Confusing canine behavious: why does your dog look at you when he poops?
You know that look. Your dog squats and peers up at you. The expression seems to be part guilt, part embarrassment. But unless they somehow notice you’re not equipped with a poop bag and they’re momentarily ashamed to be with you, the look is not one of embarrassment.
Confusing canine behavious: why does your dog look at you when he poops?
You know that look. Your dog squats and peers up at you. The expression seems to be part guilt, part embarrassment. But unless they somehow notice you’re not equipped with a poop bag and they’re momentarily ashamed to be with you, the look is not one of embarrassment.
Ok. You’ve read this far, so we assume you’re willing to admit, at least to yourself, that you’re as curious as we were about this.
One of our staff was walking a couple of dogs and was laughing to herself about this common and rather guilty expression that washes over a dog’s countenance when attending to such matters. She mentioned it to us and had some amusing thoughts as to what was “behind” it. It’s never been in our extensive new-staff training program. (And we don’t plan on making any addition in this respect.) We did think it might be one of those things you’d always wondered but didn’t want to ask.
When your dog crouches to do his or her business, there’s something else going on. They’re pack animals. Historically, this would be a rather vulnerable, defenseless moment in a dog’s life. Having a rival or predator sneak up at this time would be rather unsettling. They’re looking to you for assurance that everything’s alright – that you’ve got their back, as it were.
So the next time you find yourself on the receiving end of an awkward “number two” glance, you can trust that your pup is just putting faith in you as a purveyor of safe pooping.
We see lost dogs pretty often. It’s not surprising – there are about 40 of us and we’re out on the streets and in parks. A wayward dog stands out to us. Sometimes they have tags. Sometimes they don’t. Some of the dogs are absolutely ecstatic to be on an exciting adventure. But some are rather panicked.
The last lost dog we came across made us think – maybe we could offer some advice in what to do if your dog is ever lost. Let’s hope it never happens; if it does – to you or a friend – here’s a little cheat sheet we’ll call Lost and Found.
We see lost dogs pretty often. It’s not surprising – there are about 40 of us and we’re out on the streets and in parks. A wayward dog stands out to us. Sometimes they have tags. Sometimes they don’t. Some of the dogs are absolutely ecstatic to be on an exciting adventure. But some are rather panicked.
The last lost dog we came across made us think – maybe we could offer some advice in what to do if your dog is ever lost. Let’s hope it never happens; if it does – to you or a friend – here’s a little cheat sheet we’ll call Lost and Found.
Lost and Found Cheat Sheet:
1. Call the Humane Society
People are most likely to report lost pets here. They may also simply bring them straight in.
2. Call Animal Services
In Toronto, the number is 416-338- PAWS (7297).
3. Mobilize
Get friends and family to help immediately. Call us if you like! Make sure your friends are armed with these things:
a) Cell phones and your number. Make one number the command post and be sure you’ve got a fully charged phone; if this is an issue, choose someone who can stay near a landline to be in charge of “central command”.
b) A photo of your dog and a description. Describe the dog tip to tail. Many photos won’t show the whole dog and will miss obvious things like – no tail.
c) An idea of what your dog is like. Where he might go. What he likes and doesn’t like.
d) A route to cover. Don’t have multiple people covering the same ground if it means you’re missing possible ground.
e) A report of where and when he was last seen and whether he was wearing a collar or tag as well as what colour they are.
f) Squeaky toys (if he responds to those)
g) Treats (if he’s food motivated)
i) Posters and tape or a stapler.
j) An extra leash if possible. If they find your dog, they’ll need a way to secure her, especially if they’re on foot.
4. Think about why?
A dog that’s scared, a dog who saw an opportunity for adventure, a dog who’s lost himself. They’ll act differently. A scared dog will hide. An adventurous dog will go somewhere fun; maybe somewhere familiar.
5. Think about how
Your dog’s character may play a part in how best to recover him or her. Rover may have run off because he’s scared or maybe confused. He may not consider himself lost. His nose may have led him on a trail for which the rest of his body just came along the ride.
Is your dog food obsessed? Have anyone in your search party armed with treats. You know the way a food-motivated dog will respond to the rattle of treats in a tin or a bag. Also, consider that he may be rifling around in something tempting. Is it garbage day? Check the sides of houses in the neighbourhood where compost may be waiting to be discovered.
Timid dog?Call out cheerfully and softly. Obviously you’ll need to be heard. But be careful not to sound angry or upset. Yelling won’t encourage a fearful dog to appear. Scared of loud noises? If your dog ran off during a thunderstorm or a fireworks display, he’s frightened. There’s a good chance he’s hiding under something that would afford him some “protection” from the menacing noises. It may be as close to home as under your deck. Have your searchers check under cars or hedges – anything that might be a doggy safe haven.
A love sponge? If she’s a gregarious, people-lover there’s a good chance she’ll wander up to people for pats. Be sure to ask everyone you pass. They may have seen her and not realized she’s lost.
6. Call your vet
Call other vets in the neighbourhood. Not only may they have a network that could help, but if your dog is microchipped, they’ll be on the lookout to scan your pup if someone brings him in. Microchipping is a wonderful invention - few canines ever remember their address or phone number.
7. The Internet
Post on Craigslist or Kijiji. Look for lost pets groups. HelpingLostPets.com, , Facebook Groups and Pet Harbor. There are so many resources now. The key is to post quickly and cast the net as wide as you can.
8. Poster
This should include your dog’s name, a photo, a description, a phone number to call, and the date she was lost. It doesn’t hurt to mention that he’s from a family who misses him.
9. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Social media can be of immense help. Put it out there and ask for shares. Do it as quickly as possible. It helped Bob Odenkirk recover a dog when a dog whizzed by him at the open gate of a dog park.
10. Think creatively
We know a great Yukon veterinarian whose staff was taking a patient dog when disaster struck. The dog wasn’t tethered and he escaped. In a big city, this is bad news. In the Yukon where there are only 33,000 people in the entire territory and more trees and open land than the mind can really imagine, it’s horrific. They thought fast, though. They hired a helicopter. Within half an hour, the pilot spotted the dog. It cost $440 for the hour, but they got him back safe and sound. We’re not suggesting you have the number for your local whirly bird on hand, but it does show that some quick and creative thinking can go a long way.
11. Someone’s found your dog, but he won’t come when he’s called
A stressed dog may not be great with recall. Exercise patience. Get into a low position – crouch. Call gently. Ask for a sit. We’ve found that because it’s one of the very first things dogs learn as puppies, this is the one command a dog is most likely to listen to even when everything else won’t work. “Sit” is just ingrained. When the dog sits, ask for a stay. As long as you have that sit, you’ve got time. Don’t rush it – you don’t want to start the chase all over again. It’s not a bad idea here to wait calmly and call for backup. This is where you as the owner being present could make all the difference.
12. Found. Daisy’s back in your arms
Thank everyone involved, of course. But be sure to take down all the posters you’ve put up. You don’t want people calling a week later, nor do you want to have worried and concerned neighbours on the lookout – they’ll take less notice the next time they see a lost dog sign if they feel such posters are never current. Be sure at this point that she’s got a tag with up-to- date contact info, a collar that fits and possibly even a microchip. If there are holes in the fence or some recall training that needs to be done, now’s the time. An ounce of prevention . . . you know how that goes . . .
Dog Parks in Toronto can be pretty varied. The city’s dog-sanctioned parks are wide, spacious, ravine- like settings ranging to more close-quartered affairs. It’s really amazing how much green space we do have in this town, even if some is rather unevenly distributed. The weather is getting nicer and the ...
Dog Parks in Toronto can be pretty varied. The city’s dog-sanctioned parks are wide, spacious, ravine-like settings ranging to more close-quartered affairs. It’s really amazing how much green space we do have in this town, even if some is rather unevenly distributed. The weather is getting nicer and the coming weekends may be a great time to explore a new bark park.
Here are a few of our ponderings. We thought about writing a “Best Dog Parks in Toronto” post. But what we think might be more valuable is a brief overview. Some parks may suit some owners better than others. Some may favour your mood or goal better. If the idea is to meet a number of other dogs and have a good play, we might suggest a different kind of park than we would if the object were to tire your pup out on a more lengthy run.
Choose the right dog park for your weekend walk
How long do you want to be out for? If you’re thinking of a good couple of hours, a dog walking Toronto in one of the ravines is great. Start out with that and end at the dog park for an off-leash portion. This is great especially when your dog’s energy can sometimes overwhelm other dogs at the park. He’ll be more satisfied, less anxious and more prone to well-mannered play if you approach a long walk this way.
An active mixed-walk suggestion – Midtown
In the middle of the city, you can’t get much better than The Beltline Trail. This is an amazing trail that snakes through midtown Toronto. Try starting out at Roxborough and Mt. Pleasant if you’re driving. If you’re not, start at Milkman’s Lane at the top of South Drive and Glen Road. Both trails will send you through some of Toronto’s most beautiful natural scenery – and probably some of its best smells, there’s a creek running through the first half of the route if you take the Beltline option. You’ll wind along the trail, passing beside the Bayview Extension and towards the Brickworks. You’ll find an enclosed dog park as your reach the Brick Works. Unleash the beast here and then grab a coffee and a ridiculously tasty sandwich at the Brickworks’ Belong Café or something from the summertime farmer’s market. There’s a shuttle there (limited hours) if you feel you or your dog aren’t up to the walk back.
An active mixed-walk suggestion – West End
If you’re in the west end of town, or want to consider venturing out there, High Park can’t miss. Just be aware that if you go mid-day on a beautiful weekend, you’ll have quite a bit of company. It’s a popular one and Dog Hill, the off leash park can be well-populated in peak times. Also, be aware – it isn’t fully fenced, so hounds that may have their noses to the ground may get travelling ideas of their own.
Start at High Park station if you’re not driving. Walk in at Colbourne Lodge Rd and take the West Rd fork on the right. After 350m (about a 4 minute walk), you’ll see a trail that shoots off away from the West Rd. to the right. Turn onto it and you’ll soon feel like you’re in some countryside painting. The path will take you downhill to Grenadier Pond and alongside it for about 1km. It’s about a 12 minute walk, but it may take you much longer just ambling along and letting your dog sniff out all there is to be investigated. At the 1km point in the trail, you can turn left and join any one of a half dozen paths up the hill. They’ll take you up to join West Rd again and Grenadier Restaurant on the left, where you can get a take out burger and a coffee. Or continue along the road where it merges into Colbourne Lodge Rd, head straight along it for about 200m to join the throngs of other off leash dogs at Dog Hill. There’s lots of shade here, so it’ll stay a little cooler in the summer, too.
On the other extreme of dogs parks, there’s Toronto’s East End Gerrard Carlaw Dog Park. Although it’s exclusively a dog park, it’s something you could easily pass without noticing. It’s not large, but it’s a decent size to have your dog run with some other nice pups and get good and tired out. It’s well-shaded and offers a few benches to have a little sit-down, too. Best of all, it’s fully fenced. As with all small parks, the ground cover wears pretty thin quickly with all the condensed paw-traffic. It can get a bit mucky, but not nearly as drenched as some of the larger parks that are shaped like bowls.
In rainy weather, Withrow, Riverdale and Bickford can be a good place for a real mud-bath. They’re great spots with lots of room, but their low-level placement can lead to some significant sogginess. Also, they’re not great for dogs with less than respectable recall skills as they aren’t all fenced-in.
Toronto’s too big and lush a city to critique all the great parks in one post. What we want to suggest is that you try a few out. Also, think about what you want out of the experience.
One of the things that defines a great dog park more than its physical characteristics is how dog owners act in the park. Picking up after your dogs (our walkers will even pick up after others when they don’t) is an obvious one. But being sure to interact with your dog at the park. A dog that’s left to his or her own devices can be much like an unruly child – they’ll find their own trouble if options aren’t provided.
And try to be aware of the state you bring your dog into the park. Have a walk beforehand if Rover’s bouncing off the walls. Ask for a sit stay a few times. Bring the kind of dog into the park that you’d want your dog to play with. Once you’re in the park, one of the tricks our walkers and dog boarders use is to call the dogs back throughout their time there. Calling a dog back only at the end of the walk will result in diminishing returns. They quickly catch on to the idea that every time they come back, they’re asked to leave the fun times. If they are called and released after a friendly pat, they’ll be much more likely to be generally responsive.
If you've chosen to take your dog on a trip, instead of looking for dog boarding Toronto , well, then, sometimes dogs stress in cars. They drool and salivate. They pant. They howl. They even throw up. It’s not fun – if you’ve had the experience,...
If you've chosen to take your dog on a trip, instead of looking for dog boarding Toronto, well, then, sometimes dogs stress in cars. They drool and salivate. They pant. They howl. They even throw up. It’s not fun – if you’ve had the experience, we don’t need to tell you how not fun it truly is. Of course, it’s not fun for a dog either.
Check out the tips here to get your dog over negative feelings about the automobile. After all, it’s almost road trip season.
More often than not, it’s a mental obstacle rather than a physiological one.
1. Take your dog to the car before a walk.
2. Lift him up in to the car. Be gentle. Put Rover on the back seat. Close the door.
3. Get into the driver seat.
4. Then . . . don’t do anything.
5. Just sit there.
6. After three minutes, climb out and get your furry buddy.
7. If you’re going to treat him, do it before you lift him out.
8. Now go on a fun walk.
9. Do this a few days in a row.
10. The neighbours will think you’ve lost it. That’s ok. They probably do goofy things to.
11. On the third or fourth day, do the same thing. This time start the engine. Repeat the other steps.
12. Do the same again the next day.
13. The day after, turn on the engine and the radio.
14. You get the picture, build up stimuli. Don’t go anywhere for a while. Make a positive association with a treat and a walk.
15. When you first go on a drive with your concerned companion, make it a short one. And end it at the dog park or ravine – somewhere he likes.
Chances are your dog has a tendency to beg for treats and scruffle around under the dining room table for scraps, and while sometimes they come in handy as a vacuum replacement, there are some foods that our dogs should never consume.
Chances are your dog has a tendency to beg for treats and scruffle around under the dining room table for scraps, and while sometimes they come in handy as a vacuum replacement, there are some foods that our dogs should never consume.
With this is mind, we thought it was a good idea to review which foods are most toxic for dogs. We’ve covered the age-old offenders like chocolate as well as some lesser-known foods that can cause some canine concerns.
Here are the main human foods that can be toxic for your dog:
Alcohol
Although you may be tempted to share that beer with your K9 companion, alcohol can cause intoxication in dogs too, and this can lead to disorientation, breathing and cardiovascular irregularities as well as a higher than normal acidity.
Chocolate
We’ve all heard this one, chocolate is a no-no for our pups. Theobromine and theophylline found in any chocolate can cause excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea and potential damage to your dog’s heart and nervous system.
Coffee/Caffeine
The effects of caffeine are essentially the same as chocolate, it’s best to avoid anything containing caffeine when it comes to your dog.
Salt and Salty Snacks
Introducing too much salt into your dog’s system can cause dehydration as well as pancreatitis. This goes for additional fat content too.
Grapes/Raisins
This is one that not everyone is already aware of. Grapes contain a toxin that can cause severe liver and kidney damage.
Macadamia Nuts
Another one you may not have know about, macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can cause weakness, swollen limbs and damage to your dog’s digestive system.
Onions/Chives and Garlic
In any form, onions are poisonous for dogs. They contain disulfides and sulfoxides that can cause anemia and damage to red blood cells.
Pitted Fruit
As you may have guessed, any pitted fruit poses the problem of intestinal blockages and enteritis.
Yeast (on its own or in bread)
Just like in bread, yeast will rise inside your pup’s tummy causing sever bloating, gas and discomfort.
Xylitol - Sugar
Keep any candy, gum or baked treats and goodies away from your dog. Sugars and sugar substitutes can cause seizures and liver failure.
Avocado
Another lesser-known culprit is avocado. This contains Persin and can induce diarrhea, vomiting and heart congestion.
Raw Fish
Regular consumption of raw fish may result in a vitamin B deficiency in which case seizures and loss of appetite are common.
Milk and Dairy
Dogs are lactose intolerant - in small doses dairy may only cause some seriously smelly farts, in larger quantities however, it can cause loss of appetite and gastro-intestinal discomfort.
Cooked Bones
While raw bones are great for your dog’s nutrition and teeth, the risk in cooked bones is their potential to splinter and cause choking.
Most of our posts will be useful, helpful, thought-provoking and even offer ways to save money and time. This one, however, pretty much promises not to do any of those things.
If there’s something more prolific on the internet than weird and banal ravings in online comment sections, it’s...
Most of our posts will be useful, helpful, thought-provoking and even offer ways to save money and time. This one, however, pretty much promises not to do any of those things.
If there’s something more prolific on the internet than weird and banal ravings in online comment sections, it’s videos of pets. We’ve been pulled into that vortex before . . . ok, we still do. It’s a deep, deep rabbit hole...
So, to save you time (and in a vain attempt to recoup all that time we’ve lost and can’t get back), we’ve curated some of our favourite dog videos from all corners of cyber-ness. They’re funny, they’re ridiculous and they’re heart-warming. Click on a few, or all of them. But let’s be honest. You’re probably going watch them all eventually. And you’re probably going to lose a few minutes of your day here. But it’s sliver of time compared to what we’ve watched. An absolute sliver.
If you’ve got some that we should absolutely see (especially if they’re of your own dogs) don’t be shy about letting us know.
Drunk Girls Surprised with Puppies
Pup Quiz on Jimmy Fallon
(Warning - if you don’t like Drew Barrymore or puppies, you’re not going to like this one at all.)
Coolest Retired Man Creates World’s First Rescue Dog Train
Denver, the Guilty Dog - Exposed
Husky Dominates Leaf Pile
The Great Dog Escape
Dog gets 3D Printed Legs
It’s Settled - Bacon is Irresistible
If This Frenchie Were a Kid, Ritalin Would Be Prescribed Instantly
Beagles Raised as Labratory Dogs Set Free For the First Time
If you know a four-legged tail-wagger who deserves something nice this holiday season, we’ve got some thoughts for you. Some of our favourite Toronto pet shops - real experts in good quality dog products put some suggestions together for you.
There’s something for every dog lover - from stocking stuffer...
If you know a four-legged tail-wagger who deserves something nice this holiday season, we’ve got some thoughts for you. Some of our favourite Toronto pet shops - real experts in good quality dog products put some suggestions together for you.
There’s something for every dog lover - from stocking stuffer to something a little bigger.
If you haven’t checked out these local stores, you owe it to yourself - and your favourite canine. Each one is quite unique and all of them are staffed with caring experts. It’s funny, too - the flavour of the community each of the stores inhabit is undeniably palpable. That’s one of the things we love about shopping locally in the city - it just goes double for stores where they know your dog’s name!
For now, check out the list for puppies naughty and nice.
It’s a great list for that hard to buy for friend or family member who loves their dog, too.
Jack & Mr Moose at The Bone House
A Canadian dog deserves a hint of yuletide wilderness - even if it’s in their living room. This wild pair are all-natural soft eco felt toys. There are no eyes to pop off or stare back. Just a simple, cheerful playtoy for a simple, cheerful dog. "Jack" the buffalo plaid bear, and "Mr. Moose." Both $22.00
If you know a dog who craves comfort - maybe even intrudes on yours - then this is perfect. Bowser’s URBAN Lounger has been a staple at The Dog Bowl since opening their doors over 4 years ago. A modern take on the dog bed with practicality in mind as each bed is made with durable fabrics and is completely machine washable. Hand made in Mississauga by Bowser Pet Beds. Prices range from $100.00 to $179.00. Made in Canada. Found in Trinity Bellwoods. Doubly local. Doubly merry.
What do you get the dog who has everything? You just get him more.
If reindeer were chewers, this is what Santa would get them. Hugglehounds, the most adorable plush toys with built in webbing that makes them pretty darn durable for even the toughest mouths. They even come in festive characters like Frosty the Snowman and Santa himself. Prices range from $15.99 - 29.99 each.
Whole Jerky Natural Dog Treats at Annex Pet Supplies
What says festive occasion better than the smell of bacon? Plenty, probably. But you’ll make a big holiday impression every time this pack gets cracked open. Fruitables Whole Jerky Thick Cut Bacon are natural grain-free jerky treats that are delicious and wholesome. They have no added fillers, nitrates, sugars or salt. Your dog will love these delicious treats. And, because the holidays should be for all ages, they aren’t too hard for older dogs to enjoy. Pig out!
The greatest gift you can give a dog is your company. But your company isn’t always available. When it’s not, A Leg Up is. Give the gift of company this holiday season. Get an A Leg Up gift card for the dog-lover in your life. Overnight boarding, daycare, walks or puppy visits. They’re available in $25, $50, $75 and $100. Get them through A Leg Up direct, or pick one up at any one of these great local stores. Good company is what it’s all about.
These are some of our favourite gifts from local businesses.
Adopting a Dog Can Be One of the Sweetest Experiences Life Brings. How It Begins Can Be Surprising.
It’s 30 below Celsius. It’s midnight.
You’re somewhere outside Buffalo, slowly circling the parking lot of a Super 8 to stay warm.
The transport truck is due shortly after 1 a.m.
Headlights appear in the distance, but they belong to a vehicle too small to be carrying the cargo you’re expecting. They soon fall into place behind you, creeping carefully through the tracks you’ve created in the snow. Before long, a parade of cars pace the perimeter together, expectantly. You decide to park and put an end to the curiosity that’s looming in the air like thick fog. The others follow suit and you soon realize you’re all there for the same reason.
That reason: you’re about to bring home a new member of the family.
There’s an elderly couple in a rundown pick-up who are taking home a pair of sibling kittens because they can’t be separated and the young family anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first ever puppy.
People from all walks of life, some travelling from great distances and across borders are all about to help change the life of animals who wouldn’t have otherwise had a chance.
The truck arrives and the driver hops out. You’re humbled to meet this person who dedicates their spare time to transporting these animals across the country -- overnight and through snow storms -- to see that they’re safely delivered to their new families.
The doors of the moving van open and it’s stacked floor to ceiling with crates; some of which contain more than one set of eyes peering out at you. A little black and white ball of fluff is lifted into your arms, slightly stunned, but otherwise happy and healthy. Minutes later, the truck closes up and heads off to another roadside stop in the middle of the night.
Before parting, you all wish each other luck, say your goodbyes, and head home with the animal that warmed your heart more than a car ever could.
That’s how Adelaide came to arrive in Toronto (and A Leg Up’s dog daycare, for that matter) from North Carolina on a cold night in March. Right off the bat, she opened her ‘mom’, Tracy, up to an experience she would have never had otherwise. And that’s the beautiful thing about having a dog; they expose you to people, places, emotions, and adventures that hadn’t been a possibility prior.
Dog walking at 7 a.m. in your pyjamas leads to a conversation with a stranger, who soon becomes a friend, because your dogs have brought you together. You ask their advice, share your own, commiserate over the fact that the streets are always littered with chicken bones (seriously, they’re everywhere), and laugh about the fact that poop is now a permanent part of your vocabulary.
Your life’s purpose now includes doing everything in your power to put a smile on that little ball of fur’s face…even if they can’t technically smile. You speak in voices you never knew you had, your ears are tuned into every sound they make, your sleep pattern adapts to theirs, and, in return, the love you receive is the unconditional kind you couldn’t comprehend until now.
Each year, upwards of 8 million would-be pets find themselves in animal shelters across North America. Never understanding how they got there or why, unable to select a fate other than the one they were offered, waiting for the cage door to open them up to a new life, just as it did for Adelaide.
Jack & Mr Moose at The Bone House
Bowser’s URBAN Lounger at The Dog Bowl
Hugglehounds at Wooftown
Whole Jerky Natural Dog Treats at Annex Pet Supplies
