Behavior & Training Resources

Socialization and training play an important role in maintaining the health and well being of our four-legged companions. The following links provide information from several well-respected professionals.

Patricia McConnell - Dog Training Tips
The Other End of the Leash - Patricia McConnell's Blog
Linda Tellington-Jones - TTouch - the Tellington TTouch - is a specialized approach to the care and training of our animal companions. -
Sophia Yin, DVM - Dr. Sophia Yin has one primary goal in life—to improve our understanding of animals and their behavior so that we can care for, appreciate and enjoy our time with them better.
Trish King has a wonderful collection of articles on behavior resources, training exercises and tips and techniques available on the Marin Humane Society Website
Debbie Jacobs - Fearful Dogs - If you live with or are working with a scared or shy dog, this is the place to find information to help you be more effective in rehabilitating your dog.

Disaster Preparedness for Our Pets

Advance planning is the key to being prepared for an emergency or disaster. Listed below are a number of resources that provide guidelines for advance preparation.

The Humane Society of the United States - Disaster Preparedness for Pets
The Humane Society of the United States - downloadable PDF Disaster Preparedness Brochure
AVMA - downloadable PDF "Saving the Whole Family"
American Red Cross - Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners
The American Kennel Club - Disaster Preparedness
Get Ready Now - downloadable PDF "Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies Makes Sense.  Get Ready Now"
Pet Disaster Preparedness for Renters and Homeowners -  "Complete List of Resources"
The National Association of Pet Sitters - downloadable PDF "Disaster Preparedness Guide for Pet Owners"

Disease Registries

Disease registries are databases that collect breed specific information pertaining to particular diseases. If you are considering adopting a purebred dog, these registries will give you a sense of breed-specific diseases. Additionally, such registries accumulate data that may provide helpful information about disease inheritance, trends, and insights about prevention and therapy.

CERF: Canine Eye Registration Foundation
GDC: The Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals
OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
PennHIP: The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program
VMDB: Veterinary Medical Database

Pet Loss

The organizations below offer much useful information including coping with sick companion animals, pet loss resources, and information on how to respond to the needs of children who are experiencing the loss of a pet.

The Argus Institute in Colorado
UC Davis Center for Companion Animals Pet Loss Support
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support
Michigan State University Pet Loss Support
Washington State University Pet Loss Support
The AVMA - "Goodbye Good Friend - Making the Decision"
The American Animal Hospital Association - Dealing with the Loss of a Pet
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Good Grief - Finding Peace After Pet Loss
Grief Healing - offers information, comfort and support to anyone anticipating or coping with the loss of a loved one, whether that is a person or a cherished animal companion
A Different Grief: Coping with Pet Loss by Marty Tousley provides resources for answering the question, "How will I know when it is time?"
Self Healing Expressions - Online Pet Loss Support Courses

Hospice and Palliative Care

Quality of Life, Quality of Death by Ella Bittel DVM
Quality of Life Scale by Alice Villalobos DVM
Can You Explain a pet's death to another pet? by Dr. Nicholas Dodman
Canine Grief - Do Dogs Mourn?
Conceptualized Hospice for Pet's Last Days: Pet "Pawspice" - Alice Villalobos DVM

Health Information

Here are some of my favorite health information links. I hope you find them useful.

AKC Canine Health Foundation - Genome Barks Series (information on a variety of health topics)
AddisonDogs (if your dog has Addison's disease)
CanineCushing's-Autoimmune Care (if your dog has Cushing's disease)
TriPawds (if your dog or cat requires limb amputation)
Fritz the Brave (if your cat has asthma)
K9Diabetes.com (if your dog has diabetes mellitus)
FelineDiabetes.com (if your cat has diabetes mellitus)
Canine Epilepsy Network (if your dog has epilepsy)
ASPCA Poison Control Center (if you are concerned that your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance)
University of Cambridge Inherited Diseases in Dogs (if you wish to research a particular breed's list of potentially inherited diseases)