Training Resources for a Happy, Healthy Life with Your Dog

Local Dog Services Recommendations We’re happy to share some of our community’s favorite dog services in the area. Please note that while these recommendations come highly suggested, it’s important to do your own research when choosing services for your pet. We do not have personal partnerships with any of these businesses. Grooming Services Dog World Resort & Spa A premier pet groomer, boutique, and doggy daycare in downtown Toronto, Dog World Resort & Spa offers personalized grooming experiences and a curated collection of high-quality pet products. Juju Grooms Parkdale Known for its award-winning approach to grooming, Juju Grooms in Parkdale emphasizes positive reinforcement and gentle care, making it a top choice for pet owners in the area. Dogs and Goddesses This grooming salon is loved for its compassionate approach, focusing on creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience for pets while delivering top-notch grooming services. Dog Walking Services Brockton Village: Black Labbath Offering reliable dog-walking services, Black Labbath provides plenty of exercise and social time for dogs, with a personal approach. Little Italy: Wagging with Chantal Known for her friendly, reliable service, Chantal offers walks tailored to each dog’s energy level and needs. Unleashed in the City A trusted name in the area, Unleashed in the City offers both group and solo walks, as well as enriching outdoor activities. Fort York/Liberty Village: Gussy and Company A community favorite with a personal touch, Gussy and Company offers walking and care services tailored to each dog. Bones Hugs n' Harmony Specializing in small group walks, Bones Hugs n' Harmony is known for creating fun, social experiences for dogs in Liberty Village. Pet Photography Bark Pet Studio Bark Pet Studio offers professional pet photography to capture your pet’s personality in beautiful, high-quality images. Perfect for creating lasting memories of your furry friend! We hope these local recommendations help you find the best care and experiences for your pet! Remember to reach out to these businesses directly to learn more about their services and availability.   Feature photo credit: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Congratulations on Deciding to Welcome a New Furry Family Member! Adding a pet to your family is a special moment, whether you’re adopting a playful pup, a curious kitten, or a wise senior cat. Here are some friendly reminders to get you started on this journey: Important Things to Keep in Mind Owning a Pet is a Long-Term Commitment Pets are lifetime companions. Dogs often live 12-18 years, and cats can live even longer! They’ll be with you through every life stage and rely on you for love, care, and stability. Being prepared for this commitment is essential to creating a fulfilling bond. Owning a Pet Takes Time and Effort Caring for a pet can be both fun and challenging. It’s hard work—especially with a puppy or kitten—but the ups and downs are worth it! Consistency and patience go a long way in helping your pet adjust and feel at home. Owning a Pet Has Costs From food and toys to veterinary care, grooming, and emergency expenses, pets come with a financial commitment. Be sure to budget for regular and unexpected costs to provide your furry friend with a happy and healthy life. Consider pet insurance to help with unexpected costs. First Things First: Do Your Research Take time to research what type of pet would best suit your lifestyle. Each pet has unique needs, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your shared happiness. Focus on Compatibility, Not Just Looks Every pet is unique in personality, regardless of appearance. Choosing based on temperament and lifestyle compatibility is much more important than looks. Consider Online Compatibility Quizzes Not sure where to start? Try a breed or pet compatibility quiz to help identify options that may suit your household, whether for cats or dogs. For Mixed Breeds or Rescue Pets If you’re adopting a mixed-breed pet, learning about each breed in the mix can offer insights into likely behavior and needs. If it’s a rescue pet with unknown history, talk to the organization about their personality and be honest about what you’re looking for in a companion. Connect with Fellow Pet Owners Some of the best advice comes from other pet owners! Chat with friends who’ve recently adopted or visit pet communities online. You can even follow accounts dedicated to specific breeds or types of pets to learn more. Choosing a Rescue Organization Ontario has many wonderful rescues filled with pets looking for their forever homes. Here are some resources to get you started: Etobicoke Humane Society: A volunteer-run charity in Toronto dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs in need. Petfinder Canada: Browse by breed, age, size, and location to find pets available for adoption in Ontario. Adopt-a-Pet: Another great platform to explore listings from various rescues and shelters. Many rescues share available pets on social media, so following local groups can help you stay up-to-date. Tip: Working with a reputable rescue is essential, as not all rescues operate the same way. Do your research to avoid red flags and ensure you’re supporting a group that prioritizes the welfare of the animals.  Learn more about our shelter and rescue support initiatives here. Choosing a Responsible Breeder If you’re interested in a specific breed and choose to go through a breeder, it’s essential to work with a responsible, ethical breeder who cares about the health and well-being of their pets. Use Trusted Resources: The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) breeder search is a good place to start for dogs, as CKC-registered breeders follow a code of ethics. For cats, consider using the Canadian Cat Association breeder directory. Know the Signs of a Reputable Breeder: Reputable breeders provide health guarantees, detailed information about the breed, and a supportive environment. The Humane Society offers a checklist to help you make an informed choice. Owning a pet is a meaningful journey, and with the right preparation, you’ll build a lifetime of happy memories with your new companion. Don't forget to come see us at Critter & Co. Pet Outpost for the Best Toronto Pet Supplies. Good luck finding the perfect furry addition to your family!   Feature picture credit: Photo by Danielle Daniel

Exploring Toronto with your dog? We’ve got you covered with some great local spots, along with some helpful tips to make sure everyone has a positive experience. Dog Park Etiquette Before heading out, here are some Dog Park Etiquette Tips to keep in mind: Not every dog wants to meet other dogs, and that’s okay! If your dog is off-leash and an on-leash dog approaches, it’s best to leash your dog to give both pets space. Always clean up after your dog and keep an eye on them to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable. Popular Dog-Friendly Trails and Paths in Toronto Toronto is home to some beautiful, dog-friendly trails where you and your pup can explore nature together. Here are a few favorites: High Park: With extensive trails and an off-leash area, this iconic park is a Toronto favorite. Evergreen Brick Works: A unique spot with trails that connect to the Don Valley, great for a nature-filled escape in the city. Crothers Woods: Known for scenic wooded trails, it’s a fantastic spot for an adventure with your dog. Sherwood Park Trail: A quieter, shaded trail in midtown with off-leash areas perfect for exploring. For more ideas, check out local resources like BlogTO’s Guide to Dog-Friendly Trails or Toronto's Underrated Dog Parks. COMMUNITY FAVORITES - FENCED PARKS We asked around, and these fenced-in parks came up as community favorites: Trinity Bellwoods Park: A bustling park with a well-loved off-leash area. Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Park: Ideal for dogs who love the water, with a sandy beach and a large off-leash area. Woburn Dog Park: Located in Scarborough, a popular spot with lots of space for dogs to play. Cedarvale Park: This off-leash area in midtown is a hit for dogs who love to run and explore. For a complete list of Toronto’s off-leash parks, check out the City of Toronto’s Dog Park Directory. MORE SPOTS LOVED BY OUR COMMUNITY Toronto and the GTA offer even more scenic spots that locals love: The Beaches Boardwalk: Perfect for a waterfront stroll. Tommy Thompson Park: A bit of a hidden gem with lake views and natural scenery. Bluffer’s Park: A beautiful park in Scarborough with impressive views and lots of space. Humber Bay Park: A great option for a waterside walk with views of downtown Toronto. THE SCENT DEN AT WHOLESOME CANINE wholesomecanine.ca For a more private indoor experience, consider visiting The Scent Den at Wholesome Canine. As Toronto's first and only indoor sensory zone for dogs, The Scent Den offers a safe and comfortable environment where your dog can engage in a true sensory experience. The space is thoughtfully designed with a variety of elements to stimulate all five senses—taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing—providing mental enrichment and encouraging natural behaviors like sniffing and exploring. This can help lower your dog's pulse rate and foster a sense of calm and confidence. It's an excellent option for all dogs, especially those who are nervous, anxious, elderly, recovering from surgery, or sensitive to extreme temperatures. Remember to stop by Critter & Co. Pet Outpost for the Best Downtown Toronto Dog Food, on your way to the dog park and check us out @critterpetoutpost on Instagram!  Feature image credit: Photo by Elina Volkova