Heidi hosts a great and informative conversation with Jack Hubbard, Executive Director for the Center for Environment and Welfare. Jack is working hard to expose the multimillion-dollar accounts of animal rights groups who say they raise money to care for animals. But where does the money actually go? Which groups? Tune in to learn why not only is their fundraising a fraud, but it is not going to save animals! Episode Links Center for Environment and Welfare www.charitypirates.com Animal...

Hosts Heidi and Tommy take on one of the hottest and most contentious topics in the dog world… Breed specific bans * Is it really the deed and not the breed? * Merit on both sides of the discussion Other topics… * Why did the CDC extend its ban for another year on dog imports from over 100 countries headed to US shelters and rescues? * What is ‘Edutainment’ and why is it important? Episode...

Another amazing episode talking elephants with Sarah Conley from the International Elephant Foundation (IEF). You may be surprised to learn about the biggest threat to their survival. How do we keep elephants in our lives? Why zoos and exhibits are vital to their survival. How you can get the most bang for your donation bucks to elephants, and how caring for elephants saves other species. Episode Links International Elephant Foundation IEF Facebook Charity Navigator – 4 Star Rating! If...

Hosts Heidi and Tommy discuss do’s and dont’s for hot weather. * Tips for keeping your dog cool and safe * Recognizing overheating * Handling an overheating emergency They also discuss… * How many dogs are too many for one dog walker? * New raw diets and dog foods – pros and cons * Whether or not to keep your pet intact * Being adaptable on behalf of your pet. Make them inquisitive about new things instead of fearful Episode Links: Red Cross Tips for Dogs During Summer AKC...

Guest Ryan Easley and his family founded and built Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, OK. They provide guided tours which includes a show/demonstration with the tigers, to the delight of the audience. Ryan’s tigers, all born in human care, serve as ambassadors for their wild cousins. The Easleys support conservation programs that care for tigers in SE Asia, and the other animals in their ecosystem, and would like to see animal rights groups that raise millions for animals, use that money...

The summer season is upon us, and with that comes fireworks and thunderstorms. Hosts Heidi and Tommy note that they hear concerns from their clients on fireworks weeks prior. Is that concern of yours making your dog nervous? Are drugs and thunder vests the answer? The hosts have other thoughts on the matter. Tune in to learn how to help your animals navigate these scary situations. Other topics… * The US Post Office cited thousands of dog bites to mail carriers * Hear Tommy’s...

Heidi talks with Monica Welde, the owner and cofounder of Bearadise Ranch, a bear preserve in Florida that is home to a beautiful group of bears. Tune in to hear Monica discuss their habitat, enrichment programs, and what a bear actually feels like! Monica notes that Bearadise ranch offers unique summer camps that parents love, and other events at the ranch. They also discuss the untimely death of Monica’s husband, a 3rd generation bear owner and trainer, and how she has been continually...

Heidi and Tommy’s guest is Jessica Cooke, founder of Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa, and the Director of the non-profit Yuppy Puppy Forever Rescue. She takes us behind the scenes at her spa and rescue. Her goal with the rescue is setting dogs up well to get adopted which includes training the dog, and working with the family of adopters. Other items covered this week • How many dogs are too many, according to statistics? • US law allows dogs on all restaurant outdoor patios. What exactly does that...

Heidi and Animal Agriculture Alliance President Hannah Thompson-Weeman engage in an important and timely conversation regarding the people behind our food production, how farmers prioritize sustainability, as well as the surprising number of people each farmer can feed. They dispel some of the ridiculous scare tactics utilized by the animal rights groups, and even our government! They also discuss the Ag community’s goal to earnestly and openly communicate about the processes surrounding food...

Heidi and Tommy host a fun and informative discussion with guest Cassidy Koch, a millennial who provides a peek into the mindset of the younger generation, and how they feel about and interact with their pets. Not surprisingly, there is a shift in this mentality, and marketing is often aimed at and tailored to these demographics. The discussion also broadens out to other animals including elephants! We would sincerely appreciate it if you would please subscribe, rate and review this...

Heidi is joined by renowned horse trainer and clinician Clinton Anderson, who founded Downunder Horsemanship. They engage in a thought-provoking and lively conversation exploring the importance of horse training, the challenges posed by the current emotional climate surrounding animals, and a whole lot more in this not-to-be-missed episode! “This episode contains explicit language.” Episode Links Downunder Horsemanship Horse Slaughter Ban – Harmful to horses? Emotions Don’t Belong in...

People seem to equate socializing their dogs with the way they might socialize as humans. This is really not the case. Hosts Heidi and Tommy provide an in-depth and informative discussion of what is really meant when socializing a dog. Also, get the low down on retractable leashes, and hear the answer to a viewer’s question regarding working with your dog mentally AND physically. Tune in for all of this and more! We would sincerely appreciate it if you would please subscribe, rate and review...

Lolita aka Toki is living at the Miami Seaquarium. She is in her mid to late fifties, and there are plans to take her from the home and surroundings she’s known for over 50 years and set her ‘free’. The experts say the odds are not in her favor. In episode 16 we talked to Marine Mammal expert Mark Simmons who was part of the team with Keiko the killer whale who was ‘set free’ to disastrous results. In this episode the discussion continues with Marine Mammal trainer Heather Keenan who spent 18...

This is a common question/consideration. Should I bring my dog with me on my trip or vacation? Hosts Heidi Herriott and Tommy Fahey break down the pros and cons to help you decide. There is more to consider than you may have thought! Tune in to learn more. We would sincerely appreciate it if you would please subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Heidi Herriott’s Animal Tales podcast and DOGGONE GOOD INFORMATION podcast will alternate with an episode every Tuesday. Episode...

In the 1990’s there was a movie, Free Willy about a killer whale that returned to the wild. Subsequently, there was an attempt to free a real whale, Keiko, the whale from the movie, and it ended with disastrous results. Mark Simmons, who was the lead trainer and behaviorist on the project resigned, and then authored the book, Killing Keiko. In the past couple weeks, there is news of another killer whale slated to be ‘returned to the wild’ by animal rights ideologues. In contrast, the true...

How well would your family and pets fare in an emergency? Planning is the key! Hosts Heidi Herriott and Tommy Fahey go in depth on planning for your pets. How to prepare, what to consider, and ensuring they will be fine with a change of circumstances. Everything from identifiers on the animal, to knowing where you can evacuate with your pets. They will reveal the reason Heidi insists her clients kennel train their dogs, and Tommy says you need to ‘put a cue on the poo!’ Check the links below...

The critics of circus animals, primarily the animal rights groups, certainly have a lot to say yet without any real experience. Heidi has a lively conversation with Megan O’Malley, who was a member of the circus band and came to her own conclusions about circus animal care by witnessing it firsthand. An important episode for those who truly care about animals and want to hear firsthand accounts. If you care about animals, or are concerned about animals in sport, entertainment, agriculture,...

Hosts Heidi Herriott and Tommy Fahey delve into how to know if you are ready for a dog, and, if so, where to get your dog from. Options include shelters, rescues, breeders, and pet stores (if not banned in your community – check out episode 4 for more on this topic!). We would sincerely appreciate it if you would please subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Heidi Herriott’s Animal Tales podcast will also continue to drop weekly on Tuesdays. Episode Links – Follow Heidi, Animal Tales,...

Animals are important to so many of us. We care deeply and want them taken care of. Legislative Consultant Vanessa Gagne walks us through some of the pending legislation; the good, the bad, and the ugly! She highlights how those who care about animals can be duped into signing on to, or voting for bills that will ultimately take animals out of our lives, and the lives of our future generations. Episode Links: Animal Rights Groups – how they are linked Healthy Dog Importation Act Example...

Hosts Heidi Herriott and Tommy Fahey pull back the curtain on this popular marketing slogan that strongly encourages people to adopt/get their dogs only from shelters and rescues. There is so much more to this story you need to know! We would sincerely appreciate it if you would please subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Heidi Herriott’s Animal Tales podcast will also continue to drop weekly on Tuesdays. Episode Links – Follow Heidi, Animal Tales, and DOGGONE GOOD INFORMATION YouTube...

Dr. Ted Friend, a retired Texas A&M University animal behavioral scientist, initiated a study in the early 2000’s on elephants and big cats traveling with circuses as he was intrigued with the information about their alleged mistreatment that was spread by animal rights groups. He was neither advocating for or against circuses, but rather a scientist who felt compelled to study and document information about their care, training, and transport. Tune in to hear Heidi and Ted discuss the...

Hosts Heidi Herriott and Tommy Fahey continue their discussion and breakdown of training methods/theories. Positive reinforcement training is one quadrant of Operant Conditioning. They also discuss LIMA (least intrusive; minimally aversive) which is the method recommended by dog training associations. Tune in to hear their discussion about these methods, as well as useful training tips you can utilize immediately. Join Heidi and Tommy every Friday for Doggone Good Information! We would...

Pets are popular in the US, but we don’t always think reptiles. Approximately five percent of the US population have a reptile as a pet. Phil Goss, President of U.S. Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK), provides more detail on the various species and how some are even trained. Heidi and Phil also engage in a robust conversation about how the animal rights groups misrepresent and even lie about animal statistics, and work to end all animal ownership. There really is a difference between...

Hosts Heidi Herriott and Tommy Fahey talk about best practices in caring for our pets, and how this relates to recent canine flu outbreaks and more. They discuss the trend of trainers advertising that they train only with Positive Reinforcement. What is the actual training method/theory in place here? Tune in to find out this answer and more! Join Heidi and Tommy every Friday for Doggone Good Information! We would sincerely appreciate it if you would please subscribe, rate and review this...

Americans love their pets! Approximately 68% of homes have some type of pet according to industry stats with dogs being the most popular. Along with this trend come businesses and industries to support pet owners and cash in. There is also an overabundance of information, and misinformation. DOGGONE GOOD INFORMATION will take a deep dive into areas like training methods (Positive reinforcement only?); legislation including pet store bans, and the CDC having to regulate dog and puppy imports...