Many of us have heard how having a dog can improve our health through reducing our stress levels and improving our happiness, but how much do we really know about keeping our dogs mentally healthy? For anyone who knows me in person or follows me on social media, you know how much I love my doggies. You may have also noticed that I am involved with a rescue these days.
Well, I have learned sooooooo much since working with It’s the Pits rescue and their incredible behaviorist that I just had to get some of this information on the Stop Chasing Skinny Podcast. Regardless of your favorite breed of dog or your geographical location, you will take away some very valuable information from this episode. And please, please, please share this episode. You never know how many doggie lives can be improved and saved from your share.
Episode Topics:
☀️ What is the difference between a shelter and a rescue?
☀️ What is the difference between a no-kill shelter and a regular shelter?
☀️ What happens if I surrender my dog to a shelter?
☀️ Will my dog find a new home if I surrender it?
☀️ Common reasons why people give their dogs up to a shelter and how to keep your family together:

* Dog Behavior Issues – Work with a behaviorist.
* Dog Aggression – Work with a behaviorist.
* Moving – Where there is a will, there is a way. Plan in advance so you can look for a place that accepts pets. If your dog serves as an emotional support animal, get it certified, and then it is no longer considered a “pet”. This means it doesn’t fall under pet policies such as “no pets”, size restrictions, or breed restrictions. If you are looking for the specific law, it is found under the Fair Housing Act.
* Breed/Size Restrictions – See point above.
* Don’t have time…” – Dog walkers and doggie day care are wonderful for this, but can cost some $. If cost is a concern, see if any of your friends could swap doggie play dates. I personally meet up with a friend once a week at the local dog park so we can catch up and our dogs can get all of their energy out. I see people out there with 6-packs of beer and wine on a regular basis too because why not socialize while taking care of your dogs?
* Military Deployments – Dogs on Deployment is another volunteer organization that will temporarily foster your doggies while you are deployed. Well, they are not strictly dogs… they watch just about any animal/bird you may have. They can also help out if a family has a new human member and dad has to deploy.

☀️ What is the difference between a dog behaviorist and a dog trainer?
☀️ How can my behavior be ruining my dog?
☀️ Rehoming my dog.
☀️  How to adopt a dog.
☀️  How to find a reputable dog rescue.
☀️ How much of my money goes to the dogs when I donate to It’s the Pits?
☀️ How can I help a rescue?

* Donations
* Fostering
* Dog Walking
* Adoption/Fundraising Events
* Transportation/Admin.
* Buying merchandise
* Adopting

☀️ Why does It’s the Pits only foster/adopt in/to Southern California?
☀️ Why pit bulls? What do I need to know about owning a pit bull if I haven’t had one before?
☀️ How can listeners find more information about It’s the Pits?
Website: http://itsthepits.rescuegroups.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsThePits/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.