The Puppymoon Period - Speaking Of Dogs
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Saving just one dog won’t change the world...
but, surely, the world will change for that one dog...
The Puppymoon FEBRUARY 2021
the official speaking of dogs
Period monthly newsletter
In this month’s newsletter
Dogs looking for homes.................................2
Speaking of flashback....................................5
Ask the trainer...............................................6
Bits and bites.................................................8
Updates..........................................................8
Recent adoptions...........................................9
In memoriam...............................................11
About Speaking of Dogs
Speaking 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 Canada
Revenue Agency–registered charity based in
Did you know the first 12 weeks are basis of your puppy’s personality and set Ontario.
a critically important developmental the tone for the rest of your puppy’s life.
Contact Speaking of Dogs
period for puppies? Modern research is
A puppy is a significant investment; puppy P.O. Box 8058, RPO Hurontario
revealing, more and more resoundingly,
guardians should plan to take a break Collingwood, ON L9Y 0H1
that puppyhood experiences significantly Phone: 705-444-SODR (7637)
from their normal lives to raise their
affect a dog’s development. For this Email: info@speakingofdogs.com
puppy in order to provide the best possible
reason, I want to encourage everyone Web: www.speakingofdogs.com
chance of having a normal life together.
to consider how we can best support
Puppyhood is short, and living with a Newsletter Team
puppies under 12 weeks of age and give behaviour challenge can be a forever thing.
them the special consideration they Editor: Nancy Foran
Being proactive and allocating generous Design: Cathy Vandergeest at www.gawck.ca
deserve at this unique and sensitive time resources toward your dog’s development Contributors: Nancy Foran, Lorraine Houston,
in their growth. during their puppyhood will help you Meghan D’Arcy and Kim Gladding
avoid problems and ultimately save you a
Modern behaviour science informs us that
lot of time and heartache. Newsletters
the first days and weeks that your puppy If you no longer want to receive our newsletter,
is home with you count for a lot more You’re going to want to get this right email newsletter@speakingofdogs.com, with
than we ever thought. During this time, because you don’t get a redo. Here’s the “unsubscribe” written in the subject line.
interactions and experiences form the Continued on page 6...
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 1
Dogs Looking for Homes
A friend in need is a friend indeed
Without a doubt, a dog is a real friend. Our dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common—hey 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.
Ace TOY POODLE
SMALL, ADULT, MALE
FEATURED DOG: you’ll ever meet. He never complains,
is always ready with wags and kisses for
Ace is about 2 years old and weighs his caregivers, and is king of cuddles.
8 pounds. This neutered male Toy A primary focus of his care will be
Poodle has quite the story to tell! to keep him safe and manage his
Ace is a tripod, meaning he only has mobility for the rest of his life. He
three legs. His right front leg broke must avoid further injuries.
in 2019 when he fell from the kitchen Ace’s ideal forever home will provide
counter, and it was amputated. In traction in the form carpets and rugs.
May 2020, his left front leg broke Another possibility is grip boots or
when a heavy box fell on it. Speaking socks and keeping the fur on his
of Dogs Rescue was contacted by the feet short. He will also need regular
emergency clinic who was overseeing grooming, including keeping his nails
Ace’s broken leg when his owner short. A one-level home would be ideal.
could no longer take care of him. We him from jumping and reinjuring
took him directly to an orthopedic Ace should stay slim, so he does himself. (A follow-up x-ray of his leg
surgeon, who tried to save the only not have any extra weight to carry in May will give us a better idea about
front leg he had left. around. He still wants to be all the his future limitations and freedoms.)
dog he can be and enjoys short walks
His foster mom is a vet tech and did and exploring. No need to keep him Ace is housetrained but has almost
everything right, but the break did cooped up! He should also be fed a always been only on a leash or
not heal. We became aware of a new good joint or mobility diet or a joint in his “spot.” His new owners
technique involving a 3-D printer that supplement for the rest of his life. should be prepared to work on his
might work for Ace. After a consult housetraining with him. Although
and workup, we were over the moon to Ace is crate trained and sleeps Ace is great with other dogs, he
hear that Ace was a candidate for the overnight in it. This keeps him safe should be the only dog so he doesn’t
procedure! Another 10 weeks went by, when everyone is sleeping and unable injure his leg playing or jumping.
and we were ecstatic to discover that to watch him. However, Ace prefers
the surgery was a success! not to be in the crate otherwise. He If Ace breaks his leg again, he will
had 24-hour care throughout his post- lose it, so he needs an extra vigilant
Ace is now ready for his new life op recovery and is used to having adopter who will be devoted to his
and family. someone always with him, so he can care and safe management.
get anxious when left on his own.
This friendly fellow greets everyone He is a young dog who has had some
with enthusiasm and has yet to meet Ace’s surgeon has recommended bad luck. Could you turn Ace’s luck
a person he hasn’t liked. He is the assistance on and off of the couch or around and give him a safe, stable,
sweetest, kindest, and bravest dog bed as well as supervision to prevent happy forever home?
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 2
Lassie Roy Molly
YORKSHIRE TERRIER COONHOUND MIX SHIH TZU
SMALL, ADULT, FEMALE LARGE, SENIOR, MALE SMALL, ADULT, FEMALE
Ari Lily Chi Luna
HUSKY MIX CHIHUAHUA GIANT SCHNAUZER
MEDIUM, YOUNG, FEMALE SMALL, ADULT, FEMALE LARGE, ADULT, FEMALE
Benson Betty Kenny
HUSKY MIX HUSKY MIX TERRIER MIX
LARGE, BABY, MALE LARGE, BABY, FEMALE MEDIUM, ADULT, MALE
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 3
HELP US FUNDRAISE THROUGH BARKBOX!
What is BarkBox? It’s a monthly box of dog goodies that arrives on
your doorstep!
When you subscribe to BarkBox, every month you receive a box in
the mail with four or more carefully selected products and presents
for your dog – anything from toys and all-natural treats to hygiene
products and the latest gadgets!
And when you give to your dog, you can give to our dogs too. Use
code SPEAKING OF DOGS at checkout, and the rescue will receive
a $15 donation from BarkBox. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off the price
Max of your subscription!
LHASA APSO MIX Visit www.barkbox.com to find out more and get started.
SMALL, ADULT, MALE
“I think dogs are the
most amazing creatures;
they give unconditional
love. For me, they are
the role model for being
alive.”—Gilda Radner
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO
OUR VOLUNTEERS, ADOPTERS,
SUPPORTERS, AND DOGS.
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 4
Speaking of Flashbacks
THE EARLY DAYS OF • Adopt-A-Dog, Save-A-Life The one organization that does have
• All Heart Pet Rescue criteria and a code of ethics is Helping
DOG RESCUE AND DOG Homeless Pets (HHP), which is an
• Highland Animal Relief Team
RESCUE DIRECTORIES • Speaking of Dogs Rescue umbrella organization for dog, cat,
and small animal rescues. Founded in
Back in the early 2000s, we were busy • The Animal Guardian Society
2006, their goals are to have rescues
organizing seminars and fundraisers, Today, there are hundreds of “dog work together in an ethical manner, be
picking up dogs, and publishing our first rescue” organizations. It has become
covered by insurance, and be guided by
Ontario rescue directory. There were simply impossible to keep up with all of
only a handful of rescues listed in the “All solid policies. Speaking of Dogs Rescue
them. It is worth noting that anyone can
Breed” section, and there were various start a rescue, as there are no licences, is a proud member of HHP, which is still
breed-specific rescues. The only all-breed certifications, credentials, or codes of operating today and actively supports its
rescues that are still operating in 2021 are: conduct required. many members.
1 2 3 4 5
1 The founder’s son, Ben, puppy helper and cuddler (2002) |
2 Another happy adoption (2001) |
3 Sadie, an owner surrender, found a wonderful home (2002) |
4 Our founder, Lorraine, with little Pippy (2002) |
5 One of the chihuahuas we took in from a SPCA hoarding case (2001)
6 7 8 9 10
6 An early seminar about assessing shelter dogs (2002) |
7 Another seminar about teaching children how to safely interact with dogs (2002) |
8&9 The Ontario Rescue directory was created to bring shelters and rescues together to help dogs find second chances (2001-2003) |
10 Our first big fundraiser, The Second Chance 70’s dance was hosted by 104.5 CHUM FM’s Roger Ashby (2002)
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 5
Ask the Trainer
...continued from page 1 grain for baby animals of a social • Socialize, socialize, socialize. If you
thing about puppyhood: It’s exhausting, species to be isolated or confined. miss socializing your pup to anything
and there’s not a lot of room for mistakes important, it can be difficult if not
or letting yourself off the hook. • Your puppy’s first and most impossible to make up for it later.
significant socialization experience That’s why it’s important to protect
Why a Puppymoon for Puppies is the day they come home with you. your puppy from negative
Under the Age of 12 Weeks? Plan to introduce your puppy to experiences as much as possible.
• Puppies require round-the-clock care. your space room by room using When your puppy gets scared,
Most can’t comfortably handle being play, food ,and affection. Be prepared comfort them. Teach them you’re
left alone or being separated from to minimize stress and maximize their safe haven, and they’ll be less
their guardians very much, if at all. comfort. Have everything ready likely to take problems into their
ahead of time, and always have a own hands.
• Puppies are programmed to think plan B.
of everything in their world as safe • Play with your puppy as much as
or unsafe, and they’re highly • Expect to spend two weeks settling possible. This is their childhood!
motivated to avoid conflict. They your puppy in. The first four weeks Playing with your puppy is a
need to form a secure attachment are all about getting to know each fabulous way to bond. It also helps
to their new guardians, which other and helping your puppy feel you become much more relevant
becomes fertile ground for trust, happy, comfortable, and confident to your puppy (you’re going to need
independence, and good in their new life and routine. If at all to be able to compete for your
communication. It’s bound to be an possible, plan to take two to four puppy’s attention at times when
emotional time. weeks off work (even if you work everything else seems way more
from home) or create a flexible interesting). Joking is a wonderful
• First experiences have the potential schedule that allows you to attend way to reassure your puppy about
to set the tone for the rest of a puppy’s to and be with your puppy as much anything that gives them pause.
life. Extensive socialization is critical, as needed.
and novelty and surprises must be • Facial closeness and other reinforcers
positive experiences. • Be clear on rules and boundaries, such as food and play can be paired
and make sure everyone in your with situations and experiences
• Puppies learn by doing through household is on the same page. to help your puppy form positive
play and exploration. They crave
• Cultivate fair expectations: You associations with their day-to-day
a high level of social interaction and
chose to invite a baby predator into care and routine, including handling
mental stimulation, and these needs
your home and family. Not only and body care, meeting people
will evolve as they grow up.
that, your new pup will be learning and dogs, and learning about new
• Puppies are in a period of extremely the ropes with you as opposed to environments. Choice is an
rapid physical, social, and mental a member of their own species. extremely valuable reinforcer for
development. They typically need to How tricky is that for a baby? Expect dogs, since they depend on us
rest or sleep 16 to 20 hours per day. teeth, sleepless nights, and messes. entirely.
Not only that, puppy troubles last • Imagine how weird you would have
Set the Staycation Vibes
longer than most people think. turned out if you’d never played with
• Learn about dog body language so
you adjust your approach with your other kids when you were young.
puppy. Make It Magical Young puppies need to play with
• Socialization needs to hit the sweet other healthy puppies and good-
• Before your puppy comes home, spot for puppies. It’s got to be natured, tolerant healthy adult dogs
set up what trainers refer to as a positive, enjoyable, and appropriate on the regular. If your puppy won’t
“long-term confinement area” for for the puppy’s skills, abilities, and take treats around dogs or is barking
them. Crate training can be a big interests. You should aim to challenge and lunging at other dogs, these
process because it goes against the but not overwhelm your puppy. Continued on page 7...
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 6
...continued from page 6 • Learn about consent. If you’re new • Distance makes the heart grow
are signs that your puppy isn’t to puppy parenting or haven’t done fonder! Every puppy parent deserves
getting enough social opportunities. it in a while, this modern, science- some R & R of their own, and
Social needs vary significantly informed approach is a game- puppies need to get out there
from one puppy to the next. Check changer. It involves learning how and learn about the wider world and
out professionally run force-free to tell if, how, and when your puppy everyone in it. Arranging play dates
puppy playgroups, socials, and wants to be petted. It promotes or overnights with friends or relatives
classes, or arrange play dates with mutual enjoyment and fosters trust, who are eager to show your puppy a
friends and neighbours. which will deepen your relationship good time are a win for everyone.
with your pup.
• Dogs can be trained at any point in Puppyhood only happens once in a dog’s
their life. For puppies, I suggest • Never throw your puppy into life, and you owe it to yourself and your
the deep end with alone time or new pup to get it right. Raising a puppy
focusing on their name, following a
confinement. Letting them “cry it can be a big process, so it can be helpful
lure, and bed/mat/crate training
out” is now discouraged due to the to have the support and guidance of a
only. This may seem counterintuitive
risks and potential fallout. It’s best to qualified force-free dog trainer before
or surprising to diligent puppy-
ease your puppy into things your pup comes home and throughout
parents-to-be, but I think it’s best
gradually and enjoyably. the first few weeks and months. It helps
to avoid over-programming a puppy
Confinement and alone time must set them up for a lifetime of happiness
with rigid potty and crate training. be geared to your puppy’s age and and confidence!
Facial closeness, cheering, gentle abilities. Comfort your puppy and
rough-housing, and playful gestures help them learn to wind down. Additional Resources
can reinforce any behaviour you’d • AVSAB Statement on Puppy
like to see more from your puppy, Meet the Locals Socialization
such as keeping their paws on the • Pet pros make a great first impression
• Jane Killion, Puppy Culture
ground during greetings. They on puppies when it comes to meeting
will also help your puppy feel better strangers. Why not arrange a “treat • Sophia Yin, Checklist for Socialization
in situations where they feel unsure and greet” with a force-free
• Lili Chin, The Play Way
or afraid. professional dog walker, sitter, or
trainer? • Helen Zulch and Daniel Mills,
R&R Life Skills for Puppies: Laying
• Consider booking visits with a the Foundation for a Loving,
• Puppies benefit greatly from
house-call vet. This is an excellent Lasting Relationship
adequate sleep and down time. way to socialize your puppy to
Be sure your puppy is mentally and unfamiliar people coming into the • Eileen and Dogs
physically tired enough to rest. Signs home. It also allows you and • BCPSCA
your puppy may be overtired can your puppy to take the time and
include mouthiness, restlessness, • KPA
care you need to help your puppy
hyperactivity, excessive barking, feel as comfortable as possible with
and reticence. everything involved in their care.
• Offer your puppy resting areas • It’s important to plan a wide variety
in every room as well as a variety of social, town/city, and outdoor
of enrichment feeders and chews to experiences for your puppy during
promote relaxation and help them in order to prevent fear, anxiety,
learn to self-occupy. Encourage and aggression. Even with the
interest in long-term chewing current restrictions, you can make
and eating projects such as food- plans with friends and family if
stuffed rubber chew toys (i.e., Kong), you stay outside and remain
consumable chews (i.e., bully stick), physically distanced. You want your Meghan D’Arcy, ctc, csat, acdbc
and snuffle/licki mats. puppy to have a dynamic social life Certified in Training and Counselling, Certified
and be a welcome guest with friends Separation Anxiety Trainer, Associate Certified Dog
• Follow a rhythm not a schedule: eat, and family, and socialization is the Behaviour Consultant, Fear Free Certified Animal
enrich, sleep, repeat. only way to accomplish this. Trainer meghandarcydogs.com
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 7
Bits & Bites Simply click on a summary to be whisked away to
the internet page where you can read the full story.
Toronto police are investigating reports of We all know they do, so find out how THIS MONTH’S
poisoned peanut shells that were allegedly being a pet parent benefits mental health.
scattered around downtown parks.
RECALLS:
February is pet dental health month. Expanded Sportmix recall
The Toronto Humane Society offers This comprehensive article from
tips to help you and your dog enjoy this Veterinary Partner provides “the tooth,
winter weather! the whole tooth, and nothing but the
tooth.”
Dr. Karen Becker looks at what dogs find
most reinforcing – and it may not be what
you think!
Updates
FEBRUARY IS PET UPCOMING WEBINAR STUCK AT HOME?
DENTAL HEALTH FROM EDUCANINE! CHECK OUT OUR
MONTH! Stranger Danger FACEBOOK AUCTIONS!
We all brush our teeth every day, but too Support and training techniques to Spending more time online than usual?
many of us don’t care for your pets’ teeth help dogs who are fearful of new people Head on over to Speaking of Dogs Rescue’s
quite as well. Healthy teeth and gums are Facebook page! Not only do we have lots
Presenters: Maggi Burtt and Nicole
fundamental to having healthy dogs and Barnett of info about all of the amazing dogs we’re
cats. Want to find out more about how helping, every week we’re auctioning off
you can better care for your dog’s teeth? Date: Sunday, February 21 at 11 a.m. different items – all for the dogs! Visit our
Check out this video and tips from Pet Visit: https://educanine.org/all- Facebook page regularly to see what’s on
Health Network. products/ols/products/stranger-danger- the block and to place your bids!
webinar for more info.
Good luck to all of the bidders, and most
Enter the discount code “rescue20” enthusiastic wags and wiggles to all of our
and save $15.00! (Regular price is $35.) supporters who have donated auction items.
WALK WITH RESQWALK!
ResQwalk is a free mobile app that allows you to raise money
for Speaking of Dogs Rescue while out for your regular walks!
I’ll you need to do is download the app to your iPhone or Android
phone and track your walks (with or without your dog). It’s free.
It’s easy. It can help the amazing dogs in our program find their
second chance at life and love.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, please remember to mark
Speaking of Dogs Rescue as your favourite rescue!
For more information, you can visit bestfriends.org/resqwalk/faq.
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 8
Happy Tails JANUARY ADOPTIONS:
A big thank you to our foster parents and our new adoptive
guardians for helping give these loving dogs a second chance.
Alex Archie Daisy M
Deputy Max Maze Hank
Hazel Kawi Maia
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 9
More Happy Tails
Moxey Nigel Prince
Sunshine Tundra
To: Speaking of Dogs Rescue
From: Koach family
Subject: Lucky
Dear Speaking of Dogs Rescue,
Lucky is doing wonderfully! He is well behaved and didn’t need any training
classes. (A bonus of adopting a trained adult dog!) Lucky has an ongoing
prescription for pain relief due to the shrapnel in his leg. So glad your vet
found it when you brought him into your rescue! He has been to the vet with
some skin issues, and we are taking care of that. We are so happy to have
Lucky in our lives! He appears in your 2021 calendar, he’s in July! Thanks for
all you do!
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 10In Memoriam
PaAtUcDh es MILY
Y CL
IA AND F
A Becky
LOVED B A R Y 2019 LOVED
D FEBRU BY C L A
ADOPTE AND FA UDIA
MILY
Frid a MILY
A
IA AND F
Y MA R
LOVED B D 2008
ADOPTE
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter February 2021 | 11You can also read
