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Saving just one dog won’t change the world...but, surely, the world will change for that one dog...
january 2016 the official speaking of dogs monthly newsletter
In this month’s newsletterDogs looking for homes ................................2 Events ...........................................................4 Ask the trainer ..............................................6 Bits & bites ....................................................7 Event recap ...................................................8 Recent adoptions ..........................................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: [email protected] Web: www.speakingofdogs.com
Newsletter TeamEditor: Nancy Foran Design: Cathy Vandergeest at www.gawck.ca Contributors: Nancy Foran, Lorraine Houston, Kim Gladding and Mirkka Koivusalo
NewslettersIf you no longer want to receive our newsletter, email [email protected], with “unsubscribe” written in the subject line.
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | January 2016 | 1
Thank you to all of our volunteers, who enabled us to help close to 150 dogs in 2015. It takes many volunteers to help so many dogs. Our foster homes are absolutely essential and provide excellent care to the dogs in need, and we are lucky to have the best foster homes around. We also have some wonderful volunteers who do our administrative functions throughout the year, such as Cathy and Nancy (newsletter), Gerry (Facebook and Twitter), Allison (Instagram and various tasks), Colette (website), Sue S. (foster and adoption screening) Kathy R. and Patti A. (post-adoption follow-up calls), Tammy (thank-you cards), and Kathy B. (rescue directory). We also can’t forget to mention Tracy Munson, who has taken some amazing pictures that helped find our dogs their forever homes.
On top of all of this, numerous people helped with our fundraising and events in 2015. We had our first gala in March (which was very successful thanks to Chris and Denice), and we set up booths at the Canadian Pet Expo, Woofstock, the Toronto Christmas Pet Show, and a few other venues. Thanks to Daniela for organizing the volunteers for many of these events.
Our annual yard sale was earlier than usual, but it was just as successful as previous ones. We held two of our ever-popular online auctions, and we
also created and sold our beautiful 2016 calendar, with many thanks to Rose, Karen, and Colette. Our website – which is critical to our fundraising, our adoptions, and our search for foster homes – is hosted and supported by Martin Bull.
There are so many wonderful volunteers, and I’m sorry if I haven’t mentioned you by name. All of this work throughout the year helped tremendously offset the costs of veterinary and quality care for our foster dogs.
We look forward to 2016, when we will have our second annual fundraising gala (now called Party 4 Paws) on March 5th. Our yard sale will follow soon after. It will be held on the May long weekend, as it was last year. Due to the success of the gala we’ve decided to hold just one online auction, which will be in the fall, and we will also continue to set up booths at several events, such as the Canadian Pet Expo on Easter weekend.
We are truly blessed with so many wonderful volunteers and supporters. Without all of you we would not be able to help so many dogs that need us.
Thank you to all,
Kim GladdingVolunteer and Fundraising coordinator
Thanks Volunteers! Looking Back on 2015 and Ahead to 2016
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | January 2016 | 2
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Chewy chihuahua
small, senior, male
Gadget schnauzer
medium, senior, male
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-process
For more information on each dog, simply click on their name.
a friend in need is a friend indeed
featured dog:
Malachisiberian husky large, adult, male
Malachi (pronounced mal-u-ki and meaning “my messenger/angel”) is a stunning 7-year-old Siberian Husky. Loving and affectionate, he enjoys long walks in the morning and evening. He pulls on the leash so will need a physically strong person and obedience school.
He is sociable, and when on walks he’d love to visit with every dog. He currently lives with two female huskies whom he loves to play with in the sturdy high-fenced area his foster parents have (and an adopter will need). They love to “jaw wrestle,” making husky noises and running around. When he wants back inside he paws the door.
Malachi is great for baths and brushing. He is good in the house, can shake a paw, do high five, and catch treats. He thinks he is a lap dog, and he loves to snuggle and will lean on you for support and hugs. He likes to be with his foster parents, and, if you let him, he will jump on the bed to wake you up in the morning.
His ideal forever home would have another dog but no cats or small pets, since he has a high prey drive. If you are looking for an angel of a dog, you’ve met him – it’s Malachi!
Turtle shih tzu / poodle mix
small, adult, male
Lubu shepherd mix
medium, young, male
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | January 2016 | 3
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Moose husky mix
medium, young, male
Neeko german shepherd
large, young, male
Jimmy pug / beagle mix
medium, adult, male
Pepper cairn / schnauzer mix medium, senior, male
Madison german shepherd
large, senior, female
Milo maltese / toy poodle mix
small, adult, male
Rudy shih tzu / poodle mix
small, senior, male
Alfie miniature poodle
small, senior, male
Holly shepherd / labrador mix
x-large, adult, female
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | January 2016 | 4
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this seminar will answer questions like: • WhatisDOLA?
• Whataremyresponsibilitiesasadogowner?
• CanIbeheldliableformydog’sbehaviour?
• WhatprecautionsshouldItaketokeepmydogandotherssafe?
• Canmydogbeseized?
• Whatisthedefinitionofa“pitbull”?
• Howisapitbullidentified?
• CanpitbullsbetransferredoutofOntario?
• Whatisanordertoprohibitdogownership?
• WhenshouldImuzzlemydog?
• Whatifmydogbitessomeoneduringabreakin?
speaking of dogs presents:
Understanding DOLA (Dog Owner’s Liability Act)
Weallwanttomaketherightchoiceswhenitcomestoourdogs.Weknowthatbeingadogownerisaresponsibility thatneedstobetakenseriously,butunderstandingtheDog OwnersLiabilityAct(DOLA)canbecomplexandconfusing. JoinusforthisinformativepresentationasKimSmithers,veteransupervisoratTorontoAnimalServices,examinesandexplainsthedetailsofDOLA.
AportionoftheproceedsfromtheDOLAseminarwillbedonatedtoTorontoAnimalServices.
featuring kim smithers, supervisor, toronto animal services enforcement & mobile response unit
SundayApril3rd,2016BroadlandsCommunityCentre19CastlegroveBlvd.(DVPandLawrence),TorontoM3A1K911a.m.to2p.m.Lightsnacks/refreshmentsserved$50.00(plusHST)
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | December 2015 | 6
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to tug or not to tug? When you grab a toy, does your dog try to get it by nipping, jumping, and barking? Would your dog keep running after a ball forever? If so, you have a reinforcement at your disposal that you can use to train polite behaviours, so don’t give it to your dog for free!
Playing tug is a concept that still occasionally raises eyebrows, as one urban legend in dog training is that a dog can become aggressive if allowed to play tug or (heaven forbid) win the toy. These are concepts that are very much out of date, and, I often use tugging as a reward for behaviours when I want speed and enthusiasm, such as long-duration heeling or recalls.
But it is very true that, with some dogs, you have to be mindful about how you play tug because if you don’t implement clear rules and allow the dog to snatch the toy by jumping and nipping, things can get out of hand. For this reason, children should only be allowed to tug with dogs under adult supervision.
Now let’s look at the two rules of tugging.
First RuleTrain a rock-solid “drop” to get the toy away from your dog. There are several techniques to train “drop,” and I have found the following to be the most straightforward: first, condition your dog to the word, before she has anything in her mouth, by saying “drop” (or any chosen word) and then tossing a few treats on the ground. Then slowly introduce a toy, and when the dog picks up the toy, say “drop” and again toss treats on the ground, but without expecting your dog to respond to the cue. Sooner or later, she will start spitting out the toy when she hears the magic word. (For a more detailed description, see this movie by Domesticated Manners.)
Why train “drop” before tugging? First, if your dog doesn’t relinquish the toy
back to you, he may end up just playing on his own, meaning it’s no longer a mutually engaging activity. Second, for dogs who get very aroused by a toy, it is important to play in short bursts of 10–20 seconds at a time followed by the “drop” cue so that the dog learns to calm himself down before playtime continues.
But what should you do if your dog finds the toy more reinforcing than the treats? You may have to condition the word a little bit longer without a toy and then first introduce easier items for her to pick up instead of her favourite tug toy. Also, having two identical toys can help. You can give her exactly the same toy as a reward for dropping the one in her mouth. Another trick that works for the type of dogs for whom the actual pulling and tugging is the most reinforcing part: let go of the toy yourself before you say “drop.” This way the toy has already become more boring, as you are not tugging the other end. The dog will be more inclined to spit it out.
Second RuleYou should only tug with a calm dog. If the dog is jumping, barking, nipping, or doing anything obnoxious, never give him the toy because you will reinforce these unruly behaviours. You can ask your dog to “sit” or “lay down” or, even better, just take deep breaths yourself and wait for him to offer any polite behaviour on his own. When you see a behaviour that you like, clearly give him the green light for tugging by saying “get it,” “yes,” “take it,” etc., and give the toy to him at his level so he doesn’t have to jump to get it. Tug for a short time, 10–20 seconds, and then do your “drop.” Wait for any calm behaviour before re-initiating tugging.
You can gradually shape the calm default behaviour into anything you want, for example, a longer down or eye contact. This game will teach your dog to self-regulate her arousal level and is an excellent impulse-control exercise for rambunctious types.
Once you have established the rules of tugging, you can start using the game as a reward. Use a very special tug toy that your dog only gets as a consequence of doing behaviours for you, one that is not available to him at all times. Dog sport people often take advantage of this: they cue a dog to perform behaviours, followed by a tug reward.
Should you ever let your dog win the toy? Absolutely – in some cases. I certainly do with my older dog because it is a huge confidence booster for him to run around with the toy in his mouth, and he really enjoys it. When I want the toy back, I will ask him to “drop” and I pick it up. This would not work with dogs who find the toy entertaining on its own and just run away with it. That game is not a shared activity. They should be allowed to do that with their “household” toys, but not with the ones used for reinforcing behaviours.
Gradually you can start asking your dog to do several behaviours in a row and then tug. For everyday manners and training, an excellent behaviour to reward by tugging is a recall! Call your dog, and when she runs to you, out comes the tug toy. You can use a well-tossed ball similarly: when your dog is running toward you, toss the ball in the direction your dog is running. You could even carry a little tug toy in your pocket on your leash walks and reward your dog for doing nice loose-leash walking beside you.
Games make everyday walks and interaction much more fun for both you and your dog, and the fact that your dog has to work for the toy will strengthen your bond.
Mirkka Koivusalo, MSc, PhD, owner of Mindful Behaviors and co-owner of the Toronto Centre For Canine Education
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | December 2015 | 7
Bits & Bites
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies put together a list of the good, the bad, and the ugly in
animal welfare in 2015.
When Canadian North airline could no longer fly dogs from the Iqaluit Humane Society to a shelter in
Gatineau, Quebec, to help deal with overcrowding, First North stepped in to help.
It was a long time coming, but cold temperatures are here! Check out these cold weather tips from the OSPCA.
Blue Buffalo has agreed to a $32 million settlement in the false advertising and product
mislabelling class action lawsuit brought against them.
The OSPCA has issued a statement following the release of a video that appears to show Bowmanville
Zoo owner Michael Hackenberger abusing a tiger.
Planning to head south this winter? You should be aware of the danger of Chagas disease, spread by
the triatomine bug, also known as the kissing bug.
video Bits & BitesMeet Dusty the cat burglar – a criminal mastermind.
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:Click on a recall to be directed to further information online.• VariousStellaandChewy’s frozen foods for dogs and cats, including shipments to Canada•BravoChickenBlenddietfor dogs and cats• Nutrodogtreats• Dave’sSimplytheBestDog Food• CentinelaWelcomeHome duck jerky and duck treats
We here at the newsletter are very honoured and delighted to be nominated for an award in the Dog Writers’ Association of America’s Annual Writing Competition in the Online Magazine or
Newsletter category. Please keep your fingers crossed for us as we await the announcement of the winner, in February. A full list of nominees can be found at https://dogwriters.org/2015-nominees/.
wags and wiggles for us!
Cheerful wags and wiggles to Ramble and Rescue, who donated items to Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program and other rescues through their holiday
supply drive for Toronto shelters and organizations. You can find out more about Ramble and Rescue at their website, www.rambleandrescue.com.
thanks ramBle and rescue!
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | January 2016 | 8
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Volunteers LunchA good time was had by all when the Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program volunteers met for lunch just
before the holidays. Everyone sure enjoyed the buffet! It also gave us the opportunity to reflect on all of the dogs we helped in 2015 – and all of the volunteers who did the helping. Daniela Rodrigues was recognized
as Volunteer of the Year, Doreen and Mike Nielsen were the Foster Parents of the Year, and the vets and staff at Cedarbrae Veterinary Clinic were the Angels of the Year.
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Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | January 2016 | 9
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Happy TailsDecember 2015 adoptions: A big thank you to our foster parents and our new adoptive guardians for helping give these loving dogs a second chance.
SassySadie 2Sadie
RogueMomoChaplin
see our 2015 dogs!Take a look back at our awesome 2015 Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program dogs in this beautiful video: https://youtu.be/IGv2T0J5aCA
Huge thanks to Gerry B. for putting the video together!
