My dog is afraid of everything.  I was told it was a combination of separation anxiety and fear aggression.

Translation: I’m afraid of lots of things but I don’t even realize it and it’s much easier to see it as my dog’s problem.  Sometimes I say things I wish I hadn’t but I react when I feel threatened, even for the smallest of comments or actions.

Anxiety Reaction

The Nasty Grip of Anxiety holds so many hostage and yet we go so fast to keep up, we want so many things and spin around in circles trying to get them, and somehow continue to ignore our own fears and anxieties.  It stops us from fully engaging in an abundant life full of joy in simple things like a walk on the beach, a game of fetch with the dog,  an action plan to write the book that resides in our heads or heal the relationship with your partner or best friend.

You Are the Amalgamation of the 5 People (Dog Included) You Hang Out with Most

Think about it.

• You hang out with someone who says “cool” about everything.  You catch yourself saying cool all the time too.
• You hang out with someone who drinks a lot of coffee.  You find yourself buying more Starbucks cards.
• You hang out someone who has a cocktail nightly.  You start having one too.
• You hang out with someone who decided to do a triathlon.  You start running.
• You hang out with someone who says negative things all the time, you find yourself bitching too.
• You hang out with someone who plans amazingly fun simple things to do every day. You feel the energy and want to go along.  *Note usually only happens when you start pushing all the negative forces out of your life!

So, here is the kicker thing…. you realize your dog pretty much only hangs out with you.  So guess what…. your dog is emulating your behavior. If anxiety is a big issue, it’s probably more about you than the dog!

But My Dog Came with Anxiety as a Rescue

This may be true.  Usually you were are attracted to these things.  It is a lesson put right before you in a bundle of “I want to love you and all you are” through a dog.  It is a way for you to realize that anxiety is something you relate with and you have to do something about it to change it.

Anxiety becomes a habit.  For you.  For your dog.  When you look for help for your dog who suffers from anxiety you need to look for yourself too.

Because simply put your dog does not logic.
Everything is a picture.
If you don’t understand how to frame anxiety as creating a new picture, all the professional dog training in the world will not change that picture in your home for your dog.

Make 2012 the Year of Anxiety-Less Action

I encourage you to read and practice all you can about how ways to deal with anxiety.  Get support to make you answer so hard questions you have ignored or been hung up on it as society’s fault.   It will change how you view it as the dog’s fault issue and get you both to engage in more fun, more abundance and a better life on a daily basis.

Two suggestions to start:

The Anxiety Busting Virtual Retreat

Get a Habits Coach... for you.  Your dog will benefit tremendously.

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating better health for you and your dog!  Please subscribe and follow me on Twitter.   Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

Happy New Year to you and to all the cool dogs that have given us joyful moments even in times where things aren’t going the way we thought they would!

It is the day where we reflect back on 2011 and many decide what they want out of 2012. Try making a Love List. It will give you inspiration to do more things that involve your happiness in 2012.

Dogs Have No Expectations

While we make New Year’s Resolutions, or Intentions I prefer to call them, we tend to not even list things that we’d really like to do. Why?

Because we start thinking about all the reasons why it’s not possible. We don’t get up ready to go with no expectations or worries that we won’t do it right like our wonderful dogs do.

In Kitchen Table Wisdom, Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen tells how she learned to be a perfectionist from her Dad who, when she handed him a paper on which she got 98%, asked: “What happened to the other two points?” The time and effort spent in pursuing perfection, of bridging the gap between your best effort undertaken with presence — which to the soul is enough — and perfection, is time and effort you haven’t spent on things that feed soul: tending to your intimate relationships, enjoying just being, or doing anything that doesn’t require outside approval — just complete and total enjoyment in the here and now.

Plan To Do More Things with Your Dog in 2012 | Your Dog Does Not Expect Perfection

Lose your expectations and gain more joy, more peace, a feeling of happiness. Simply wag more.

Here are some very simple things to do with your dog to make 2012 happy, healthy and a love list that rocks!

• Start walking 10 minutes a day with your dog very first thing. It will become and amazing habit.
• 5K9 Walk Run Wag – Train for a 5K and run or walk it with your dog.
• Take your dog to a dog herding class. You’ll be amazed that your city dog will just “get it”.
• Start making homemade food for your dog here and there. Our dogs are dying younger of disease. Why? Could it be a diet that consist only of processed foods?
• Take a skype lifestyle session about the psychology of your dog and learn why your dog’s anxiety is your anxiety. You’ll both have a much more fulfilled way of life when the realization hits.

Get 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and gain a personal coach for you and your dog anytime, anywhere.

• Teach your dog to surf.

Start you own list of things you’d like to to with your dog, with your friends, with your family and have the greatest 2012 ever.

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating better health for you and your dog!  Please subscribe and follow me on Twitter.   Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

On December 10, Bella, a therapy dog for this single dads’ baby was stolen. It’s a tragic story from every way it can be looked at. The fact someone would take a dog from some one else is certainly a sad place for any community.

Medical alert dogs are amazing in that they can detect a seizure before it even happens. This Doberman alerted when Brian Margarita’s 9 month old baby was going to have an epileptic seizure. Not only has someone stolen an important working dog but one that is loved by this small family.

“Obviously there’s baby monitors in here that I can hear the baby, but I don’t feel like I could react as fast as the dog is sensing things before they happen,” Margarita said.

Bella sleeps next to Reese’s crib and starts barking whenever the baby has a seizure, a job that Margarita said he relies on every night to help him care for his little girl.

Therapy Dog Owner Offers Reward

Please help find Bella. Her owner is offering a $1000 reward for her return. No questions asked. He just want the family dog back. It is an emotional blow when any dog is suddenly gone from a family. In Bella’s case the emotional loss is huge for the father and the baby.

Message from Brian

Saturday night, Dec 10th Female Black and Rust Dobie in Point Loma on Narcissus Drive. Right near Plumosa Park. She was with my male Black and White springer but he was already returned. She is microchipped and has a collar on.

She’s 4 years old and responds to Bella no questions asked she is a loved and most needed member of our family.

Reward $1,000 cash

Please call Brian 858-204-4642

Other San Diego Dog Christmas Week Updates

Don’t forget the upcoming Walk Run Wag 5K you can walk or your with your dog in Del Mar.

More info and registration here:  5K9 Walk Run Wag

Get the 5K Training Guide Running with Dogs and start 2012 off with a healthy happy you and your dog!

5K Training Guide Running with Dogs

Make these holiday pumpkin dog treats for your dog, for you dog lover friends’ dogs and big bonus they are a great healthy appetizer for people too!

Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats

Have a safe and happy holiday and remember…

Drink Like  A Dog

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating better health for you and your dog!  Please subscribe and follow me on Twitter.   Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

 

Black Friday will find many up early waiting in store lines to get the best deals. Good news if you are a dog lover. Black Friday starts on Thursday and you don’t even have to leave your house to get the perfect gift for your dog.

Our dogs give us unconditional support and for that we love them dearly. Keeping them with as long as possible has become a priority for many and the easiest way to do accomplish that is through good health and fitness practices. Much like ourselves, the golden rules apply. Keeping the body healthy requires exercise and good food.

This year the perfect gift for your dog is health and fitness and there are few really great gifts that will fulfill that as well as make life with your dog even better for both of you.

Dog Treadmill

A dog treadmill has many benefits. It allows you to get the needed exercise every dog needs, 30 minutes to 1 hour a day is ideal. In weather conditions that could be too cold, too hot, too rainy or too dark it is difficult to get the exercise in that will keep your dog healthy and fit for a longer life.

For those with dogs that have issues, fear, too much energy, chewing all your favorite shoes or that lunges at every other dog scene while out and about, the dog treadmill is a big part of a well behaved dog.

Black Friday for the dog this year includes a $50 discount on any DogTread Treadmill. Click on the coupon and get your dog treading today. DOGTREAD Use code DK50

Dog Treadmill Testimonial

I must compliment your company for how well this machine was packed. I have never received a product packed so well. The triple-boxed, padded and banded packaging completely protected the DogTread. There was cosmetic damage on the outside of the box (gotta love those carriers who seem to do what they can to destroy everything) from apparent rough handling which at first had me concerned. However, when I finally got through all of the layers of packing protection nothing was damaged to my surprise.

Instructions were straightforward, assembly was simple – I couldn’t be happier. The quality of the machine is very impressive. So often these days when an “unknown” quality arrives I always have doubts. Not so with the DogTread. Top notch fit and finish, very quiet, easily moved and all indications are that it will last a very long time. I am also very pleased with the included parts breakdown will make ordering parts easy should I ever need to.

Thank you for providing a great product. I wish you the best for future success with all your dog treadmills. Please feel free to share my comments if you choose to.

Sincerely,

John A M. and EmmyLou

Somerset, KY

5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs

What could be better than a gift for your dog that helps you get feel tons better too? Granted you may have to add this one to a box of Pumpkin Dog Biscuit Treats for your dog to understand the concept of the :present thing”, but even that is healthy way for you to celebrate the holiday with your dog.

The 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs is an easy way for you to get your dog out and get active. If you’ve never run a 5K before this is for you. If you have run many 5K’s this is also for you. The dog training tips are like having your own personal dog trainer with you for 10 weeks in a row.

You’ll find a training program for you and all the tips and tricks to get your dog to be your best training partner ever along with every week’s workout. Plenty of places to “ask the coach” along the way, all for an affordable price.

Enter BlackDogFriday as the discount code for the 5K Training Guide Running with Dogs and you’ll get this training guide for you and your dog for only $4.97!

That’s an amazing price for a gift that gives back to you as well!

Testimonial 5K Training Guide Running with Dogs

When Star started looking at me and then the leash and then going to the door I realized I truly had a workout partner that wanted to go all the time. It motivated me and with the tips I learned in the 5K Training Guide Running with Dogs she was running with me and not pulling me down the street or barking at other dogs anymore. Thanks Jt. P.S. she also answered all of my questions personally. It was worth more than the training I tried and failed that cost much more.

Buy now for only $4.97 with coupon code BlackDogFriday

Have a fabulous holiday and dog forget to The Grateful Dog Project. What you think you become, and you project the same for your dog!

Just what dog lovers want more of. Dog friendly events.  This one will sure to prove to be a good one with the choice to walk or run with or without your dog.

WALK.RUN.WAG.5K9 San Diego

Start your New Year’s resolution early by registering for the January 15, 2012 San Diego dog friendly race now.  It is perfect motivation for you and your dog to start training program now and a great way to get through this upcoming holiday season, warding off the extra pounds that tend to come with it.

You can also join in helping local pets by donating when you register for this San Diego event .  A portion of all Petco Foundation WALK.RUN.WAG.5K9 proceeds will be donated to the Petco Foundation to help local pets.

Other San Diego Dog Events and Activities

So you’ve watch your dog try to herd all kinds of things that aren’t appropriate.   Children, the neighbor’s cat, garden art, all sorts of games your dog has had instinct to do but seems to get in trouble for.

You can tell your dog the wait is over.  The San Diego Herding Center opened last month and has on going events. Check it out and go have some fun with your dog.

Halloween and Your Dog

Dog safety at Halloween is something every dog owner should keep in mind.

• Keep all the candy away from your dog. That means keep it higher than dog nose level and standing paw level.
• Watch open doors for the escapee. Best to keep your dog in another room safe from the accidental dash out the open door.
• Make sure to have id tags on your dog.
• Watch the height of burning candles. Dogs can singe their nose or catch their tail on fire accidentally.

Though Halloween candy is a no no for your dog, here is a treat that not only will your dog love, but it’s good and healthy too!

Pumpkin Dog Treat Biscuits Recipe

Have a fabulous Fall with your dog, get out and get some exercise, drink water and try eating only healthy treats.  It’s good for you, it’s good for your dog.

Jt Clough is creator of  5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs, Treading for Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii.  She encourages you to make that change you want so badly today!

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating an awesome relationship with your dog!

Dog Psychology meets Instinct at The Collared Scholar’s gorgeous new herding training center! Located in scenic Poway, the new facility boasts amenities such as a large 200′x175′ fully fenced pasture, a 50′ roundpen, sort pens and plenty of wide open space for training.

We offer group classes, private instruction and instinct tests as well as field rental for those students looking to get some extra practice time in. All of our instructors have a background in dog psychology and we work not only to teach dogs this exciting new sport but also to use the sport as part of an overall training regimen designed to boost self confidence while strengthening the dog/owner bond. We accept all herding breed and herding breed mixes and we specialize in working with mixed breeds and rescues.

Give us a call 619-916-8710 to schedule your instinct test!  Stay updated at the San Diego Herding Training Center’s website.

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating an awesome relationship with your dog!  Please subscribe to Dog Friendly 5K Fun Runs & Events to find more cool things to do with your dog and follow me on twitter, Facebook and Google+

453 dogs from every state in America were nominated for the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™.   Our own San Diego Surf Dog Ricochet was one of those dogs.   She’s now one of the 8 finalists advancing to the next round of voting, competing for the title of 2011 American Hero Dog!

Surf Dog Ricochet is more than amazing in that this wonderful dog has raised over $100,000 for charities in the last couple of years.  Now that’s lending a paw for sure.

Check out some of the causes she has supported here:  Surf Dog Ricochet.

Even more amazing, Ricochet’s owner recently had open heart surgery and instead of focusing on her woes she has spent her recovery time reaching out through Ricochet to others who are physically in need.  It’s an amazing story and one San Diego should be proud of.

Vote for Surf Dog Ricochet

Please vote for Surf Dog Ricochet in the Hero Dog Awards.  If she wins she be able to donate $10,000 to cancer detection.  How cool is that?  You can vote once a day up until September 30, 2011.

Hero Dog Awards Surf Dog Ricochet – vote here.

Other San Diego Dog Happenings

Surf Dog A Thon – Del Mar Beach

Work out with your dog with Leash Your Fitness

Specialty Dog Training The Collared Scholar – from agility to herding to bad dog behavior.

Thanks for reading. If you liked this post, please subscribe to Healthy Living Wag Report and follow me on twitter, Facebook and Google+

Even though it’s time for the kids to get ready to go back to school…

It’s really still SUMMER TIME in San Diego.  It may be back to the books and the car pool soon so make sure you get out and have as much fun as possible while the sun is shining.

Take your dog for a walk.   Even pick up the pace for a bit just for fun.  Everybody run.  Kids, you, and the dog.

Go to the park and play a fetch game.  Here’s how:  Play Fetch Game Instructions (scroll down)

Head out to the Doggie Street Festival on July 31 in San Diego.

Don’t miss the fun, entertainment, good eats, valuable pet information, products, services, speakers, music, special guests and much, much more!!!
YOU might even find your new best furry friend.

Either way this is the go-to celebration of our dog companions you just can’t miss!!!!

ALL FRIENDLY DOGS are welcome.
Dogs need to keep their humans on a leash at all times.

For more fun dog games, events and health news sign up for the Healthy Living Wag Report.

Jt Clough, has studied, applied and taught others how to create a balanced life with calm dog training techniques through her lifetime commitment to health and fitness. Clough is also the creator of dog wellness programs and author of the 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and Treading for Dogs DVD,  further inspiring people to introduce playtime in life through the eyes of a dog changing unwanted behaviors to practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Click “follow this blog” to the left and make sure to stay up on new events and cool dog news!!  Good stuff!

Come join us for the 1st Annual Hounds For Hope, a canine cancer awareness & wellness festival.

July 16, 2011
Dusty Rhodes Park
Ocean Beach (San Diego)
9:00am-12:00pm

What Labrador Harbor Does for San Diego Dog Owners

Labrador Harbor provides charitable funds to private citizens or non-profit rescue organizations that directly benefit the immediate physical well-being of Labrador Retrievers. These funds will help finance costs for medical intervention, surgery, after-care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, behavioral intervention, or other health related needs of the Labrador Retriever, in order to enhance quality of life, extend life expectancy, and/or prevent euthanasia due to inability to meet the costs of medical care. Upon application and approval, Labrador Harbor will disperse funds based on eligibility criteria and availability.

Labrador Harbor provides appropriate referrals for health or behavioral care for Labrador Retrievers.

Labrador Harbor encourages rescue organizations to accept into their care senior (age 7 or older) or medical needs Labs for rehabilitation and re-homing, by assisting with financial aid upon application and approval of funds.

Labrador Harbor provides education and inform to the public about the responsible care and humane treatment of Labrador Retrievers.

Honoring Dyson

A very dear friend of mine lost her beloved Lab and through his needs Labrador Harbor helped her family.  She’d like to honor Dyson and the joy and life he brought at the Hounds for Hope event.

Honoring Dyson Everyone is Welcome
The families favorite color is purple and Dyson sported much of that color in his service/companion/search dog life.  Wear something purple in his honor!

For more fun dog games, events and health news sign up for the Healthy Living Wag Report.

Jt Clough, has studied, applied and taught others how to create a balanced life with calm dog training techniques through her lifetime commitment to health and fitness. Clough is also the creator of dog wellness programs and author of the 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and Treading for Dogs DVD,  further inspiring people to introduce playtime in life through the eyes of a dog changing unwanted behaviors to practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Click “follow this blog” to the left and make sure to stay up on new events and cool dog news!!  Good stuff!

The 4th of July in San Diego is a bit easier on dogs than it is in some other states simply because fireworks are not allowed to be purchased by he general public.  Personally, for many reasons, I think this is a good thing.  From prevention of fires to the disturbing loud noises that can set dogs and animals into a fearful anxiety fit.

That being said, large fireworks shows and the occasional neighborhood person who has gotten a hold of some fireworks goes off and your dog can be effected.

Morning Exercise is Important Along with These Safety Measures

• Keep your dog safe while you enjoy the holiday by making sure to keep your dog in a secure place if you plan to be away from your home for an event.  The best place would be in a crate or kennel…. you can refer to it as “a room of your dog own” if you’d like, within your home.
• Never leave your dog unattended in the a yard or outdoor run.  Even the most balanced dog can have a reaction and a scared dog can get out of amazingly high fences or a small opening you weren’t aware of.
• Make sure to have identification tags on your dog.  The best of intentions has scene dogs get loose on this holiday so take this simple precaution and a lost dog can be returned home easily.  Micro-chipping is also highly recommended.  Dog news stories lately of dogs being returned from a distance or months of being gone is not only heart warming for the reader but makes for happy times in what could be a sad, bad situation.  Your dog can’t talk so you will have to communicate on this one with tags or microchipping.
• Whether you are planning on having a quiet cook out at your house or going to the beach the holiday usually brings events that are the normal daily plans.  To make it more fun for your dog the best thing you can do is get out first thing in the day for some exercise.  The more excitement you plan on for the rest of the day, the bigger you should go with exercise to take the edge off of your dog in the morning.

San Diego offers many options to get your dog out to burn off some of that energy.  Read Exercise:  What To Do When Your Dog Is Not Getting Enough for new ideas and a fresh look at activities with your dog.

If your dog does have issues with noise and option to help while you are out and about with friends or family leave some music going near your dog’s kennel or crate.  Soothing music is best.  There is even music created specifically for your dog you may want to check into:  Music for Pets – Relaxation Songs Dogs and Friends Love While You Are Gone

Have an awesome 4th of July.  Get outside and wag more.

For more fun with your dog this July in San Diego sign up for an exclusive Dog Training Camp or take some Private Lessons to take your dog to the next level and incorporate fitness lifestyle with your dog as your training partner!  For more information on dog sports and games through The Collared Scholar call 619-916-8710

For more fun dog games, events and health news sign up for the Healthy Living Wag Report.

Jt Clough, has studied, applied and taught others how to create a balanced life with calm dog training techniques through her lifetime commitment to health and fitness. Clough is also the creator of dog wellness programs and author of the 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and Treading for Dogs DVD,  further inspiring people to introduce playtime in life through the eyes of a dog changing unwanted behaviors to practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Click “follow this blog” to the left and make sure to stay up on new events and cool dog news!!  Good stuff!