Does your dog have Separation Anxiety?

To determine whether your dog has separation anxiety, first consider if there are other causes for the problem behaviors like house soiling, destruction and vocalization.

House soiling: Other reasons dogs may eliminate when left alone include medical causes of housesoiling, inadequate house-training techniques, marking and prolonged periods without access to the appropriate areas to eliminate. If any of these are possible diagnoses, then house soiling should occur some of the time the owner is present not only when the pet is left alone.

Destruction: When dogs are destructive, alternate explanations such as young, energetic dogs with limited exercise or play and external stimuli that could arouse the dog should be explored. Dogs may be destructive at windows and doors during territorial displays. These types of problems will also be seen when the owner is present. Destruction may be a component in noise phobias such as thunderstorm phobias. External activities or territorial displays and not separation anxiety may also motivate barking dogs.

Animals that get into trash may be exhibiting food-seeking behavior. Animals that attempt to escape may have barrier frustrations concurrently with separation anxiety and may be fine if not confined. Geriatric dogs may be experiencing changes in cognition and should show other signs of cognitive decline such as wandering, loss of house training, disturbances in sleep cycles. If none of these apply, then a diagnosis of separation related anxiety is appropriate.

Treatment
To ensure success, there must be a change in the interaction between the owner and the pet in all phases of their relationship. It begins with how the owner behaves when they leave and when they return. The owner should keep the act of departure as low key as possible. Upon return it is important to keep the homecoming low key and not encourage overly excited greeting behavior. The recommendation is to ignore the dog for 15-30 minutes prior to departure and upon return. This is done on all departures, both planned and routine ones and by all family members.

Many of these dogs are extremely attached to their owners and follow them everywhere. Another key component to treatment is "independence" training. The owner should train the dog to remain calm and content at a distance from them and gradually to be in another room away from them. I suggest incorporating a dog's place in a designated area of the house where the dog is trained to down/stay and remain in this area while the owner leaves the room and gradually increases the time the dog can stay in another room away from them.

Most importantly, it is necessary to implement a structured program of complete consistency that allows the family to establish a "leadership" role. This helps to minimize confusion for the dog and reduces anxiety.

Finally, owners should make a point to spend quality time with their pets in activities such as games, walks/runs and training sessions. These activities help by stimulating their mental alertness, reducing frustration and releasing pent up energy.

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day - May 8th

With the number of earthquakes taking place around the world, there is no better reminder for us to get prepared. Here in California, we know that we should have an emergency kit prepared that includes water, first aid supplies, critical medications, food, and whatever else will help you and your family survive a natural disaster for at least a few days until help can arrive. But the awareness is greater here, as earthquakes are relatively common. The big ones we've seen around the globe recently are making headlines, not just because of their magnitude, but also because of the great numbers of people and animals affected.

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day takes place this month on May 8. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Citizen Corps declared this day as a means to raise awareness about the importance of planning for pets' safety before disaster strikes.

Remember, preparation is the best way to protect you and your pets. But, in the face of a disaster, be patient and consistent and stay calm and assertive!

Emergency Planning Basics

Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi River floods, Mount St. Helens, Oakland Earthquake, September 11, Los Angeles wildfires... When one talks about disaster preparedness, the mind goes immediately to the drama and (often) overwhelming catastrophe of community-wide events that overwhelm emergency services. We seldom stop to realize the other end of the scale occurs more often, and provides opportunities to lay a foundation of emergency preparedness. This is both easily put in place and personally manageable to make a difference not only to our own human preparedness but the successful survival of our beloved animals. Read the following tips to get prepared -- when emergencies happen that put our animals at risk, you will be one step ahead!

For more on Emergency Planning Tips go to http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/Emergency-Planning-Basics?utm_source=mobilestorm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MayNL_1

Source: Cesar's Way Achieving Balance Between People and Dogs; May 2, 2010

Support We Are The Cure - K9 Intel

Support We Are The Cure - K9 Intel

Let's work for a cure to fight canine cancer!

While I support a number of organizations dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service, I'm just as passionate about efforts to do the same for our four-legged family members.

"Together we can make a difference!" Please donate today!
http://www.wearethecure.org/friends/k9intel

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.