Friends of Toto Park

09/13/2024

Is mounting or hu***ng a sign of dominance in dogs?

Hu***ng or mounting is a fixed action pattern (FAP), which are innate behaviours. These are behaviours that are common to all members of a species and require no learning. A Fixed Action Pattern (FAP) is a predictable series and stereotypical sequences of complex actions triggered by a cue - www.simplypsychology.org. www.sciencedirect.com.

Hu***ng or mounting is NOT:
Dominance
Controlling you or another dog
Alpha behaviour
Only seen in unsterilised dogs
Only seen in males
Only seen in younger dogs
To cause you embarrassment
To get your attention or get back at you

Hu***ng or mounting by male or female dogs of any age CAN be due to:
Excitement
Sexual rehearsal
Burning off pent up energy
General stimulation...yippee, something’s happening!
Stress/Anxiety/Displacement behaviour
Play
Hyperarousal
A medical issue
Boredom
Frustration
Burning of excessive energy (like zoomies)
Ambivalence about a situation or a dog
Unease
Tiredness

If you are worried:
Make a note of how many times a day this is happening.
Take your dog for a medical check up.
Contact a up to date science-based behaviour consultant to identify the triggers and the emotions to be able to develope a modification plan to improve the emotional state and hence the behaviour.
What to do in the moment - if the dog underneath seems uncomfortable and stressed then please interrupt. It may mean that the 'top dog' is unable to read the body language of the other one. Rather redirect that energy to a toy or chew as opposed to saying off. Give him something mentally stimulating to do instead. If they are having turns and alternating this behaviour with other behaviours like chasing, tumbling, play bows, etc., then leave them be.
Be careful of your dog doing it to random dogs in a park that he does not know. The unknown dog could become aggressive due to not wanting the behaviour.

Note - many Google searches for this behaviour will bring up the word dominance. The behaviour is not due to such a simplistic, misunderstood term. Dogs do it to pillows, toys or furniture - do you think that they are trying to dominate those inanimate objects? Every dog is an individual with unique emotions. The feelings and motivations for the behaviour will differ from dog to dog but it is certainly not about dominance. Don't believe everything you read on Google and check your trainer's/behaviourist's credentials. Let's not label every behaviour beyond our understanding as dominant 🙂

Most guardians rush to sterilize their dogs when this happens...it may not make a difference.

09/10/2024

Toto is heartbroken to learn that everyone's favourite Cane Corso, Bane, crossed the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. Bane was a lovable giant, and a true gentleman of a dog. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time, he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

09/07/2024

Handsome, shy boy Dezi needs a home and some shares please. He's currently with our friends at Brampton Animal Services.

Meet Dezi, a beautiful German Shepherd who is now available for adoption!

Dezi has come a long way from his initial fearfulness of being handled, and he now eagerly looks forward to his daily walks and playtime. His transformation is a testament to his resilience and the loving care he has received. However, Dezi can still be a bit shy when meeting new people, so he will need a patient and understanding home that can help him continue to build his confidence. We are seeking a mature home for Dezi, preferably with someone who has prior experience with Shepherds. This breed generally requires a knowledgeable owner who understands their needs and can provide the structured environment that Dezi thrives in.

Dezi's new family should be committed to multiple visits before adoption to ensure that he is comfortable and that this transition is as smooth as possible for him. Dezi will do best as the only animal in the home.

Come meet Dezi at Brampton Animal Services, located at 475 Chrysler Drive in Brampton. Our adoption hours are Monday to Saturday from 10am-4pm.”

08/31/2024

🎉 Calling All Supporters: We Need Donations for Our Annual Auction! 🎉

We’re gearing up for our biggest event of the year—our Annual Auction! 🐾 Your generous donations make all the difference in helping us continue the amazing work we do for our furry friends and community. We’re currently looking for items or services to be donated, such as:

Gift baskets 🎁
Handmade crafts ✂️
Pet supplies 🐾
Local business gift cards 💳
Unique experiences (tours, classes, etc.) 🎟️

Every contribution, big or small, will help make this event a huge success! Please DM Jean or Georgia Michigan if you can donate or if you know someone who can. More information is coming soon!

Thank you for your continued support! Let’s make this auction one to remember!

08/30/2024

08/29/2024

08/29/2024

08/29/2024

🐾🌟 Meet Tilly (Wendy): A Survivor with a Heart of Gold! 🌟🐾
Still looking for a Foster or Foster to Adopt

Tilly's journey began in northwest Georgia, where she endured harsh conditions living outdoors in a muddy area on a chain. Her paws were partially frozen, but thanks to a kind woman's intervention, Tilly's rescue journey began, and she has come a long way since then. Now located east of Toronto, Canada, Tilly is ready to find her forever home.

08/27/2024

Sensory ability may help canines track their prey

08/26/2024

We can NOT do this without you as we have no physical address.
——-
FOSTER TODAY!
We are in particular need for foster families in the Markham, Barrie, Welland, Cambridge, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga area!

Strong preference for fenced yards, child and dog/cat free home. All expenses are paid. We can’t rescue Labs without your help!

Please sign up to be part of the solution today and help us save a life.

LINK in BIO lab-rescue.ca

Questions [email protected]

08/26/2024

We need some no pet households - persons with some experience on how to manage and train anxiety when left alone dogs would be great.
Please fill out an application on our website at www.boxerrescueontario.com

08/26/2024

08/26/2024

We are looking for area reps to join our team! If you'd like to help us, please send us a message!

Area rep tasks are as follows:

1.Area reps are responsible for soliciting, collecting, and storing donations for the rescue and distributing to fosters as instructed by Melissa Van Grootel or another authorized representative. Supplies to gather and store include: food, leashes, collars, crates, treats, tags and microchips (will be sent to you), auction donations, monetary donations (to be sent directly to Melissa Van Grootel for holding), any other dog supplies such as cable tethers, fencing materials, dog houses, etc. Are also appreciated to give our dogs the extra sense of security in their foster homes

2.Area reps are responsible for setting up local fundraising and adoption events, and attending the events whenever possible. We maintain a google calendar of when and where events are being held, as well as have a group chat with all the team members on facebook so that we can all discuss amongst ourselves when and where events (and anything else) will be held. We ask that all area reps help us build a positive relationship in their community through respectful communication with local businesses and groups. If we can make a presence monthly or bi-monthly in each area, that is fantastic. You will also be responsible for contacting local fosters and owners with available dogs to ask them to attend the adoption events.

3.Area reps are responsible for contacting local veterinary clinics to inquire on their rescue pricing, policies and whether they are accepting new clients. It is very important that we expand our veterinary relationship roster for each area so that we have veterinary options when an available dog needs care. All finalizing of rescue-vet relationships is done by Melissa Van Grootel, but your assistance in opening the communication is greatly appreciated!

4.Area reps are responsible for local transports whenever possible. Whether it be a new shelter intake from your local area that needs to be picked up, or a supplies transport to a foster in your area, or a vet appointment transport that the foster is unable to do, your assistance is greatly appreciated! We ask that you be available within a 1-hour radius of your area.

5.Area reps are responsible for generating a positive presence both on and off-line for the rescue, including sharing posts from the SMART page on local facebook groups (where allowable by group rules), recruiting foster homes locally, conducting home visits for prospective adopters/fosters, as well as the other listed tasks above. You may also be asked to do related tasks that are not listed at any given time.

If you think you can dedicate time and effort to this task, let us know!

08/26/2024

Brampton Residents.....

🐾 Don't miss out on our month-long Microchip Clinic! For the month of September, we are offering microchipping Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 am to 12 pm. This clinic is exclusively for Brampton residents and operates by appointment only. For just $20, ensure your beloved pet gets a permanent ID for added peace of mind.

Did you know that having your dog or cat fixed and microchipped can also lead to lower licence fees? Remember, all dogs must be on a leash (no retractable leashes) and cats need to be in carriers for their safety.

We're excited to welcome you and your furry friends! Secure your spot now by calling 905.458.5800 or emailing [email protected] 🐶🐱

08/16/2024

Are tools worth it? Here at Mutts of Merit, LLC., they are collected and often exchanged for harnesses to give the dog a more healthy and humane existence. If you want to make a swap, text 724-717-3007.

Here are the Consequences:

1) Slip Leads/Choke Chains (aka Noose)
Potential Damage:
--- Bruising
--- Whiplash
--- Headaches
--- Crushed Trachea
--- Laryngeal Damage
--- Fractured Vertebrae

2) Prong Collars
Potental Damage
--- Skin & Muscle Inflammation
--- Thyroid Gland Injury
--- Eye Damage
--- Cervical/Spinal Injuries
--- Laryngeal Damage
--- Esophagus Damage
--- Crushed Trachea
--- Cough or Collapsed Windpipe

3) Shock (e - electric) Collar
Potential Damage

*** Physical***
-------- Painful Burns/Skin Irritation
-------- Muscles Spasms
-------- Cardiac Fibrillation
-------- Pressure Sores/Bruising

***Physiological***
-------- Distress (leading to phobias, anxiety, fear, and aggression.
-------- Negative Associations to things in their environment.
------- Fear/Distrust in handler

4) Anti Bark Collars (Citronella)
Potential Damage
--- Irritate nose, mouth, and throat and lead to gastrointestinal issues if inhaled or ingested
--- Skin Irritation/Inflammation
--- Head Shaking
--- Sneezing
--- Nausea

********Education is Power********

PSA: If your trainer, groomer, shelter worker, kennel attendant, dog dietician, dog walker, or veterinarian's office staff recommends, uses, or refers to people using these tools, ask yourself, "Do they REALLY" like dogs? "Do I really want my dog out of my sight around them?"

Regardless of what someone tries to tell you, there is NO RIGHT WAY to use these tools. Period!

Never ever forget - using aversive tools shows where someone's skill ends. A truly ethical and human pet professional will know all the potential health risks and be against their use. Sometimes you just have to open your eyes, see who likes what, comments where, and supports thing - the proof is always in the pudding!
🐾❤️🐾