Help for Little Dogs with Big Behavior Problems

Little dogs in need of new homes are getting some help. The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Inc. (IAABC) has just published "Rehoming Small Dogs," professional advice and protocols for small dog owners who are thinking of giving up their dog and for those who help in the rehoming process.

The brochure, available on the IAABC web site at
http://www.iaabc.org/small_dogs.htm ,
answers the questions that arise when small dog owners are facing the difficult decision of whether to give up their dog:
* Is rehoming the best option?
* Have you and your veterinarian ruled out medical causes?
* If the problems could be resolved, would you keep the dog?
* What resources are available to you to help with behavior problems?

If rehoming really is the best option, the brochure explains why small dogs need special consideration. They can easily become overwhelmed in a noisy shelter environment, for example, and even in a foster home with several larger dogs.

Options for rehoming are discussed, as well as the special health and nutritional needs of small dogs, typical behavior problems and how to manage them.

All dogs are not alike, and small dogs will not do well in environments set up for larger animals. "Rehoming Small Dogs" explains why and how small dogs are different, and how their special needs can be met.

"Rehoming Small Dogs" is written by Certified Dog Behavior Consultants (CDBC) Darlene Arden and Lynn Hoover. Arden is a toy dog expert and the author of "The Irrepressible Toy Dog" and "Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs." Lynn Hoover is the author and producer of the audio series "The Family in Dog Behavior Consulting" and numerous articles on dog behavior consulting and family dynamics.

The IAABC is a nonprofit professional association of certified animal behavior consultants. The primary mission of the association is to nourish the animal-human bond. The IAABC and its divisions facilitate research, help develop theories of animal behavior and human-animal interaction, and work to educate the general public about companion animals. The IAABC publishes a scholarly journal, Animal Behavior Consulting: Theory and Practice. Members of the IAABC have been certified to meet high professional standards and agree to abide by the organization's strict code of ethics. They set the standard for the clinical practice of animal behavior consulting. To find an IAABC certified consultant in your area, ask your veterinarian for a referral or use the Consultant Locator on the IAABC web site at http://www.iaabc.org.

Lynn D. Hoover, MSW, CDBC
President, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants,
Inc.
Phone Number: (412) 384-2677
E-Mail: jlrhoover@comcast.net
IAABC Website: http://www.iaabc.org

Darlene Arden
Author/Journalist/Lecturer
"Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely
Can't Get Unless You're a Dog,"
"The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive
Care for Dogs," and
"The Irrepressible Toy Dog."
Specializing in behavior issues of dogs 20 lbs. and under
http://www.darlenearden.com

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Oct 6, 2004