West Coast Wags

05/11/2024

Amazing work!

06/10/2024

[werewolf sounds]

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meme: a haunted house in a lightning storm. The text says, “A haunted house but (in all caps, like someone yelling) ‘he’s friendly!’”

28/09/2024

A dog trainer has announced a workshop in Birmingham in January, prompting concerns from the RSPCA about animal welfare.

22/09/2024

Save-the-date for our 31st Annual Conference, which will take place in Baltimore, Maryland from October 19-23, 2024. Stay tuned to https://twsconference.org/ for updates.

22/09/2024

😄😄

05/08/2024

--Pupdate: Leilani was adopted by a loving family with another doggie sibling!--

Originally named Felix and living in a high-kill shelter in Southern California, she faced a heart-wrenching reality when her ten newborn puppies were almost immediately euthanized upon arrival. Quickly, the rescue group, “A dog named Blackjack,” intervened, saving her from euthanasia herself at the last moment.

WestCoastWags, her current foster, says this young girl is the sweetest. Leilani is an absolute charmer around adults, kids, and dogs alike, her tail wagging like a metronome at the sight of her family members. While she initially may be a little shy with some new people, her warm and loving nature quickly shows after a quick introduction plus treats. She falls in love fast and has shown signs of separation anxiety when left alone, understandably. But with a calm dog companion nearby, she quietly waits for your return without the same level of stress. She walks nicely loose-leashed via her flat collar and is learning to relax in a crate at her foster. Plus she's super smart and food motivated. She learned to sit in a 15-minute session!

Though labeled a Labrador Retriever at the shelter, Leilani’s adorable hippo-like features hint at a probable Staffie mix. Her exact age is estimated to be between 2-4 years old. Regardless of her breed, one thing is certain: she's a loving companion with a heart of gold.

Leilani is ready to find her forever family and, meanwhile, will require a foster by October 1st. A foster home will allow her to blossom further and help us prepare her for her perfect match in a safe and nurturing environment.

Important Note: While Leilani is a sweetheart, she has shown an over-interest in cats that could turn into prey-drive struggles if not trained properly. Therefore, a home without feline companions would be ideal for Leilani.

Leilani would be the perfect addition to your family if you’re looking for a friendly and affectionate companion. Please consider opening your home to this deserving girl, either as a foster or forever home!
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12/04/2024

Ever wondered why a puppy's behavior seems erratic during adolescence, which occurs between six months and 18 months of age?

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, s*x hormones are changing which effects the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to modulate sensory processing and subsequent behavior.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control.

So what does this mean? This could mean that your dog, who used to come when called, suddenly cannot. This could mean that your dog, who didn't jump up on guests, suddenly does. Your dog that walked nicely on leash is now pulling. Or perhaps it seems like some days your dog responds to behaviors you ask of them, and some days they don't, without any rhyme or reason.

We also see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, frustration and impatience sometimes cause us to act unpredictably.

This adds to your puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for puppies to adjust.

By understanding this we can gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we can help create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best selves.

12/04/2024

Such amazing work!

05/04/2024

Let's find this deserving puppy a furever home ❤️‍🔥
-Update-
He was adopted by Jacob!

04/04/2024