Resources
Looking to adopt, volunteer or foster a dog or cat? You’ve come to the right place! Please fill out the form associated to your request and we’ll get in touch with you once we receive it. Thanks!
*A Note on Rehoming Your Pet*
We now have a wonderful option for pet owners interested in rehoming their pet. We are excited to be partnering with REHOME, by Adopt A Pet and the Petco Foundation, to help owners who find themselves needing to rehome a pet. More information on REHOME is available by visiting this blog post: Wagging Dog Partners with REHOME
Resources and info for the responsible pet owner along with some other stuff:
Preparing for a New Dog
These articles will help you to help your new (adopted or fostered) dog adjust to his/her new life in your home. Whether you’re adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue, or fostering a shelter dog for a rescue – this info will set you and your new furry friend up for a successful relationship together. A dog coming out of a foster home is not subjected to the same stressors (any longer) as a dog fresh from a shelter but all of this info still applies – always.
- Three Ways To Confuse A New Dog – “Three days, three weeks, three months.” To give you a better expectation of a new dog’s adjustment timeline. Thanks Dr. McConnell.
- Learn What Decompression Is – This is a term that you may hear often, and for good reason. It’s an important part of a dog’s transition into any new environment, regardless of where they’re coming from. KD Mathews does a nice job of explaining what decompression is all about, why new pet parents or fosters need to be cognizant of it, and why we need to address a new dog’s need to decompress – before doing anything else. Here is a great video about the Decompression period, thanks to Rebound Hounds.
- Give ‘Em A Break – Trainer Erin Topp talks about the Two Week Shutdown and the need for slowing your roll when you bring a new dog into your home. She also emphasizes use of a crate and leash during this transition as well as limiting freedom, all things that make for a better honeymoon period and successful long term life together.
- Wagging Dog Rescue Slow Intro Protocol – What to do and expect for the first few weeks with a new dog.
- Dog: Nothing In Life Is Free – This is one of the main areas (aside from the above, of course) where people go wrong and placements fail. NILIF – Nothing In Life Is Free – is a way of living with your animal, and anyone who has worked with or adopted from me/WDR has heard this subject before. I don’t have kids but I was one once, and my grandparents raised me in the NILIF lifestyle. I had to work for the things I received. Dog owners today, however, expect our animals to behave perfectly even if we’re lavishing everything upon them and requiring nothing. I’m pretty sure if my grandparents had given me everything I wanted right off the bat, I’d have grown up to be a total spoiled jerk. Dogs are no different. NILIF is a way of life, and it’s a successful method for just about every living being on this earth. Here is a great video of NILIF in action, thanks to Gone To The Dogs.
- Pet Parenting Style Influences Dog Behavior – A study by Oregon State University looks at how pet parenting styles affect a dog’s confidence, puzzle solving ability, and overall demeanor. The three parenting styles studied are Authoritative, Authoritarian, and Permissive. It’s no surprise to us that the Authoritative style (rules and rewards) results in the most confident and well behaved furry children!
Canine Behavior and Training
If you think about it, it’s kind of a dirty trick to take a species that naturally chases moving objects, eats whatever it comes across, bites to argue, etc., and then announce all these as behavior problems. ~ Jean Donaldson
- It’s Not In How They’re Raised, It’s How Dogs Are Managed That Matters Most, – Jessica Dolce
- Understanding DOG TOLERANCE LEVELS, thanks to BADRAP
- American Temperament Test Society, Inc.
- National Canine Research Council
Crate Training
- Crate Training 101 – The Humane Society of the United States
- Video: Crate Training – Rebound Hounds
Dog Body Language and Communication
- Video: Understanding Dog Body Language – Learn how to read dogs behaviour better – Kris Crestejo, CDBC, ABCDT
- Video: Understanding Dog Body Language Part 2 – Kris Crestejo, CDBC, ABCDT
- 15 Calming Signals and What to do When You See Them – Kayla Fratt
- How NOT to Greet a Dog – Lili Chin
- Space Etiquette for Dogs – Lili Chin
- Great Photo of ‘Hard Eye’ and What to Do When You See It – Dr. Patricia McConnell
Dog Bites
- Why ‘Good’ Dogs Bite and How to Prevent It – Jillian Blume
- Was It Just a Little Bite or More? Evaluating Bite Levels in Dogs – Dr. Sophia Yin ♥
Fearful & Reactive Dogs
- The Power of Simplicity When Training Fearful Dogs – Mutt About Town
- 6 Things to Remember When You Have a Fearful Dog – Dogster
- Hoarded Dogs Study – Best Friends Animal Society
- No, You Will Not Be Meeting My Dog – Your Pit Bull & You
- Why Dogs are More Afraid of Men, Revisited – Dr. Patricia McConnell
- Desensitization and Counter Conditioning: The Correct Way to Help a Fearful, Anxious or Aggressive Dog – Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
- Desensitization and Counter Conditioning Videos for Reactive Dogs – FunFurPets
- Introduction to Desensitization and Counter Conditioning – Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACVB & Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM
Kids & Dogs
- Kids and Dogs: How Kids Should and Should Not Interact with Dogs – Dr. Sophia Yin ♥
Resource Guarding
- Resource Guarding: Treatment and Prevention – Dr. Patricia McConnell
- Resource Guarding, Dog to Dog – Dr. Patricia McConnell
- How to Manage Your Resource-Guarding Dog – Pat Miller for Whole Dog Journal
Separation Anxiety
- Separation Anxiety – ASPCA
Training
- Success with MULTI DOG HOMES, thanks to BADRAP
- Dog-On-Dog Household Aggression – Pat Miller for Whole Dog Journal
- On-Leash Etiquette, Management and Reactivity – Allison Wells
- Introduction to Densensitization and Counterconditioning – Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACVB & Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM
- Desensitization and Counterconditioning:
The Correct Way to Help a Fearful, Anxious or Aggressive Dog – Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA - Desensitization and Counter Conditioning Videos for Reactive Dogs – FunFurPets
- Reinforce Your Dog’s Bite Inhibition – Pat Miller for Whole Dog Journal
Canine Medical Conditions
The Canine Cancer Epidemic – Check out The Dog Cancer Series documentaries for a wealth of information on this alarming increase in canine cancer and what you can do to help your pets remain cancer free. Worth the investment! There’s so much info on these dvd’s (also available for download).
- VeterinaryPartner.com – Using the search box, you will find detailed information on canine (and feline and other) illnesses, diseases and injuries, and much, much more!
- Degenerative Valve Disease
- Kidney and Bladder Stones
- Leaky Gut
- Chronic Ear Infections in Canines
- Pets and Parasites
- Portosystemic Shunt in Dogs
- Kennel Cough
- Mast Cell Tumors
- Allergies – Apoquel: Why I’d Never Give It To My Dog – By Dr. Deva Khalsa VMD
Higher Quality Dog Foods
- Answers Pet Food – fermented raw diet
- Darwin’s Natural Pet Products – raw diet
- Northwest Naturals – raw diet
- Primal Pet Foods Inc – raw diet
- Stella & Chewy’s – raw diet
- The Honest Kitchen – dehydrated raw diet
- Just Food For Dogs – fresh raw diet, made to order
- Canidae PURE
- Open Farm
- Orijen
- Wellness CORE
- Dog Food Advisor is also a very informative site and you can research hundreds of pet foods on the market. They also send out recall notices if you sign up. Read labels, know where the ingredients come from and what they really are!
All the above said, the more you can home cook for your pets (or self or kids), the better. And there is cancer in kibble. There’s always risk of bacterial contamination in raw foods just as there is in processed foods. It’s up to you, the responsible pet owner, to do your research and decide what’s best for your pet and you.
Check out the pet food documentary Pet Fooled for a more thorough investigative understanding of processed dog foods and their effect on our pets.
Dog Boarding
- Dog Dayz of California – Oceanside, CA
- Grateful Dogs Clubhouse – El Segundo, CA
- Total Pet Care – El Segundo, CA
Dog Trainers & Behaviorists
- Randy Davis, Argos Dog Training – San Diego, CA
- Jessica Wheatcraft, Synergy Dog Training – San Diego, CA
- Jen La Bar, Wonder Dog Training – San Diego, CA
- David Reinecker, Dog Remedy Behavioral Training – Los Angeles, CA
Pawesome Dog Products
- Kong – safe rubber chew toys for (most) dogs (and remember – always choose black rubber for powerful chewers!)
- Nylabone – safe durable plastic chew toys for powerful chewers
- Goughnuts – safe rubber chew toys for (most) powerful chewers made from recycled tires!
- Jolly Pets – fun balls and things for active, playful dogs (and horses!)
- RedBarn Pet Products – quality rolled foods and treats, bone chews and more
- BestBullySticks – a great source for high quality antlers (and more!)
- Thundershirt
- Kuranda Dog Beds
- Through A Dog’s Ear – peaceful solo piano music designed to calm your dog
- Paco Collars
- Blackwing Farms – using plant based remedies to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of our pets
- Natural Dog Company – organic, vegan, all natural products to heal our furry friends (snouts, paws, wrinkles, skin)
Pit Bull Resources
Preparing for a New Cat
These articles will help you to help your new (adopted or fostered) cat adjust to his/her new life in your home. Whether you’re adopting a cat from a shelter or rescue, or fostering a shelter cat for a rescue – this info will set you and your new furry friend up for a successful relationship together. A cat coming out of a foster home is not subjected to the same stressors (any longer) as a cat fresh from a shelter but all of this info still applies – always.
- How to Introduce a new Cat to another Cat – Smell first, see later. Thank you, Dr. Josie F. Turner
- How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat – Thank you, Sherry Woodward and Best Friends!
Feline Behavior and Training
Whether it’s just a pesky little annoying behavior you’d like to tweak or a major problem that has you at the end of your rope, you must shift your thinking in order to look at the possible true cause, as well as determine whether its truly a behavior problem or a normal behavior that needs a better alternative. ~ Pam Johnson-Bennett
Resource Guarding
- How To Manage Food Aggression In Cats – Pet Central, Chewy.com
- Reduce Cat Aggression with a Healthy Cat Environment – Lincoln Pet Culture
Feline Medical Conditions
Here are some great articles about living with cats with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is not a death sentence, and it turns out that FIV+ cats CAN live with FIV- cats as long as they get along with each other!
Affordable Spay/Neuter Services
- Spay Neuter Project of Los Angeles
- Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA
- Fix Long Beach
- Golden State Humane Society (Long Beach and Garden Grove)
- SNAP San Diego (Spay Neuter Action Project)
- San Diego Humane Society
- VetBus Mobile Clinic (San Diego)
- San Diego Affordable Spay & Neuter Clinic
- Surfside Animal Hospital (Oceanside)
- Sky Canyon Animal Hospital (Murrieta)
Amazing Veterinarians, Specialty Hospitals & In-home Care In SoCal
- Bressi Ranch Pet Hospital – Carlsbad (Dr. Jonathan Lax)
- Bay Animal Hospital – Manhattan Beach (Dr. Sean Goodell)
- Centinela Animal Hospital – Inglewood (Dr. Richard Palmquist) – integrative vet
- DTLA Vets – Los Angeles (Dr. Eve Flores)
- Hemopet Holistic Care Veterinary Clinic – Garden Grove (Dr. Jean Dodds) – integrative vet
- Integrative Veterinary Care – San Diego (Dr. Katie Kangas)
- Sky Canyon Animal Hospital – Murrieta (Dr. Gary Haver)
- Surfside Animal Hospital – Oceanside (Dr. Gary Haver)
- VCA Animal Medical Center of El Cajon – El Cajon (Dr. Nancy Hampel)
- VCA Mission Animal and Bird Hospital – Oceanside
- California Veterinary Specialists – Carlsbad, Murrieta, Ontario
- Veterinary Specialty Hospital – San Diego, San Marcos
- UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center – San Diego, San Marcos (cardiology)
- California Animal Rehabilitation – Los Angeles
- The Total Dog – Oceanside (hydrotherapy)
- Tsavo’s Canine Rehabilitation – Del Mar
- Eye Care For Animals – nationwide incl. San Diego, Orange County and L.A.
- Animal Dermatology Clinic – nationwide incl. San Diego, Orange County and L.A. (Dr. Mona Boord in SD)
- Loving Hands Vets – compassionate in-home euthanasia services, north county San Diego
Diet and Nutrition
Dangerous Plants and Foods
Alternatives to Pharmaceuticals and Pesticides
Nutrition
Supplements
Reputable California Rescues
- SPOT Saving Pets One At A Time (all breeds + cats)
- It’s The Pits Dog Rescue (bully breeds)
- Last Chance At Life Rescue (all breeds)
- Thrive Animal Rescue (all breeds)
- Animal Rescuers Without Borders (all breeds)
- Labradors & Friends Dog Rescue (all breeds)
- Holly’s Garden Rescue (small breeds)
- Bichon Furkids Rescue (small white fluffies)
- The Little Red Dog (all breeds)
- Barks of Love (all breeds)
- Orange County Pit Bull Rescue (bully breeds)
- Angel City Pit Bulls (bully breeds)
- Downtown Dog Rescue (all breeds)
- Much Love Animal Rescue (all breeds)
- BADRAP (bully breeds – Northern CA)
- Synergy: A Rescue, Rehab & Sanctuary for Special Needs Animals (senior & special needs dogs of all breeds)
- Lionel’s Legacy (senior dogs of all breeds)
- Frosted Faces Foundation (senior dogs of all breeds)
- Dogs Fur Days (small dogs)
- San Diego House Rabbit Society
- Horses of Tir Na Nog
- Wee Companions Small Animal Adoption
- Love Your Feral Felines (barn/feral cats)
- Dogs On Deployment (*not a rescue; DoD helps dogs with deployable military owners)
Resources for Pet Owners in Need
- Financial Aid for Pets – A comprehensive list of resources compiled by Best Friends Animal Society
- Pet Financial Aid – A comprehensive list of resources compiled by The Humane Society of the United States
- FACE Foundation – Financial aid for pet owners residing in San Diego County
- Pets of the Homeless
Excellent Books For Your Bookshelf
These are some of the most important books you can possibly have on your dog bookshelf!
- Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know by Alexandra Horowitz
- On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas
- Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs by Jean Donaldson
-
The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Dr. Patricia McConnell
- Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones by American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
-
Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook by Barbara Handelman
-
Canine Body Language by Brenda Aloff
-
Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet: Healthier Dog Food The ABC Way by Steve Brown
- The Pit Bull Placebo: The Media, Myths and Politics of Canine Aggression by Karen Delise
- The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant
How To Save The Planet
- Cowspiracy – the Problem (it’s simple economics, folks)
- Racing Extinction – the Cost (our planet)
- What The Health – the Truth (this one was really good! why we have so many serious health issues)
- Food, Inc. – more Truth (we are being manipulated and it’s costing us our health)
- Farm Sanctuary – and more (you don’t like the dog meat trade? take a closer look at our own food practices)
- Mercy For Animals – yet more (know where your food comes from)