Search Results for: training

• 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 20, 2026

  More than 1,000 reasons to celebrate 

  National Volunteer Week takes place April 19-25 and this year is extra special for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Not only are we marking a week of gratitude for every person who gives their time to help animals in need, but we’re celebrating a major milestone: welcoming our 1,000th volunteer in 2026.  That number represents more than a headcount. It represents more than 1,000 people who have walked dogs, bottle-fed orphaned kittens, driven […]

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• April 17, 2026

  Train your dog to be your running paw-tner

  Running with your dog can be a fantastic way to stay active while bonding with your furry friend. However, it’s important to prepare both yourself and your dog for the adventure to ensure safety, enjoyment, and fitness for both parties. Here are some key considerations when training your dog to be your running paw-tner.   Assess your dog’s […]

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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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• Building a Brighter Future for Pets and People Campaign

  Support the Ontario SPCA’s Cornwall capital campaign to build a new animal centre and veterinary clinic, improving access to care for pets and families in the Cornwall region.

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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 19, 2026

  How to teach a rabbit to wear a harness and leash

  Many rabbit companions enjoy going outside! But it’s important to make sure they do so in a way that keeps them safe. Training a rabbit to accept a harness and a leash is a great way to allow them to safely explore the outdoors. Read our tips for help on how to teach a rabbit to wear a harness […]

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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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• March 12, 2026

  The growing challenge of accessing veterinary care 

  For many families, taking a pet to a veterinarian can be a real challenge.  Sometimes it’s the familiar struggle of getting a reluctant cat into a carrier – the moment the carrier comes out, the cat seems to know exactly what it means. In other cases, the challenge is far more serious. The affordability crisis has created a real barrier for many loving pet […]

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• Janet Lalonde

  Veterinary medicine became a passion for Janet early in life. Growing up beside a forest and large fields, she spent much of her childhood observing wildlife and training her family’s dogs. Janet studied agriculture and veterinary medicine at the University of Guelph for eight years, then spent 40 years practicing medicine and surgery in a […]

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• February 24, 2026

  How to teach “place”

  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 […]

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• February 12, 2026

  How to stop your dog from eating from the table 

  Few things test a dog parent’s patience like a pair of hopeful eyes locked on your dinner plate. While sharing food may feel harmless, or even loving, table feeding can quickly turn into an unhealthy habit that’s hard to break.   The good news is, with consistency and a little planning, you can train your dog to stop begging or sneaking food from the […]

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