Animal Behavior

Exercise

Posted on by Kayla Chabarekh-Lapier

The Importance of Regular Exercise for Your Dog’s Physical and Mental Well-being

Just like humans, dogs thrive on regular exercise to stay healthy, happy, and balanced. Exercise is essential not only for maintaining physical fitness but also for supporting mental well-being. A dog that gets regular exercise is more likely to be well-behaved, content, and less prone to anxiety or destructive behaviors. But when it comes to walking and playtime, it’s important to consider more than just a daily stroll around the block. Here’s why regular exercise is so crucial for your dog, along with tips for making those walks and activities enjoyable and safe for both of you.

Physical and Mental Benefits of Exercise

Exercise is key to your dog’s physical health. Regular activity helps prevent obesity, strengthens muscles and bones, and supports cardiovascular health. It also helps to alleviate common issues like joint pain and stiffness, particularly in senior dogs or breeds prone to hip dysplasia.

But the benefits go beyond physical health. Dogs need mental stimulation, and exercise is one of the best ways to engage their minds. A walk isn’t just about the physical movement; it also provides an opportunity for your dog to explore, observe, and experience the world. The simple act of sniffing, for instance, stimulates your dog’s brain and provides essential mental enrichment. Allow your dog plenty of time to sniff around on walks—this is their way of “reading” the environment, processing information, and keeping their brain sharp.

Avoid the “Weekend Warrior” Syndrome

While it’s great to fit in an intense exercise session on the weekend, it’s important to avoid overloading your dog with too much activity at once. Just like people, dogs need regular, consistent exercise. Going for long, intense walks or hikes once a week (the "weekend warrior" syndrome) can lead to exhaustion, injury, or strain, particularly in older dogs or those not used to heavy exertion. Instead, aim for moderate activity spread throughout the week to keep your dog fit, healthy, and injury-free.

Play Safely with Ball Games

Playing fetch with your dog is a fantastic way to get them moving, but it’s important to choose safe, enclosed spaces for these games. Open fields or parks may be tempting, but they can pose risks like traffic, other animals, or uneven terrain. A secure, enclosed area allows your dog to run freely without danger. Additionally, be mindful of your dog’s energy levels during play. Short bursts of activity are great, but overly long sessions may tire your dog out or lead to joint stress.

Say No to Retractable Leashes

While retractable leashes might seem convenient, they can actually increase the risk of injury. The thin, often slippery cord can snap back unexpectedly, potentially causing cuts or abrasions, especially if your dog is pulling. Additionally, retractable leashes give dogs too much freedom, which can lead to situations where your dog might dart into traffic or hurt themselves. For walks, a traditional, sturdy leash is a safer choice and allows you to keep better control of your dog’s movements.

Incorporate Basic Obedience Training

Basic obedience training isn’t just for show—it’s a great way to make your walks more enjoyable and safer. When your dog knows essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel,” walks become easier to manage, and your dog will be more responsive in public spaces. Training also provides mental stimulation, which can tire your dog out in a positive way and reduce unwanted behaviors like pulling on the leash or excessive barking.

Exercise in All Seasons

Dogs are happy to exercise in most weather conditions, but it’s important to take precautions depending on the season.

  • Winter: Many dogs enjoy walks in the cold, but salt on the roads can be painful for their paws. Be sure to wipe your dog’s paws after walks to remove salt and chemicals. You can also consider using booties to protect their feet from icy surfaces and sharp debris.
  • Summer: Hot pavement can burn your dog’s paws and lead to overheating. When walking in summer, try to avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day. Early mornings or evenings are ideal for cooler temperatures.

Small Dogs Need Exercise Too

It’s easy to assume that small dogs don’t need as much exercise, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Even smaller breeds need regular physical activity to stay healthy and burn off excess energy. Even short, 20-minute walks and interactive games can keep your little dog fit and happy.

Caution with Brachycephalic Breeds

Breeds with shortened noses—like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus—are more prone to overheating. Their flat faces make it more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature, so exercise should be kept moderate and always in cooler conditions. During warmer months, avoid intense physical activity, especially in hot weather, and ensure your dog has access to water and shade at all times.

Conclusion

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. It helps keep them fit, strengthens their bond with you, and reduces stress and anxiety. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a fun game of fetch, or a short training session, make exercise a regular part of your dog’s routine. By being mindful of their breed, age, and the weather conditions, you’ll ensure that your dog remains healthy, happy, and safe while getting the exercise they need. So grab that leash, head outside, and enjoy the walk!

Why is it Important to Take Obedience Classes With Your Dog?

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

 

Why a Dog Training Class is Better Than Training at Home

Training your dog is one of the most rewarding aspects of pet ownership, but many owners wonder if they can simply train their dog at home or if they really need a formal dog training class. While home training can work in some cases, there are several key benefits to enrolling your dog in a group obedience class that can make a significant difference in your dog’s behavior and overall well-being.

1.  Obedience and Clear Communication

One of the main reasons for behavioral challenges in dogs is a lack of clear communication, which can lead to confusion and inconsistent responses. In a group class, professional trainers help you understand your dog’s mindset and teach you how to communicate with him effectively. By learning how to recognize your dog’s signals and providing consistent guidance, you can achieve lasting obedience and a stronger bond with your pet.

2. Socialization with Other Dogs and People

A well-behaved dog needs to know how to interact with both humans and other dogs. In a group training class, your dog will have the chance to socialize in a controlled environment, which helps reduce anxiety and teaches him how to stay calm around new stimuli, other dogs, and unfamiliar people. Socialization also helps prevent behavioral issues like aggression, fear, and over-excitement, which can arise when dogs aren’t exposed to different environments or situations during their formative months.

3. Strengthening the Bond through Positive Reinforcement

Group obedience classes provide a unique opportunity to deepen the bond between you and your dog. In these classes, you work together to learn new skills, which fosters mutual trust and understanding. As you practice positive reinforcement techniques—rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or play—your dog learns to associate you with positive experiences. This not only helps your dog feel more confident and secure but also strengthens the connection between you. With consistent training, your dog will look to you for guidance, and you’ll become a reliable source of support

4. Self-Discipline and Control

Training a dog isn’t just about teaching commands like “sit” and “stay”; it’s also about teaching self-control. Dogs often struggle to maintain discipline when distractions are present, such as other dogs, cats, toys, or even food. A structured training class allows you to teach your dog how to focus and stay calm, even in high-distraction environments. With proper training, your dog will learn to control his impulses and stay focused on you, even when there’s a tempting distraction nearby.

5. Preventing Behavioral Problems and Improving Quality of Life

Unfortunately, dogs that don’t receive proper training often develop behavioral issues, which can seriously affect their quality of life and that of their owners. Poorly trained dogs are more likely to be rehomed, surrendered to shelters, or even face euthanasia. On the other hand, dogs that attend obedience classes are less likely to develop these issues and are more likely to lead fulfilling, well-adjusted lives as good canine citizens.

 

Conclusion

While training your dog at home can work for some basic commands, group obedience classes provide an invaluable environment for both dogs and their owners. They offer structured training, socialization, and the development of important skills like self-discipline and leadership. Most importantly, they help prevent behavioral problems that could otherwise lead to major challenges in your dog's life. By investing in a dog training class, you’re setting your dog up for success and ensuring that both you and your dog enjoy a happy, healthy life together.

Puppy Survival Guide

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

POTTY TRAINING

Potty training is an important step for your puppy - the key is to support your puppy to correctly reinforce the desired behaviour of relieving himself in a specific place.

  1. Every puppy is unique, so it is important to follow an outing schedule that works for your puppy. The easiest way to keep track of key periods is to start a logbook. For example, after a play session or after waking from a nap, your puppy may need to go out. Your puppy might be able to hold it for 60-90 minutes in the afternoon, but will need to go out more frequently in the evening. The logbook can provide guidance.
  2. When you take your puppy outside (or to the designated area), avoid distracting him and try not to wait for more than a few minutes. Choose a cue word that will tell them it’s time to relieve themselves. For example, "potty", which you can say in a cheerful voice as soon as your puppy finishes relieving himself. Your voice alone should be enough to encourage your puppy - there’s no need to offer a treat as well.
  3. Accidents in the house are NORMAL! It is essential that you don’t punish your puppy, because he might choose to go and hide to relieve himself, which would make potty training more difficult. You can take your puppy to the designated area to let him finish if necessary. Otherwise, you can simply clean the soiled area with an odour-eliminating product and record the incident in your logbook to be more attentive next time.
  4. For potty training indoors with a training pad, you can follow the same recommendations. However, it is very important to keep the training pad out of your puppy’s reach. You should designate a room or use your puppy’s cage or pen to enclose the area. When your puppy needs to relieve himself, you should go with him as you would outside.

STAYING ALONE

No puppy likes to be left alone, and that’s perfectly normal, because he is going through an attachment period. However, you can create a soothing environment to keep him company even when you are away.

  1. A crate isn’t the only option; the goal is to define a smaller space to calm your puppy down. You can choose a crate, an enclosure, a gate or any other space that suits you.
  2. In order to create a positive association for your puppy, we suggest leaving a food toy (which contain treats or wet food) for your puppy to create the association that your departure brings a fun activity.
  3. You can also choose to put calming music on (such as classical music) or even “white noise” such as a running fan to create a soothing atmosphere and encourage your puppy to sleep.
  4. If your puppy shows signs of stress (vocalization, drooling, destruction) despite these preventive measures, you can try a natural calming supplement that is suited and recommended for puppies. Talk to your veterinarian.
  5. Filming your puppy in your absence during the first few days/weeks will allow you to follow his evolution and intervene if necessary.

 

NIPPING/CHEWING

Nipping is probably the most irritating behaviour in a puppy. However, nipping/chewing is an essential learning stage in your puppy’s emotional development, which will help him to become a well-balanced dog.

To help your puppy choose better things to chew, you need to introduce chewing as an activity. Here’s how:

What to offer?

You can give your puppy toys to play with, interactive toys that contain food, and safe chew sticks. The important point is to provide a chewing activity that is suitable for your puppy.

Three non-negotiable rules  

  1. 1.    Choose a chew toy or puppy teething stick that won’t be too HARD. You should be able to easily squeeze the toy in your hand; the stick should be flexible while still allowing you to break it in half with your hands. If you give your puppy a chew toy or teething stick that is too hard, he will become irritated and will chew on it out of frustration.
  2. Offer SHORT chewing activities. When a puppy does the same activity for too long, he may become agitated rather than calm. It is therefore preferable to keep the activity short and repeat it more frequently to keep the puppy satisfied.
  3. Create a daily ROUTINE of activities. It is important to offer the same chewing activities at the same time of day, and to repeat the daily routine. By creating this predictability, your puppy will be more relaxed when there is nothing for him to do.

 

THE “SIT” COMMAND

The first command your puppy needs to learn is definitely the word “sit”. This simple word should become a reflex for your puppy and thus prevent less desirable behaviour such as barking or jumping up to get something.
The goal is to ask for a “sit” for anything positive in your puppy’s eyes: like before getting pets, getting food or going outside. This will help develop a conditioned reflex in your puppy.

The ”lure” technique

This is a simple technique to guide your puppy into the right position. Simply place a treat or kibble between your first three fingers and bring them up to your puppy’s nose, raising them towards the top of his head. Naturally, the puppy will sit up when he lifts his head. As soon as the puppy is in the correct position, you can say the word “sit” so that he associates the word with the sitting position, then give him the reward.

SOCIALIZATION

Socialization is one of the most important developmental stages. However, to properly expose your puppy you must follow a few basic rules.

What is it?

The socialization period is a natural stage in puppies’ development, during which they’re naturally curious about their everyday environment. Exposure to positive, neutral or negative events during this period will affect your pet’s emotional comfort and ability to adapt as an adult.

When is it?

The socialization period takes place between the ages of 3 and 20 weeks. This period varies from one puppy to another, therefore it is recommended that you start exposure as soon as you adopt your puppy and continue to expose them to new experiences even after the 20-week mark.

How to socialize your puppy

Socialization is a simple process! It involves exposing your puppy to new and familiar situations by offering him the opportunity to explore them as he wishes, as long as the situation remains positive by encouraging him with praise and treats. The important point is to provide quality exposure that is fun for your puppy. In the context of socialization, the quality of your puppy’s experiences is more important than their quantity.

Why socialize your puppy?

If your puppy doesn’t experience the different situations he will be exposed to as he grows up, he may develop fears of the unknown; these fears could also become more pronounced in the future. However, socialization is not the only important phase of development; it is part of a whole.

 

Help! My Dog Has Run Away!

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

Although we do everything in our power to prevent it, a pet is not immune to running away, when out for a walk, visiting a friend or even staying in a boarding kennel.

Here are a few tips to assist you should the situation arise:

At the time of the event and in the hours that follow:

If you see your pet running away:

  • Analyze the environment for possible dangerous situations or opportunities for the animal to escape.
  •  If possible, block or prevent the animal from fleeing into situations that could be dangerous for them, or make the next step more difficult WITHOUT pursuing the animal.
  • Follow and observe your animal, without frightening them, to avoid losing track of them.
  • If your pet is in a precarious or specific situation and you cannot rescue them, call in a rescue service (e.g. Sauvetage Animal Rescue).

Use social media – they can help you find your pet:

  • GE Cherche Charly - Chiens perdus on Facebook. They are the reference in this kind of situation and their services are free.
  • Alerte Reven - for dog disappearances and to create an alert.
  • Facebook “Spotted” pages from your town and surrounding areas.

Important: Always use the same search notice or message to create a consistent sharing effect with maximum impact.

48 hours after the event, if the animal still hasn’t been found:

Contact a “blood hound handler” in your region:

  • Blood hounds are used to find wild animals that are still alive but injured during hunting.
  • For the list of blood hound handlers, click here (in French only): Liste des conducteurs
  • Continue searching the area.

What to Do When a Dog Gets Lost

Contact GE Cherche Charly:

Their experienced team will give you the right advice to suit your circumstances and guide you through the runaway situation.

 

 

Here is a list of resources to use:

  • Veterinarians in your area
  • Animal rescue services in your area
  • Ge cherche Charly – Chiens perdus (Facebook)
  • Your local police
  • Alerte Raven – disparition canine (Facebook)
  • Sauvetage Animal Rescue and/or its director, Éric Dussault (Facebook)
  • The Association des conducteurs de chiens de sang du Québec: https://www.accsq.com/fr

Emotional Support:

It can be very difficult for a pet owner to go through this ordeal, especially if it ends in death. There are resources available, such as pet bereavement and intuitive communication counselling. We encourage all owners going through this experience to seek help and make use of the resources available to them.

All our clinics, hospitals and centres are proud to apply these recommendations and are able to support you if your pet has run away. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinary team.

 

Source (original French version): GE Cherche Charly 2022

How to Successfully Add Another Cat to Your Household

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

Although it may seem trivial to some, bringing a new cat into the home can actually be more challenging than you'd like! While for many families, cats can live together in harmony, for others, things can be more difficult. That's why it can be helpful to follow some guidelines to ensure that introducing a new feline into the home is a smooth affair. Of course, there are different techniques that can help you achieve harmony among all the members of your whiskered family, but here is the recommended method for successfully welcoming a new cat into your family.

Psst! Above all, it is important to remember that cats are solitary animals. Thus, most of them prefer to avoid interactions with other cats and live without competition on their territory, even if some cats can live harmoniously together. Knowing that most relationships between cats in the same household are closer to those of roommates than accomplices, it is important to welcome a new cat for the right reasons and not solely to provide a friend to your cat who seems bored. The only real reason to adopt a new cat is because you want to.

Here are the steps to follow to promote a good start to a new cohabitation between cats:

1- Arrival

The stress that the newcomer will experience while being transported to his new home is usually very intense and can be sufficient to ruin the first meeting with your resident cat if it takes place on the same day. To ensure a good first impression, be sure to prepare things. First, separate the new cat by isolating him in a room, allowing him to recover from his emotions. This acclimatization can take several days and that's normal! Be patient and respect the time your new pet needs to get used to his new environment. If he appreciates your presence, take advantage of this time to visit, offer him treats and spend some quality time with him!

2- Exploration

Once the newcomer seems comfortable with his daily routine, you can move on to the next step: letting him explore his territory. To avoid conflict, allow your cat to visit the house quietly and isolate the other animals in another room. Take advantage of this first visit throughout the house to give your cat some surprises and treats to make the event interesting and stimulating. During this step, keep a close eye on his behaviour: if he refuses the treats and doesn't eat anything for the first 15 minutes, it's a sign that he's not quite ready. Return him to his quarters and repeat the exercise later or the next day. When your cat finally accepts the treats and adopts a relaxed body language, it's time to move on to the next step.

3- The Meeting

The key to a successful encounter between cats is to make sure that their interaction is associated with a positive moment. The goal is to associate the presence of the other cat with the appearance of treats, and there are several different ways to reach this goal. Close the door between the cats so that they can see each other without touching, for example, by separating them with glass, a barrier, or a screen. Then offer food to each cat and put it down so that they can see each other while staying in their own rooms. Gradually move the cats closer together by placing the food closer to the door and continue as long as they continue to eat. Stop or move the food back if either cat chooses to ignore the food and focus on the other cat instead. By taking this step-by-step approach, your two pets will soon be able to eat in front of each other without any difficulty.

 

4- Living Together

When your cats are comfortable enough to eat near each other, it's time to let them live together. Set up your environment so that each cat can have their own hiding places and access to high places. They should each have their own litter box, water bowl and the opportunity to eat their meals without the risk of interference from other cats. The goal is to always give them the space to avoid conflicts. Trust your cats – but be aware that in order to get to know and understand each other, small conflicts are almost inevitable. As long as your cats don't hurt themselves, continue to eat well, stay clean and don't show any drastic changes in behaviour, you can consider the situation under control. After a few weeks on average, harmony in the household should finally be achieved!

If you would like more advice, feel free to contact our team who will be happy to assist you in this great adventure!

 

Happy integration!

 

 

How to Plan Kitty’s Annual Visit

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

Pour beaucoup de chats, la visite annuelle chez le vétérinaire est la seule occasion de sortir de la maison pendant l’année! Le chat étant un animal très routinier, cette sortie peut s’avérer très stressante pour lui. Pour permettre une sortie chez le vétérinaire la plus agréable possible autant pour le chat que pour les parents, voici quelques recommandations pour le transport de Minou.

Tout d’abord, il est important de se procurer une cage de transport qui convient bien à votre animal. Pour votre sécurité ainsi que celle de votre chat, évitez de le laisser en liberté dans la voiture pendant le trajet ou encore sur les jambes de votre passager. L’utilisation d’une cage de transport est la façon la plus sécuritaire et rassurante pour les déplacements avec votre chat. Cette cage de transport doit être assez grande pour que le chat puisse se tenir debout. Celle-ci devrait idéalement être munie d’un couvercle facile à retirer ou encore d’une ouverture par le dessus. Il sera beaucoup plus simple et moins stressant de sortir Minou de sa cage une fois en salle de consultation.

Pour éviter une association négative avec la cage de transport, on recommande de laisser la cage dans l’environnement du chat pour qu’elle puisse être utilisée comme cachette. Disposez-la dans un endroit calme, idéalement en hauteur, déposez-y une couverture confortable et retirez la porte. Chaque jour, déposez-y une gâterie et la journée du rendez-vous, optez pour une super gâterie. Ainsi, la cage deviendra un endroit sécuritaire et apaisant pour le chat.

Dans la voiture, il est très important de fixer la cage à l’aide d’une ceinture de sécurité. Pendant le trajet, une couverture peut être déposée sur la cage et surtout, il est important de ne pas répondre ou parler à Minou s’il vocalise!

Une fois de retour à la maison, s’il y a d’autres animaux, le chat devrait être isolé dans une pièce pendant environ 5 heures. De cette façon, il aura le temps de refaire sa toilette et remettre son odeur pour faciliter l’acceptation des autres chats de la maison. Vous pouvez aussi lui offrir une couverture avec l’odeur des autres animaux pour accélérer le processus. La réintroduction devrait se faire avec une association positive (ex.: offrir un repas de nourriture en conserve à chaque animal et ouvrir la porte de la pièce). Par la suite, reprenez votre routine habituelle. Il sera rassurant pour votre chat de retrouver ses habitudes.

Finalement, lavez la cage ainsi que la couverture au retour pour éliminer toutes les phéromones d’alarmes que votre chat aurait pu y déposer pendant le transport avant de la remettre dans son environnement (et surtout pas dans le garde-robe du sous-sol jusqu’au rendez-vous de l’an prochain!)

Creating a Feline Environment

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

Have you ever thought that your cat may be suffering from boredom? Indeed, if you think about it, the cat is an animal strongly anchored in its roots and has remained despite its domestication, a hunter at heart! Therefore, he needs space to hide, climb, run (hunting territory) and also prey to chase and chew. As well, he wants to have access to secluded places to sleep or simply to rest from his family members!

As for his litter box, he likes a very large box that’s always clean, without a dome, and containing soft, non-dusty and unscented litter. He would like to have two (one more than the number of cats in the household) and prefers it to be located in a quiet, non-passing area.

Did you know that several health or behavioural issues arise because Kitty lives in a human home and not a feline environment? These include obesity, certain types of urinary tract infections, poor hygiene, aggressiveness, obsessive disorders, etc.

Here are a few tips to help you enrich your cat’s environment. First of all, if he doesn’t go outside, give him easy access to windows by keeping them open in the summer to provide olfactory stimulation. Install bird feeders near the window. Provide a cat tree for your cat for him to climb and hide in. Have several places to hide, safe toys to keep him moving and stimulate his predatory behaviour, and catnip to chew on (instead of your plants!)

There is an entertaining toy called Pipolino designed to feed your cat while promoting exercise and hunting behaviour. It shows great potential for preventing obesity and the many disorders associated with the shortcomings of our human homes.

Just talk to your veterinary team... they can help you build your cat’s environment with simple tips that will be most beneficial to your cat.

 

How to Introduce a New Pet With Your Dogs and Cats

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

The arrival of a new cat or dog is often stressful, both for the new arrival and for the pets who already live in the home. Here are some tips for introducing this new pet with your dogs and cats:

 

Preparing for the Arrival of the New Cat or Dog

In order to promote a positive encounter between the new animal and your pets, it is essential to separate them for the first few days. This is especially true for cats: it is important to give them time to adapt to their new environment before meeting their new companions. Provide a safe room where your new pet can live for the first 24 to 48 hours. It can be helpful to change rooms for your pets before you have them meet for the first time, so the new pet can explore the whole house.

 

Show Available Resources

One of the first steps to take after releasing a cat or dog into their new environment is to show them the location where they can relieve themselves. It is also essential to make fresh water and food easily available, safe from competition with other animals in the house.

 

Pheromone Diffusers

There are products available in veterinary stores that promote animal cohabitation and help reduce stress in pets. Among other things, some products use synthetic pheromones to generate a soothing and harmonious environment. Find out more from the store of your veterinary clinic.

 

Supervised Meetings

After the first days of adaptation to the environment, you may proceed with the meeting between the current house pets and the newcomer. Do short, supervised, remote encounters first. Then, depending on how each animal behaves, allow them to gradually get closer. It is important that these meetings be voluntary at all times. Let the animals interact at their own pace.

 

Positive Encounters

To make every experience positive, reward them with their favorite treats. As well, promote play between your pets, which is always joyful and often allows harmonious relationships.

 

Disease Prevention

Make sure your new companion is adequately protected so as not to expose your pets to pathogens. Consult your veterinarian for vaccination, screening and deworming recommendations. This also applies to your existing pets, who will now be exposed to a new animal that could potentially carry certain pathogens.