How to Clean Cat Urine – Cat Behaviour Guide
Effective cleaning is essential to reduce house soiling. Cats have a strong sense of smell, and lingering odors will draw them back to that location.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 05/12/24
House Soiling in Cats – Cat Behaviour Guide
When a cat urinates or defecates outside of their litterbox, it’s called house soiling. Understanding the causes and working with your veterinarian can help you address your cat’s physical and emotional needs and help guide them back to using their litterbox.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 05/12/24
Pet Transport Options & Tips – Animal Behaviour Guide
If you need to transport your pet but don’t have access to a vehicle, this guide provides a list of pet-friendly transportation options in Edmonton and surrounding areas, along with tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.
- Animals
Updated: 25/11/24
Litterbox Guide – Cat Behaviour Guide
Cats instinctively use a litterbox when their physical and emotional needs are met - no training required! This guide will help you understand your cat’s preferences and avoid common pitfalls, so they’ll always feel comfortable using their litterbox, even during stressful times.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 01/11/24
Aggressive Behaviour in Cats – Cat Behaviour Guide
Aggression is a common but often misunderstood behaviour in cats. This guide offers an overview of a few emotional motivations behind aggressive behaviour, which can help you improve your relationship with your feline friend, reduce stress and create a safer, more harmonious home.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 23/10/24
A Guide to Self Rehoming Your Pet
Rehoming your pet can be a difficult decision, and we understand and appreciate you doing what’s best for both your pet and your family. Before surrendering them to an animal shelter or rescue, we recommend trying to rehome them privately first.
- Animals
Updated: 21/10/24
Choosing a Boarding Facility or Pet Sitter
When you are going away or need a temporary place for your pet to stay, finding the right boarding kennel or pet sitter is important. This guide tips to help you evaluate service providers and find the best fit for your pet.
- Animals
Updated: 10/10/24
Living with Allergies to Pets
Allergies to pets can make it uncomfortable to share a home with them. In some cases though, a combination of managing the environment and treating your symptoms can help you find relief from allergies, so that you can your pet can stay together.
- Animals
Updated: 27/09/24
Cat Carrier Training – Cat Behaviour Guide
Teaching your cat to happily enter a carrier is a valuable skill for vet visits, moving and travel. Carrier training not only makes transport easier for you but also reduces stress for your cat.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 17/09/24
Traveling in a Car with Your Cat – Cat Behaviour Guide
Does your cat struggle with car rides or show signs of stress after returning from a trip, like a visit to the vet? This guide will help you prepare your cat for smoother car rides and a more comfortable return home.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 17/09/24
Choosing the Right Cat Carrier – Cat Behaviour Guide
Selecting the perfect carrier is the first step toward making your cat feel safe and comfortable during travel. Consider the material, size, ventilation, and door placement to ensure both your cat’s safety and comfort.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 17/09/24
Playing With Your Cat – Cat Behaviour Guide
Playing with your cat isn’t just about fun—it's a key part of their well-being! If your feline friend is meowing, rubbing against you, bringing toys or knocking things off shelves, it might be time for a play session.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 02/08/24
Cat Enrichment Guide
Understanding and fulfilling your cat’s enrichment needs is essential for their overall physical health, mental wellbeing and for preventing unwanted behaviours. More importantly, it deepens the bond between you and your pet.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 09/07/24
Adoption Supplies For Cats
Adding a cat to your home is an exciting time for you and your household. We have created this basic supply list to help you prepare for your new family member.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Adoption Supplies For Dogs
Adding a dog to your home is an exciting time for you and your household. We have created this basic supply list to help you prepare for your new family member.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Outdoor Pet Preparedness
- Animals
Updated: 16/05/24
Winter Pet Safety Guide
Our climate poses challenges for both people and pets. You can help keep your furry friends safe with these tips for winter weather pet safety.
- Animals
Updated: 19/05/24
Human Directed Aggression – Dog Behaviour Guide
Aggression is a dog’s way of communicating stress using body language and/or vocalizations. Aggression can be displayed towards people in different situations for various reasons and is a symptom of an underlying problem or stressor that should be addressed or managed humanely.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Choosing the Right Pet Training – Animal Behaviour Guide
When considering training your pet, it’s important to understand that there are different types of training available, and selecting the right one is key to achieving your goals. In this guide, we will outline training formats and offer tips to help you choose the most suitable for you and your pet.
- Animals
Updated: 19/05/24
Name Recognition – Animal Behaviour Guide
We say our pet’s name to get their attention, but to do so, we must teach them to recognize and respond to their new name. This guide covers how to teach your pet their new name or help you with changing your pet’s name.
- Animals
Updated: 19/05/24
Benefits of Trap-Neuter-Return
TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is a humane approach to managing feral cat colonies while keeping the animals’ welfare in mind. Feral cats are unsocialized, outdoor cats who are not suitable as indoor pets, due to the stress they experience from human contact and confinement. This stress compromises the welfare of those cats when admitted to shelters and can lead to limited positive outcomes.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Canine Enrichment: Toys & Games – Dog Behaviour Guide
Providing enrichment for dogs is an excellent way to promote mental and physical health and engage your pet’s natural behaviours in an appropriate manner. We have put together some fun enrichment ideas for your dog.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Questions to Ask Before Adding a Pet
Adding a new pet can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. In this guide, we’ll explore some crucial considerations and offer valuable tips to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your future companion.
- Animals
Updated: 19/05/24
Tips for Visually Impaired Pets – Animal Resource Guide
Visually impaired companion animals can live a full and happy life with you. In this guide we’ll provide some tips to help your visually impaired pet adjust to life in your home.
- Animals
Updated: 19/05/24
Impulse Control – Dog Resource Guide
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 16/05/24
Rabbit Introductions & Bonding – Small Animal Behaviour Guide
Rabbits are highly social animals who benefit from having a companion. When selecting a friend for your rabbit, it’s important to keep in mind their compatibility to ensure a smooth introduction.
- Small Animal
Updated: 19/05/24
Pet Identification (ID) Guide
Using identification (ID) for your pets can help them return home if lost. Having more than one type of ID, like a microchip and tags on a collar is best. In this guide we cover types of ID, recommendations, and answer some commonly asked questions.
- Animals
Updated: 19/05/24
Raising Two Puppies Together – Dog Resource Guide
In this guide we’ll identify what you should consider before adopting multiples puppies and offer tips on how to provide the best possible experience for both you and your pets.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Muzzle Use & Training – Dog Behaviour Guide
Muzzle training can be an easy and effective way to support your dog’s welfare and safety during potentially stressful situations.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Selecting & Fitting A Dog Harness – Dog Resource Guide
This guide covers what to consider when purchasing a harness, common harness styles and how to properly fit them to your dog.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Martingale Collars – Dog Resource Guide
Martingale collars prevent dogs from slipping out of their collar while on leash. This guide covers how martingales work, when to use them and how to properly fit them to your dog.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Cat to Cat Introductions – Cat Behaviour Guide
If you are thinking of adding another cat to your home, this guide has tips to help you with introducing cats to each other!
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Managing Fear in Dogs – Dog Behaviour Guide
Managing a fearful dog can be stressful at times. Here are some recommendations for improving your dog’s confidence and managing their environment.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Selecting Walking Gear – Dog Behaviour Guide
Finding the right walking gear makes walks safe and enjoyable for both you and your dog. This guide provides information on different types of collars, harnesses and leashes, plus things to consider when choosing the right walking gear.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Rabbit Litter Box Training – Small Animal Behaviour Guide
Just like cats, rabbits can be trained to use a litter box! Not only is it useful for cleaning, but it benefits your rabbit because it creates more space for them to explore, once you trust that they are trained! Check our tips for encouraging your rabbit to use a litter box.
- Small Animal
Updated: 19/05/24
Fireworks & Pets – Animal Behaviour Guide
Celebrations involving fireworks can be very stressful for our pets, since they experience the world differently than we do. Here are some helpful tips and strategies to help make fireworks less scary for your pets while keeping them safe.
- Animals
Updated: 19/05/24
Selecting a Dog Walker or Daycare – Dog Behaviour Guide
Finding the right caregiver for your dog when you’re at work, on vacation, or to help you out when needed can be overwhelming. This resource offers you useful tips for choosing the right dog daycare or walker.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Costumes & Pets – Animal Behaviour Guide
Dressing up is fun and while you may want to include your pet, their experience and reaction to costumes may be different than ours. When considering a costume for your pet, it’s important to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience, or explore alternatives if costumes cause stress or discomfort.
- Animals
Updated: 19/05/24
Allergies in Pets – EHS Guardian Guide
Have you noticed your cat or dog scratching themselves more than usual, or perhaps that they have red and irritated skin? They could have allergies. This resource will help you recognize signs of allergies in your pet and provide some information about how to help treat your pet.
- Animals
Updated: 19/05/24
Indoor Rabbit Housing – Small Animal Behaviour Guide
Rabbits do best with larger spaces to live and play in. In this guide, we’ll share recommendations on how to give your bunny a home that makes them feel like the king or queen of the castle!
- Small Animal
Updated: 19/05/24
How to Make a Frozen Smoothie Treat for Rabbits
- Activity Sheet
- Small Animal
Updated: 16/05/24
Rabbit Enrichment – Small Animal Behaviour Guide
Rabbits are curious and social animals who need activities to help prevent boredom. Here are some suggestions on engaging toys, activities, and socialization time that will help you be best buds with your bunny!
- Small Animal
Updated: 19/05/24
Reward-Based Training – Cat Behaviour Guide
Using reward-based training isn’t just for dogs it can also be a great way to positively socialize with our feline friends!
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Clicker Training – Dog Behaviour Guide
Clicker training is an easy and effective way to train your pet through with a combination of reward and auditory que. Here are some helpful tips to help you get started.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Caring for Barn Buddies (Feral & Semi-feral Cats) – Cat Behaviour Guide
A feral or semi-feral cat is a cat who has limited exposure to humans and is highly avoidant or fearful of them. At EHS we adopt these felines out as part of our Barn Buddies program along with those who struggle to use a litterbox for non-medical reasons and thus, are better suited to an outdoor home. In this guide, we’ll share how to care for a Barn Buddy.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Budgie & Cockatiel Housing – Small Animal Behaviour Guide
Two of the most common birds adopted from the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) are budgies and cockatiels. This guide will introduce some basics for providing an enriching environment that will help keep your feathered friend happy by meeting their physical and mental needs.
- Bird-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Basics of Bird Enrichment – Small Animal Behaviour Guide
Birds are truly pets of a different feather, but they still benefit greatly from loving homes that actively provide enrichment which supports their physical and mental well-being by allowing them to express their natural behaviours in the safety of our enclosed environments.
- Bird-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Nail Trimming – Dog Behaviour Guide
Regular nail trimming is essential to help prevent nail overgrowth. Here are some tips for helping prepare your dog for low-stress nail trimming!
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Cooperative Care Basics – Dog Behaviour Guide
Cooperative care is when your dog voluntarily participates in routine procedures, such as grooming, teeth brushing or any handling they might experience during a veterinary exam. Here are a few tips for getting your dog started.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Child-Dog Interactions – Dog Behaviour Guide
A knowledge of dog body language and appropriate interactions is key for both adults and children. We’re sharing some recommendations for promoting positive dog-child interactions and safety management.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Kitten Socialization – Cat Behaviour Guide
Bringing home a kitten is an exciting time and appropriate socialization helps reduce behavioural issues in the future.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Separation Anxiety – Dog Behaviour Guide
Does your dog get upset when you leave them alone at home? Do they howl, bark, soil, or destroy items in your house? If so, your dog may have separation anxiety.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Excessive Barking – Dog Behaviour Guide
Dogs bark, it’s what they do naturally! However, when barking becomes excessive or persists for long periods, it can indicate that an underlying issue needs to be addressed.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Introducing Guinea Pigs – Small Animal Behaviour Guide
Did you know that guinea pigs are social animals? They prefer living in pairs or small groups and benefit greatly from having the company of other guinea pigs. Here is some information to help you learn about the needs of these small animals if you are looking to adopt.
- Small Animal
Updated: 19/05/24
Post Adoption Tips – Dog Behaviour Guide
Bringing your new dog home is exciting! However, your new pet may find this transition a bit stressful at first. Here are some recommendations for helping your pet feel at home.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
A Guide for Renting with Pets
- Animals
Updated: 16/05/24
Touch Sensitivity – Dog Behaviour Guide
Did you know that petting a dog is a “human” thing? We don’t see dogs petting other dogs. If you have a puppy, it is essential that you desensitize them to having different areas of their body handled. In adult dogs, tolerance for being touched or handled may vary significantly.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Sit Training – Dog Behaviour Guide
Every dog should respond reliably to a “sit” cue It is a foundational behaviour for basic obedience. You can also train your dog that sitting can help them gain access to desired items, such as treats, toys, or praise.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Resource Guarding – Dog Behaviour Guide
Dogs can guard toys, food, people, objects, or even locations. This occurs when your dog shows signs of aggression when you (or another dog) approaches the guarded item, person, or location, such as snarling, growling, or snapping.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Recall – Dog Behaviour Guide
Recall is one of the most valuable cues for your dog to learn. It ensures their safety in off-leash areas or if your dog escapes from your yard or home.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Puppy Socialization – Dog Behaviour Guide
A critical part of puppyhood is socialization, but it is important to understand that socializing your puppy does not mean maximizing exposure. Here we share tips on how to ensure you have the best learning experiences possible for you and your puppy.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Puppy Mouthing – Dog Behaviour Guide
When puppies play with each other, they use their mouths. Therefore, they may also be inclined to grab or bite your hand with their mouth during play or when being petted. This guide will help you navigate to reducing this behaviour.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Pet Introductions – Dog Behaviour Guide
When you get a new cat or dog, you can’t wait to bring them home. However, your resident pets may not share your excitement. Introducing pets to each other is a process.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Loose Leash Walking – Dog Behaviour Guide
Leash pulling is inadvertently rewarded by allowing your dog to move forward when they pull. In order to address pulling, you have to stop reinforcing the unwanted behaviour.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Leash Reactivity – Dog Behaviour Guide
Teaching your dog impulse control is a valuable exercise! Through behaviour modification, your dog can learn to control their instinctive behaviour and reliably respond to your cues.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Keeping Cats Safe – Cat Behaviour Guide
Outdoor free-roaming cats are exposed to many risks. Here are some alternatives to free-roaming that support healthy and happy lives for cats.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
House Training – Dog Behaviour Guide
House training requires consistency, attentiveness, and positive reinforcement! It may take several weeks to house-train your puppy (or adult dog), depending on several factors so ensure you have time to commit to house-training.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Destructive Scratching – Cat Behaviour Guide
While scratching can be a frustrating and costly behaviour for pet guardians, it is normal and necessary behaviour for cats. Here are some recommendations for redirecting your cat’s scratching to appropriate items in the house.
- Cat-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24
Crate Training – Dog Behaviour Guide
Crate training is a practical way to ensure that your dog is safely contained while traveling or when they cannot be properly supervised. It can also be helpful when house training.
- Dog-Specific
Updated: 19/05/24