Hi Lauren,
My first 'go to' for all types of behavior issues is nutrition. If an individual (dog, cat or person) is not receiving a balance of essential nutrients it is not possible for these individuals to cope with stress. The more research into the power of balanced nutrition from whole, real human-grade foods, the more I am convinced that the gun violence issues in our county are directly related to unbalanced nutrition and malnutrition.
People have a carbohydrate based energy metabolism. However, dogs have a fat based energy metabolism. Dry kibble and foods contain grains are inappropriate for dogs. A few years ago I did a deep dive into EFAs (essential fatty acids) and behavior issues. (I have a monthly column in the international digital Parrot magazine called 'Parrots' and my editor allows me free reign to select the topics I write about. ) When I reached EFAs I learned that they have done studies (double-blind) in prisons with violent inmates. Those who received a proper balance of EFAs became more cooperative, less violent and their relationships abilities improved. Studies have also been dog with violent dogs, and similar results were seen.
If you'd like more info on homemade dog diet info online that I consider reputable please message me.
This dog could also be acting out due to the level of grief she is experiencing due to the loss of her caregiver who provided a safe and loving home.
Also, since you are asking about facilities, here in Reno we have CRCCS. Canine Rehabilitation Center & Cat Rescue. They do extensive behavior work with dogs, and they often have a waiting list for bringing new dogs into their program. You may want to contact them, and in the meantime, provide this dog human-grade ingredient nutrition from real foods.
Good luck,
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Leslie Moran
Executive Director
Emerald Ark
NV
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2025 11:24 PM
From: Lauren Avon
Subject: Looking for advice/recommendations for a reactive foster dog!
Hi all! Weird Rescue here! We are in need of some advice/recommendations.
We are a fairly young and small rescue still. Several months ago one of our founder's friends tragically passed away after a battle with cancer. She had a dog, Gemma, and one of her final requests was to make sure Gemma didn't end up in a shelter, so we took her on.
Gemma is a 4 year old large Lab/pit/shepard mix who LOVES people! However, she is quite reactive with dogs. We didn't know this when we first took her, as she had been living with a senior dog her whole life that she was fine with. We are a foster-based rescue in Los Angeles without a facility as of now and we have been having a very hard time placing her, and honestly we just don't have the set up to work proper socialization with her as of now, and most of our fosters have other animals in the home. She is a super sweet girl and we just want her to have the best life! So we are looking for any advice or recommendations on facilities that might help better equipped to help her work through this reactivity or ways you've found to successfully place reactive or only dog situations.
Thank you so much!
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
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Lauren Avon
Co-Founder
Weird Rescue
CA
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