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.

Benefits of adopting an older dog

Lucy & Ethel
Currently available at Muttville

While volunteering at a recent adoption event for Muttville, a Senior Dog Rescue located in S.F., I can't tell you how many people said they wanted a dog, but didn't have the time or energy to take on the responsibility of bringing a new PUPPY into the family. I heard over and over "I never thought of adopting a senior dog!"

Kids sat down on the ground holding some of the older dogs that instantly melted into their arms...making it very difficult for their parents to tear them away. It was exciting to see so many interested in making a difference in the life of a senior dog. They may take a little extra time to adjust to their new home/family, so be a little patient. But, once they settle in, you will have a calm, loyal and very loving pet that shows you each and every day just how much they appreciate their new life with you.

Visit Muttville today at http://www.muttville.org/

A few benefits of adopting an older dog:

1) Older dogs don’t normally have to be housebroken. As a result, you can save on carpet cleaning supplies and time.
2) Older dogs are already developed in size and personality. So, you don’t have to worry about them getting any bigger or changing in how they treat you or your children.
3) Older dogs don’t require as much time and attention. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about what they are doing when you’re not at home. Basically, a more mature dog is normally an easy fit into your household.

http://www.examiner.com/x-677-Dogs-Examiner~y2010m3d30-Benefits-of-adopting-an-older-dog

Wonder Dog Rescue - San Francisco Bay Area Small Dog Rescue and Adoption

Wonder Dog Rescue - San Francisco Bay Area Small Dog Rescue and Adoption

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January is Walk Your Dog Month

Structured exercise is critical to both the physical and behavioral health of our pets. It is also just as important in helping you meet your own fitness goals. A recent study from the University of Missouri reveals that people who walk with dogs are more consistent in their exercise routine than those who walk with a human.

Start off your year the right way ~ for the health of you and your pet!

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/