Search Results for: training
-
How to teach “leave it”
Teaching your dog “leave it” redirects their focus when they are interested in items they shouldn’t be, and it assists with impulse control. It can be an incredibly beneficial skill that can help keep dogs safe from potentially dangerous items they may encounter, such as toxic substances, or harmful foods. It discourages behaviours like scavenging, […]
Post
-
March 24, 2025
Tips for your first week home with your newly adopted pet
Adopting a new dog or cat is very exciting. That furry friend you’re giving a second chance to becomes a friend and member of your family. But before you bring your dog or cat home, there are a few things you should do to make sure you are prepared for your new life together. Before […]
Post
-
March 13, 2025
Caring for a blind animal – What you should know
Adopting a blind animal can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique responsibilities. Whether you’re considering adopting a blind dog, cat, or another animal, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure their well-being and make the transition smoother for both you and your new furry friend. Understanding […]
Post
-
February 28, 2025
Joining Paws: Updates to the Ontario SPCA’s Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre
We have some exciting news to share! The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre (PDRC) is now able to support dogs from other SPCAs and Humane Societies to help give them the extra TLC they need to find loving homes. The Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre opened in 2023 in Peterborough […]
Post
-
February 27, 2025
Paws off claws: Why cats’ claws are important
As a cat parent, it can be frustrating coming home to a couch that’s been scratched up, or a new rug that has some more loose threads than it used to. Remember, cats don’t know the difference between what’s okay to scratch and what’s off limits, but with some training they can learn to scratch […]
Post
-
February 7, 2025
February is Dental Health Awareness Month
Did you know that February is Dental Health Awareness Month for our pets? The Ontario SPCA and our friends at Royal Canin want to remind caregivers that, like us, our pets need regular dental care, and that care should happen year-round and not just during the month of February. Dental health needs vary There is […]
Post
-
January 13, 2025
Indoor activities for your pets during the winter months
The winter can often mean more time spent indoors for us and for our furry family members. There are many benefits to spending time indoors with your animals, such as bonding and being in a comfortable, supervised space. We’ve put together a few activities that you can do at home to keep your furry friend […]
Post
-
December 13, 2024
The incredible power of your dog’s nose
Have you ever marvelled at how your dog can sniff out treats from a mile away or detect that you’ve had a snack, even when you’ve hidden the evidence? That’s because dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell, which is much more powerful than ours. Understanding how your dog’s nose works and how they use […]
Post
-
December 5, 2024
Thinking of adopting a VIP animal? Read the FAQs about VIPs
If you’ve been thinking of adopting an animal from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, you may have noticed the VIP status on some of the animals on our adoption page. VIP stands for Very Important Paws and these furry friends make very amazing friends! You may have questions about our VIP program, and we […]
Post
-
December 2, 2024
Give the gift a loving home this holiday season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s iAdopt for the Holidays campaign! With many people enjoying time off and being home together as a family, now is the perfect time to welcome an animal into your life if you’ve been thinking of adopting. The goal is to […]
Post
-
November 25, 2024
Adopting a senior animal: Agatha’s story
Have you ever thought about adopting a senior animal? Senior animals make wonderful companions, but sadly many are overlooked by adopters. Many pet parents who have adopted senior animals report that they feel a deep sense of satisfaction to be able to provide a forever home and soft place to land for an older animal […]
Post
-
November 14, 2024
How to teach appropriate greetings when your dog meets a stranger
It’s common for many dogs to be unsure and wary of new people. Teaching your dog how to appropriately greet a stranger allows for conflict-free introductions to new people and makes the experience less stressful for everyone involved. Always begin in a low-distraction environment the dog is comfortable in to help them succeed. Here’s what […]
Post