Introductions can be daunting for young puppies and any negative experiences can have long-lasting effects. So it’s important to learn how to make each introduction as carefully as possible. 

Even once your puppy’s comfortable with you and the rest of your household, they may be nervous with other new people. Here are our top tips for ensuring introductions are comfortable for them. 

Limit visitor numbers: To avoid overwhelming your puppy, have as few visitors as possible in their first few days with you. 

Gradual introductions: Meeting lots of people at once can be intimidating for a puppy, so give them chance to get used to each person individually. 

Speak calmly: Ask people to keep their excitement at meeting your puppy under wraps and use a calm tone and gentle movements. 

Let your puppy make the first move: Puppies can feel threatened if they’re approached too quickly or passed from person to person. It’s best to ask people to sit quietly and wait for your puppy to approach them. 

Take it slowly: Give your puppy plenty of time to get to know each person. Positive experiences now will help when they encounter new people outside your home. 

Watch their body language: Look out for signs that your puppy’s nervous such as avoiding eye contact or holding their tail low. If this happens, take them out of the room so they can have some quiet time alone. 

It’s natural for children to be excited about getting a puppy. But it’s important that you prepare them for how to behave and make sure that they understand they have a role in their puppy’s development, safety, and happiness. 

Even if you don’t have children in your household, it’s a good idea to introduce your puppy to children. Otherwise, they may become nervous around them later in life. Here are some key things to remember: 

Ask children to sit quietly: Teach children to sit still and let your puppy come to them so your puppy doesn’t become startled or frightened. 

Teach careful handling: Show children how to pet your puppy and pick them up by supporting their tummy and rear end. It’s best not to allow children to pick your puppy up at all in the early days though, and make sure they know not to hug or squeeze the puppy too much. 

Quiet time during sleeping and eating: To avoid bites and scratches, children must know to leave puppies alone while they’re eating and sleeping. 

No teasing or excitement: Don’t allow children to tease your puppy with toys or food. And make sure they understand they need to stay calm and not treat them like a toy. 

Always supervise: Children should never be left alone with a puppy, and an adult should always be there when children and puppies are playing together. 

Pets can feel very territorial, so it’s important you introduce your new puppy to any other pets in a controlled, sensitive way. These are the important things to bear in mind. 

Introduction checklist 

Introduce pet scent early: Before bringing your puppy home, it’s a good idea to give them a blanket carrying your existing pet’s scent and vice versa. Then they smell familiar to each other when they meet. 

Check vaccinations: Make sure your puppy’s been vaccinated before introducing them to other dogs. 

Reduce the threat: Introduce other pets to your new puppy one by one on a neutral ground, such as in the yard or a park, so they’re less likely to feel threatened. Keep them both on a leash and give them plenty of time to sniff around and get used to one another.  

Set up a safe zone: Give your puppy a place to escape to when they’re tired or intimidated.  

Always supervise: Never leave your puppy alone with other pets. 

Allow individual spaces: Each pet needs their own territory here they can rest and eat undisturbed, so make sure yours have separate beds and feeding areas. Cats, in particular, will need peace and quiet out of your puppy’s reach.  

On February 24, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society joined animal welfare organizations around the world to mark World Spay Day, a global movement dedicated to expanding access to spay and neuter services and advancing long-term solutions to pet overpopulation. 

Creating lasting change 

Spay and neuter remains one of the most effective ways to prevent unplanned litters, reduce the number of animals entering shelters, and create healthier communities for pets and the people who love them.  

How we marked World Spay Day in Ontario 

To maximize our impact, the Ontario SPCA tripled capacity across our five high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in Barrie, Stouffville, Durham, Thunder Bay and Sudbury. By dedicating additional resources and extending clinic hours, our teams were able to help significantly more animals than on a typical day.  

Our Neuter Scooters were also on the road in Durham, Napanee and Orangeville, transporting animals to participating clinics and returning them home the same day. 

Through these expanded efforts, 227 animals were spayed or neutered at our clinics, helping prevent more than an estimated 12,000 unplanned puppies and kittens who may have otherwise ended up in shelters. 

“This service is so extremely important,” says a client from our Ontario SPCA York Region Veterinary Clinic in Stouffville. “A lot of families in my situation struggle financially and our animals are our family. This is a gift for me.” 

In addition to surgery, families received added preventive support. Thanks to our generous partners, 275 microchips were donated by 24PetWatch, and free rabies and canine distemper vaccines were provided by Boehringer Ingelheim, ensuring animals left better protected for the future.  

“The impact of World Spay Day extends well beyond a single day,” says Charmaine Brett, President and CEO of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Our efforts helped more animals gain access to essential spay and neuter services, removing barriers for families in the community.” 

Collaboration beyond borders 

This year, we were proud to stand alongside partners in Ukraine, Nepal, India, Romania, the Bahamas, Sri Lanka, Mexico and here in Canada.  

We extend our sincere thanks to Amulet Veterinary Clinic, FOP Polyanska A.Yu. (VC Anna Polyanska), Himalayan Animal Rescue Trust, Jaipur, Asociatia Sache, Tree of Life for Animals, SPCA Bahamas, Help the Suffering India, Worldwide Vets, Dogstar, the BC SPCA, Peterborough Humane Society, and Maya Animal Alliance for their commitment to improving animal well-being. 

Thank you to our supporters 

This vital preventative care was made possible through the generosity of our donors and supporters, including Royal Canin, 24PetWatch, Boehringer Ingelheim, Whiskas and many generous individuals. 

“Thanks to our generous sponsors, all procedures provided through the Ontario SPCA were offered at no cost to the community, enabling us to reach families and animals who might not have been able to access this care otherwise,” says Charmaine. 

As a 100% donor-funded charity, we are grateful to everyone who helps make initiatives like World Spay Day possible. 

Together, we are creating lasting change for animals. 

On Employee Appreciation Day, we’re proud to recognize the dedicated team members who bring compassion, commitment and care to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. 

Behind every animal helped and family supported is a passionate team working to improve the lives of animals and strengthening communities. Today, we celebrate the 306 employees who make our mission possible. 

Many roles united by one mission 

With almost 120 unique job positions across the organization, our work spans far beyond what many people see. From veterinary professionals and animal care attendants to administrative professionals, fundraisers, foster coordinators, educators and leadership teams, each role plays a vital part in advancing animal welfare across Ontario. 

This diversity of roles reflects the complexity and reach of our work. Whether providing hands-on care to animals in our centres, supporting pet families through outreach programs, or ensuring operational excellence behind the scenes, our employees unite for one shared mission: an unwavering commitment to animals. 

Honouring years of dedication 

This year, 42 employees will celebrate at least 10 years of service with our organization. These long-standing team members have helped shape the Ontario SPCA into what it is today, strengthening the culture of compassion that defines us. 

Their dedication represents thousands of days spent caring for animals, supporting pet families, and continually evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve. We are deeply grateful for their loyalty and leadership. 

Thank you 

Employee Appreciation Day is an opportunity to pause and say thank you. Thank you for your commitment, dedication, teamwork, and compassion to move our mission forward. 

Today and every day, we celebrate you.  

On Employee Appreciation Day, we’re proud to recognize the dedicated team members who bring compassion, commitment and care to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. 

Behind every animal helped and family supported is a passionate team working to improve the lives of animals and strengthening communities. Today, we celebrate the 306 employees who make our mission possible. 

Many roles united by one mission 

With 85 unique job positions across the organization, our work spans far beyond what many people see. From veterinary professionals and animal care attendants to administrative professionals, fundraisers, foster coordinators, educators and leadership teams, each role plays a vital part in advancing animal welfare across Ontario. 

This diversity of roles reflects the complexity and reach of our work. Whether providing hands-on care to animals in our centres, supporting pet families through outreach programs, or ensuring operational excellence behind the scenes, our employees unite for one shared mission: an unwavering commitment to animals. 

Honouring years of dedication 

This year, 42 employees will celebrate at least 10 years of service with our organization. These long-standing team members have helped shape the Ontario SPCA into what it is today, strengthening the culture of compassion that defines us. 

Their dedication represents thousands of days spent caring for animals, supporting pet families, and continually evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve. We are deeply grateful for their loyalty and leadership. 

Thank you 

Employee Appreciation Day is an opportunity to pause and say thank you. Thank you for your commitment, dedication, teamwork, and compassion to move our mission forward. 

Today and every day, we celebrate you.  

 

With March Break just on the horizon, we wanted to offer you and your family a way to support your local animal centre, from the comfort of your home!

Here’s a great activity you can do as a family, that’s fun to make, and incredibly useful for animals waiting for their loving homes!

*Please note – snuffle mats should only be used or offered to your furry friend while someone is present and observing your companion animal.

What is a Snuffle Mat?

A snuffle mat is essentially a mat with flaps of fleece that food can be hidden within, the dog or cat sniffs around the mat (snuffles) finding all of the bits of food and crumbs hidden in the nooks and crannies of the mat.  Snuffle mats are used to provide another way to feed our animals and offer an enriched environment.  Meaning feeding time is more mindfully engaged for the animal using various senses than the mindless feeding straight out of a food dish.

How to make a Snuffle Mat?

Snuffle mats are simple to make but time consuming.  We use donated fleece blankets cut into strips and tie them onto a rubber mat.  Scissors, blankets and rubber mats are all the materials needed.

Snuffle Mat Instructions

Supplies Need:

• Large Scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape- optional
• Dish mat for the sink
• Fleece material or fleece blankets

Instructions:

• Cut the fleece into strips.
  • 1 inch to 2 inches wide and approx. 8-12 inches long. (long enough to tie a double knot)
• Start at the middle of the mat and tie the strips onto the mat.
  • Alternate tying the strips on every other hole on the mat.
  • Tie the strips in a tight double knot.

You’re now all set to start making a snuffle mat for an animal in need!

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 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. 

Daylight savings can be difficult to adjust to, particularly when it comes to getting up in the morning, but did you know it can also be hard for your animal to adjust, too? If your furry friend has a strict and reliable feeding schedule, moving their mealtime by one hour when the clocks go ahead can make a big difference.  

Keep reading for some more tips! 

Adjusting to the Daylight Savings time difference 

When helping your animal adjust to the time difference, it’s useful to look to the example of dairy farmers. When the time shifts, not only does the feeding schedule for cows change, but also their milking schedule. 

To help deal with this problem, farmers will start adjusting their milking time by small increments over the course of a full week ahead of the time change. 

With companion animals, you can make the change over a shorter period of time. Try starting on the Wednesday or Thursday before the time change. This way you can change the feeding time by 15 minutes each day, creating a gradual change that will make it easier for your companion animal to adjust. 

What if you don’t prepare in advance? 

If you realize late Saturday afternoon that Daylight Savings starts tomorrow, consider splitting the difference. 

On the day of the time change, if you haven’t made gradual changes, you can at least split the time in half and feed your animal 30 minutes earlier than normal. 

You can also do this process backwards. This would mean ignoring the clocks Sunday morning and feeding your furry friend at their regular time and then changing their feeding time by 15 minute intervals over the following four days. 

With these tips, you should be ready for the Daylight Savings time change with your furry friends! 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 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. 

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we believe that the strength of our organization lies in how we work together to achieve the best possible outcome for every animal in our care, whether it be through sharing knowledge, clinical capacity or hands-on care across our animal centre locations. Collaboration is how we ensure every animal receives the care they need, when and where they need it most.  

This coordinated approach is reflected in the numbers. At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre alone, teams supported 911 animal intakes and facilitated 126 internal transfers between our animal centres in 2025, helping well over 1,000 animals in a single year.  These aren’t just numbers. They represent real animals whose lives were changed because of the collaborative efforts of our centres. 

Pickles: A second chance through coordinated care 

Pickles, a tiny kitten originally brought in as a stray to our Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Renfrew County Animal Centre, arrived with a severe eye injury. His eyelid was ulcerated and swollen shut, and he was in pain… 

Pickles was transferred to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Veterinary Clinic for surgical care. The eye unfortunately couldn’t be saved and Pickles underwent surgery to remove it, giving him the best chance at a pain-free future. During surgery, veterinarians discovered and removed two small quills embedded deep within the eye socket. 

Following surgery and suture removal, Pickles’ transformation was remarkable. Once fearful and timid, after weeks of examinations and treatment he began to relax with consistent, gentle handling. Thanks to the seamless collaboration between centres and dedicated staff, he made a full recovery and was successfully adopted into a loving home. 

His journey is a powerful reminder that coordinated care can completely change an animal’s future. 

Vern: Flexibility in action 

Vern’s story is another example of how adaptability between centres leads to positive outcomes.  

Transferred to our Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre for a scheduled neuter and dental surgery, this sweet FIV-positive cat ended up needing to postpone his procedure due to an Upper Respiratory Infection. While awaiting his procedure, his animal care team focused on keeping Vern comfortable and ensuring he was feeling his best. With attentive daily care and close communication between centres, Vern regained his strength over the following weeks. 

Once his surgery was complete, he returned to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orillia and District Animal Centre to continue his journey toward adoption. Today, Vern is in a loving home. His story underscores how flexibility, patience and communication between teams ensure that each animal receives care tailored to their needs. 

Harley: Shared commitment through recovery 

Harley’s journey required collaboration on an even larger scale. He was brought to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre for rehoming with a large mass on his leg. He was placed into delayed adoption while undergoing surgery to remove the mass. 

Unfortunately, he required a second surgery at our Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Marion Vernon Memorial Animal Clinic in Barrie. Given the extensive aftercare needed, including daily bandage changes and wound cleaning three to four times a day for several weeks, Harley was transferred to our York Region Animal Centre for intensive post-operative care with their team of veterinary professionals. 

His animal care team managed his recovery with diligence and compassion. Once medically cleared, Harley was transferred back to the Muskoka Animal Centre, where his adoption was finalized. 

Due to the shared resources and coordinated effort across multiple centres, Harley’s recovery and adoption was successful, and he is now enjoying life with his loving family. 

Stronger together 

These stories reflect the strength of collaboration across the Ontario SPCA’s network of animal centres across the province.  

Behind every successful adoption is a team of dedicated professionals who collaborate and support one another. It’s this shared commitment that turns challenges into success stories and ensures that animals like Pickles, Vern and Harley get the second chances they deserve. 

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. Please consider donating today. 

While maintaining your dog’s exercise requirements during the winter is important, it’s a good idea to cut your walk short and supplement your furry friend’s exercise with some indoor activities for dogs when conditions are especially cold.  

Here are some helpful tips for enjoying outdoor exercise with your furry friend!  

Remember: You shouldn’t wait to see the first signs of discomfort before calling your walk quits. If you think it’s too cold for you, then it’s too cold for your dog.  

Helpful tips to safely enjoy the outdoors this winter:  

• When bathing your furry friend during winter months, ensure they are completely dry before taking them out for a walk.  

• Know your animal’s unique needs – puppies and short-coated dogs are particularly vulnerable in cold temperatures. Some dogs, especially short-coated breeds, puppies and elderly dogs may benefit from a dog sweater or coat as an extra layer of warmth. But even with winter clothing, animals should only be outside for short periods during extreme cold. 

• Vehicles can pose a danger to animals in the winter months. Leave your animal at home where they are warm and safe when you’re running errands. Vehicles cool down quickly and don’t hold in body heat, which can lead to animals suffering from cold stress, hypothermia or frostbite.  

• Be aware of animals like cats hiding under vehicle hoods to get warm. When the engine is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Make a point of knocking on the hood or sounding the horn before starting your car to warn any cats who may be hiding.    

• Watch for wintertime chemicals that can harm your animal. Keep an eye out for antifreeze, or other automotive leaks in your driveway. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can be attractive to animals and can be fatal if ingested. After walks, use a damp towel to wipe your furry friend’s paws and underside.  

• Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice on roads and sidewalks can irritate and burn your pet’s sensitive paws and can cause illness if ingested. We recommend wiping your pet’s paws and underside with a damp towel after coming in from outside to keep them healthy and safe.  

• You can remove ice balls by placing your furry friend’s feet in warm (not hot) water before drying them off with a towel. Consider using properly fitted “booties” to protect your companion animal’s paws.  

• Be cautious if your dog is off leash, especially during a snowstorm, as dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. 

With these tips in mind, have a fun and safe winter with your furry friend! 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 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. 

 

Each year foxes are forced into closer contact with humans and must compete with us for food, shelter and space. With a little understanding, patience and a few precautions, we can all enjoy the wonderfully interesting wild animals who share our backyards and cities. 

Habitat 

Other than during the breeding season, most red foxes take shelter in dense thickets or heavy brush even during the most extreme temperatures. When breeding, they dig a relatively simple burrow between .5 and 2.5 metres deep. 

Diet 

Foxes are omnivores, consuming a large variety of small mammals, birds, eggs, insects as well as fruits, grasses, sedges and tubers. They will take advantage of garbage or carrion if available. They are most actively hunting in the early morning and late evening. 

Reproduction 

Foxes are monogamous, pairing for life and raising young together. Typically, litters of three to seven pups are born from March through May. For their first month, the vixen cares for her pups while the male fox will hunt to provide food for the family. For up to two months after weaning, both parents hunt for the young. At about three months of age, the pups begin to disperse to establish their own territories. 

How can I deter foxes from my property? 

Foxes are adaptable and opportunistic, so the main way to avoid conflict is to proactively take steps so that they are not attracted to your home in the first place: 

• Dispose of garbage in secure containers that cannot be opened by wildlife 

• Do not leave garbage or food waste outside in accessible areas 

• Use securely enclosed compost bins and do not dispose of meat, dairy, or egg products in compost 

• If you have fruit trees, pick fruit as soon as it is ripe and remove any fallen fruit from the ground 

• Consider installing outdoor lights that are motion activated 

• Clear away bushes or weeds close to your home where animals might seek cover 

If you are worried about the safety of your family and pets because of foxes in the area, there are several precautionary measures you can take: 

• Never feed foxes or attempt to ‘tame’ them 

• When foxes are in your yard make them feel unwelcome with loud noises 

• Keep your pets current on their vaccines in case of an accidental encounter 

• Teach children to respect wildlife and keep their distance 

• Do not allow your dog outside at night unsupervised 

• Keep cats safe inside 

• Fence your property to make it less accessible 

By understanding fox behaviour and taking simple preventative steps, we can reduce conflict and support peaceful coexistence. Foxes are intelligent and important members of our urban ecosystems, simply trying to survive in landscapes that continue to change around them. With awareness, compassion and proactive measures, we can protect our families and pets while respecting the wild neighbours who share our communities. 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 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. 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (Feb. 24, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is marking World Spay today by providing 227 free spay and neuter surgeries across the province, preventing more than an estimated 12,000 unplanned puppies and kittens who may have ended up in shelters.

At its five high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in Barrie, Stouffville, Durham, Thunder Bay and Sudbury, the Ontario SPCA was able to triple its daily spay/neuter capacity today by dedicating additional resources and extending clinic hours to mark World Spay Day. Ontario SPCA Neuter Scooters were also running in Durham, Napanee, and Orangeville, transporting animals to participating spay/neuter clinics and returning them to their families at the end of the day.

In addition to free spay/neuter services, which were supported by Royal Canin and other generous donors, the Ontario SPCA was also able to provide free microchips, courtesy of 24Petwatch, as well as free rabies vaccinations and canine distemper vaccinations, provided by Boehringer Ingelheim.

“The impact of World Spay Day extends well beyond a single day,” says Charmaine Brett, President and CEO of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Our efforts helped more animals gain access to essential spay and neuter services, removing barriers for families in the community.”

World Spay Day is a global movement, with animal welfare organizations around the world joining the Ontario SPCA’s efforts to reduce pet overpopulation. Organizations in Ukraine, Nepal, India, Romania, Bahamas, Sri Lanka, Mexico and here in Canada took part, collectively performing 1,200 spay/neuter surgeries.

“Thanks to our generous sponsors, all procedures provided through the Ontario SPCA were offered at no cost to the community, enabling us to reach families and animals who might not have been able to access this care otherwise,” says Brett.

As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to make initiatives like World Spay Day possible. To support spay and neuter programs or help provide care for animals in need, visit ontariospca.ca/donate

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Media Contact

Media Relations            

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society 

905-898-7122 x 375

[email protected]

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society 

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.

The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Provincial Office sits on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of Scugog, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations and the Métis Nation. This territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. The treaties that were signed for this particular parcel of land are collectively referred to as the Williams Treaties of 1923.

Teaching “place” is a great training technique to help encourage your dog to settle. It encourages your dog to go to a designated spot (such as a bed or mat) and remain there calmly. This is particularly useful when you want your dog to relax and settle down, especially in busy or distracting environments. “Go to place” can help manage your dog’s excitement levels, providing them with a clear cue to calm down and stay in a specific area rather than jumping on guests or getting overly enthusiastic.

It also establishes boundaries for your dog, teaching them where they are expected to be and helping to prevent them from wandering into areas where they shouldn’t be, such as the kitchen during cooking or near a door when visitors arrive.

This cue can be used in various contexts and settings, such as at home, in public places, or during visits to friends’ houses, helping to maintain good behaviour and manners wherever you go.

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.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6’ leash
• Mat, towel, bed or platform (choose one to use as the dog’s “place”)
• Low distraction area to start with treat pouch, or bag of bite-sized treats
• High value treats
• Clicker (optional)

Step 1: Teaching the down

1. While holding the dog’s leash, walk them towards their “place.” The moment the dog steps onto or makes contact, mark (click or “Yes”) but do not release the treat yet. Instead, lure the dog into a down.
2. As soon as the dog offers the down, reward by releasing the lure to the ground between their feet.
3. Mark and reward with treats a few times before oering their “release” cue.

Step 2: Teaching a “release” cue

1. Give your release cue (say “Release”).
2. Remain still; try not to move away or lure the dog.
3. The moment the dog gets out of the down position, mark (click or “Yes”), reward, and then move away from the mat while continuing to give treats, praise or play.
4. Restart from step 1 until the dog consistently offers an automatic down on their mat. Note: this may only take 3 to 5 reps.

Step 3: Adding the “place” cue

1. Once your dog is consistently offering a down on the designated place, start to say the cue “Place” while walking towards the mat.

Step 4: Increasing duration and distance

1. As the dog is becoming more consistent and comfortable with the place, start to increase the duration of time before releasing the dog. Ex. wait a few seconds before marking and rewarding.
2. Once the dog is able to stay on the place for a while before releasing, you can begin to increase the distance you are from the place, while taking steps away.

Step 5: Increase distance to target

1. As you walk your dog up to their place, stop a couple of steps back aer saying “Place.” As long as the dog lands on the mat and oers their automatic down, mark (click or “Yes”) and reward.
2. Continue to add distance between yourself and the mat in increments, as you increase the difficulty of the behaviour.

Teaching “place” enhances your dog’s ability to settle down, focus, and behave appropriately in different situations, contributing to a harmonious relationship between you and your dog. If you need assistance, contact a professional trainer or behaviour consultant.

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 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. 

Guinea pigs are gentle, social creatures who love to play. They enjoy fun activities in and outside of their cages that keep them healthy and happy. Here are some tips on handling your guinea pig and some toy ideas to keep them occupied! 

Playtime with humans: handling 

• Allow your guinea pig to sniff your hand and use their favourite foods to gain trust. Once they are comfortable, you can pick them up gently and slowly.  

• Place one hand under their chest and restrain a front leg behind one finger. Use the other hands to support his hind end and back feet at all times.  

• They are most comfortable when horizontal and close to your body or on your lap. Jumping down can cause them serious injuries so handling them while sitting on the floor is safest.  

Housing  

• Enclosures should have a hiding place for each animal, with shredded newspaper, grass hay, aspen or hardwood shavings. 

• Many items should be added to the cage for stimulation and to promote the health of your guinea pig, such as toys, hammocks and platforms with ramps.  

Toy ideas  

• Tennis balls  

• Paper bags stuffed with hay 

• Ping pong balls  

• Paper towel rolls (cut lengthwise so they don’t get stuck inside) 

• Shoeboxes 

• Anything they can carry, push, bury or hide!  

Other Ideas  

• Agility Courses. Agility offers both physical and mental stimulation and encourages bonding and social interaction for your guinea pig. 

• Plastic balls designed for small animals, non-toxic wooden toys, plastic spoons and small stuffed animals can also be used.  

• Let them run around the room in your house for extra exercise daily. Make sure to always monitor them while they’re outside their enclosure. 

Things to avoid 

• Exercise balls and running wheels. These are not designed for guinea pigs.  

• Access to treated and painted wood. 

• Unsupervised time with young children. 

• Poisonous foods such as rhubarb, chocolate, potato, seeds and nuts. 

With these toy ideas and exciting activities, your guinea pig will have lots to look forward to! 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 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.