Dog Training, Rescue, and Pet Care Resources

Resources for Dog Owners, Rescue Volunteers, and Pet Parents

As a professional dog trainer and the owner of See Spot Stay, a private dog training and dog walking service serving West Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills, and nearby Los Angeles neighborhoods, I’m frequently asked for guidance on dog training, puppy care, rescue dogs, and everyday pet care.

After more than 25 years working with dogs—including obedience training, behavior issues, puppy training, and rescue dog rehabilitation—I created this page as a resource for dog owners and animal advocates looking for trusted information and practical advice.

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The resources below may help you and your animal companions.

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What Should You Do If You Find a Stray Dog?

One of the most common questions people ask is what to do if they find a stray or lost dog.

If you encounter a stray dog, approach slowly and calmly. If the dog appears friendly and safe to handle, check for identification tags and contact the owner if possible. If there is no identification, contacting local animal shelters, veterinarians, or rescue organizations can often help locate the owner or determine the next steps.

In some cases the dog may belong to someone nearby and simply wandered away from home. When a dog appears abandoned, injured, or in immediate danger, rescues or animal control may be able to help coordinate safe placement.

If you want to learn more about safely helping stray or abandoned dogs, see the See Spot Stay™ Rescue 101 Series and Independent Dog Rescuer Toolkit, which explains the rescue process and how everyday people can responsibly help dogs in need.

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Rescue Education Resources

Many people want to help stray or abandoned dogs but are unsure how the rescue process works or how they can help safely and responsibly.

The See Spot Stay™ Rescue 101 Series and the Independent Dog Rescuer Toolkit were created to help everyday people understand dog rescue, assist stray dogs, and support rescue efforts in their communities.

These guides cover topics such as:

• how to safely help stray or abandoned dogs
• understanding the rescue process
• working with shelters and rescue organizations
• preparing rescue dogs for adoption
• avoiding common mistakes new rescuers make

These resources are based on real-world rescue experience and years of hands-on work helping dogs in need.

Explore the guides here:

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Lost Dog Recovery Specialists

If your dog goes missing, what you do in the first hours can make a critical difference in getting your pet home quickly. Many people understandably react out of panic and emotion, but certain actions can actually make it harder to recover a lost dog. Contacting an experienced pet recovery specialist as soon as possible can greatly improve the chances of a successful reunion.

For coaching anywhere and possible in-person assistance in the San Diego area, contact Babs.

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For search and recovery assistance in the Los Angeles Valley area, contact Dog Daze Search and Rescue.

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These professionals specialize in lost dog behavior and recovery strategies and can guide you through the most effective steps to help bring your dog home safely.

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​Hearts and Halos

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IN-HOME EUTHANASIA and AFTER CARE 
Compassionate vet service for in home euthanasia
If you are faced with the tough decision of when is the right time to help your pet pass with dignity.

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Cremation Services
Guardian- Sun Valley
 

Rooted

Seattle, WA

Honoring Pets and Planet-Rooted offers an alternative to the standard practices of cremation and burial after pet loss.

Plant a FREE Tree in honor of your pet today!

https://www.rootedpet.com/

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Dog Massage

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In home therapeutic pet massage is a great way to help care for your pet that is aging or has an injury. 

 

Contact Paulette today to get your dog scheduled

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https://www.heartandhandsfordogs.com/

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Help with Veterinary Care 

The Jewish Free Loan Association is a local non-profit that provides zero-interest, zero-fee loans. Through The Four-Legged Fund, they offer loans of up to $5,000 to pet owners in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, or Ventura County to aid with the cost of caring for your four-legged friend. Funds can be used for a wide range of purposes including preventative care, treating illness and injury, and routine check-ups.  JFLA was founded in 1904 and their mission is to provide nonprofit financial aid to people of all religions and backgrounds for a wide range of needs including education, personal emergencies, small business, and much more.

 

https://www.jfla.org/personal-loans/the-four-legged-fund

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Pet Safety

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What To Do If Your Pet Swallows Poison

How to Poison Proof Every Room of Your Home

Pet Poison Guide: Garage and Laundry Dangers

40+ Foods That Are Poisonous or Unhealthy for Dogs and Cats

A-Z List of Poisonous House Plants for Cats and Dogs

How to Find Cleaning Products Without Pet Poisons

Are Your Pet’s Toys Toxic?

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Pet Health

"The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association 
is an organization whose purpose is to function as a forum 
for the exploration of alternative and complementary 
areas of health care in veterinary medicine." 
http://www.ahvma.org/

For a long healthy life!
http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/

Information on Canine Epilepsy
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/

What does a seizure look like?
http://dogs.about.com/cs/disableddogs/p/seizure.htm

 

Heat stroke signs in dogs and what do to...

 

 

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Pet Adoption:

Adoption
http://www.petfinder.com/ 

Adoption
http://www.adoptapet.com/

 

Common Dog Owner Questions

Below are a few of the most common questions dog owners and rescue volunteers ask.

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How do I choose a dog trainer?
Look for a trainer with real-world experience working with different breeds, behavior issues, and rescue dogs. Effective trainers focus on communication, structure, and consistency rather than harsh training methods.

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What training should a new puppy learn first?
The most important early training includes potty training, leash walking, basic obedience commands such as sit and stay, and learning how to calmly interact with people and other dogs.

 

Why do some rescue dogs need extra training?
Many rescue dogs have experienced instability, lack of structure, or inconsistent training. With patience, clear communication, and positive reinforcement, most dogs can learn quickly and become well-adjusted companions.

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​For additional information about dog rescue and animal advocacy work and for even more helpful resources, visit

APE Action (Animals, People & Environment Action) 

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