What an exciting time! Adopting a new friend can be a big responsibility, and we want to help ensure each animal is set up for success in their new home. We encourage you to keep the following tips in mind when you bring home your new bird.
Veterinary Visits After Adoption
A check-in with your family veterinarian within the first week after adoption is critical to ensure continuity of care for your new friend and to create a preventive healthcare plan tailored to their specific needs and your lifestyle. The goal is to prevent future disease and illness, which will ideally also help reduce future costs of care. Avian veterinarians specialize in bird care; it may require more research to find a veterinary hospital that will examine your bird.
Preventative care includes important measures, such as a physical exam, oral health care, dietary recommendations, behavioural support and parasite prevention. Any known medical or behavioural concerns will be disclosed prior to adoption, but there can be no guarantees of health. Therefore, this veterinary check will also be important to address any ongoing needs or pre-existing concerns to ensure your new family member has the specific support required to thrive. A copy of your new avian friend’s medical history can be shared with your veterinarian.
Medical Considerations
- Birds can live a significant length of time, potentially many decades, and it will be a long-term commitment.
- Many birds need to have their nails trimmed regularly. This can be done at home or a veterinary clinic.
- Some birds need their beaks trimmed. Providing a cuttlebone for the bird to use often provides enough opportunity to wear down the beak.
- In part, due to birds’ sensitive respiratory systems, they are susceptible to the toxic effects of fumes, scents, and vapours from many types of heated non-stick pans.
- Candles, smoke, and scent diffusers are also problematic for birds. It is always recommended for birds to be in areas with good air exchange.
Housing
The housing size for birds should be as large as you can accommodate. There must be enough space for your bird to stretch their wings out fully and to fly short distances. Different bird species require different types of cages – parakeets and cockatiels like height, while finches and canaries prefer width. To make your bird feel safe, keep the cage off the floor at all times. Cages should have a variety of perches. Companion bird species generally don’t have much padding on the bottoms of their feet, so perch selection is important for both their comfort and health. Perches that have various widths allow birds to exercise and stretch their feet, which promotes good health.
Birds can benefit from supervised time out of their cage in a safe environment. To keep your bird safe, ensure the environment is free from items that are chewable (wires, cords, furniture, etc.), keep all windows and doors closed and keep other animals out of the room.
Nutrition
Every bird species has different dietary requirements, so it is best to consult a veterinarian for specific information about your bird. A proper diet promotes good health and can help avoid medical conditions. A good diet generally consists of a high-quality pellet, a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains, and a small amount of seed. It is best that you discuss nutrition with your family veterinarian so that your bird is eating the appropriate diet.
Click here for more requirements on bird nutrition.
Enrichment
- As a very intelligent and inquisitive species, companion birds can get bored easily, so rotating toys and providing novel enrichment opportunities is critical to their health.
- Many birds do best with another bird companion of either the same species or a compatible one. This is especially true if the family works away from the home and the bird is left alone for large portions of the day.
For enrichment ideas for birds, click here.
We are here to support you! For any pre-adoption questions or concerns, contact our adoption staff at your local Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centre.
Giving Tuesday is an annual event that embraces the generous holiday spirit a few weeks early and encourages people to donate to their favourite charities. We thought we’d help you get into the giving spirit by sharing four quick and easy ways you can give back to animals in need this Giving Tuesday!
1. Donate
Today only, your gift will be DOUBLED to help animals in need, thanks to our friends at Fetch Pet Insurance, who are matching all donations up to $25,000!
Donate today and make 2X the impact for animals in need.
2. Shop for meaningful holiday gifts on Paws & Give™
Our Paws & Give™ store has the purrfect gift for any animal lover on your list! From festive holiday sweaters, calendars, tree ornaments, symbolic gifts and more – shopping our online store is an easy way to give back to animals in need and cross a few items off your holiday list!
3. Participate in Home for the Holidays
Home for the Holidays is a fun way to celebrate adoption and find loving homes for as many animals as possible across the province, especially our senior furry friends and long-term residents who are dreaming of spending the holidays with their new family. With many people home for the holidays, it’s the perfect time to welcome a new furry family member if you’ve been considering adoption.
Help make this season merry and bright for animals in need by giving the gift of a loving home. Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to view our animals available for adoption.
4. Donate to our Animal Supplies Wish List
Furry friends at Ontario SPCA animal centres across Ontario need items to stay happy and healthy while they await their loving homes. Leashes, collars, dog and cat toys, treats, and kitty litter are just some of the things that are always in high demand.
Visit their wishlists today to add a gift under their tree this holiday season!
5. Follow and share our social media
Follow us on social media and help give animals in need the second chance they deserve! Every follow, like, comment, and share helps spread the word and brings more visibility to pets waiting for their loving homes. Your engagement truly makes a difference; it helps connect vulnerable animals with loving families. Plus, you’ll get a daily dose of adorable, heart-melting animal content to brighten your feed and your day. Join our community and be part of creating more happy endings.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. However you choose to give back to animals in need this Giving Tuesday, we thank you!
The holidays are a time of warmth, compassion, and togetherness. At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, it’s our favourite time of year to help animals find the loving families they’ve been dreaming of. That’s why we’re excited to launch our Home for the Holidays adoption campaign, running now until Dec. 24!
Our goal is to help 500 animals across the province find loving homes this holiday season, especially our beloved senior furry friends and long-term residents who have been patiently waiting for the perfect family to walk through the door.
Why the holidays are a great time to adopt
Many people spend more time at home during the holidays, which can make the transition into a new family smoother for adopted animals. Those first few days together are important bonding moments and having the extra time to help your furry friend adjust can make all the difference.
To set adopters up for success, every animal adopted from the Ontario SPCA is spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and sent home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition.
Not ready to adopt?
There are more ways to help make this season merry and bright for animals in need:
Donate
As a registered charity, the Ontario SPCA is 100 per cent donor funded and your support will change a life. Your gift provides shelter, medical care, enrichment, and love for animals across Ontario.
Visit ontariospca.ca/donate today!
Shop Paws & Give™
Our holiday gift catalogue is filled with meaningful gifts – whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life, or you want to give a symbolic gift to help animals currently awaiting adoption. Choose from toys for shelter pets, symbolic gifts that provide care, or holiday packs for cats and dogs.
Visit pawsandgive.ca to shop today!
If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry companion to your life, now is the perfect time. Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to meet animals ready to celebrate the holidays by your side.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Whitby, ON (Dec. 1, 2025) – The Humane Society of Durham Region is on a mission to make dreams come true this holiday season for animals and their new families with its Home for the Holidays adoption campaign, running until Dec. 24.
Last year, the Humane Society of Durham Region found loving homes for 621 animals. To date in 2025, it has already had more than 700 animals come into its care. The animal centre’s goal is to find loving homes for 67 animals during the Home for the Holidays campaign. Animals adopted from the Humane Society of Durham Region are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition into their new life.
With more people home during the holidays, now is an ideal time to welcome an animal into your family. Whether it’s an affectionate cat who’s been patiently watching others go home or a gentle senior dog still full of love to give, each adoption helps change a life – both for the animal and the family who opens their heart.
“Every animal deserves to experience the joy of home,” says Shannon Stephenson, Manager of the Humane Society of Durham Region, one of 14 Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province. “We have some very special animals who have been patiently waiting for a loving family to call their own and we’re hoping this holiday season will be their time to finally make their wishes come true.”
Those unable to adopt can still make a difference this holiday season. Donations help provide shelter and medical care for animals waiting for their forever homes. Supporters can also shop Paws & Give™, the Ontario SPCA’s online giving store filled with gifts that give back – from gifts for that special someone on your list, to toys for shelter animals. Every purchase helps give animals in need a second chance.
Visit hsdr.org to meet animals looking for homes this holiday season. If can’t adopt, please make a donation or shop Paws & Give™ at pawsandgive.ca. Together we can make this a season of love, hope, and happy new beginnings for animals across Ontario.
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Note to producers/editors: B-roll is available at https://youtu.be/CAIbUlL_TFE
Media Contact
Kayla Montes
Community Outreach Coordinator,
Humane Society of Durham Region
289-894-3404
[email protected]
The Humane Society of Durham Region
The Humane Society of Durham Region is a registered charity. For over 30 years, the HSDR has been dedicated to protecting and providing compassionate care for unwanted and abused animals in Durham Region until they find their forever homes. Committed to improving the lives of animals, HSDR provides education and resources to the community.
In August 2022, the HSDR formally joined the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society to combine the organizations. This will enable the HSDR to strengthen and grow the programs and community support services it provides to help animals and the families who love them.
The Humane Society of Durham Region acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, which is covered under the Williams Treaties. The HSDR is situated on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.
Training your cat to feel comfortable in their carrier is an important skill that will help reduce their stress, and yours, when they need to travel. Even if you don’t regularly travel with your cat, getting them comfortable in their carrier will make trips to the veterinarian smoother.
The training process takes patience and consistency. Using positive reinforcement and progressing at your cat’s pace, you can gradually build a positive association with the carrier. Each cat is unique, so it’s important to be patient and adaptable in your approach. With time and practice, your cat can learn to view their carrier as a safe and comforting space where they feel secure.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- A carrier that is the right size for your cat
- A secure room or cage
- Your cat’s meals
- High-value treats
- A towel to cover the carrier for comfort
Choosing the Right Carrier
It’s important to select a carrier where your cat can easily stand, lie down, and turn around. Choose carriers with removable lids, as they make veterinary visits less stressful when it’s time to come out of the carrier.
Setting Up the Carrier
Line the carrier with a soft blanket or bedding with your cat’s scent on it and cover it with a towel. This creates a cozy environment and helps reduce your cat’s stress.
Introducing the Carrier
Start by placing the carrier in your cat’s space with the door open. Begin feeding your cat near the carrier, gradually moving the dish closer to the back over time. Monitor your cat during meals to ensure they stay relaxed and comfortable.
Active Approach
Next, place the bottom half of the carrier in a secure room. Use treats or toys to lure your cat near or inside the carrier. Reward any interaction, such as sniffing or stepping inside, with treats.
Gradual Enclosure
Once your cat is comfortable approaching the carrier, add the top half. Encourage them to enter with the top on, rewarding each successful interaction. When your cat stays inside, close the carrier door and reward them. Gradually increase the time the door remains closed, rewarding your cat through the carrier door.
Progress at Your Cat’s Pace
Always monitor your cat’s comfort level. If they show signs of fear, anxiety, or stress, slow down the training process. It may take several sessions over days or weeks for your cat to feel completely comfortable.
If you encounter challenges during the training process, please contact a professional trainer or behaviour consultant.
Teaching a dog to “stay” is an important lesson to help keep your dog safe, teach focus and patience, develop manners, set boundaries, and it serves as a foundational cue for other training activities.
Remember to keep training sessions short and stop the session before the dog starts to lose interest. We want to set the dog up for success in every stage. The dog should already know the verbal cue “Sit.”
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 6’ leash
- Secure room (low-distraction area to begin)
- Treat pouch, or bag of bite-sized treats
- High-value treats
- Clicker (optional)
Step 1: Introducing a “Release” Cue
- Start by asking the dog to “Sit.” Immediately mark the behaviour with a click or “Yes” and reward.
- Mark and reward again, quickly following the first reward.
- Stop feeding and remain still. Give the verbal cue “Release” and wait for the dog to move.
- When the dog gets up, pet, praise, and reward them with treats.
- Repeat several times until the dog is consistently responding to the release verbal cue.
Step 2: Increasing Duration
- Ask the dog to “Sit.”
- Immediately mark the behaviour with a click or “Yes” and then reward.
- Wait 3 to 5 seconds with the dog sitting, then mark the behaviour with click or “Yes” and reward.
- Say the release cue “Release” and then reward. Next, try the steps again.
- Repeat steps 1 to 4 several times, slowly increasing the time the dog is sitting before giving the mark and reward.
- Continue to increase the time until the dog sits for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Once the dog is consistently sitting for 15 to 20 seconds, add the “Stay” cue.
- Ask the dog to “Sit” and then say “Stay,” marking the behaviour with a click or “Yes” and reward.
Step 3: Increasing Distance
- Once the dog is reliably sitting for 15 to 20 seconds, start to add distance with the stay.
- Ask the dog to “Sit” and “Stay” and then take 1 to 2 steps back away from the dog. If the dog tries to get up, try moving yourself to the side.
- As you step away, mark the behaviour with a click or “Yes” and then step back towards the dog and reward.
- Repeat steps 1 to 3 several times, slowly increasing the steps taken away from the dog.
- If the dog doesn’t hold the sit as you move away, decrease the distance taken and continue to work on reinforcing at the level at which the dog is successfully staying.
When the dog is reliably staying, try to increase the difficulty by increasing stay duration and distance while adding distractions. Always set the dog up for success by being patient and taking time at each step before moving onto the next stage.
If you need assistance, contact a professional trainer or behaviour consultant.
Teaching your dog to sit is a great skill. It can help the dog focus, provides good behaviour in place of an undesired one, such as jumping up, and can even help keep them safe. Remember to be patient, consistent and do not use force or push a dog’s hind end down when teaching them to sit.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 6’ leash
- Treat pouch, or bag of bite-sized treats
- High and medium value treats
- Clicker (not necessary, but can be used)
Steps:
- While facing the dog, hold a treat just in front of the dog’s nose.
- Take the treat and lure the dog (slowly moving the treat up and backwards) over the dog’s head.
- As the dog’s head follows the treat up and back, their rear end will drop in a sitting position.
- Mark (click or “Yes”) the behaviour and deliver the treat as soon as the dog sits. Follow with praise and petting.
- Repeat steps 1-4 until the dog is reliably offering the behaviour.
- Once the dog is starting to offer the behaviour, add the verbal cue “Sit.”
- Say “Sit” as soon as the dog’s hind end touches the ground, then mark (click or “Yes”) and reward with a treat.
- A er a few consistent sessions, begin to say “Sit” before the dog sits down, then mark (click or say “Yes”) and reward.
As the dog becomes more consistent with “Sit,” increase difficulty by changing environments or slowly add distractions. If you need assistance, please contact a professional trainer or behaviour consultant.
Crate training can be a useful skill to teach your dog to ensure they are comfortable being in a crate. With proper introductions, many dogs find crates to be a safe, familiar space they can go to relax. It’s also a useful skill should they ever need to be in a crate for travel or confinement following a medical procedure.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 6’ leash
- Appropriately sized crate – your dog should be able to stand up fully with his/her head held at normal position, turn around easily and lie down without impediment.
- Treat pouch, or bag of bite-sized treats
- High and medium value treats
- Clicker (not necessary, but can be used)
Introducing the Crate:
- Place an appropriately sized crate in your home, ensuring the crate door remains open.
- Start by feeding the dog’s meals in front of the crate. Eventually, move their food dish further to the back of the crate. Make sure to prop the crate door open so it doesn’t close when the dog walks inside.
- Monitor the dog for the first minute of their meals to ensure they do not show signs of fear, anxiety or stress when entering the crate.
Introducing the Crate With Games:
- Start by tossing treats into the open crate using a hand motion (pointing towards or motioning to) and allowing the dog to walk-in and pick-up the treats and then exit.
You may need to start with treats at the front of the crate and then slowly moving them to the back of the crate. - Start increasing the number of treats thrown into the crate.
- While the dog is picking up treats, mark (click or “Yes”) and then toss another treat to increase duration.
- Once the dog is actively entering the crate for treats with their entire body, begin saying “Crate.” Continue practicing this method three to four more times.
- Say “Crate” and use a hand motion, without tossing treats. If the dog enters the crate, mark (click or “Yes”) and reward them inside of the crate.
- Continue these steps until the dog reliably offers walking into crate with the verbal cue.
- Once the dog is consistently going in the crate, ask the dog to enter the crate, mark (click or “Yes”) and reward. A erwards, close the door without latching it and immediately mark and reward. Then, open the crate door.
- If the dog exits, repeat steps 1-6. If the dog stays, repeat step 7.
- Once the dog remains in the crate a er the door is closed and opened, begin adding time before marking, rewarding and opening door. Ensure the dog receives breaks throughout this process.
- Slowly increase the dog’s duration in the crate.
- Slowly add having yourself walking away from the crate before returning, followed by marking and rewarding.
- Slowly begin adding distractions like noise, toys, or other stimuli.
Remember, crate training isn’t suitable for every dog. Always monitor your dog for signs of fear, anxiety, stress or frustration and seek the guidance of a professional trainer or behaviour consultant if you need assistance.
Whether you live in a rural or urban setting, loose-leash walking is an important skill for every dog to learn. It helps develop your dog’s manners and ensures a more enjoyable and safe walking experience.
Pick a place that has minimal distractions to start, and make sure you have plenty of treats. There are many ways to teach loose-leash walking, but this is a quick way that’s easy for most.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 6’ leash
- Treat pouch, or bag of bite-sized treats
- High and medium-value treats (treats that we don’t use in other situations)
- Clicker (not necessary, but can be used)
Steps:
- Lure the dog to the side where you would like them to be, mark (click or “yes”) and reward. This lets your dog know they’ve done well in the moment.
- Begin walking, encouraging the dog to follow you.
- Deliver treats while the dog is in the appropriate position. As the dog walks beside you, mark and reward periodically.
- If the dog pulls ahead, stop and wait a moment or until the dog looks back or loosens the tension on the leash, mark (click or “yes”) and continue walking forward.
- If the dog is continuing to pull a er you stop walking, give them a few moments and offer a positive interrupter like a “kissy” noise, then lure them back to your side and start again. If luring them back doesn’t work or they continue to pull, change direction; offer verbal encouragement, and when the dog follows, mark and reward.
- Anytime your dog looks up at you while walking, mark and reward.
- Once the dog is reliably offering the behaviour, add the verbal cue like “Let’s go.”
As the dog becomes more consistent with loose-leash walking, you can increase difficulty by changing environments or slowly add distractions. Remember, this method may not work for every dog or every situation.
If you need additional assistance for more complex needs, please contact a certified trainer or a behaviour consultant.
What is “Stranger Danger”?
“Stranger danger,” or “stranger anxiety,” is when a dog shows fear-based behaviours and reacts negatively to new or unknown people. This fear of strangers is common in dogs that haven’t been properly socialized or had negative experiences during their critical development periods. While there is often a genetic component, it can also be a learned behaviour. “Stranger danger” can serve as a natural defense mechanism and is a normal reaction in many dogs.
However, it becomes a problem when dogs display these behaviours in typical home settings or when their pet parents don’t understand the motivations behind their actions. This can lead to potential danger for both people and other animals. To help your dog understand that strangers aren’t a threat, there are several steps you can take. Remember, modifying this behaviour is best done with the help of a certified dog trainer or an animal behaviour consultant.
What Does it Look Like?
Common behaviours in dogs with “stranger danger” include:
- Constant hard focus on the stranger
- Stiff body posture
- Raised hackles (where the hair along a dog’s back and neck stands up)
- Stiff and raised tail
- Refusing treats or not responding to verbal cues
- Vocalizations like deep barking, growling, or snarling
- Air snapping
- Lunging
- Biting, if they get the chance
The Do’s and Don’ts for Handling “Stranger Danger”
The Do’s:
- Pay attention to your body language: Approach your dog calmly and in a non-threatening manner. Your posture and movements can significantly affect how your dog perceives a situation.
- Provide positive reinforcement: Use praise, treats, or toys to create positive associations with strangers. Rewarding your dog when they remain calm around new people can help reduce their anxiety.
- Use management tools: Utilize tools such as baby gates, confinement areas, and leashes to manage interactions. These can help create a controlled environment that feels safe for your dog.
- Give space and choice: Allow your dog the option to retreat and feel safe. Respecting their need for space can prevent escalating fear or stress.
- Go at the dog’s pace: Introduce new people gradually and let your dog adjust in their own time. Pushing them too quickly can increase their anxiety.
- Control the environment: Make introductions in controlled settings where your dog feels secure. This helps minimize potential stressors.
- Understand boundaries: It’s okay if your dog doesn’t become friends with everyone. Sometimes it’s best to keep them in a safe space away from interactions.
- Introduce safety tools: Use muzzles, harnesses, or other safety tools if needed to ensure everyone’s safety during interactions.
The Don’ts:
- Do NOT force interaction: Never corner your dog or force them to interact with a stranger. This can escalate their fear and lead to aggressive behaviour.
- Do NOT punish: Don’t punish your dog for reacting negatively. Understand that they are reacting out of fear, anxiety, or stress. Punishment can make the behaviour worse.
- Do NOT prolong exposure: Avoid keeping your dog near a trigger (stranger) for too long in hopes they will get used to it. This can increase their stress and exacerbate the behaviour.
It’s important to remember that “stranger danger” is a common issue in dogs that can be managed and improved with patience, understanding, and the right approach. By following these tips and seeking help from a certified trainer, you can help your dog feel more comfortable around strangers and improve their overall well-being. Always remember to prioritize your dog’s safety and emotional health, giving them the time and space they need to adjust.
If you need additional assistance for more complex needs, please contact a certified trainer or a behaviour consultant.
What is it?
Separation anxiety is a panic disorder that affects some dogs when le alone and can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian based on clinical signs. It’s important to note that not all dogs displaying difficulty being left alone have separation anxiety. While the exact causes are not fully understood, it may involve genetic predisposition, past traumatic experiences, or sudden changes in their environment.
Dogs do not typically “grow out of” separation anxiety, and it requires intervention to manage effectively. Behaviour modification alone may not suffice, but there are strategies to help dogs cope with this condition.
Things to Rule Out
Before diagnosing separation anxiety, it’s essential to rule out other potential causes such as marking, confinement anxiety, inadequate house training, lack of mental and physical enrichment, sensitivity to external stimuli, and underlying medical conditions like cognitive dysfunction or neurological disorders.
What Does it Look Like?
Signs can include:
- Excessive vocalizations (barking, howling)
- Destructive behaviour (chewing furniture, destroying items)
- Accidents (urination, defecation, vomiting)
- Pacing, panting, or drooling excessively
- Attempts to escape
- Heightened anxiety with departure cues (e.g., when you grab your keys)
- Overexcitement upon your reunion
- Trembling, shaking, disinterest in food, or excessive grooming
Strategies to Prevent/Reduce Separation Anxiety:
Enrichment: Provide physical and mental stimulation to keep your dog entertained and relaxed during alone time.
Physical stimulation may include providing your dog with interactive toys, such as puzzle feeders or chew toys, that can keep them physically engaged and mentally stimulated while you are away.
Mental stimulation may include using food-dispensing toys or games that encourage problem-solving skills to keep your dog’s mind occupied and reduce boredom during alone time.
Relaxation and decompression: Teach your dog to associate a specific bed or mat with calmness and downtime, starting with short sessions and gradually increasing duration. Allow your dog time to decompress a er stimulating events like walks or visitors.
Try including a post-activity cool down to your routine after stimulating activities like walks or play sessions. This allows your dog time to unwind in their designated relaxation area, assisting them to transition from excitement to a calmer state before you leave and/or during alone time.
If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian and work with a certified professional experienced in treating this condition. They can provide tailored advice and behaviour modification techniques to help your dog feel more secure and comfortable when left alone.
If you need additional assistance for more complex needs, please contact a certified trainer or a behaviour consultant.
What is it?
Resource guarding, also known as “possessive aggression,” occurs when a dog displays protective behaviours over items they consider valuable. This behaviour can include food, toys, or even people. It’s a natural behaviour rooted in their ancestral need to protect resources. While some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to resource guarding, it can also be learned through experiences.
Resource guarding becomes problematic when dogs exhibit these behaviours towards people or other pets in a home or other environments. It’s crucial to work with a qualified trainer or certified behaviour consultant to modify resource guarding behaviours effectively. Remember, resource guarding stems from fear, and dogs do not comprehend why their behaviour may be inappropriate. It can worsen in the presence of other animals or unfamiliar people.
What Does it Look Like?
Signs include:
- Stiff body posture or hovering over an item
- Whale eye (whites of the eyes showing)
- Ears pinned back or to the side
- Showing teeth or lip licking
- Growling, snarling, or snapping
- Moving to block access to the item or food
When guarding food, dogs may eat quickly, snatch food, or jab at their bowl. With toys or other items, they may hide or move away with the item, pin it down, or cover it.
The “Do’s” and “Don’ts”:
- Don’t: attempt to take items from your dog when they display guarding behaviours. Instead, “trade up” by offering something of higher value and then safely remove the item.
- Don’t: punish your dog for resource guarding. Instead, try to understand that they are fearful, not malicious, when displaying these behaviours.
- Do: feed your dog away from people or other animals and avoid putting your hands near their food while they eat. If necessary, toss high-value treats into their bowl from a distance.
- Do: keep known or suspected guarded items out of reach to prevent conflicts.
Understanding and addressing resource guarding in dogs requires patience and understanding. By working closely with a certified behaviour consultant, you can develop strategies to modify these behaviours positively.
Remember, resource guarding is rooted in fear, and creating a safe and supportive environment for your dog is essential. With proper guidance and empathy, you can help your dog feel more secure and reduce instances of resource guarding.
