When Our World Began to Blur

When Our World Began to Blur Our unexpected journey with juvenile cataracts. Photo by: Lianne Matieshin Photography Back in 2017, I was just beginning to explore the world of dog sports, experimenting with nosework and agility alongside a non-traditional breed. These activities became a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping us engaged and active. Then, […]
Predictability, Peace, and Paws: Why Dogs Need Rules and Boundaries

Predictability, Peace, and Paws: Why Dogs Require Rules and Boundaries Rules and boundaries are important for dogs as they provide structure and predictability, which give dogs security and confidence, and can reduce anxiety and stress. Clear rules help dogs understand expectations, preventing unwanted behaviours like jumping or barking, and allow dogs to trust and respect […]
ROUGH & TUMBLE WITHOUT THE TROUBLE

ROUGH & TUMBLE WITHOUT THE TROUBLE Playtime is essential for a dog’s physical and mental well-being, but ensuring that it’s also safe is just as important. Whether your pup is romping with friends in the backyard or socializing at a busy dog park, a few key precautions can prevent accidents and keep tails wagging. From […]
UPDOG CHALLENGE: Dive into the action and fall in love with the sport.

UPDOG CHALLENGE Dive into the action and fall in love with the sport. When you participate in UpDog events, you’re not just playing—you’re racking up digital achievements called “UPs” that showcase your dedication and talent. These UPs can even help you snag prestigious CKC and AKC Disc Dog titles! And the cherry on top? UpDog’s […]
DISTRACTED TO DEPENDABLE: BUILDING RECALL SKILLS

DISTRACTED TO DEPENDABLE Building Trust and Responsiveness in Your Dog Imagine your dog darting toward a busy road, chasing a squirrel, or wandering off to explore. A reliable recall can prevent accidents and keep your pup safe. Recall is one of the most important skills you can teach your dog for their safety and your […]
A NOSE FOR ADVENTURE

A NOSE FOR ADVENTURE An Introduction to the Sporting Detection Dogs Association Sporting Scent Detection is a playful yet competitive variation of traditional scent work, but instead of searching for professional working dog targets like narcotics, explosives, or bed bugs, you and your dog search for competition-approved scents. EVERY DOG CAN JOIN THE FUN! No […]
JUMP-WEAVE-CLIMB-RUN

JUMP-WEAVE-CLIMB-RUNAGILITY: A Canine Sport Like No Other WHAT IS AGILITY Agility continues to be one of the fastest-growing dog sports in Canada, and around the world, and for good reason. The sport gives your dog the mental and physical exercise they need to be happy dogs, but most importantly it develops a deep and loving […]
PAWSitive Beginnings: Part Two

PAWSitive Beginnings: Part TwoThe Role of Socialization in Puppy Development Part One can be found in the summer 2024 edition of PAW Quarterly. In our first article on the role of socialization, we dove into many of the genetic elements in play before deciding to bring a puppy into our lives. While genetics take the […]
TRAINING GOALS FOR 2025

TRAINING GOALS FOR 2025 A New Year, A Better Pup-Partnership As we step into 2025, many of us are setting goals for ourselves, so why not include training goals for our pets? Whether you’re an experienced dog owner or a first-time puppy parent, establishing training plans can help improve our relationships, build trust and mutual […]
Top Tips for a Happier Dog Park Adventure

TOP TIPS For a Happier Dog Park Adventure Dog parks can be wonderful places for dogs to run off-leash and play with other dogs, but some people avoid them because of the risk of dog fights. How common are dog fights at a dog park? Well, that depends a lot on the design of the […]