Welcome to

Chris Onthank on Pet Life Radio


I am Chris Onthank, the Canine Master.  I am an advocate of everything to do with dogs; sharing info, tips, stories, photos & videos.  Follow my blog for an in-depth coverage of dog-related topics including training, health, innovative pet products and general information on how to keep dogs happy, healthy and safe.

Join me for practical information and tips on all aspects of dogs and their well-being.  Topics will include understanding how a dog thinks and feels, the importance of proper training to develop a confident and happy dog, health information and tips on how to keep your dog healthy, choosing the right puppy for your family and so much more!


"Canine Master" Theme Song Written & Produced by Mark Winter
© Copyright 2015 Such Fun Music (ASCAP)

Episode 27 -

Coming soon


Show Notes

Episode 26 - Traveling With Your Pet

If you have ever taken a pet with you on a plane, then you have Gayle Martz to thank. Gayle is the creator of the SHERPA BAG for all the different modes of pet travel. Her mission is to change, improve and enrich the travel experience for people and their pets. The love we all share for animals is universal. For some, traveling is difficult. Traveling with a pet becomes an even more difficult situation. Join Chris and Gayle as they discuss how to best travel with your pet providing tips on the importance of planning ahead and how to prepare your pet for his journey.


Show Notes

Episode 25 - Piglet – The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind Pink Puppy and His Family

Today’s featured guest is Connecticut veterinarian Dr. Melissa Shapiro. Tune in to hear the story of how she got a a call about a tiny deaf blind puppy rescued from a hoarding situation in need of fostering. She didn’t hesitate to say, “yes.” Little did she know how that decision would transform her, her family, and legions of admirers destined to embrace the saga of the indomitable pink pup.


Show Notes

Episode 24 - One Dog, Two Dogs, Three Dogs or More? What To Consider When Adding Multiple Dogs To Your Family

We all know that dogs are great. There is almost nothing like the love, loyalty and joy that comes with canine companionship. What is better than a dog? How about two dogs? Or three dogs?  What about more dogs?  At some point every pet parent begins to ask themselves that most important of questions… Should I get another dog?

That is the topic of today’s show. And don’t believe for one second that there is only one right answer. Like many questions when it comes to pet parenting, it all depends. On you. On your home. On your family. On the dogs.  Join Canine Master Chris Onthank and Jaimee Kelsey, the Director of Training at Chris’ canine center Dog Gone Smart as they discuss the pros and cons of what to consider when making this decision.


Show Notes

Episode 23 - Mastering The Dog Urine Marking Behavior

Join Chris as he discusses a destructive and misunderstood canine behavior that has left its mark on households around the world since the first dogs became domesticated... The Canine Master and Jaimee are discussing marking behavior in dogs.

Listen in as they talk about the instinctual why and - most importantly - the how to control this troublesome and off-putting behavior. Chris goes in-depth on the Canine Master methodology that he developed and offers personal insight into its background and how it can help. Tune in for a master class on marking behavior that will change the relationship you have with your dog.


Show Notes

Episode 22 - Integrative Veterinarian Medicine And Its Benefits To The Wellness Of Our Companion Animals With Dr. Marty Goldstein

Join Chris as he takes you behind the scenes of the new documentary, "The Dog Doc". We’ll talk with Dr. Marty Goldstein of the Smith Ridge Veterinary Center to explore holistic animal care and the impact it can have on pets and their owners. Find out why we’ve seen an increase in cancer diagnoses in our animals and the importance of boosting the immune system. This enlightening conversation bridges traditional medicine and alternative medicine in a sensible way you will be sure to find fascinating. Could this be the future of animal care?


Show Notes

Episode 21 - Sheepdogs In Ireland

While on vacation in Ireland with his family, Chris is joined by landowner John Davoren of County Clare in the southwest of Ireland.  Since the age of 16, John has been training dogs to work with both sheep and cattle on his farm. The sheepdog is an integral part of farming culture and is of utmost value when trying to move or direct sheep and cattle across the vast rocky landscape. The use of a small number of well-understood directions enables the sheepdog to complete tasks in half the time it would take several people. This, along with the qualities of loyalty and hard work, make the sheepdog the very best pet a farming family could want. Tune in to this episode to better understand how and why these dogs are chosen, how they are trained and how John is trying to educate the public on the valuable work these dogs do.  


Show Notes

Episode 20 - Say YES to the YARD!

This podcast is all about how to solve those common problems we face when spending time outdoors with our dogs.  Does your dog Dig?  Eat sticks and leaves and everything else on the ground? Bad manners around the pool? Want to teach your dog how to go potty in one area of the yard? We will solve all of these and more so you enjoy the summer with a well-behaved dog!


Show Notes

Episode 19 - Expecting a New Baby? What to Expect from your Dog When you are Expecting!

This show is all about how to prepare your dog for the arrival of a new baby. Having a baby is one of the most joyous times in your life, but it is important to prepare and make sure that relationship with your dog is safe and loving and off to the right start! 


Show Notes

Episode 18 - Mouthing and Chewing 101: Ouch! Survival Guide to Help with Your Puppy's Mouthing and Chewing

This show will cover all you need to know to understand and learn how to manage your dog’s mouthing and chewing.  What's normal, what isn't, and how to stop it!


Show Notes

Episode 17 - Training Advice for Your Adopted Dog

Rescuing Dogs has become a mission for many pet lovers.  It is so important to train these dogs right to best set them up for success in our families.  This show will talk about how to bring your newly adopted dog into your home successfully. The best way to not only make them feel loved, but safe. Giving them structure and guidance is necessary to get the desired behaviors and lifelong reliable results.


Show Notes

Episode 16 - Important Holiday Safety Tips for Children and Dogs

Every year thousands of kids are bitten by dogs.  Very often this is caused by the child's behavior being unpredictable and perceived as threatening to a dog's personal space and feeling of security.  In this podcast we will review some of the steps you should take to ensure the safety of the children in your life around dogs and how you can teach them to have pleasant introductions and positive interactions. 


Show Notes

Episode 15 - Interview with the SOI Dog Foundation

On a recent trip to Thailand, Chris had the opportunity to tour the SOI Dog Foundation and to interview the owners John and Gill Daley. SOI Dog helps the homeless, neglected and abused dogs and cats of Thailand, works to end the dog meat trade throughout the region and responds to animal welfare disasters and emergencies.


Show Notes

Episode 14 - Leashwalking

How to get your dog to walk nicely on leash, so you can enjoy walking your dog!  .


Show Notes

Episode 13 - Jumping 101

Why do dogs jump and how to stop it!   Jumping is one of the most requested behaviors I am asked to fix by my clients.  In this episode we will not only explore why dogs jump but how we can effectively stop this behavior not just temporarily, but for good.


Show Notes

Episode 12 - Puppy Bowl Preview!

Television’s original adoption extravaganza is back and furrier than ever as the world’s cutest sporting event returns to Animal Planet for PUPPY BOWL XII on Sunday, February 7 from 3-5 PM. This year, Animal Planet worked with 44 different animal shelters and rescue organizations from across the U.S. to fill the rosters of #TeamRuff and #TeamFluff with adoptable players for this epic matchup.  Our guest on the show will be special sideline reporter and our celebrity rescue correspondent Jill Rappaport, as well as Laurie Johnson from Florida Little Dog Rescue who has 12 pups competing in the puppy bowl and for homes of their own.


Show Notes

Episode 11 - The Dangers of Tethering Dogs and Understanding Fight or Flight instinct in Dogs. What you need to Know!

On this show we'll talk about why it’s never a good idea to tether your dog, why it is actually dangerous.  We’ll also explore the role of fight or flight response in dogs as it applies to their everyday interactions, including meeting other dogs on leash, and how to best introduce your dog. 


Show Notes

Episode 10 - Dogs and Their Relationship to Wolves... Do Wolf Hybrids Make Good Pets?

In this show we'll explore dogs relationship to wolves. The origins of dogs have long been known to descend from their wolf ancestors, but how are they alike?  How are they different? We are also going to explore the controversy of owning wolf hybrids. Do they actually make good pets? What you need to know about wolves as domestic animals on this Canine Master Radio Show!


Show Notes

Episode 9 - Helping the Fearful Puppy

In this episode we talk about how to help and change the behavior of a fearful puppy. Having a dog that is fearful can be very stressful and emotional for everyone. It is a problem I often see but there are things you can do to help your dog be less afraid and more comfortable in their environment. 


Show Notes

Episode 8 - Thinking of Getting a Dog for the Holidays? What You Need to Know Before Adding 4 Paws to Your Family

This time of year is a festive happy one, and always a popular time for people to consider getting a pet for their family. While the addition of a family dog can be a most wonderful experience, it can not be done without proper thought, consideration, and planning.  This show will discuss everything you need to know before deciding whether or not it's the right time to bring a pet into your family, and what kind of dog is best for you, for the holidays or for any time of year.  


Show Notes

Episode 7 - Teach Your Dog To Come When Called

Do you find yourself calling your dog’s name only to have him look at you and take off in the other direction?  If so, you are not alone. ​Teaching a dog to come is probably the most important command your dog will ever have to follow. It can actually save his life in certain situations. By following a few simple steps, you can teach your dog a reliable recall.


Show Notes

Episode 6 - Intro to Service Dogs

This week we’re going to delve into the service dog industry to try to better understand the process, and the role these dogs play in the lives of those who depend on them.  Also, a very hot topic in today's news: The faking of service dogs…Who does it hurt when you pass your pet off as a service dog when it' isn't?  Are people taking advantage of the lack of regulations in the industry in order to get their dogs easily onto airplanes and into restaurants?  How do you feel about this?


Show Notes

Episode 5 - Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

We’ll explore why some dogs eat poop, and what to do to prevent  and fix it.  Also, we’ll take a look at PICA, a condition where dogs eat nonfood items.  This is more common than you think and can be not only expensive to surgically remove the item, but also dangerous.  We’ll walk you through what to do if your dog has PICA to fix it and help keep your dog safe. 


Show Notes

Episode 4 - Separation Anxiety - How to Fix the Cause and Not the Symptoms

While many people write about this, very few have good answers on how to solve this very serious issue. When treating a dog for separation anxiety, you first need to understand where the anxiety is coming from and then fix the root of the problem and not the symptoms.


Show Notes

Episode 3 - Summer Safety Tips and Nuisance Barking

Summer is here and it's fun to be outside with your dog. By taking a few precautions, you can enjoy the great outdoors safely!  Does your dog constantly bark at everything it hears and everything it sees both inside and outside throughout the day and night?  Are your neighbors complaining? Learn to fix the cause and not just the symptom for this very common dog problem.


Show Notes

Episode 2 - The Company of Animals

World-renowned animal psychologist, trainer, behaviorist and product developer Dr. Roger Mugford joins Chris to discuss their common dedication to making the lives of  pets better through positive reinforcement and the strengthening of the human-animal bond.


Show Notes

Episode 1 - Importance of Early Socialization for Dogs

Animal Advocate Jill Rappaport joins Chris to promote and encourage pet adoption! Jill will fill us in on all the buzz as our Celebrity Rescue Correspondent! Make sure to tune into "The View" on Friday July 17th to see Jill's wonderful rescue segment "Rappaport to the Rescue" finding loving families for wonderful shelter dogs who all receive makeovers!  Listener Questions Answered (still time to ask your questions at "Ask the Canine Master" where you can post questions, videos and photos!)


Show Notes