Aggression, Fear & Anxiety

Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety and other forms of stress - from mild whining when left alone to full blown panic attacks. Some dogs are fearful of loud noises, storms or strangers, or have an aversion to people of a certain age, race, or gender. Other dogs show signs of aggression toward other dogs or even toward humans.

If your dog is showing even the mildest signs of a behavioral problem, don’t put off working with the dog now to prevent larger issues down the road. It will not get better with time! How effectively you deal with the issue at the initial onset will determine whether it becomes a controlled situation, or one the escalates over time.

Whether planned or not, your dog begins learning from the moment you meet. Every experience will shape the dog’s behavior about you and the environment your dog inhabits: your neighborhood, the veterinarian’s office, riding in your car, being home alone or with the family, and having visitors come over. How you expose your dog to new situations and how you handle those situations will have an influence on your dog’s behavior. Structuring your dog’s experiences to teach the dog what you want the dog to understand will make life better for both of you.

A dog’s confidence is enhanced by providing it with structured training and socialization activities. This gives the dog an understanding that success is always possible, making them resistant against related behavioral habits.

If you are considering a professional trainer to help you address your dog’s behavioral challenges, visit IACP for a list of qualified trainers in your area - http://www.canineprofessionals.com/


For professional training in the San Francisco Bay Area visit our website at http://www.k9intel.com/, K9 Intel is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Help Stop the "Return" of Blameless Pets to Shelters

Sadly, a lot of new or expectant parents today are giving their first “babies” -- their pets -- back to animal shelters. And if you think those pets will all find new, loving homes, think again. An estimated three to five million shelter animals are euthanized every year!

Worst of all, in some cases, the pet has done nothing wrong. In others, the pet’s accidental “wrongdoing” could have been prevented. The truth is most families with new babies can live safely and happily with their pets.

You can help the American Humane Society stop this tragic trend by donating to the Human-Animal Bond Division! This division’s many critical programs include a vital initiative to educate parents on maintaining households that are safe for babies and pets alike! Help address one of the root causes of unnecessary pet “returns,” as well as other important human-animal bond issues! Donate at http://www.americanhumane.org/donate/

**If you or someone you know is considering relinquishing a pet to a shelter, seek training from a professional dog trainer in your area. Find a reputable professional through the International Association of Canine Professionals at http://www.canineprofessionals.com/

Does Nutrition Influence Your Dogs Behavior?

Good nutrition helps bring down stress levels of the dog and also helps them develop calmer and more balanced behavior.

Just like us, your dog's diet & level of exercise will have a direct impact on their overall health & wellness - physical, mental & emotional. Along with training and exercise, always include your dogs nutritional diet as a factor in enhancing his/her behavior.

Proteins are good for boosting their energy and muscle regeneration. Studies show that aggressive behavior may be influenced by the lack of quality protein in the diet. Check the nutrition facts and look for food high in protein.

Stressed out dogs have difficulty digesting their food which may lead to a complication in the digestive system such as diarrhea. Try food that contains probiotics since it helps ease the digestive tract and contains the essential nutrients your pet needs.

There are many books and resources to learn more diet tips for your pet. One of my favorites is the "Holistic Dog Book" by Dr. Michael W. Fox. This a great resource for bringing a natural & healthy approach to your dog's care.

These are the National Geographic BEST pictures of the year.

These are the National Geographic BEST pictures of the year.


Truly amazing photographs so eloquently depicting the beauty of nature.

Whether it is the rainforest, Africa's Serengeti, the ocean, or an inner city animal shelter, we have connections with the animal world that are fascinating, evolving, and critical to our survival.