Many people are welcoming home new puppies these days. The pups are leaving all that is familiar to them and, while most make the transition easily, it’s a big change for the new pup, so preparation for the new arrival helps ensure things go smoothly and comfortably for everyone. Before the pup arrives, decide ... Read More »
It can be frustrating for owners if their dog does not always return to them when the dog is asked to. If a dog is not returning reliably, it can be dangerous for the dog, and the dog should not be off-leash until they have had enough training for their response to be reliable. A ... Read More »
One of the most common problems dog owners experience is their dog pulls on the leash. While the key to loose-leash walking is training, using the right equipment is important too. Harnesses are generally comfortable for dogs, but the harnesses where the leash attaches to the ring on the back of the dog make it ... Read More »
The current restrictions resulting from COVID-19 have many puppy owners looking for recommendations on how to socialize their puppies adequately these days. Good socialization sets puppies up to become confident, friendly, sociable adult dogs. Luckily, there are many things a puppy owner can do to meet socialization goals despite the current restrictions. All interactions should ... Read More »
This year Halloween may be easier on anxious pets than previous years have been if we participate in the CDC’s recommended low risk (of the spread of COVID-19) Halloween activities. For pets who become anxious when the doorbell rings and trick or treaters arrive, alternative CDC recommended activities like decorating and displaying pumpkins, having a ... Read More »
Many of us share our lives and households with dogs, and we see and meet dogs often when out in public. Dogs are very social animals, and generally, the relationship between people and dogs is a friendly one. Dogs have a ritualized system to communicate how they are feeling, and many people are familiar with ... Read More »
We are welcoming warm weather after quite a bit of rain. This means we may be hiking and walking more with our dogs, so we need to watch out for the risks associated with warm weather. Dogs have few sweat glands and must pant to cool down, and they are susceptible to heatstroke. Symptoms of ... Read More »
As dog owners transition to going back to work, some dogs are struggling with staying home alone and owners are reporting that their dogs are displaying symptoms of separation anxiety such as vocalizing, being destructive, soiling in the house, trying to escape the home or confinement (crate) for example. It is understandable as many dogs ... Read More »
Many of us are staying at home and doing our part to “flatten the curve”. For dog owners, this is a good opportunity to take advantage of the many free and paid online resources there are to assist dog owners in enriching their dog’s environment at home and teaching them new things. Keeping up socialization ... Read More »
According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI), from 2016 to 2018 the Canadian dog population continued to grow. Dog population figures went up from 7.6 million in 2016 to 8.2 million in 2018. Many family dogs receive basic training at home or in a more formal setting like a training school. The training ... Read More »
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