningful time with their dogs. But the majority of iFetch users also have a point saying their dogs now have more opportunity for exercise and entertainment during downtimes when they are busy with work and other responsibilities. And with the growing number of seniors who are becoming dog owners, the iFetch can help dogs get fully exercised if their owners struggle with mobility issues

Horses Have Positive Impact on Children
We all know there are so many benefits to being around dogs and cats, and now there's proof: horses have a positive effect on children, as well, thanks to a study done at Washington State University. Researchers say this study is much more than a reinforcement of the " feel-good" benefits of being around animals, because they designed the study to see if there was a way their research could be utilized in the prevention of mental health problems later in life. The study found that children who had participated in the 12-week program had significantly lower stress hormone levels. This study gives more scientific credit to the claims of therapeutic horsemanship professionals. Parents and children have reported a positive impact from these types of programs.

Attacks Leave Animals With Chemical Burns
At least 9 dogs in the Antelope Valley area of Southern California have been attacked by someone pouring something on them that is leaving the dogs with severe chemical burns. These attacks have been going on for several months and the reward for catching the person or persons responsible has increased to at least $50,000. Six pit bulls and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, along with a Chihuahua, have been the victims.

New Products Focus on Pet Safety
Devoted animal lovers with a flair for style, actress Lucy Liu and costume designer Ellen Stockbridge, have launched Le Roar, a new pet accessories company after meeting on the set of the Elementary television series. Liu says she found that there weren't a lot of safe products out there, some had lead zippers and products would fall apart at the seams if they were washed. The new company now boasts about its pet products with stylish looks, ability to hold up under repeated washings and made in the U.S.A. The Le Roar line currently features the Le Bed (dog bed), Le Logo Towel, Le Silhouette Towel, Le Apron and Le Squeaky Toy.

NEWS UPDATE brought to you by Drs. Foster & Smith, affordable pet supplies. Low prices every day, so you save on every order.

Listen to the entire Podcast of this show (#825)