For dogs, this has to be one of the greatest things that has ever happened.
Everyone’s at home...all day!
But while they’re obviously overjoyed with the sudden onslaught of non-stop company and attention, Robin Elliott said it’s important to give them space since they might tire more easily with all the action.
“You may notice behavioural changes since they’re with a person all the time,” said Elliott, who serves as the community development coordinator with the OSPCA’s Midland Animal Centre.
Elliott said people shouldn’t take offence when their pet leaves the family room because he or she likely just needs some “alone time.”
And since the current pandemic shows little sign of letting up anytime soon, Elliott said the OSPCA wants to highlight a number of excellent online programs that should prove interesting for area residents of all ages.
“AnimalSmart is curriculum-based,” she said, noting the fun and educational program contains lesson plans for children in grades one to three that’s been designed to help them develop and maintain positive relationships with companion animals and help children learn how to live compassionately.
“You can download the modules for grade one to three,” she said. “Children learn what is responsibility, what is commitment. It’s really the ABCs of animal care.”
The program also challenges students to see their world through different eyes as they consider the needs and well-being of animals.
“It also looks at how it’s different to look after a dog or a cat,” she said, noting the download is available for free here. “We’re finding that it’s been really popular.”
Also on the OSPCA website, there’s a free online tool designed to help both shelter professionals and pet owners improve the behavioural health of animals by focusing on their mental and emotional needs.
Called Shelter Health Pro (click here), Elliott said it features an environmental needs and behavioural health section that includes professional tips and tools on training and behaviour, enrichment, socialization activities and strategies to reduce stress in animals.
Filled with recommendations developed by animal health and behaviour experts, Elliott said the program offers a user-friendly format that also includes enrichment activities for cats, dogs and small animals.
“It’s a standard course our employees take that teaches how to reduce stress and anxiety,” she said, noting keeping shelter animals happier and healthier increases their chance of adoption while families will benefit through the program by learning how to prevent and modify behavioural issues since unwanted behaviours can lead to challenges and frustration.
There’s also a series of “fear free” videos that the OSPCA incorporates into its staff and volunteer training available here. These videos are designed to alleviate an animal’s fear, anxiety, stress and frustration as they await adoption, but can help everyday pet owners.
Added Elliott: “They teach things like how to make a fear-free trip to the veterinarian and how to keep your animal calm and cool.”
