Search Results for: behaviour
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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March 27, 2026
Leash pulling and reactivity: Dog training tips
Imagine you’re walking down the street with your pup, and you see someone else walking their dog ahead of you. Your dog sees them, too. He starts barking, jumping around, and performing other unwanted behaviours. What do you do? Here are some tips to help calm your dog and reduce reactivity. What you can do about leash pulling […]
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March 17, 2026
How to teach a cat recall
Teaching your cat recall, or coming when called, encourages mental stimulation and can strengthen the bond you have with your cat. It’s also a skill that can aid in further training activities and it builds confidence and trust in your cat. Plus, it’s helpful for everyday situations, like calling your cat when it’s time to eat. Teaching recall or “Come” is introducing a cat to exercises designed to gain their attention and increase their focus […]
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February 26, 2026
Living with wildlife: Foxes
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 […]
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