Dog Nose Best

02/01/2025

Crowds, children, loud music, new environments, other dogs, etc. are all potentially part of a holiday gathering with family and friends. This can understandably be overwhelming and stressful for many dogs.

It’s absolutely ok for your dog to not be present at these holiday gatherings, whether that means to leave your dog at home (if they don’t have separation related issues) while you attend the gathering, or provide your dog with a safe room they can get a little peace and quiet in.

If you were considering taking your dog to a gathering with friends and family and you’re not sure if your dog would be comfortable there, consider calling the host to find out the number of people who will be there, whether there are any other dogs there, as well as anything else you think your dog might be overwhelmed by, so that you can have a plan!

If the gathering is at yours, consider having a space for your dog, like a comfy room, where guests know that your dog is not to be disturbed when they are in there and your dog can choose to have a rest in there with their bed(s) and toys, etc.

And if you have guests who are really keen on interacting with your dog when your dog isn’t feeling so keen on that, you could consider asking them to help with filling up a snuffle mat or snuffle toy to give to your dog!

It does not make our dogs less like family to not be present at holiday gatherings with family and friends and your dog who finds these gatherings overwhelming will certainly not feel like they’re “missing out”.

It just means our dogs get to enjoy their holiday season in the way they’d prefer to!

ID: The text says “Your dog does not have to be present at holiday gatherings if it’s overwhelming and stressful for them.”. Above this is a drawing of a dog sleeping while wearing reindeer ears.

02/01/2025

01/01/2025

💥HUGE New Years Special! 💥
Let's start off 2025 on the right paw.
Want to give your dog the gift of scent??
Want something to tire your dog out in the winter, and not have to take them for a long walk in -30??

🐾Intro to Scent Classes!🐾
*Starting January 6th, at 6:00pm*

These classes are great for dogs needing a little extra confidence, dogs needing to focus their energy, or even for reactive dogs.

Taught by an instructor finishing her Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour, and internationally certified K9 Search & Rescue Handler.

If you have any questions, please send us a message

Ever want to learn the sport of Nosework? This class will take you straight from the basics to teach your dog how to hunt out a scent. The dogs will be introduced to odour, then taken through some introductory challenges. You will also learn to begin reading your dogs body language when they are wor...

30/12/2024

You are your dog's best advocate!! 💯

When strangers touch our dogs without consent, it can be unsettling for them—much like an unexpected touch feels to us. Dogs deserve respect and agency over their bodies. Politely guiding others to wait for the dog’s signals, like approaching willingly or leaning in, helps ensure interactions are safe and comfortable.

28/12/2024

27/12/2024

This time of year, colder weather can make our old dogs feel stiffer and less comfortable. Let’s be mindful of their needs by keeping them warm with a cosy coat and adjusting walks to their comfort level—shorter and gentler if they’re not up for long outings. Their comfort comes first.

26/12/2024

💥Boxing Day Special! 💥

Want to give your dog the gift of scent??
Want something to tire your dog out in the winter, and not have to take them for a long walk in -30??

🐾Intro to Scent Classes!🐾

*Starting January 6th, at 6:00pm*
Want to try a new game with your dog? Especially something you can do inside in the cold!
These classes are great for dogs needing a little extra confidence, dogs needing to focus their energy, or even for reactive dogs.
Taught by an instructor finishing her Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour, and International certified K9 Search & Rescue Handler.
If you have any questions, please send us a message

Ever want to learn the sport of Nosework? This class will take you straight from the basics to teach your dog how to hunt out a scent. The dogs will be introduced to odour, then taken through some introductory challenges. You will also learn to begin reading your dogs body language when they are wor...

26/12/2024

What might seem like something harmless like playing with your child and having them “ride the dog” can become dangerous very quickly especially if they try to do it by themselves unsupervised! 😬

We never want to encourage our children to sit, climb or jump on your dog, even if your dog is seemingly tolerating it…

When this happens, we often hear “the bite came out of nowhere”

Bites can easily happen when our dog’s body language is not respected and we always want to make sure we are not putting our dogs in situations we know might make them uncomfortable like a child sitting or jumping on them!

We always want to remind our children to “Sit On The Ground, NOT The Hound” and help them find other ways to interact safely with our dogs! 🐶

✏️ Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin

26/12/2024

Looking for some ways to help keep your Holiday Season Holly and Jolly while juggling dogs, kids, family and friends?

Here are 5️⃣ of our tips for dog & child Holiday Safety:

1️⃣ Advocate for the needs of your dog and child! Every dog and child is unique; don’t be afraid to say “no” if you think it will make your dog or child uncomfortable! 🛑

2️⃣ Ensure Active, Awake, Sober Adult supervision any time there is a dog and baby/ toddler on the scene! 👀

3️⃣ When in doubt, space it out! Make sure you have a management plan (baby gates, x-pens, crates etc..) to give everyone the space they need to feel safe and comfortable over the holidays 🎄

4️⃣ Make some yummy treats to keep your dog busy! We love , and easy enrichment ideas like the muffin tin game! 🐶

5️⃣ Create a safe zone for your dog and child by using our success stations! ✅

Find this post helpful? Please like, comment, save and share to help others to become more Dog Aware! 🐾

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20/12/2024

19/12/2024

Keep you and your pets safe this holiday season! This infographic from the BC SPCA is a great resource for going through the holidays without a veterinary emergency.
While we love seeing our clients in clinic, we would rather you enjoy the holidays at home with your pets!

15/12/2024

Behaviour is only labelled good or bad because it’s what we have perceived it to be. To our dogs, behaviour is is explored or repeated simply because it is reinforcing in some way.
When we start to think of behaviour just as meeting a need. We can start to change our response to it and work on our own reactions.
And of course tell Santa all dogs are on the good list.

15/12/2024

✨ a crate ✨

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