PET CARE & ENRICHMENT

An Introduction To Clicker Training

November 9th, 2020 An Introduction To Clicker Training Clicker training is an easy and effective way to train your pet so we wanted to share some helpful tips to help you get started. A clicker is a wonderful tool used to train all types of animals! Used in training basic obedience, tricks, and behavioural modification.  The clicker creates a sharp sound that marks the precise moment when your dog does something correctly. Because the sound of the clicker is so distinct, it makes it easy for a dog to recognize exactly what they did right. The clicker sound replaces words like, “good dog!” If a dog is startled by the clicker sound, you can use a softer clicker or use a verbal marker, such as saying the word “yes.” For deaf dogs, you can use a hand signal or flashlight. Loading the Clicker The clicker works because it is paired with food. The clicker itself is a neutral object until the dog learns (with repetition) that the clicker sound is quickly followed by a yummy treat! This is called classical conditioning. When the dog hears the click, they know food is coming! To get your dog to understand what the click means, take a handful of treats or kibble. Click the clicker (avoid clicking next to your dog’s ears) and drop a treat for your dog. Make sure the click comes before the food, and not after! Repeat this until you’ve finished the handful of treats or [...]

By |2020-11-09T17:00:30-07:00November 3, 2020|

Host a Pet Carnival at Home

September 20th, 2020 Host a Pet Carnival at Home! Since we can’t host the Canine Carnival at Pets in the Park this year, we’re bringing three of our most popular games home to you and your pet! These games aren’t just for our canine companions either – you can customize them for your other pets too. Playing games with your pets has many benefits, from the physical and mental exercise to helping strengthen your bond, and even learning new skills. While we may not be at Hawrelak Park this year, there are still prizes up for grabs! Here's how to participate: Record a video of you and your pet playing one of the games we provide the instructions for below. Post your video on Instagram, Twitter, or on in the comments our Tricks-For-Treats post the EHS Facebook page. Be sure to tag us @edmontonhumane and use hashtag #PetsInThePark. Two winners will be selected at random from the entries posted on September 20th to receive a treat bag for you and your pets. Download the Pet Carnival Game Guides below. We can’t wait to see your best tricks! Fetch It! Talent Show! Shell Hound! If you’re looking for fun ways to Connect with Pets at home, check out our Humane Education at Home page. Learn How to Make [...]

By |2020-09-20T08:47:23-06:00September 17, 2020|

Have a Pet Picnic

September 18th, 2020 Plan a Pet Picnic! Some have said the quickest way to another’s heart is through the stomach and we think many pets would agree. Part of caring for our companion animals is ensuring they have a healthy nutritious diet of food that supports their physical and mental wellbeing. Treats are a fantastic way to incentivize our pets to learn new skills, improve upon behavioural concerns, or reward them for exceptional behaviour and new milestones like birthdays. While we can’t picnic at the park this year for Pets in the Park, you can plan your own pet picnic at home indoors or outdoors, whatever is best suited for you and your pet. Below are a few helpful tips for you to plan your picnic from wherever you are during this year’s Pets in the Park: Neighbourhood Edition. Recommended Supplies: Picnic blanket for you and your pet to share in your home, yard, or at a local park Picnic basket or small tote to keep items clean and organized (great for easy set-up and clean-up) A few of yours’ and your pets’ favorite foods and treats Plenty of fresh water for you and your pet Food and water dish Any plates or cutlery you may need Napkins and pet safe wet wipes to clean up any messes A few [...]

By |2020-09-18T12:55:26-06:00September 17, 2020|