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   Ask the Trainer

   “Helping Your Dog Adapt to a Changing World: Navigating Growth, Walks, and Safety”

As communities expand and urban areas grow, life changes not just for us but for our canine companions too. More people, more dogs, increased traffic, ongoing construction, and busier streets can all impact our dogs in ways we may not initially realize. As responsible pet parents, it’s essential to recognize how these changes affect our dogs and take proactive steps to support their well-being.

Understanding How Environment Affects Canine Behaviour

Dogs experience the world differently than we do. Their keen senses of smell, hearing, and vision provide them with a unique perspective. While we may see a bustling street or a new high-rise as just another part of development, our dogs might perceive it as an overwhelming and unpredictable environment.

When a neighbourhood changes, dogs encounter:

• More distractions – Increased noise, construction, and unfamiliar scents which can heighten anxiety.

• New social interactions – More people and dogs mean more encounters, which can be stressful for some dogs.

• Limited green spaces – The loss of parks or open areas affects their ability to explore and play safely.

Recognizing these shifts allows us to adjust our routines to help our dogs feel more comfortable and confident in their surroundings.

Tailoring Walks to Your Dog’s Needs 

A daily walk isn’t just about exercise—it’s a chance for mental stimulation, bonding, and exposure to the world. However, as neighbourhoods get busier, these walks may become more stressful for both you and your dog.

Here are some ways to ensure your dog’s walks remain enjoyable and safe:

• Choose Your Route Wisely – Avoid high-traffic areas or sidewalks where dogs frequently bark behind fences. Opt for quieter streets or trails where your dog can explore without constant stress.

• Observe Your Dog’s Body Language – A relaxed, wagging tail and loose body movements indicate comfort, while pinned-back ears, a stiff posture, or excessive panting may signal stress.

• Provide Positive Reinforcement – Reward your dog with treats and praise when they remain calm in new environments. This helps build confidence and reinforces good behaviour.

• Adjust Walk Times – Walking during off-peak hours can reduce encounters with unfamiliar dogs or overwhelming noises.

Keeping Your Dog Safe in Unpredictable Situations

With more dogs in our communities, the chances of encountering off-leash or reactive dogs increase. It’s important to be prepared for these situations to keep your dog safe.

Here are some strategies to handle unexpected interactions:

• Stay Alert – Keep an eye on your surroundings and be proactive in avoiding loose dogs or situations that could escalate.

• Use a Deterrent Tool – Carrying a quick-release umbrella or a small air horn can help deter an approaching dog, if needed.

• Know When to Pick Up Small Dogs – If you have a small dog and an off-leash dog approaches aggressively, picking them up may be necessary, but always assess the risk.

• Report Problematic Encounters – If you encounter a loose or aggressive dog regularly, reporting it to local animal control can help prevent future incidents.

Building Your Dog’s Confidence

Changes in the environment can make some dogs more anxious, but there are ways to help them build resilience:

• Consistent Training – Teaching your dog cues such as “look” or “leave it” can help redirect their focus when faced with distractions.

• Mental Enrichment Activities – Engaging in scent work, puzzle toys, or obedience games at home can provide mental stimulation and reduce stress.

• Safe Socialization – If your dog is wary of other dogs, controlled play-dates with well-matched canine companions can boost their confidence.

Creating a Safe and Enriching Environment

A dog’s environment plays a significant role in their overall well-being. Whether you live in a bustling city or a rapidly developing suburban area, here’s how to ensure your dog remains happy and secure:

• Provide Safe Spaces at Home – A quiet area where your dog can retreat helps them decompress after a stimulating walk.

• Utilize Private Dog Parks – Services like Sniff Spot offer access to private, off-leash areas where dogs can run freely in a safe environment.

• Advocate for Dog-Friendly Community Initiatives – Support efforts to create pet-friendly spaces such as dedicated walking trails or community groups like Women and Dog Circle Hikes hosted by Muttz with Mannerz and SeeWhatSheCanDo, Step up for the Pups, and educational programs for responsible pet ownership.

As our world evolves, so must our approach to caring for our dogs. By understanding how environmental changes impact their behaviour, making thoughtful adjustments to their routines, and prioritizing their safety, we can help them thrive in any setting.

At Muttz with Mannerz, our goal is to enrich lives at both ends of the leash. By working together, we can create a safe, engaging, and fulfilling environment for our beloved dogs throughout every stage of their lives.

Written by

Corey McCusker, CPDT-KA, FDM 

Corey is the founder of Muttz with Mannerz Canine Academy located in Stouffville. In addition, Corey is an evaluator for St John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and created the first Kids & K9 Camp in Canada.

   Dogs Looking for 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

Mika is a lovely older dog who finds herself needing a new forever home as her owner suffered from dementia and could no longer care for her. She is approximately 11 years old and looks to be a German Shepherd/Husky mix. Mika is house trained and crate-trained, although her foster parent hasn’t found the need to crate her.  She has always lived in an apartment and been taken for walks. As her owner declined cognitively and physically, Mika was not getting out as often as she needed, and she doesn’t have the muscles built up just yet for longer walks. Her foster takes her for a large walk in morning which she loves, another 6-block walk in the afternoon and a shorter walk in the evening.  She walks well on leash and does not show concern with dogs/people/vehicles. She would love going trail walking, with more things to see and smell. Mika can’t wait for this winter to be over so she can lie outside on the lawn and people watch.

Mika is timid and needs a bit of time to become comfortable with new people. When strangers visit, she barks at first and then will settle and come up for a pat.  She is not aggressive, nor does she jump up. Similarly, when she meets new people on walks, she is timid at first then wants pets.  She just needs the time to decide she’s ready to come to you. Mika is friendly and cuddly once she knows you.  She thinks she is a lap dog and likes to follow you around.

She has not lived with another dog; however, she was good with a family member’s dog and on walks she ignores other dogs and does not engage (she will either try to avoid or will move away). She lived with a cat and doesn’t seem to have a strong prey drive.  On walks she has come face to face with possums and bunnies – she doesn’t seem to care, just ignores them. She hasn’t lived with children but has always been good when a family member’s 3-year-old visited.

Mika is 70lbs, spayed, and up to date with blood work and core vaccines.  She has been placed on pain medication for arthritis in her back end – and it has made a huge difference!  At her last vet check up, her heart was fine, her eyes are a bit cloudy, and it was stated she was in good condition for an older lady.  She knows the commands sit, stay, come and high five. She’s excellent in the car, lies down in the back seat and falls asleep. She has a little problem getting in and out in the foster’s car as it is a bit high but will jump in with some assistance.

She will bark to alert you if she thinks there is someone in her house that she doesn’t know.  Her foster parent says Mika is the perfect companion for a retired couple or a single person who is not overly active but still wants to get out for a bit. She loves to watch TV, laying on the floor at her person’s feet.

Do you think you could give Mika the love and care she needs?

If you think you are the right fit for Mika, please fill out an application for our consideration.

Click here to visit our adoption application.

Blackie’s Fund Update

The goal of Blackie’s Fund is to:

1. Support senior dogs who need medical attention and intervention to live in caring homes (this may include providing specialized equipment that enhances the health and wellbeing of dogs).

2. Financially support dogs who require immediate medical attention and intervention.

3. Financially support Speaking of Dogs Rescue programs that help dogs in vulnerable situations.

4. Support collaborative efforts amongst reputable dog rescues.

We are so grateful to John and Atsuko for creating Blackie’s Fund and all donors who have contributed to this fund.  Over the course of its existence, so many dogs have benefitted from its support and access through Speaking of Dogs Rescue.

   Happy Tails

   a.k.a. Recent Adoptions

Bear

Brody

Lennox

Marley

Noelle

Rudolf

Winnie

   Wiggles & Wags

    a.k.a Thank-Yous & Shout-Outs

Happy Birthday Jennifer Ross

Former adopter, Jenn Ross, recently celebrated a milestone birthday.

She asked her friends and family to donate to our rescue instead of giving her presents.

They raised over $750!

Thank you!

   Adoption Update

Dear Speaking of Dogs Rescue,

My husband Bob and I are so in love with Skye, it’s ridiculous.  She is the sweetest little girl and regularly demands attention and belly rubs.  She loves to go for walks but is not interested in other dogs just people. She will go up to a person that happens to be standing still and want them to acknowledge her with a petting.

We have found that she has separation anxiety if both my husband and I go out together, so we try not to leave her alone now.  We are retired so, if one goes out the other stays with her.

We haven’t had any major health issues.  She gets diarrhea every now and then and requires an antibiotic but is back to normal in a couple of days.

She loves her treats and gets many a day because she is such a good girl.  We are so grateful to have her.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for trusting us to give her the life she deserves.

Fond regards,

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