Saving just one dog won’t change the world...but, surely, the world will change for that one dog...

october 2015 the official speaking of dogs monthly newsletter

In this month’s newsletterDogs looking for homes ................................2 Ask the trainer ..............................................4 Bits & bites ....................................................5 Recent adoptions ..........................................7 Event recap ...................................................8 In memoriam ................................................9

About Speaking of DogsSpeaking of Dogs is a Toronto-based organization that launched in 2001 and is dedicated to educating and enlightening people about dogs through seminars, workshop forums, outreach and rescue. Our goal is to end cruelty, abandonment, mistreatment and homelessness of man’s best friend.

Speaking of Dogs Rescue is the operating name of Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program, a not-for-profit charitable corporation in the Province of Ontario.

Contact Speaking of Dogs1277 York Mills Road, Box 33508 Toronto, ON Canada M3A 3R5 Phone: 416-444-4190 | Fax: 416-444-7116 Email: info@speakingofdogs.com Web: www.speakingofdogs.com

Newletter TeamEditor: Nancy Foran Design: Cathy Vandergeest at www.gawck.ca Contributors: Nancy Foran, Lorraine Houston, Kim Gladding and Emily Fisher

NewslettersIf you no longer want to receive our newsletter, email newsletter@speakingofdogs.com, with “unsubscribe” written in the subject line.

Fall Pet Safety Tips

Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | October 2015 | 1

Don’t forget about your four-legged friends as you plan events around Thanksgiving and Halloween!

We all love to indulge a little at Thanksgiving, but if you want to spoil your pets a little too, make sure you do it safely. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Cookedturkey,mashedpotatoes, unseasoned cooked green beans, and cooked carrots are usually safe treats for cats and dogs, but gravy and turkey skin (which are high in fat) and stuffing (which usually contains onions and/or garlic) are best kept to your human family.

• Makesureanyturkeyyoufeedisfully cooked and does not contain any bones.Cookedbonescansplinter, which poses a serious choking risk to pets.

• Alittlebitofatreatgoesalong way! You may feel a little sluggish after a too much turkey and potatoes, but letting your pet overindulge can give them serious gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis, which can belifethreatening.Monitorhow much you give your pet and make sure guests don’t overtreat either.

Halloween is great fun for trick-or-treaters of all ages, but pets often require special consideration on the big night. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure the evening is a treat!

• Chocolate,particularlydark chocolate and baker’s chocolate, is toxic to dogs and cats, as is the artificial sweetner xylitol. Keep all candy out of your pet’s reach.

• Keepdogsandcatsinside,where they’ll be safe. If possible, put them in a separate room to make sure they don’t bolt out the door when you’re greeting trick-or-treaters.

• Ifyou’relightingapumpkinwitha candle, make sure it’s out of your pet’s reach so they don’t burn themselves or start a fire. Young, curious cats and dogs are particularly drawn to the dancing lights of jack-o’-lanterns.

• Don’tdressupyourpetunlessyou know for sure it won’t bother them. If you’re not skilled at interpreting canine and feline body language, opt for a spooky collar or bandana instead!

For more information you can visit these sites:www.aspca.org/pet-care/thanksgiving-safety-tips

www.animalleague.org/expert-advice/health/articles/seasonal/thanksgiving-tips.html

www.spca.bc.ca/pet-care/health-safety/halloween-frights.html

www.aspca.org/pet-care/halloween-safety-tips

www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/halloween-safety.html

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Nebula german shepherd mix

large, young, male

Nina siberian husky

medium, senior, female

Without a doubt, a dog is a real friend. Our dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common – they all need loving forever homes. Open your heart and your home to a rescue dog. You’ll be glad you did.

For complete information about the adoption process, please visit www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption-processFor more information on each dog, simply click on their name.

A friend in need is A friend indeed

feAtured dog:

Lewis labrador retriever large, senior, male

Gertie shih tzu / terrier mix small, adult, female

Lewis has had quite the journey over the last two years, but his latest heartworm test was negative and our big boy is now ready for his forever home! Twelve-year-old Lewis enjoys napping at your feet, interacting with his canine foster brother and sisters, and rolling around on his back. He has been on a raw food diet, which has helped keep him at his ideal weight of 75 pounds (he was quite overweight when he first came in). Lewis has a few lumps and bumps that we have kept an eye on, but we haven’t observed any changes.

He greets his foster mom at the door and is always ready for a cuddle. His foster mom has not noticed any anxious moments, and he seems fine during thunderstorms and fireworks.

Lewis is good with other dogs, housetrained, walks well on leash, and is great in a vehicle. He has been on restricted activity while going through his recovery, but

he is now out walking and building up some muscle activity. Stairs are not Lewis’s favourite, but he does climb carpeted stairs to get to the bedroom.

CanyougiveLewistheforeverhomehesorichlydeserves?

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Millie shih tzu

small, senior, female

Mitchell pomeranian

small, adult, male

Quinn pekingese / cavalier spaniel mix

small, adult, female

Sojo labrador / shepherd mix

medium, adult, male

Tucker beagle mix

medium, adult, male

Chase beagle / basset hound mix

medium, adult, male

Shasta german shepherd dog

large, adult, female

Jada german shepherd dog

large, adult, female

Chewy chihuahua

small, senior, male

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More thAn MAnners: trAining As enrichMent

How much fun is teaching a dog not to jump on people, to get off the couch, and to stay off the counters? How about the stress of living with and training a reactive, aggressive, or fearful dog?

Dog training is too often seen as a chore, or even as optional. There’s a whole world beyond puppy socialization and basic manners. Training should be engaging and entertaining for both you and your dog, giving each of you critical skills in inter-species communication.

Enrichment is critical for all dogs, and positive training can play a crucial role inprovidingthisforthem.Mentallyactive dogs are happy dogs! Providing your dog with enrichment toys, such as Kongs and Nina Ottosson puzzle toys, is an excellent strategy to relieve boredom, but it doesn’t compare to the relationship-building that happens when you are actively engaging your dog in training.

The best training is based in the dog working to gain something they want to have. That could be treats, toys, or even access to another activity they want to engage in. Training that is based in stopping a dog’s behaviour tends to be stressful and frustrating for a dog, shutting them down, and doesn’t act as

enrichment. Look for a sport or activity that your dog seems to take particular joy in. That could be because they inherently enjoy the process, or it could even be that they were bred for that purpose.

There are many different activities you can get your dog involved in, and some will require you to be far more involved than simply going to a single training class. Here are a few that most owners haven’t heard much about:

Scent DetectionYou can train your dog in scent detection just for enrichment, for competitive sport, or even as a career (for example, bed bug sniffing). You will teach your dog to look for a specific odour and then “indicate” to you that they have found it, for example, by sitting in front of the location of the odour. The great thing about this sport is that it requires very little space and can be trained in your living room.

TrackingTracking is similar to scent detection in that it involves using scent to find something,beitatrackoranitem.Atracking dog will learn to use scent to follow a trail a person has travelled, and the dog will “indicate” dropped items in a similar way to a scent detection dog. Tracking requires a larger outdoor space in which to train.

TreiballTreiball is a relatively new sport that looks like a combination of herding and soccer. Dogs are directed from a distance to move several large exercise balls across aplayingfieldintoagoalnet.Anybreedor type of dog can participate in Treiball, not only herding breeds.

HerdingManybreedsofdogshavebeenbredspecifically for herding ability. They will move livestock such as sheep, goats, and cattle across distances and can separate individuals for

vetting or other procedures. The best candidate for herding will of course be a herding breed; however, many non-herding types have successfully been taught to herd livestock. The major difficulty with herding is finding access to livestock and a knowledgeable instructor to ensure safe, happy dogs and livestock.

Rally ObedienceRally is a great introduction to obedience sports without the same pressure of competitive obedience. Rally is frequently taught in group-class formats and can be structured as anything from a fun sample class to building a solid foundation for competition. Owners and dogs learn various obedience movements with the goal of navigating a course of 20-plus signs that indicate which movements to complete. The stations are primarily obedience based but include aspects of agility as well.

TricksTricks is a broad topic and can be anything from a simple paw shake to a walking hand-stand. Tricks are

too often “poo-pooed” as being silly and unnecessary, when they are actually an excellent way to teach (and learn!) training skills without the pressure of competition, manners, or formal obedience. When ...Continued on p. 5

Emily Fisher, CPDT-KA Scratch and Sniff Canine Services, Guelph, ON

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bits & bites

MarcBekoff,professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of

Colorado,discussescurrentresearchon psychological disorders in animals.

PatMillerprovidesguidance on “How to Survive Your Dog’sArousalBiting.”

OnAugust29thwe marked the 10th anniversary of Ontario’s pit bull ban. The Toronto Humane

Society and many other groups are still campaigning to repeal this legislation.

Meanwhile,theSaskatoonSPCAistaking in banned dogs from Ontario and giving them a second chance at a

loving forever family.

Adogwalkerexplains the many reasons why she hates invisible fences.

ATorontoStarreport shows how Toronto’s cats have tougher lives than the city’s dogs.

UsedEverywhere.com has introduced new policies to help block puppy millers and other unethical breeders from

selling pets through their site.

Video bits And bites This video helps explain the rich way dogs experience the world through their sense of smell.

bits &

bites

Simply click on a summary to be whisked away to the internet page where you can read the full story.

this Month’s recAlls And Alerts:• OCRawDogChicken,Fish and Produce raw frozen dog food.

•CounterfeitOrigenandAcana food is being made and sold in Asiaandcouldmakeitsway here via online retailers.

countless volunteers and businesses help our speaking

of dogs dogs. We try to recognize everyone in some way, at some time, and we

have a periodic feature that lets you know about the extra special efforts of some of the amazing people who support

our dogs. are you thinking of a business that deserves a big speaking of dogs shout

out? don’t keep that thought to yourself! share it with us at info@speakingofdogs.com.

August 29 is the 10th anniversary of Ontario’s pit bull ban, and the Toronto Humane Society continues to speak out against this flawed legislation.

We’re asking the government to repeal breed specific legislation and instead focus on a community approach to bite prevention. From bite awareness programs and teaching kids how to behave around dogs, to reducing aggression through proper socialization, training and spay/neuter – there are better ways to protect public safety and animal welfare.

Learn why breed specific legislation is flawed and lend your voice to the cause. Send an email to Ontario’s Attorney General and ask her to repeal Ontario’s pit bull ban.

Blame the Deed, not the Breed

...Continued from p. 4 you think about it, everything we teach our dogs is “just a trick” in their mind! If you are stuck in a rut tricks can make training fun again. Did you know that you can even get titles in trick training?

FreestyleFreestyle looks like a combination of obedience, tricks, and crazy dance moves. Owners will teach the tricks they want to include and then put together a routine to music to show off the dog’s ability to chain multiple tricks together in one fluid performance. There’s so much room for creativity in freestyle!

Rally FrEeRally FrEe is an up-and-coming new sport that combines rally and freestyle.Acourseisassembledwithsigns at each station indicating which movement is required. Unlike rally, it incorporates movements that would traditionally be used in trick training or freestyle rather than obedience.

Skijoring/Bikejoring/Urban MushingThese sports are great for the great outdoors enthusiasts among us, both human and canine. These are particularly good options for dogs who are bred for running and pulling. The dog is hitched to a bike, scooter, or a person on skis and learns to take direction as they pull their owner. It’s critical to have a properly fitted harness that is designed for pulling.

Carting/Weight PullThese are two different sports involving teaching a dog to pull heavier weights, eitherdeadweightoracart.Aswiththelast sport, it is critical to have an expertly fitted harness that is specially designed for pulling heavy weights. There’s significant risk of injury if an improperly designed or fitted harness is used on a dog pulling significant weight.

Areyouexcitedtotryanewactivitywithyourdog?Contactyourlocalpositive-reinforcement trainer about classes, or search the web for a local organization for the sport that interests you.

Speaking of Dogs Scentsy Fundraiser

Since 2001 Speaking of Dogs Rescue has helped transport, foster, vet, and re-home hundreds of dogs. The majority

of the dogs the rescue admits are from sheltersor are puppy mill survivors. They also have a

strong focus on helping senior dogs.

Scentsy is a wickless, flameless candle. The warmers are available in almost every design

and style so there is one perfect for yourhome! There are over 80 scents available to help you create your perfect atmosphere.

There are also room sprays, Scentsy Buddies, car fresheners, and much more!!!

Contact Ashley White today to place your order. 15% of all sales from Oct 1–31 will be donated to Speaking of Dog Rescue. shumpys.scentsy.ca shumpy2012@gmail.com 289-927-2518 To guarantee Halloween products before Halloween, place order before Oct 15. These items are LIMITED!!!!

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Happy TailsSeptember 2015 adoptions: Abigthankyoutoourfosterparentsand our new adoptive guardians for helping give these loving dogs a second chance.

JakeTiffany

LouieSally

PicoWinnie

Astrid

Olly

the fAll online Auction is next Month!the speaking of dogs rescue fall online auction will be running from november 8th to 14th, so mark your calendars!

We’d like to thank those who have generously donated the many items we have to auction off. tons of great pieces will be going under the hammer, including a hand-made quilt; beautiful jewellery; household items; dog coats, boots, and collars; golf clubs; various prints – and much more!

speaking of dogs must actively fundraise to assist the many dogs who need our help, and the online auctions are one of our largest fundraisers. all funds raised go directly to veterinary costs and care for the dogs.

the november newsletter will have even more info, including details about how to view the auction items and – most importantly – place your bids!

thanks from all the dogs and everyone at speaking of dogs rescue.

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Woofstock Wags and Wiggles!It was a great Woofstock

weekend, with tons of visitors to Speaking of Dogs Rescue’s booth.

Huge thanks to our Woofstock volunteers, Lorraine H.,

LindsayB.,KatieS,.MindyZ.,GailR.,PattiA.,DeniseandChrisD.,KathyR.,KathyB.,

Sheri P., Evguenia P., Dixie R., and Kim G.

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in mem

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Tazloved by rose and John moffat

november 1999 - septmeber 2015