Search Results for: behaviour

• August 18, 2026

  How much exercise does your dog really need? 

  “Walk your dog every day” is solid advice, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. How much exercise your dog actually needs depends on a number of factors, and getting it right is important for their mental and physical health, as well as for their behaviour at home.  A general guideline  As a starting point, most adult dogs need somewhere between 30 minutes and 2 […]

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• Gambit

  Meet Gambit 🐾 Gambit is a high-energy, fun-loving dog who would thrive with an experienced owner who understands canine behaviour and is committed to helping him continue to build confidence. He is fearful of men and can be nervous in new environments, so he needs a patient home willing to give him time, space, and […]

  Animal

• August 14, 2026

  Why does my pet follow me everywhere? 

  If you can’t make it from the kitchen to the bathroom without a furry shadow trailing behind you, you’re not alone. Many pet parents have a cat or dog who seems to follow them from room to room, all day long. It can be sweet, a little funny, and sometimes a lot of pressure when you’re just trying to get a glass of […]

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• August 13, 2026

  Ash finds her safe space 

  When Ash arrived at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre in Stouffville last year, it didn’t take long for the team to fall in love with her. She was eager to be with people and always ready to learn, but beneath her sweet personality was a dog who needed understanding and a specific home where she […]

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• August 10, 2026

  Why feeding wildlife does more harm than good

  It may feel like a kind gesture to offer food to wildlife. Leaving out a few peanuts for the squirrels, bread for ducks, or even raw veggies for the rabbits might seem innocent, but feeding wild animals can lead to serious consequences for both the animals and our communities.   Unnatural diets, unnatural problems   Wild animals have evolved […]

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• July 30, 2026

  The benefits of sniff walks 

  We all know dogs need walks, but have you ever let your dog stop and sniff everything? If you’re used to brisk, structured walks with a clear start and finish, a “sniff walk” might feel unproductive. In reality, it might be one of the best things you can do for your dog’s wellbeing.  What is a sniff walk?  A sniff walk is […]

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• July 28, 2026

  Why chewing matters for dogs 

  If you’ve ever come home to a shredded shoe or a hollowed-out couch cushion, you know that chewing can feel like a problem to solve. But for dogs, chewing isn’t bad behaviour. It’s a biological need, and understanding why your dog does it is the first step toward managing it in a way that works for everyone in the household.  It’s an instinct  […]

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• July 20, 2026

  Tips for a successful adoption

  Dogs are exceptional animals, and their ability and desire to form deep and loving bonds with humans is extraordinary. By adopting, you are truly giving a dog an amazing gift – a second chance.   Following an adoption, it may take a few weeks or months for you and your dog to fully adjust to your new life […]

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• July 9, 2026

  Crate training your adopted dog

  Welcoming a new dog into your home is both exciting and life changing for you and your furry friend! Crate training is a great way to introduce behavioural management, house training and emotional regulation for your dogs! It can also help prevent puppies, adolescents and young dogs at the peak of their chewing stage from […]

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• June 30, 2026

  Firework safety tips to keep pets safe

  Everybody loves a long weekend – including our furry friends! It means more quality time with the people they love. But there are also some safety concerns to keep in mind so your furry friend can be comfortable and safe. Here are some firework safety tips to keep your animals safe this weekend!   What’s the […]

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• June 16, 2026

  How to keep your small animals mentally stimulated

  Mental stimulation is important for the behavioural enrichment of small animals. With some small positive changes to their normal routine, you can have a healthy, mentally stimulated furry friend!   Changing their environment   The quickest and easiest thing you can do to change their routine is to rearrange items in your friend’s living environment. Moving items to the […]

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• June 15, 2026

  Nessy learns how to trust again 

  When Nessy first arrived at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre in April last year, she was just an 11-month-old puppy trying to navigate a world that suddenly felt unfamiliar and overwhelming.  Like many under-socialized dogs, Nessy struggled to feel safe in new environments and around unfamiliar people. The staff at the York Region Animal Centre quickly noticed just how fearful and […]

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