Dog Blog (Training Tips and More!)
Training a dog can be challenging and frustrating. Check out our dog training tips below!
Ankle Biters!
Help! My dog races to nip ankles when people turn their back! First of all, this is not aggression - so do ensure you compartmentalize this in your mind accurately. If your dog was aggressive, they wouldn't wait until the person leaves to tell them what they think! ...
Weight Management and Your Dog!
A healthy weight is so important in our lives for so many reasons - mobility, organ function, energy. This applies to humans but is very important with the pets in your home. It is your responsibility to help keep your dog at a healthy weight. We all gained a bit of...
Why You NEVER Chase a Lost Dog
Most lost dog posters come with a warning of “DON’T CHASE!” You may assume this is because of the dogs disposition, but it’s actually a warning intended to bridge the instinct gap of man vs beast. Every single time - if you run, they will run. And most of the time, a...
Giardia – the 101!
If you have had a puppy, you may have experience with a dog with Giardia! But if it's new to you, let us share what we know! Who: Puppies or unhealthy dogs are more susceptible due to a weakened immune syste. Healthy adults tend to fare better and fight the bug on...
DCM and its Connections to Diet
If you have applied for a DIBS dog, you know that we have asked about your knowledge of DCM. We think it's a very important topic that every pet parent needs to have a basic understanding of so here is a brief overview of DCM. Disclaimer: We are not vets, and we...
NILIF: A Technique for Establishing Your Dog’s Boundaries
What is NILIF? Nothing in Life is Free (NILIF) is a non-confrontational positive reinforcement technique that is used to improve your dog's behaviour by building their confidence through clear rules and rewarding them for good behaviour. Having your dog work for...
Betty White Day: 17-January!
As many people know, Betty White was an advocate for rescue dogs. In honour of her birthday, we encourage people to donate to an animal welfare organization that they believe in. Any amount is truly appreciated! How to donate to DIBS eTransfer donations in any amount...
Stranger Danger and Your Dog
This pandemic has been hard on us - our pets included. Now, things are returning to a version of normal. It's somewhat exciting and a bit nerve-wracking to some. We will see more people out and about, and visitors will start coming into your home. For your dogs, they...
What to do when your rescue dog is afraid of men
If your rescue dog is showing some fear towards men, know that it isn't uncommon. There are lots of different factors that could contribute to this behaviour, including: Previous traumatic experiences with men Little to no exposure to men Behaviour and/or...
Heartworm disease—a high-level overview
The topic of heartworm is complex, but we are going to try to just give you enough info to help make informed decisions. Disclaimer: we are not vets, so be sure to ask your vet for more info! How is heartworm transmitted? Mosquitoes. Yup, it's as easy as that! An...
Distemper Survivors
From time to time we have rescue dogs who are survivors of distemper. Our fosters and adopters love these pups as they often seem to really appreciate their second chance at life. The survival rate is not great, and pups that pull through are so incredibly special....
Seizures in dogs
My dog Tiegan, a rescue (pre-DIBS) from a beach town just north of Puerto Vallarta, has seizures. They started just before her second birthday and came on suddenly. So suddenly, in fact, the first one struck in the middle of a walk. After a vet checkup and complete...
Tis the Season!
Regardless of what we celebrate this time of year, we all know the vibe is different. Things get busier and louder, and our routines are off. Just like people, our pets do notice it - the good and the bad. For a good number of dogs, this has been their first year in...
Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are an animal lover! As the snow comes down (and it's only November!), we need to advocate a bit more for our furry friends out there. Here are a few tips / things to consider! Stay...
Even If You Don’t Win the Lottery…..
Too often we hear "If I won the lottery, I'd help all the dogs!" We get it, if I won the lottery, I'd be like Oprah "You get a spay/neuter van! YOU get a spay/neuter van! Everyone gets a spay/neuter van!!!" and they'd all cheer, and everyone could spay and neuter...
Shy / Fearful Dogs – Navigating the Great Outdoors
Showing Your Dog the World Beyond! Lots of dogs are very excited at the word “walk” or a glimpse of the leash. But not all dogs. There is a whole other category of dogs that are terrified to explore outside the safety of their space. We find it often happens with...
Teaching “Touch” to your Dog
Teach "Touch" or "Hand Target to your Dog" Why should I add this to my training regime? Helps nervous dogs approach people (our focus below) Gives your dog a proper way to say "hello" Allows them a way to focus when needed Provides a new way to communicate with your...
Leash Reactivity in Dogs & You!
With leash-reactivity, the common denominator is a dog who feels trapped while on a leash attached to a human. That usually points toward an unsure or tense handler. Check to see if YOU are leash reactive! We don't mean that you are barking at every dog that walks...
Why Hire a Dog Trainer?
When you adopt a DIBS dog, the expectation is that you will sign up for training (well...it's more than an expectation: it's actually in the adoption contract). We don't hesitate to have veterinarians and groomers lined up to help with our pets. We likely have a dog...