Victoria Stilwell Positively

Exercise! Courtesy of SurfDogRicochet.com

The lingering aroma of hot cider, eggnog, and evergreen, sparkling lights that brightened each night, and my great hope for a wonderful new year, stir me to share a list of “gifts” that can enhance the quality of every dog’s life. Your thoughtful choices make a big difference-- from adoption to the twilight days.

1. Adoption
Consider adoption as a first-choice. There’s a wide array of deserving dogs that need families. You may find an already house-trained, obedience-trained, and socialized dog that fits in easily in your home.

2. Veterinary Care
Be pro-active about your dog’s health and ask questions. Personal recommendations from a trusted friend or professional are best. Consider integrative care that combines both standard and holistic treatment, and importantly, look for a vet that practices gentle handling. Check out pet health insurance, and don’t forget to take care of those pearly whites.

3. Spay/Neuter
Help stop the over-population problem by choosing to spay or neuter early and don’t breed except with excellent reason and planning. Reliable research tells us that spay/neuter prevents or decreases many behavior problems and has some medical benefits as well.

4. Training
Begin training at 8 weeks or as soon thereafter as possible. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior advises: "Training should be based on positive reinforcement with frequent rewards, praise, petting, play and/or treats. Positive and consistent training is associated with fewer behavior problems and greater obedience than methods that involve punishment and/or encourage human dominance" (2008). Socialize, socialize, socialize!

5. Nutrition
Be careful about what you put into your dog. Read the ingredients list. Feed a super-premium grade food with a specifically named meat as the first ingredient and avoid, fillers, by-products, artificial flavoring, preservatives, coloring and sugar. Rotate between meats and brands to achieve variety. Provide supplements of Vitamin/mineral and Omega 3/6 and feed at least a little wet food each day or soften kibble with broth or water.

6. Exercise
Provide your dog with sufficient exercise for her size, breed and activity level. Most medium, large and giant breeds need to run. The health and behavioral benefits of a happy, well-exercised dog are priceless.

7. Grooming
Please search out a gentle groomer.

8. Environmental Enhancement
Your dog needs and enjoys novel scenery, sounds, objects and activities just as people do. Provide a toy box, food-toys, chew items, a window with a view, and activities that will keep your hound stimulated and out of trouble. Consider re-landscaping a dog-friendly yard for your Bowser.

9. Twilight Days
In-home end of life procedures provided by a mobile veterinarian are often the kindest choice for an aged or sickly beloved pet.

10. Love...infuse all of the above with a big dose of your love!

Dogs are our closest, most beloved animal companions, so it behooves us to consider every aspect of their care and well-being carefully.

Linda Michaels, Dog Psychologist and Victoria Stilwell Trainer may be reached at 858.259.WOOF (9663) or by email: LindaMichaelsPositively@gmail.com for private obedience instruction and behavioral consultations. Please visit us at www.WholisticDogTraining.com. Originally published RanchCoastNews, Lorine Wright, Executive Editor.  All rights reserved.