For a variety of reasons there are many dogs who need homes. Maybe someone died and left a few dogs and hadn’t been able to name a guardian. Sad as this is, sometimes dogs are rescued from horribly abusive situations or ones where the owners were fighting the dogs. There are also those times when in someone’s brilliance he or she decides to breed their dog. Not realizing that a litter can be anything from three to eight puppies, this person finds himself quickly overwhelmed. Whatever the reason, these dogs need homes immediately. We know from seeing the numbers of stray dogs on the streets that shelters are overcrowded and sometimes there’s no room for ten who were just rescued from a bad situation.

Rescue organizations all over the country work with shelters and law enforcement to be the first call made when dogs have been rescued and need a home…fast! Imagine, however, that even if a particular organization has ten volunteers, homes could fill up very quickly. This is where you can help out.

Responsibilities of a Foster
If you live in a rental situation, you will want to get permission ahead of time and be prepared to show this proof to any rescue organization you sign up with. Once this is taken care of, you’ll need at minimum:

• A dog crate
• An extra leash and collar
• To prove that you are comfortable around dogs
• Means to buy food or if needed, enough money to take the dog to a vet in an emergency
• Willing to keep a dog until a forever home is found

Any volunteer organization you register with is going to do a home inspection and a background check (calling references) prior to feeling comfortable allowing a dog to stay with you. Once approved, you are ready to take a foster.

How It All Works
You get a call from your volunteer coordinator. Seven dogs were rescued from a man who kept them all chained up. They are malnourished and need a foster home by the weekend. Generally speaking it is safe to assume that the organization will take the dogs to the vet, get them their shots and will spay/neuter ones that need to be. The dog’s temperament is described in detail to you. This is especially important if you have existing dogs in the home or kids.

Sometimes the dog(s) is/are in another state and arrangements are made to get Jack to you. Many of these organizations have a series of volunteers whose sole purpose is to provide transportation from point A to point B where he or she is met by another driver who will get Jack to you. There are times when you will be asked to meet a volunteer in another state. You will already know as much as the rescuers know. His weight, approximate health status, temperament and whether he has had any training.

Once you bring Jack to your home, the quicker you provide a routine for him, the better. If he has never been potty trained, you will want to do this immediately. If Jack has had no training, you will want to, at minimum, teach him the basic commands: sit, stay, come and leave it.

The rescue organization will work with you to try and find a forever home for Jack. Nobody can determine how long this will take. It could be weeks, months but usually not longer. Sometimes homes are found but for myriad reasons they are found to be unsuitable to be a forever home. Hopefully you have the stamina to just hang in there with Jack until the perfect home makes itself known.

How to Sign Up
There are a number of ways to find a volunteer organization to sign up with. If you are in love with a particular breed, such as a German Shepherd or Greyhound, nearly every single breed has a rescue organization associated with it. A simple Internet search will net you a few.

Another way is to ask your local shelter if you can volunteer to be a foster mom or dad. The advantages of working with your local shelter are that you are serving the community in which you live and it’s unlikely you will have to drive too far to get your very own Jack to foster.

It is sad, but there are literally thousands of dogs who need fostering, for one reason or another. If you can’t commit to 10+ years with a dog, but love them, please do look into fostering. You won’t regret it and you may do a world of good to someone who didn’t ask to have his life turned upside down.

Use a Crate
While crating Gigi up isn’t your idea of taking care of her, it is one of the best ways to teach her about her new boundaries. Now, you have necessarily don’t have to put her in a crate if you don’t want to. If you have a room where you can keep her while you get some of your work done, you can use a safety gate to keep her in there. As tempting as it is to just shut the door and close her up, this can lead to separation anxiety, which can lead to Gigi getting stressed out and starting to destroy things in the room.

Keep Her Busy
When you start letting Gigi come into your work area, she is probably going to try to get attention from you. To help alleviate this, give her a chew toy, such as a deer antler or a Kong that is filled with a tasty treat like peanut butter. This will keep Gigi busy and distracted so that you can work. If you have carpeting in your workspace, you may not want peanut butter smeared all over it. In this case, deer antlers are a good option for a chew toy. Don’t worry; a deer’s antlers shed annually, so no deer are harmed to get Gigi a chewy.

Set the Tone
When you do decide to give her some attention, do it on your terms and not when Gigi begs for it. She has to know that you are the leader. By giving in to her when she wants your attention, you are giving her the message that she is the one who is in charge. It is also important for you to only give Gigi attention when you aren’t sitting in your work chair. This sets the precedent that you aren’t to be bothered when you are sitting in your chair.

Take a Timeout
Set a timer to remind you to give Gigi attention. No matter if she is in a room or crate or in your work area, giving her attention on a regular schedule will remind her that you know she is there. If you can, set a timer to go off every 50 minutes. When the timer goes off, get up and go take Gigi out for a walk. Not only will this give Gigi some time with you and a chance to go do her business, it also helps you. Studies have shown that humans who don’t take breaks to get up and move around are at an increased risk of blood clots, heart disease and other medical conditions.

Dogs are also creatures of habit. Gigi will learn to anticipate the time even before it goes off and she will be waiting, leash in mouth, for her time with you.

Stick to Your Guns
There will be times when Gigi tries to push her limits and break the rules. When she does this, it is important that you stick to your guns. If you let her curl up on your lap while you invoice a client or write an article, she will think that she is allowed up there now. As Gigi settles into her new routine with you, getting your work done with her underfoot will be a lot easier. Chances are good that she just needs to get accustomed to having you around all day.

Make your Move
• Adjust your attitude. If you have had any bad experiences with a dog, meeting a new one will likely make you tense. Daisy can read that easily and it can affect her feelings towards you. If you feel at all nervous, take a minute to breathe deeply and relax. You should only ever approach a new dog when you are calm.
• Avoid making eye contact, at least initially. Eye contact is a bold move between dogs. It signals dominance and some may react badly to it. Show Daisy you are no threat by looking down or up, but not right at her eyes.
• Approach Daisy slowly. Rushing at her can be terrifying and threatening and she may act accordingly.
• Stick out your hand slowly and calmly. If she wants to sniff it, let her. Move your hand toward her neck, either on the side or under her chin. Petting a dog on the top of the head can be perceived as threatening. You can pet her all over once she is comfortable with you, but for now stick with the neck.
• Let Daisy smell you out. Dogs greet each other by smelling. If she wants to smell your pants, your arms, or even your face, let her. Remain still, calm, and keep avoiding eye contact.
• Once you have gotten this far and all is well, you can look Daisy in the eyes and become her new friend.

What Not to Do
Meeting Daisy is one thing. She is your new neighbor. Her owner was around to tell you it was ok to approach. But what about other situations? The safest bet is to not meet a dog that is alone. If you feel you want to approach a new dog, be sure you do not make these mistakes.
• Don’t let size or breed determine your approach. A little Yorkie can pack a nasty bite and a Doberman may be a sweet pushover. Size and breed have absolutely nothing to do with a dog’s temperament.
• Don’t approach a dog that is barking from its fenced yard. He may be friendly after all, but the risk is greater when a dog feels he is protecting his property. Leave him alone.
• Don’t tense up or act nervous. The dog will act accordingly. If you stick your hand out and then jerk it back out of fear, the dog will jump back and a fear bite could be possible.
• Don’t interrupt food or a chew toy. If a dog is busy with food, a treat, or a toy, he is more interested in it than you, so just let him be. If you try to get in between them, you may come away with a bite.
• Don’t run. If you have assessed the situation and a dog seems intimidating, protective, or aggressive, the last thing to do is run. Back away slowly and avoid eye contact. The best way to lose unwanted attention is to ignore it.
• Don’t misread the signals. A stiff, slowly wagging tail, held up very high is not a friendly sign. Nor are flattened ears, a tense body, or continuous barking. A lower, wagging tail, upright ears, and a relaxed body are good signs.

Dogs have very different ways of communicating than we do. Understanding what they are saying can be the difference between making a new friend or getting bitten. Once you’ve earned the trust of a new dog, you have a friend for life, but getting there is not as easy as walking up to a human and assessing through verbal queues. Heading these words of caution is the best way to make a new canine buddy.

You have probably been wondering how Sammy could be so vicious sometimes. Aren’t golden retrievers bred to be sweet and even-tempered? And aren’t Rottweilers bred to be guard dogs? The answer is yes, but the truth is nurture trumps nature when it comes to dog behavior. Sure, breed guidelines can give you some indication of what a dog’s behavior can be like. But it is not set in stone. How a dog is raised, trained, and socialized makes more difference than anything else.

Not to worry, though. It is not too late for Sammy to become more like Lolita. With proper training from a professional and in extreme cases, work with a behavior specialist, Sammy can become the mailman’s best friend.

How do Dogs Get to be Aggressive?
Aggressive behavior is not natural in a dog unless it is feeling threatened or feels its owners are threatened. Otherwise, there is no reason for any dog to snarl, snap, or bite. Something external has to make Sammy feel like he needs to bite the mailman.

There are many possible ways in which a dog might become aggressive.
• Bad or non-existent socialization. When a puppy does not get out of the house and meet new people, they can become fearful of strangers. They may be perfectly calm and easy-going around their owners, but strangers may make them very nervous. Dogs need to be exposed to lots of different people and different dogs to learn how to behave appropriately around others and to learn to be comfortable in a variety of situations.
• Abuse. Obviously this is not the case with your beloved Sammy. But, many dogs that have been abused physically naturally become aggressive towards people. Their aggression is a defense mechanism to keep from getting hurt again.
• Inappropriate Training. Some dog trainers still use pain and fear as motivation. Choke collars, shock collars, and other sorts of deterrents during training can lead a dog to become aggressive.
• Isolation and boredom. Dogs that are left alone for long stretches of time can become aggressive out of frustration. If you work long hours and Sammy stays alone in the house all day, the mailman coming to the door may be the most exciting part of his day. He is frustrated, bored, and lonely and this makes him lash out. Aggression born of frustration can also result from lack of exercise. All dogs, no matter their size or breed, need a walk or two each day to release energy and to get out and see the world. Imagine how you would feel if you never left the boundaries of your yard.

How do You Correct Aggression?
An aggressive dog is a serious matter. Before attempting to retrain Sammy yourself, consult with a trainer or behaviorist who has experience working with aggressive dogs. The best way to beat aggression, however, is to start early. When taking in a new dog, you should establish yourself as a firm, but gentle leader of the pack. You also need to get the dog out into the world to meet new people and dogs, and to get plenty of exercise. If you have long working hours, consider getting a dog walker for a midday break, exercise, and socialization.

Where to Begin
With all of the regulations in place, the hardest part is often deciding where to start. There are actual professional pet transportation companies, which can be hired to help you with everything from paperwork to being sure your pet has the correct vaccinations to providing ground transport once your pet has arrived. If you choose to do it on your own, it may take some doing, but your dog is surely worth it.

A good place to start is with the local embassy or consulate for the country to which you are moving. They will be able to advise you of any quarantine time, whether or not a microchip is needed, what sort of vaccines and vet records you’ll need and if your dog’s breed is even allowed into that country.

Preparation
It can take up to six months to get everything rolling for your pet’s journey to join you. During that time, there are other things you can work on to help them get used to the idea. If your dog isn’t used to being in a crate, you’ll need to teach Bailey that the crate is a safe place and that it is not a punishment. Start off with 20-minute sessions and increase the time gradually. Include a favorite blanket and a toy. Be sure she has access to water as well. Over time, it will be a place she is willing to go on her own. By the time you are ready to fly together, Bailey will be a pro at staying in her crate.

Your veterinarian will be able to help with any health records, vaccinations, microchips, blood tests and health certificates that are required. It is very important that the instructions provided by the consulate or embassy are followed to the letter, as any mistakes can cause your dear dog to remain in quarantine longer than expected.

During the Flight
Different airlines also have restrictions regarding animals as passengers. Some airlines will allow a certain number of small animals as carry on baggage per flight. If you have a large dog, it’s very likely that they will need to be placed in temperature-controlled cargo. It is advised that you not sedate your dog, as it can suppress their respiratory system and cause a dangerous health situation if too much sedative is given. If you think it’s best that your pet be calm throughout the flight, you should discuss your concerns with your vet. Bailey’s doctor will be able to best advise you based upon your dog’s individual health, as well as how long the flight is.

Once You Arrive
If Bailey has to be placed in quarantine, be sure to visit her daily. That might be unnecessary advice, but she needs to know she is not being left there. She needs to know you still want to be with her in order to keep her spirits up and to remain healthy. If you can, leave a favorite blanket and toy with her to remind her of home.

Dogs typically are happy to be anywhere their people are. If they see you’re adjusting, they will adjust quickly to new surroundings as well. It might not be a bad idea to keep her in only a small part of your new home to begin with. After a couple of days, allow her to explore. Be very careful that she is not able to get out unescorted by a member of the family, as unfamiliar territory can be extremely dangerous.

Setting up the New Place
Try to set Bailey’s area up the same way it was in your old home. Place her bed and dishes in a similar orientation. If you two had special routines for meal times and play times, try to return to those as quickly as jet lag allows. This will reassure her that she is safe and it will strengthen the bond between the two of you. In no time, she should adjust and maybe be speaking the new language faster than you.

1. Dogs want to please you. Cats can be trained to a degree and can even be taught to use a human toilet as a litter box but by nature cats are in their own world. They are social animals but not pack animals and this mentality makes a huge difference in what they feel compelled to do for you. A pack animal, like a dog, seeks only to please his alpha or leader and any sign of displeasure immediately shows on that expressive face. Your body language is watched and read at all times where the stiffening of your spine may be enough to alert a sensitive canine that you are becoming displeased. The drive to please you is what makes them so trainable whereas a domesticated cat does not seek a leader and is not inclined to please you because it sees no benefit in it. Most cats do not even like their bellies rubbed but for a dog it’s heaven and a very good reason for Mason to do as he is told. Both dogs and cats have the ability to leave their emotional baggage in the past and adapt to the now. Adopting an older dog is not a risky venture providing he has been socialized.
2. Dogs grant a large measure of security. Even if you own the most cowardly dog in the world, he is still capable of defending you with his pointy teeth designed for rending and tearing flesh and his great, strong jaws that won’t let go once latched. Every dog has the potential to be a very serious threat to life and limb and this very reason is an excellent deterrent to robbers and other bad people who might try to hurt you. Granted, the smaller breeds are not as fearsome even if they can do damage; it is the larger dog that will instill fear in the hearts of others. Even walking down the street with no sense of danger, people will move aside to accommodate the dog you have at the end of your leash. Society has a healthy respect for the might of those jaws unleashed and for single woman on her own especially, a dog is an excellent idea for security reasons. While some cats have been known to attack intruders, this is very rare and the sight of a cat will not scare anyone away.
3. Dogs make great running partners. Jogs, walks and runs are safer with a dog by your side and on a leash. Cats can be trained to take a leash if you start young enough but it is a rare feline indeed who will go running with you. Dogs crave the exercise and turns out they actually need it, so on those days you do not feel like dragging yourself out of bed, a dog will encourage it. If you ever wished you could find motivation for those lazier times, you will find it in the form of Mason who is waiting impatiently for his time with you. Dog owners tend to be more active outdoors than cat owners, involving the dog with their camping trips, hikes and nature strolls, all things Miss Neela will not be interested in.
4. Dogs are excellent variety companions. Not everyone hunts but those who do will find their trained hunting dog absolutely invaluable. Dogs can be trained to such degrees that they can tell pheasants from other birds and with their super sense of smell, can lead you to them. Dogs are superior over cats for those admittedly rare and horrifying moments of a bear attack; more than one human has been saved by their dog that instinctively reacts to rescue his human leader. Some larger dog breeds have been bred specifically to save drowning people or rescue them from other disasters and have the massive strength to carry a full- grown man many miles to safety. A cat simply cannot compete in the arena of body strength. Dogs have the greatest sense of smell known on the planet, especially blood hounds, which are so impressive and precise they can track a running man down inerrably, even if that man is covered in layers of clothing and other scents or runs through water. It’s no wonder they are renowned for hunting down escaped criminal, something a cat would never be inclined to do.
5. Dogs can replace human eyes. Not exactly, but they can be trained to be eyes for someone who has no sight, or be the hands for someone who has lost theirs. Dogs are so eager to please humans that they will happily do for us what we cannot do ourselves. It takes a special dog for these tasks and very special training but the fact is it can be done, improving the quality of life for many who need the added assistance. Dogs can even be trained to smell the difference in normal blood sugar levels as opposed to dropping blood sugar levels, alerting their diabetic masters that insulin is needed immediately. Try doing that, Miss Neela.

Dogs are higher maintenance than cats; it is true. They require much more time and attention but the returns have never been doubted. The adage that a dog is man’s best friend can ring true for many reasons and they come in all shapes and sizes to fit your lifestyle. Even with the smallest breeds there lies the urge to please, the ability to train and the pack mentality. Dogs and cats are not alike to be sure and in the end we are certainly glad for it. Vive la différence!

As a result of their lifestyles, dogs’ paws are prone to wear-and-tear and can be injured in some environments, such as where broken glass is found on the floor or the ground surface is hot. Dog’s feet contain some important blood vessels, which means that in the unfortunate event that the paws of your waggy-tailed friend are injured this could result in a great deal of bleeding.

Protective items such as all-weather dog shoes are a great investment and can help keep your pooch’s feet protected throughout the year and toasty in winter. If your canine doesn’t feel comfortable wearing boots, instead opt for paw wax, which works by forming a dense, breathable barrier on the base of your dog’s paws. In addition, invest in some paw pad balm to sooth your canine’s feet each evening.

If your furry friend is the victim of injury, you might need to seek medical attention. If he’s bleeding moderately to severely, or there is an object that is deeply embedded in his paw, you need to make sure that you take precautions to prevent the situation from turning dangerous. These veterinary costs can escalate rapidly, without sufficient pet insurance.

By taking out insurance for dogs at Pets At Home, any medical expenses required to keep your pooch in tip top condition are met by the insurer partly or in whole. Most include cover for regular check-ups and immunization. Insurance is particularly important given these times of financial austerity as it can act as a shield to generally rising prices, meaning your dog’s wellbeing never has to be sacrificed.

Markings Matter
Commonly seen at dog parks, in a new environment, when something exciting happens, or even on short walks: fixed and non-fixed, male and female, dogs like to lift a leg in a gesture of power and lay their urine over the remains of another dog’s passing. High-ranking dogs, who usually hold their tales and heads high, tend to mark more than a submissive or low-ranking dog, but almost all dogs will mark. This serves several functions for the urinator and those following behind. Urine can offer a biological profile of the canine, spelling out health, sex, age, fitness, social status, and so on. This can be used by other dogs like a snapshot, allowing them to recognize the dog via quick sniff later. What good does this do? It helps the sniffer and the sniffees to determine approach, judge aggression and know what posture to take when greeting face to face. This helps avoid confrontations.

Of course, urine can indicate when a female is ready to mate as well, helpful to her in finding potential breeders and helpful to the non-fixed male in hunting her down and presenting himself. As can be expected, those urine markings get a lot of attention paid them much like a picture of a supermodel might get more notice from young interested males. Non-neutered or non spayed dogs will mark more than their fixed counterparts.

Making a House a Home
Because urine is a signature and then some, it brings comfort to a dog who sees it as an invisible fence, a pheromonal staking-out of territory, a scent house that makes a home. Certainly this harkens back to the day of the wolf, from which all domestic dogs stem. Instinct is a powerful motivator and while the need to mark territory as a safe zone may not be exactly the same as in the wild, it still has its uses. In the undomesticated world, urine warns other predators, especially other wolves or wild dogs, that a virile canine lives on that parcel of land and he is willing to defend it aggressively if need be. It actually saves everyone a lot of time and energy to advertise by using scent billboards, if you will.

However, marking inappropriately can indicate stress in a dog’s life, usually in the form of a lack of confidence. More confident dogs may not feel much of a need to mark their living areas, where more nervous dogs may feel compelled to mark the stairs, their human’s belongings, maybe even the bed. This is overwhelmingly a stress marker that the dog is lacking human leadership and has taken the burden of leader onto her own canine shoulders. (It is possible that frequent urination around the house can be traced to a urinary tract infection or some other medical issue.) This is highly distressing to a dog because it proves very difficult indeed for the poor pooch to control where and when her humans come and go. The leader of a pack has that kind of freedom not the followers, so if a dog takes on the role of leader and the humans don’t fall into place like the dog expects, it can make a dog go a bit crazy. This is from where most bad behaviors stem in the canine world, including tearing up the house when the people leave, barking and jumping up on people when they return and lots of pee marking. Using urine to mark territory is the dog trying to protect her pack in a leadership role. Your dog does not want to be leader. Your dog wants you to be leader. She is much happier following her human.

If you have a dog who is marking on all your belongings or your furniture, try assessing what could be making Peepers nervous and provide the boundaries and guidelines he requires. Otherwise, marvel at the efficiency of a dog’s built in résumé as he puts it ‘online’ for every other dog to read.

Dogs, like humans, can suffer from a variety of skin diseases, ranging from inconvenient to dangerous. If Flora is scratching in excess, make sure to take this seriously. Her comfort, your cleanliness of house, and maybe even her life may depend on it.

Atopy, a.k.a. Allergies
Flora may have a type of canine skin allergy called “Atopy.” Just like a human, she can develop a hypersensitivity to anything from household chemicals to pollen to other animals. Atopy symptoms vary from bumps, rashes, and sores to sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and ear infections. Because of the ranging symptoms, Atopy is also known by the names “allergic inhalant dermatitis,” “atopic dermatitis,” and “atopic eczema.” Though Atopy cannot be “cured,” it is treated with medications, special diets, and sometimes the simple solution of removing the allergen from the dog’s environment.

Alopecia X, a.k.a. Black Skin Disease
There is a small chance that Flora suffers from a rare doggie skin disease known as Alopecia X, or Black Skin Disease. This disease causes Flora’s hair to fall out in a symmetrical pattern and the skin underneath to darken to a purple/black shade. Alopecia X is not dangerous, just a bit aesthetically disturbing. Very little is known about the disease, including its causes. Similar symptoms can result from a few other doggie diseases, most prominently hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism, so even if your belief is that Flora has this rather benign disease, be sure to get her checked out at the vet’s office.

Parasites
Parasites like Ticks and Fleas are always a possibility for your pooch, so if Flora is scratching a lot in the same area, comb through with your fingers to see if you can see anything. Ticks are very visible, fleas a bit less so. Parasites are both highly treatable and highly preventable. A variety of collars, sprays, and shampoos can help Flora from getting parasites, and pills, shots, and shampoos can help get rid of them. The bigger issue is that parasites can carry more severe diseases to your furry best friend, so make sure you put a lot of efforts towards prevention!

Symptoms Commonly Mistaken for Diseases
There are a few symptoms of multiple skin diseases in dogs that may be mistaken for the problem, rather than a symptom. These include dermatitis and eczema – inflammation, rashes, which are caused by external factors like ringworm, poison ivy, and hair loss. These symptoms can help diagnose Flora’s problem, but are not, themselves, the disease. This means that even if Flora’s inflammation goes away, or her hair loss stops, she may not be cured. Try to keep a watchful eye out for repetition of symptoms like these, as they may be the sign of a more serious problem. All of that being said, sometimes Flora may just have an itch, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Tumors
About 50% of tumors in dogs are cancerous. If Flora is scratching, licking, or biting the same spot constantly, rub over it with your hands and see if you can feel a lump. It is a good idea in your pup to check for tumors about once a month, especially when they get older. Mast Cell Tumors and Melanomas, which are malignant, and fatty tumors, which are benign, all feel the same to a pet owner, so if you find a lump anywhere on Flora, get her into the vet right away. Sometimes tumors can be treated or removed, and sometimes they’re harmless. Either way, acting fast can be the difference between life and death for Flora.

If Flora is scratching, don’t ignore her discomfort. She doesn’t have thumbs so she can’t dial the vet herself. She doesn’t speak, so she can’t tell you what’s wrong. She is showing you that she’s hurting, so help her out! Find out what’s wrong so you can help your furry family member heal back to perfect health and happiness.