The Winnipeg Pet Show

7 October 24 & 25, 2015 | RBC Convention Centre presented by 204-832-PETS (7387) www.petrescueshelter.com OurMission The Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelterisanon-profitcharity committed to providing a euthanasia-free environment forunwantedanimalsthrough the provision of interim care andarrangementofadoptions tosuitableowners. B O R E AL B E R R Y B A R I N C ® Wildly Nutritious and Berry Delicious ® TheBushmanandDr.KarenPain Austin,Manitoba(204)637-2206 borealberrybar.com G L UTEN F R F EE THE THE THE thelittledoghouse.ca By holli Moncrieff for the Free Press if you've got pooch problems, you'll definitely want to check out the winnipeg humane Society's booth at the winnipeg Pet Show. O ne of the Humane Society's behaviour experts will be there to answer any questions you may have about your furry family members. "Our behaviour experts are incredible, well-trained people who provide a great service," says Aileen White, director of communications and public affairs for the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS). "Sometimes people don't know where to start when it comes to issues with their pets, and they simply need to talk to somebody." Many of the dogs that are relinquished to the WHS have minor behavioural problems that could easily be resolved with training, she adds. "Leash pulling is huge. A lot of people also have questions about how to house-train dogs, and how to manage barking in the backyard or aggressive barking at the door," White says. "These are legitimate issues that mystify people." Even though proper training should ideally begin in puppyhood, older dogs can still be coached out of destructive or annoying behaviours. "A lot of people don't have a clue why it's important to teach dogs not to jump up and not to mouth people," says White. "The No. 1 question about puppy behaviour is how to get them to stop chewing everything." Animal behaviour is a growing focus for the WHS. The Humane Society recently announced the construction of the new Joyce Gauthier Behaviour and Training Centre, which is scheduled to open this fall. The Joyce Gauthier Centre will allow WHS staff to increase the number of behaviour and training programs available at the shelter. They will be able to offer more training and agility courses. The centre will also give shelter animals more opportunity to work on socialization and behaviour skills before they're adopted. "The opening of the Joyce Gauthier Behaviour and Training Centre will help us expand the work of our behavioural team. We want to be the resource for these issues in our community," White says. It's not all about the dogs. The behaviour experts can also answer questions about cats and other critters. The WHS booth at the Winnipeg Pet Show will feature Ambassador Dogs as well. The public is welcome to meet, pet and cuddle these dogs and talk to their owners. "The Ambassador Dogs are Humane Society alumni. Their owners volunteer their time to talk about the animals," says White. Chatting with Ambassador Dog owners is a great way to learn more about the benefits of adopting a pet from a shelter. "There's still a stigma that shelter animals are not a great pick because they come with all sorts of issues, but our behavioural team starts working with the dogs before they enter into the adoption area," White explains. "Our dogs have received an immense amount of attention and love to prepare them for life in a family home." She hopes that after meeting the Ambassador Dogs, a few people will be inspired to adopt an animal of their own. "It shows well for the Humane Society, but for all rescue animals, really," she says. The WHS is the charity of choice for the Winnipeg Pet Show. "It's an honour to be chosen. There are so many wonderful groups helping animals in Manitoba. We're quite thrilled," says White. "This is a great way to showcase our community of animal lovers." If you can't make it to the show but would like to speak to a WHS behaviour expert, you can call their Yelp Line at 204-988-8808 or or visit www.winnipeghumanesociety. ca/pet-owners/yelp-line. ❚ Winnipeg Humane Society behavioural staff. From left, Val Poulton, Lisa Rumble and Catherine McMillan. Photo by Darcy Finley 204-837-8140 3414RoblinBlvd. Winnipeg,MB. Dog Grooming Salon clasclip@mts.net|www.classyclips.ca

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