Search Results for: behaviour
-
5 common canine behaviours and how to modify them
You may think at times, “my dog knows better,” but the truth is, unless you’ve taught them and they’ve practiced the training in an environment or circumstance you’re attempting to work in, they don’t know! Today we’re sharing positive training techniques to modify five common canine behaviours. Important note: Your dog’s behaviour is trying to […]
Post
-
September 8, 2023
How to understand canine body language to better understand behaviour
Understanding what your dog is communicating through their body language can help you as a pet parent in so many ways! In this blog, we’re sharing key body language to watch for, and what this is telling you about your dog. What is my dog trying to tell me? Body language is made up of […]
Post
-
May 11, 2023
Why do puppies nip and tips on managing this behaviour
Puppies are adorable, but their nipping behaviour can sometimes be a pain. When puppies play, they often use their mouths to explore their environment and interact with other dogs and humans. However, their sharp teeth can cause discomfort or even injury. It’s important to teach your puppy appropriate behaviours to prevent problems as they grow […]
Post
-
April 27, 2026
The Ontario SPCA launches Dog’s Day Out program to help shelter dogs find loving homes
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stouffville, ON (April 27, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is launching Dog’s Day Out, a new pilot program giving shelter dogs the chance to spend time outside the animal centre while community members enjoy a rewarding day with an adoptable dog. Modeled after similar programs in the United States, and supported by VCA Charities, Dog’s […]
Post
-
April 27, 2026
Give a dog a day out and change their future
What if changing a dog’s life didn’t require a long-term commitment? With the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s new Dog’s Day Out program, it doesn’t. In fact, all it takes is a few hours. Dog’s Day Out is a new pilot program at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre that gives shelter dogs the chance to spend time outside […]
Post
-
April 23, 2026
Tips to prevent your cat from scratching furniture
That sweet, cuddly little fur ball that has stolen your heart has suddenly decided to channel their inner tiger and is shredding your furniture. As a pet parent, understanding why your cat scratches furniture can help you manage this unwanted behaviour. Scratching is an instinctive behaviour and cats do it for several reasons: To stretch, to communicate, play, seek attention […]
Post
-
April 21, 2026
Aging dogs and Sundowning syndrome
Have you ever noticed your dog becoming unusually restless, anxious, or confused just as the sun begins to set? Maybe they pace the house, seem unsettled, or vocalize more than usual in the evening hours. While it can be easy to dismiss this as a quirk of aging, these behaviours may point to Sundowning syndrome. Often linked to Canine Cognitive […]
Post
-
April 14, 2026
Create a garden for your small animal!
Discover a new way to incorporate leafy greens into your small animal’s diet in a fun, natural and engaging way! Integrating a vegetable garden for them is a great way to provide enrichment for your little furry friends. Get started on creating a garden for your small animals with our favourite tips below. Carefully choose […]
Post
-
April 13, 2026
Sifting through litter box options to find the purr-fect fit for your cat
Providing your cat with the right litter box is essential for their comfort and well-being. With various options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best fit for your feline friend. We’ve explored the different types of litter boxes to help you find the right one. Open vs. covered litter boxes The first decision to make is whether you want […]
Post
-
April 10, 2026
Clicker training your cat
Clicker training is a fun and effective way to help teach a wide variety of animals, including cats and dogs. Unlike traditional training, which relies on commands and compliance, clicker training is more of a game. Clicker training presents an interesting challenge to cats. Instead of simply being handed treats as freebies, your cat is […]
Post
-
April 2, 2026
How we’re keeping cats happy and healthy this kitten season
Spring is in the air, and so is the sound of tiny meows. Every year as temperatures warm and flowers begin to bloom, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society braces for one of the busiest times of the year: kitten season. Why spring means more cats Cats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they go through multiple reproductive cycles per year triggered by increasing daylight and warmer temperatures. As the […]
Post
-
March 31, 2026
If We Want to Help More Animals, We Need to Get Better at Using What We Already Have
By Sonya Reichel, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Across Canada, animal welfare organizations are under increasing pressure, and the drivers are becoming more consistent year over year. Surrenders are rising, not because people care less about their animals, but because they are increasingly unable to afford to keep them. National data from the 2025 Hill’s Canada State […]
Post