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Getting Ready For The Cold
Even though it doesn’t seem like it recently, we get cold winters that many dogs are unable to cope with. We can prepare ourselves for those bitter cold days by making sure our dog is comfortable and safe. If your dog doesn’t have a coat of their own, make sure you buy them one. Short haired dogs and dogs without undercoats don’t do very well, for very long in our winters. Before you take them for a walk, look to see how much salt has been put down on the sidewalks and how recently. Their feet are unprotected and will succumb to chemical burns from the de-icer. Ensure you are…
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Know The Law
It’s important to both know and understand the legal obligations that come with owning an animal, especially dogs. Legalities regarding ownership may vary from province to province, or even region to region. Some cities have their own bylaws set in place regarding the number of animals that may be permitted in a home and will also include specifics on leash laws, what would be considered “running at large” (loose), or even if you need to have your dog licensed by the city. Additionally, in Ontario, we have what is known as the Dog Owner’s Liability Act aka DOLA. This lays out the basic foundation for ownership laws throughout the province…
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Car Sickness
Car sickness isn’t fun, especially when it comes to dogs. When we say carsick, often, what comes to mind immediately is nausea or vomiting. However, it doesn’t always just manifest that way. Your dog might be experiencing car sickness if you notice things like, excessive drooling, panting, pacing, whining or barking in the car. There could be a few reasons for this so it may help to consider the following. Have they ever been in a car before? If they have, but don’t get in the car often, are they going somewhere scary, like the vet? The best way to deal with any fear, is to slowly get them used…
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5 Bad Behaviours And Why
Jumping Jumping is how dogs will greet each other and this is something they’ll do when they’re excited to see you. Sitting prevents jumping. If you don’t like your dog jumping on you, tell them to sit before they have the opportunity to get their feet off the ground. Remember though, jumping can also be a taught behaviour. Rewarding them with praise and love when you get home, will only make them jump up more. Digging Dogs dig out of boredom, to hide resources, or to find them. To keep your dog from digging up your flower bed, provide them with their own digging sandbox or a designated spot. Keeping…
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Chewing, chewing, all day long chewing
Chewing is instinctive to our dogs, it’s not something we can ever take away from them. There are a few reasons why they feel the need to chew; teething being the first, if you are bringing home a new puppy remember they bring brand new teeth that will need help breaking the gums. Dogs explore the world with their mouths, they don’t have fingers to touch with like we do. Chewing also keeps the jaw mussels strong and helps keep the teeth clean. Some dogs will also chew when they are bored or to help cope when they are upset. So it’s up to us to find a safe way…
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Hidden costs of owning a dog
Be ready for hidden costs. When you get a dog not only are you looking at the fees to take them home from the breeder or the rescue organization but you also have to consider the cost of vets, feeding, toys, and other comforts like crates and beds. Shop around for a vet before you bring your little furry friend home, there is no standardization in vet pricing. Make sure you call and ask if they’re taking new clients and what their yearly check-up fees and vaccination costs are. Don’t forget about feeding them. Shop around at your local pet stores and look at the different brands of food, again…
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When picking a Christmas treat for Radar
Know what’s in your treats. In Canada, there are little to no regulations controlling what is allowed in the products we give our animals. What little regulation we do have, is governed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and outlined in the Health of Animals Act (S.C. 1990, c. 21) – Health of Animals Regulations (C.R.C., c. 296).(1) When you find the section about your pets food in part 4 section 53 you will see it’s very short and all about import, nothing to do with anything made in Canada. It is completely up to the consumer to be reading ingredient lists and educating ourselves on those items. For…
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Walking and snacking
When training your dog it’s important to have a high-value reward. The first rule of picking a high-value treat is that it doesn’t need a high price tag! It just needs to hold value to your dog. Chicken wieners and cheese, or fresh beef liver cooked to medium rare. If you’re using food, keep the pieces small; similar to the size of your baby fingernail or the kibble they eat. While treats are great, be mindful of how much is too much. When training, keep a majority of praises to a physical or verbal level. Give them a scratch and tell them who’s a good dog! Is your furry friend…
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