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Psychic dogs
Does your dog know when you're coming home? It seems some dogs can sense when their owners are returning, and behavioural changes occur which can be observed and recorded.
Experiments have indicated that the dogs are not reacting to hearing their owners, or detecting familiar engine noise, and even varying the time of returning doesn't stop the dogs predicting it so just what is triggering the behaviour? The really interesting point is that the dogs seem to react at the point that their owner decides to return.
To find out more about this intriguing subject listen to our interview with Alex Tsakiris, the founder of Open Source Science and the Skeptiko podcast.
To find out more about the research and the do-it-yourself home experiment to determine if your dog senses when you are returning go to the Dogs That Know website.
Shawndra Miller
Writer Shawndra Miller's work is not only often inspired by her own beloved Standard Poodle Marley, but her love of dogs in general has lead her to cover other dog related stories.
Her blog Living Mindfully is about living in the moment - which our dogs encourage us to do - and Marley regularly features in it. Shawndra and Marley have together had fun and some great achievements training - and they have plans for their future training too. Having a dog is a responsibility and a blessing, and Shawndra is eager to share the blessing she has found with Marley. They are preparing for Marley to become a therapy dog, and Marley is also a blood donor.
Hear Shawndra talk about her life and work with Marley.
News
DogCast Radio News brings you a star-studded issue. Find out who the latest top five most famous Hollywood dogs are, and about the statue that's a touching tribute to Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, his family and Sui the dog they all loved.
Buddy's Diary
In Buddy's Diary, for once Buddy has it all figured out.
From the two new tiny dogs in his home, to the latest addition to the lounge - he has a handle on it all. According to Buddy, it's Star who's confused.
Listen and see what you think.
Puppy Playtime
In Puppy Playtime, Jenny has a recipe to try out to give your dog some festive treats.
For more recipes go to www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/christmas/recipes/animals/dogtreat.htm
While your biscuits are baking, you could read a Christmas story about a Beardie,or send some doggy Christmas cards.
Other items
Host Julie has a problem sent in by a listener whose Labrador Simba gets distracted by anything she can eat out on walks. Do you have some good advice for owner Judith?
Also, the Company of Animals has announced that it is donating the profits from its inaugural Dog Train & Behave Week initiative to its supporting charities, including Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, The Blue Cross, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Dogs for the Disabled.
The dates for Train and Behave Week 2008 will be announced in the New Year. So check out www.dogtrainandbehaveweek.com and get ready to be involved.