Send us a textAre you ready for a smooth and successful transition when bringing a new dog into your home? This week on "Let's Bark About it Tampa Bay," We're replaying an early episode with Brandi Burkett from Pets Enrichment and Training Solutions who guides us through the essential steps. From setting up gates and preparing a crate to planning eating and bathroom routines, we cover everything you need to know to create a happy, healthy environment for your new furry friend.And what a...

Send us a textCan choosing the wrong dog upset your entire household? Our first guest, Brandi Burket, a certified pet trainer and owner of Pets Enrichment and Training Solutions (PETS), would argue it can. Join us as Brandi unpacks her personal journey in pet training that started at the Humane Society in Tampa back in 2009. With her wealth of experience, Brandi highlights the critical importance of selecting the right dog that aligns with your family's lifestyle to avoid common pitfall...

Send us a textAs pet parents, we're all too familiar with that knot of worry when hurricane season looms. But fret not, because today we're giving you a list to follow to make sure your ready for the storm (that we hope won't arrive). From the importance of a solid evacuation plan to securing pet-friendly accommodations, now is the time to prepare. Even if you're miles from the coast, the ripple effects of a hurricane – think power outages and floods – can hit hard. So, we're going into...

Send us a textJoan Weesies from the Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg shares the remarkable 60-year heritage of the club. Joan's personal tales with her athletic Boston Terriers and their flyball adventures and her role as Flyball Instuctor add a delightful touch, showcasing how any dog, regardless of breed, can achieve remarkable feats with the right guidance.Feel the rush of excitement and learn the intricacies of flyball, where dogs of all shapes and sizes, like the spirited ...

Send us a textWhen our beloved pets face a crisis, every second counts, and having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. That's why we were thrilled to welcome back the ever-caring and insightful Dr. Cherie Buisson, a.k.a Doc B, to shed light on the importance of assembling a pet first aid kit. Together, we traversed the landscape of emergency preparedness, from the essential items every pet owner should have on hand to the personal tales of her own dachshunds' health scares th...

Send us a textWhat doting dog parent doesn't want an amazing and memorable experience they can share with their fur kid? Grab your dog and your Rays Jersey, because we're hitting a home run with Stephon Thomas, Tampa Bay Rays' Director of Promotions, in a chat that's sure to delight both sports fans and dog lovers! In our latest episode, Stefan shares the story behind the Dog Days at the Rays event. Prepare to be charmed by tales of pups in the park, their owners' dedication...

Send us a textHave you ever wondered about the world of real estate through the eyes of a dog lover? Christine Elias, the compassionate force behind Urban Dog Group, joins us to share how she's woven her love for our furry friends into the fabric of her property expertise. Together, we examine the unique challenges pet owners face when hunting for the perfect home and the ways Christine's personal journey and showing properties with her new Bernie Doodle, Janie, enriches her client's experien...

Send us a textEver struggle to capture the dynamic personality of your canine companion in a photo? Worry no more! In this episode, the last of a four part series, Laurie Elmer and Knicki Knowlton share invaluable tips on getting that perfect shot, no matter how wriggly or reserved your dog may be. We're letting you in on the secret that sometimes, an extra set of hands can work wonders, and the right treat or toy can turn a photo flop into frame-worthy art. It's all about channeling your dog...

Send us a textIn this episode, Laurie and Nikki continue their series on tips for photographing dogs. They discuss shooting angles and composition, emphasizing the importance of getting down to the dog's eye level and avoiding the bullseye composition. They also introduce the rule of thirds and the golden mean as composition guidelines. The key takeaways include considering the shooting angle, using the rule of thirds to place the subject in the frame, and being mindful of the elements in the...

Send us a textIn this episode, Laurie Elmer and Knicki Knowlton from Urban Dog Studio discuss the importance of backgrounds in pet photography. They explain how backgrounds contribute to the storytelling aspect of an image and how they can enhance or distract from the subject. The hosts highlight common background problems such as clutter, unintentional subjects, harsh lighting, shadows, reflections, inappropriate colors, and poorly positioned elements. They provide tips on how to evaluate an...

Send us a textMastering pet photography is an art that involves much more than just a camera and a cute subject. Laurie Elmer and Knicki Knowlton of Urban Dog Studio have crafted an engaging podcast episode that guides pet lovers through the magic of utilizing light to create stunning pet portraits. This episode is a goldmine for pet owners looking to immortalize their furry friends in photographs that are not just memorable but emotionally captivating.Light is a crucial element in photograph...

Send us a textProtect your beloved pets from hidden dangers lurking in your home! March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month, and we're pulling back the curtain on the everyday hazards that could harm your furry family members. From the surprising number of emergency calls to the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center to the unexpected household items containing xylitol, this episode is packed with life-saving advice. We even tackle the complexities of pets and cannabis products, courtesy of...

Send us a textIn the fascinating realm of human-animal relationships, few subjects captivate us as much as the possibility of understanding the thoughts and emotions of our animal companions. The latest episode of our podcast takes listeners on a journey into this very topic with Animal Communicator Shannon Spring. Shannon, who is also a Psychic Medium, shares her unique insights and experiences from her book "Open Mic for Animals: Evidential Fairy Tales," offering an intimate look into the c...

Send us a textEver felt like your peaceful walk with your furry friend is more like a tug-of-war than a stroll in the park? You're in luck, because this episode, with the expertise of dog training maestro Brandy Burket, is here to change that. Discover the secret to turning those chaotic walks into serene adventures, as we dig into the nitty-gritty of leash training. Say goodbye to the retractable leash conundrum and hello to the magic of a five-foot leash that could just be the game-changer ...

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to a healthier, happier pup with the expert guidance of Dr. Natalie Craven from Pinellas Animal Hospital. We're cutting through the myths and getting down to the kibble on how to prevent your furry friends from becoming another statistic in the pet obesity epidemic. Don't let an extra scoop of food steal precious years from your best friend's life; Dr. Craven is here to share the stark realities of how even a few pounds can lead to significant health issues, f...

Send us a textWhen Ruby the Siberian Husky gazes into your eyes, you can feel the world's weight lifting from your shoulders. This extraordinary therapy dog, along with a host of other lovable pooches, is at the heart of our special compilation episode of "Let's Bark About It, Tampa Bay." As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, we're honored to share the most touching and humorous dog tales that our listeners have generously contributed. From Baxter's zest for travel to Koda's community-bui...

Send us a textCould your four-legged friend be the key to a longer lease and a happier home? Judy Bellack from Michelson Found Animals Foundations Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative joins us to shed light on the powerful connection between pet inclusivity and a thriving multi-family community. As an industry principal spearheading the Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative, Judy combines her multi-family housing expertise with a heart for animal advocacy, showing us how welcoming pets can transform t...

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to a healthier, happier pet with our 50th episode featuring Dr. Michael Peak, a veterinary dentist who is passionate about the impact of dental health on our pets' lives. As we chew over the nitty-gritty details of pet oral care, you'll be fascinated by the common and not-so-obvious dental afflictions our furry friends face. From the silent warnings of bad breath to the intricate procedures of root canals, this episode is packed with professional insight...

Send us a textEmbark on a journey with our delightful guests, Nicki Wright and Ben Jarvis, as they unleash the secrets of including your four-legged friends in your explorations of the US National Parks. By tuning in, you're on the path to discovering the clever BARK acronym, which stands for key principles every pet owner should follow, and the charming rewards that await your pup, such as tags, bandanas, and certificates. Whether you're an experienced traveler with your canine o...

Send us a textWhen Mark James lost his beloved dog Hank to cancer, he channelled his grief into creating Hank's BarkBox, a pet food pantry to support animals in need – a testament to the deep bond between humans and their furry companions. Tune in as Mark recounts the evolution from Hank's quiet shelter days to his role as a vocal family member, and how this inspired an initiative that's now feeding pets and warming hearts across the community. Our conversation with Mark is not just a narrati...