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.

Posted using ShareThis

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.