Search Results for: enrichment
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How do I stop my dogs from marking territory indoors?
One of the questions we receive at our animal centres is how to stop dogs from marking territory indoors. We have some simple tips you can follow to help avoid this from happening in your home! Why do dogs mark indoors? If you are a dog parent, you may be familiar with the term “marking.” […]
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September 5, 2024
9 Things to Know Before Adopting a Bunny
Aren’t bunnies just the cutest? Although they make great companion animals , some considerations must first be taken into account before deciding to adopt a bunny.
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August 30, 2024
Beyond basics: Teaching your dog new cues
Has your dog mastered basic cues like “sit,” “down” and “come”? These are the most common cues most people will teach their furry friends. When your dog seems eager to learn more, combining their previous knowledge of the basic cues with some new training can help keep your pet stimulated, provide enrichment and it’s a […]
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July 22, 2024
Does music really have an effect on our furry friends?
Humans have playlists for just about everything these days. A playlist to workout, a playlist to clean, even a playlist to work. Scientific studies have proven the music can affect brain waves, heart and breathing rates, and even reduce anxiety levels in humans. But can it have the same effect on your animal friend? The […]
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June 18, 2024
Feline fun – Tips to train your cat new cues
One of the fundamental puppy development stages is learning training cues from their fur parent. But dogs aren’t the only furry friends who can learn to follow cues! With a little patience, dedication and treats, many cats enjoy learning new things, too. Teaching your cat new cues can serve as a valuable enrichment and bonding […]
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May 28, 2024
Three-legged dog Dozer finds his stride!
Dozer is a gentle giant with a love for life, and sadly a chronic elbow dislocation that required amputation. In the care of the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre, the Great Pyrenees learned to embrace life on three legs, never missing a stride. When he arrived in our care, 10-month-old Dozer had a joint […]
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May 9, 2024
Why does my cat sleep so much?
You may have noticed cats spend a lot of time snoozing, but have you ever wondered why they sleep so much? Reasons cats sleep so much Cats typically sleep around 15-20 hours per day. Kittens and senior cats may need more than that. According to Royal Canin, this amount can increase during summer months as […]
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April 19, 2024
How to handle jumping
Jumping is a common training challenge and is usually attention-seeking behaviour. Unknowingly we might “teach” our dogs to jump up on us by rewarding them each time they do so.
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April 5, 2024
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 up their routine is to rearrange items in your friend’s living environment. Moving […]
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March 25, 2024
How can I tell if my cat has arthritis and what can I do about it?
Cats are some of the most remarkable athletes on the planet, with their fast reflexes, flexible spine, and powerful muscles. What’s more, they have highly coordinated paws, equipped with retractable claws for enhanced traction and grip, and footpads that extend into their palms and fingers that mold to nearly any surface. Unlike their canine rivals, […]
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March 15, 2024
Tail-Wagging Tips: Simple ways to make your dog happier
There are very few things that can bring us joy the way our furry friends can! That feeling of happiness and love when they greet you at the door is unmatched. Dogs have a way to make us smile, and it’s our duty to ensure their happiness and well-being. So, what makes a dog happy? […]
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March 14, 2024
What is an X-pen and why is it a good idea?
An X-pen is a pen for rabbits (or puppies) that gives them room to move about freely and safely. Everything they need is inside the pen. An X-pen allows rabbits space to play safely or stretch out all day, even when their adopter isn’t home. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society recommends an X-pen to […]
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