The official Speaking of Dogs Monthly Newsletter

   City Living Challenging for You and Your Dog?

   Join the One-And-Only Dogs and the City Conference!

Living in a city can be a whirlwind of activity, with the constant hustle and bustle, construction noise, congestion, and the ever-present sense of frustration in the air. Imagine experiencing all this with a heightened sense of smell and hearing – our canine companions face this sensory overload daily. This is especially true for rescue dogs who have transitioned from quieter environments to the chaotic city life.

It’s no surprise that many city dogs struggle, and not just in Toronto. Trainers worldwide have been asking, “What is happening to our city dogs? Why are fear, anxiety, and reactivity on the rise?” This is an essential problem with many facets, and it’s time we address it together.

Driven by a passion for helping our four-legged friends and a constant thirst for learning, I envisioned a gathering where people could learn, connect, and advocate for our city dogs. Thus, the Dogs and the City Conference was born in 2023. There’s nothing quite like it in Canada or anywhere else. People from around the globe will join us both in person and virtually.

This year promises to be an inspiring event for those involved with rescues or simply passionate about dogs. This isn’t a “sit down and listen” type of conference. It’s interactive and collaborative, filled with practical techniques and skills you can immediately apply to make city living easier for you and your dog. The sense of community at this conference is unmatched – there’s nothing like being surrounded by fellow dog lovers!

Here’s a sneak peek at our exciting lineup:

Dr. Kristina Spaulding Presents: Managing Stress and Promoting Resiliency in the City

Fear, stress, and anxiety are widespread among city dogs, often leading to various behavioral challenges. Dr. Kristina Spaulding, author of “The Stress Factor in Dogs” will share practical strategies for reducing stress and fostering confidence and resilience in urban canine companions. Whether you have a fearful or anxious dog, you’re involved with rescues, assisting dogs transitioning to city life, or regularly interacting with fearful dogs, this presentation promises invaluable insights and actionable takeaways for all attendees.

Emily Strong Presents: Enrichment Framework to Meet Everyone’s Needs

Join Emily Strong, co-author of “Canine Enrichment for the Real World,” for an insightful exploration of enriching the lives of city dogs – especially those who find leashed walking challenging! Emily’s interactive workshop promises to deliver practical benefits that will make city dogs happier and make life with city dogs much easier for both individual owners and professionals.

Sam DeJong Presents: Control Unleashed in the City – Pattern Games to Help City Dogs

Sam DeJong is bringing the Control Unleashed program to the city! This program is perfect for dogs who are uncomfortable around other dogs, easily distracted, reactive, anxious, stressed, or struggling with impulse control. The techniques Sam will share are set to transform both your and your dog’s lives – and they’re super easy and fun!

Join us for a unique and dynamic event where learning and connecting with like-minded dog lovers will leave you inspired and equipped to help our city dogs thrive.

When:  September 27^th, 28^th & 29^th from 10am to 5pm

Where: 918 Bathurst St, Toronto   OR   in the comfort of your home through the virtual option

Order tickets: https://educanine.org/2024-conference

How much?  Receive 15% off any ticket with the code “SODCONFERENCE24”

In-Person Weekend Pass – $565 In-Person Daily Rate – $195

Virtual Weekend Pass – $320 Virtual Daily Rate – $120

*** All tickets include a recording of the day(s) purchased ***

Written by

Andrea Dinan, CPDT-KA, LFDM-T, FFCT

 In addition to the certifications above, Andrea is certified through the Karen Pryor Foundations and Kids Around Dogs, and she has also taken the Masters Course in Dog Aggression through AggressiveDog.com. She is the founder of EduCanine and City Dogs Training & Behavior and also created “The Rescue Plan.”

WAG FOR THE CAMERA!

Have a great photo of your furry best bud you’d like to share? We’d love to include it in the 2025 Speaking of Dogs Rescue calendar! It could be a photo of your pup having fun in the sun, chilling out a home, out on an adventure, enjoying the snow, or any other shot that warms your heart and makes you smile. Maybe an autumn photo, since we usually don’t receive enough of these.

Photos should not include people but can include a four-legged friend. There is no charge to submit, but please only send one photo per dog. Photos should be between 1 and 2 MB in size.

Please email your favourite snapshot to speakingofdogs@gmail.com, and then keep an eye out for the calendars in November!

Want to help our dogs?

Consider making a donation from our Amazon wish list of priority dog supplies.

   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.

Sky is an 80lb, 6-year-old border collie x.  A beautiful girl inside and out, Sky is the perfect combination of chill and relaxing in the house, with a little bit of fun and play mixed in.  When thrown a stuffie or nylabone, her playful antics will make anyone smile. She can be a picky eater, but find the right treat to toss and she’s a pro at catching them.  More than anything in the world, Sky LOVES car rides!  She does need a barrier or doggie seat belt as her car enthusiasm is next level, and she has been known to jump into the front seat with you while you’re driving.

Sky loves all the sights and smells of the neighbourhood when she goes out for a walk.  She does well on the leash with her martingale collar, but does sometimes pull; the world is just so exciting and there is so much to see and do in the great outdoors. And speaking of the great outdoors, she prefers neighbourhood walks to just going outside in the yard. Treats are required for motivation to go out in the yard.

With regards to food, Sky can be picky, but if you have the right food, she has been known to give a bark or two, just so you don’t forget she’s there, forever hopeful you’ll share.  She can be vocal when her foster mom gets home from work, husky howling to show her joy. With the other dogs and the parrot in the house, Sky mostly keeps to herself and ignores them.  

To further add icing to the cake for this canine superstar, Sky boasts being housebroken and a perfect lady at the vet.  She likes being brushed but will flinch when her nails are trimmed, however she has shown no aggression at all.  She has low thyroid and for this condition will need medication for life, which she happily devours in a piece of hot dog.  

Sky is spayed and up to date on her vetting.  She is a calm, sweet and endearing companion, easy to live with and quick to love. All she needs now is a forever family that she can call her own!

Click here to see a video of Sky

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

Click here to visit our adoption application.

   Happy Tails

   a.k.a. Recent Adoptions

Beau

Bella

Echo

Johnny

Kitty

Lulu

Maya

Myles

Nancy

Niles

Papaya

Sierra

Simba

Stella

Zen

   Adoption Update

Dear Speaking of Dogs Rescue,

Hubert aka Hubie is perfect. He is a gentle, loving, sweet soul. We bonded immediately. It is just Hubie and me and the occasional senior small dog who comes for visits when neighbours go on holiday. Hubie loves their company.

Hubie’s foster Mom, Nora, was a miracle worker. While Hubie was with Nora, she discovered his gastric issues were due to an allergy to chicken. She got Hubie onto a lamb diet and he’s been on it ever since. Hubie’s blood work is always perfect and he loves his new veterinarian here in Toronto.

I have fostered and adopted many Speaking of Dogs senior babes since 2003. I will forever sing its praises!

Hello! My name is Mari-Anne. My husband Carl and I have been volunteers with Speaking of Dogs for several years now. I worked for many years at Toronto Animal Services and that’s where I first worked with Lorraine and her rescue. After retirement, it just seemed like a natural next step to volunteer.

Over the years we have fostered many dogs. Two of them became part of our family! We’ve done home inspections, meet and greets, fundraising, been a drop off and pick up site for donations, auction items and calendars. I currently help Speaking of Dogs Rescue by reviewing adoption applications and fostering.

I have a passion for helping dogs in any way I can and look forward to helping the rescue with their continued success.

Many thanks to all our fellow volunteers! You are the best of the best!