Liefdog

17/12/2025

Wednesday Wisdom:

We play with lasers and our cats, but what about our dogs?

Many dogs would LOVE chasing laser dots — but what looks like play can actually create long-term emotional distress.

This is one type of play I NEVER suggest for dogs and here is why...

16/12/2025

Training Tip Tuesday!

Your leash should be a seatbelt, not a steering wheel.

The leash is there for safety, not control. Think of it like a seatbelt — a backup system, not the main driver.

A leash should be loose most of the time, with your dog responding to verbal guidance rather than leash pressure.

When the leash becomes a steering wheel, walks turn into tug-of-war, one-arm-longer-than-the-other-itis, and a power struggle.

Build skills off-leash indoors or with a long line first, then transfer to a regular leash.

Partnership, not pulling, makes walks enjoyable.

06/12/2025

This.

05/12/2025

04/12/2025

Kennel cough is going around Toronto! Some great tips from our friends at East End Vets

We’ve been seeing a rise in kennel cough cases in our community, and with the holiday season in full swing…boarding, travel, dog parks, and family gatherings — it’s spreading a little more than usual.

What to watch for:
• A dry, hacking or “honking” cough
• Gagging or retching
• Mild lethargy
• Sneezing or runny nose

Kennel cough is highly contagious, but most cases are mild. If your dog is showing symptoms, please keep them away from other pups and reach out to us so we can help guide you on the next steps.

A little prevention goes a long way and we’re here to support your pets through the busy season. 🐾

04/12/2025

THURSDAY THANKS!

"Through the Cranky Canine program, I learned to understand my dog's leash reactivity issues and what I can do to manage his environment as I help him to change his emotional response and behaviour around triggers.

Caryn explained the science and strategies in ways that made sense. Caryn understands what dogs and their guardians are going through on an emotional level and gives us the tools and hope for change."

03/12/2025

WEDNESDAY WISDOM:

Tired of your dog jumping on people they meet on walks? That's completely understandable! It's normal behaviour for a dog, but often not a socially-accepted behaviour in our society.

Let's look at some strategies.

02/12/2025

Training Tip Tuesday!

Cues should predict good things — not threats or frustration.

Your dog’s name, “come,” “leave it,” or “sit” should feel like invitations, not warnings.

If cues are often paired with scolding, being leashed, or losing something fun, your dog may start ignoring them.

Flip the script: make cues predictors of good things — rewards, praise, or access to something enjoyable.

When your dog feels happy hearing you, reliability skyrockets.

Communication works best when it’s rooted in trust, not fear.

01/12/2025

is launching new free resources to support pet caregivers through grief, created by the Ontario Veterinary College. The new hub combines storytelling with expert insight to help people navigate the loss of a beloved companion animal.

Learn more: https://pettrust.ca/pet-loss-support/

01/12/2025

MONDAY MOTIVATION

Dogs don't follow commands - they follow relationships.

You can bark orders at your dog until you're blue in the face but at the end of the day your dog will not trust you more.

Dogs are social creatures and sentient beings who are capable of deep, loving relationships with their own species and others.

Build the relationship, not the repertoire.

30/11/2025

I’ve just completed my instructor training for Pet first aid and CPR! I am so excited to be working with in bringing you this extremely important training.

Stay tuned for 2026 dates!

30/11/2025

Sunday Soundbyte!

We often feel guilty about leaving our dogs at home while we work and if the day is long then I completely understand and sympathise. Leaving a dog alone longer than 6 hours (especially daily) is no longer recommended.

😱

"Wait, what?!", you say.

I know, I know. Gone are the days of leaving our dogs home alone for 8-9 hours daily, from Monday to Friday.

We know that social isolation can cause distress in dogs and we can do better!
Here are some tips:

✅ Avoid using crates for long periods—especially when you are not home—unless it's for temporary (illness/injury), travel, or medical purposes.

✅ Instead, prepare a safe, puppy-proofed indoor space equipped with water, toys, bedding, and possibly a gated area or open crate for comfort.

✅ While no firm statutory rule exists on how long a dog may be left alone, the general accepted norm is up to 5–6 hours, assuming the dog has what it needs and is not showing distress.

✅ If you suspect longer alone-time is necessary, consider options like a dog walker or trusted sitter.

✅ If your dog is showing signs of distress (barking, howling, destruction, potty accidents, attempts to escape) then suspend all absences until you can connect with a CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer) like me!