Tips on How to Choose the Right Dog for Your Family

Many parents want to give their child a new puppy for Christmas. Christmas is not necessarily the best time to bring a new pet into the family. Many times there is too much going on with the holiday festivities and/or travel to give you the time necessary to focus on a new pet! Getting a new dog is not a decision to take lightly as it requires research to find the right breed, and remember, it’s a commitment for the life of the dog (usually 10+ years).

There are too many homeless pets whose owners relinquished them to shelters deciding that they are “just too much trouble” or that they "just don't have enough time for them". In most cases, these people didn't think enough about the responsibilities that come with pets, or didn't do the research necessary to determine the right pet for their family.

Owners need to make a commitment to provide food, shelter, exercise, proper training, and veterinary care. Pets need to be kept safe and owners must have time to dedicate to them. Pets offer lots of love and enjoyment; requiring very little in return.


Research, Research, Research
When considering a purebred, research the breed so that you understand their natural characteristics and know what to expect. Herding dogs are high energy and many times nip at your heels in an attempt to herd whatever they come into contact with (kids, cats, bikes, etc). Hunting dogs require a great deal of exercise and enjoy having a job. Guard dog breeds (like a Dobermans or Rottweilers) are likely to be very protective and need a more educated owner and consistent obedience work. These traits will vary depending on the dog's breeding, but the underlying temperament will be true to the breed.

Match the energy level of a breed with your energy level. High energy dogs will require a lot of exercise and will find ways to release pent up energy if they do not get the level of exercise that they need on a regular basis.

Adopting a Dog from a Shelter/Rescue
Even with shelter dogs where many are mixed breeds, it’s valuable to have an understanding of breed temperaments. The dog's breed origins will give you an idea of its behavior and personality.


Should you choose a purebred dog, consider breed rescue as an option. Most breeds have national rescue organizations dedicated to finding good homes for dogs whose owners can no longer keep them. These organizations often have prospective owners complete detailed questionnaires to insure compatibility between a dog and its new home. Dogs go to rescue for a variety of reasons- some of the most common are divorce, moving, "not having enough time for the dog". There are good, well trained dogs available at shelters and rescues. The Humane Society also has purebred dogs- after you have done your research and determined what breed works for you; visit the website for your local Humane Society for a list of "available dogs" in need of a home.

Also, find a local canine professional to help you choose the right dog for your family. Many professionals offer client services to assist you with your search by visiting local shelters & rescues with you so you can find the most suitable fit. Additionally, they can provide advice to set you up for success with your new pet right from the start.

Other Tips:
Step 1
Consult a canine professional, who can provide useful advice on a breed's behavior and temperament as well as potential health problems.

Step 2
Consider your daily routine. Are you or someone else home often enough to care for a dog? If not, consider adopting a more independent pet, such as a cat.

Step 3
Think about your family. Do you have young kids in the house? If so, be sure to choose a breed that generally gets along well with children.

Step 4
Evaluate your living environment. Is it rural or urban, an apartment or a house? A Chihuahua or Yorkshire terrier may love your one-bedroom apartment, but larger breeds need more room to roam and require more exercise.

Step 5
Supplement the information you receive from a vet or canine professional with further study about different breeds. Talking to dog owners can provide additional advice.

Step 6
Decide whether you want a purebred or a mixed-breed dog. If you plan to show or breed your dog, then choose a purebred. If not, keep in mind that mixed-breed dogs can be just as loyal and lovable.

Step 7
Decide whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Many wonderful puppies and adult dogs have been abandoned or given up to animal shelters or breed rescue groups, and adopting a pet from one of these sources may mean saving a life.

Step 8
Ask the seller/shelter to tell you about particular habits or personality traits the dog exhibits. If it’s a shelter, ask if you can take the dog for a walk outside so you can get a better idea of its personality and energy level.

Step 9
Ask the seller about the parents of the puppies when visiting a purebred litter. Be sure that each parent belongs to an entirely different family and has been screened for common genetic or inheritable diseases.

Here are some rescue groups located in the SF Bay Area to visit if you are considering pet adoption:

http://www.wonderdogrescue.org/ (puppies available shown in photo above)
http://www.muttville.org/ (senior dog available shown in photo above)
http://www.rocketdogrescue.org/
http://www.milofoundation.org/
http://www.gratefuldogrescue.org/

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month!

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month! Make a difference and honor a dog's life by providing a loving home to one in his/her twilight years. There are great benefits to adopting a senior dog: they have a much calmer energy, require less strenuous exercise, and less often, and are most often already housebroken. They are perfect for showing younger dogs the rules ~ and prove to be invaluable tools to balance other dogs in your pack.

For more information on some amazing senior dogs currently available for adoption, please visit http://www.muttville.org/

There are some wonderful older dogs available that are in need of a loving and caring family to be a part of. Dogs like Angel, an 11 year old Shepherd mix (female), URGENTLY NEEDS FOSTER/FOREVER HOME! Angel is 45 lb., physically healthy,shepherd mix (she was a rescue dog via Second Chance Rescue).
http://www.muttville.org/

Can Pets Catch Swine Flu?

Swine flu, also known as H1N1 influenza, has been dominating the news recently. The viral strain appears set to cause the first influenza pandemic in a generation. Influenza pandemics are big deals. The pandemic of 1918-1920 caused more people to die from flu than from bullets or bombs during World War One.

Influenza viruses are known for infecting multiple species–as the name would imply, swine flu developed in pigs and then spread to people.

This may lead pet owners to wonder: can cats and dogs catch swine flu?

The answer appears to be no. DVM Newsmagazine reports that there is no evidence cats or dogs can contract, carry, spread, or suffer illness from H1N1 influenza.

Source: Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM

Traveling to Puerto Rico? Escort a Sato Dog!

Be a Sato Escort

Help to bring happy, healthy, rescued dogs to loving homes on the mainland--be a Sato transport escort! "Save A Sato" is a non-profit organization dedicated to easing the suffering of Puerto Rico's homeless and abused animals. "Sato" is slang for street dog. They are looking for people traveling to Puerto Rico that would be willing to escort a dog back to the mainland.

Sato is in need of transport escorts to accompany dogs on flights to their new homes....federal law prohibits them from sending dogs without a corresponding traveler.

If you are leaving Puerto Rico on an American Airlines flight to one of these airports please consider escorting a sato! If you are interested in donating your American Airlines Frequent Flyer miles to Save a Sato please click here.

They are currently looking for passengers flying from San Juan to -

Bradley International Airport (BDL) - Hartford, CT

Logan International Airport (BOS)- Boston, MA

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - New York, NY

Newark International Airport (EWR) - Newark, NJ

Tampa International Airport (TPA) - Tampa, FL

Hollywood International Airport (FLL) - Fort Lauderdale, FL

http://www.saveasato.org/

Choosing the Right Dog Breed | The Pet Health Zone

Choosing the right dog breed for you is as important as choosing a pet whose needs you can meet. There are a whole host of decisions that should be carefully thought out when contemplating making a pet a part of the family.

Make a checklist:

•Have I chosen a pet that will fit into my home and lifestyle?
•Do I have the financial resources to take care of a pet?
•Do I have the time to walk, groom, train and pay attention to a pet?
Whatever you do, don’t make getting a dog an impulse decision. This dog will be part of your life for years to come so do plenty of research before making the commitment.

Choosing the Right Dog Breed The Pet Health Zone

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Do Dogs Recognize Their Kin? 2009-09-01

Dogs Can Sniff Out Family From Friends
It even happens to dogs. Out of all the dog parks in town, your dog’s littermates and mom have to pick the one he goes to. There’s Mom playing fetch, and now your dog’s little brother and sister want in on the action. Do you think your dog would even recognize his littermates and parents after years of separation?
As it turns out, many studies have zeroed in on this topic known in scientific circles as "kin recognition," the study of how animals recognize their relatives and it’s importance in the natural world. The research often focuses on amphibians, social insects and in mammals, the rodent family, and there have been few studies with regard to dogs.

For research on our furry friends, we turned to the latest issue of DOGWatch newsletter from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Katherine A. Houpt, VMD, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorist, explains that dogs do likely recognize their family members. Studies have shown that dogs will approach a littermate in preference to a strange, unrelated dog even after months of separation. And further "if a dog’s littermates were divided and cross-fostered with other females, the dog would still recognize the littermates."

While there is a stronger draw to littermates with whom a dog was raised, dogs still prefer an unfamiliar relative over a more familiar non-relative. Dr. Houpt also suspects that, although recognition is based more on color than on visual cues, a dog may be the friendliest to the dog whose genome is most like his, for instance, that with the most similar coloring. So how do dogs show their preference? They may approach their siblings or parents faster or there may be more play or tail-wagging than with unrelated dogs.

But it’s not just dogs who they recognize, but people too. Studies also show that a dog will choose the person who raised him over a stranger, even if it’s been years since they’ve been together. What a relief! They remember us after all.

Source: DOGWatch Newsletter is a monthly publication from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Science with news and advice on dog care. http://www.dogwatchnewsletter.com/

Support We Are The Cure - K9 Intel

Support We Are The Cure - K9 Intel

Help us raise funds to support the Canine Cancer Foundation.

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10 Best Places to Live for Pet Lovers - US News and World Report

10 Best Places to Live for Pet Lovers - US News and World Report

Well, the results are in and here are the top places to live for dog lovers. Not that I entirely agree, since San Francisco didn't make it in the top 10 due to the high cost of living. Considering the hundreds of thousands of dog lovers, beautiful parks, hiking trails, and beaches, S.F. gets my vote for #1!

Ellicott City, Md.
Rocky Point, N.Y.
Auburn, Ala.
Butte, Mont.
Yankton, S.D.
Lewiston, Idaho
Glasgow, Ky.
Aiken, S.C.
Flower Mound, Texas
Wolf Trap, Va.

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Getting Active with Your Pet

It's just as important for your dog to get daily exercise as it is for you to stay fit & healthy. 50% of the pet population is overweight or grossly obese. The reasons for pet obesity include poor diet and lack of proper exercise. Exactly the same reasons that we experience challenges with our weight. Unfortunately for our pets, they depend on us to get the exercise that they need. Their health is completely in our control.


Did you know that a piece amount of cheese for a Dachshund is the same as the average-sized women eating two hamburgers. That will sure make you think about the next morsel of food you feed your pet. Think twice bout giving your dog treats simply out of guilt for being at work to late and not spending enough time with them. It's much healthier for him/her (and you) to go for a walk or engage in play.

Fun ways to include your dog in your exercise activity: Running, roller blading , skateboarding, cycling, or throw the ball and do push-ups or sit ups while they retrieve the ball.

Celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson discusses why he has joined the fight against pet obesity, and offers tips on how pets and their owners can get and stay fit together.
Check it out....http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=182&NAME=Getting_Active_With_Your_Pet

Fear Aggression

How can you tell if it is fear based aggression?

With nervous and fear aggressive dogs, you will find that they will react similarly to any dog, regardless of whether it is male or female. The behavior is often worse if the dog is on the lead or is cornered, especially if close to the owner, who backs up the behavior, (though unwittingly) by becoming nervous and agitated as another dog approaches.

This manifests itself in a tightening up on the lead and shoulders because of the expectation of conflict. Nervous owners experience a rush of adrenaline which the dog instantly detects and causes it to look for what is causing the concern. It sees the dog approaching and reacts accordingly. This type of dog is also normally a barker, it will lunge and bark at the approaching dog but generally will not snap, unless all its options have run out (i.e. flight or freeze) and after all it’s threatening behavior the other dog still gets too close.

This problem can often be diagnosed if someone who is confident around dogs (that the dog does not know well) takes it out on the lead. It will not get the same fearful vibes from the owner, therefore the reaction to another dogs approaching will be less intense. It is a good way of finding out if your dog suffers fear aggression as the behavior will either not be exhibited or will be less pronounced. The owner can then use a desensitization program for both the dog and themselves.

Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner as dictated by the pet.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Learn of ways to help me overcome any anxiety that I may experience when you are away.
2. Let me know what you expect of me by providing me clear rules and boundaries.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, inconsistency is confusing and only increases my level of anxiety.
7. Don't hit me or strike me, as I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
10. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.

Enjoy and take good care of your pets. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without them.

Dog Aggression: A Common Problem

I met with new clients yesterday with yet again another case of aggression. Their dog's aggression has escalated; continuing to get progressively more severe. The last straw was a dangerous situation that occurred at the dog park where he attacked another dog that happened to come to close to his ball.

Dog aggression is a serious and common theme these days. It is possible to overcome aggression with the proper course of training ~ one that addresses all aspects of a dog's environment. If you tackle only one problem without taking on a holistic approach, it can actually make matters much worse. It makes you very inconsistent. Consistency is key, along with clear rules and boundaries. It is important to set your dog up for success by teaching him/her what is expected of them.

You do not want to deal with aggression by simply "managing" the problem. It makes no sense to settle for avoiding social situations like the beach and parks, or crossing the street to avoid other dogs/people, etc. This definitely is not the answer! I'm sure you don't want to live my life this way, and neither does your dog!

Dogs with Focus

K9 Intel's Special Agents include Ketut, a silly Catahoula who loves to skateboard & surf!
Ku De Ta, an amazing Doberman who joined the unit with fear aggression and serious behavior problems. She is now a very confident, focused & refined girl! Both dogs earned high rank at K9 Intel with honors in Reliable Obedience.