Totoredaca Leash-Free Dog Park
2715 Meadowvale Blvd. Mississauga, ON, Canada

Barking is perfectly normal dog behaviour, it's an outlet for them and we need to allow them it.

Always respect a dog's fear.

There are a few cases of Kennel Cough that is starting to go around in the park. We can't confirm where it originated, but there have been positively diagnosed cases. Please, if your dog is exhibiting any of the symptoms, avoid bringing them to the dog park or any high dog traffic areas. The bowls will all be put away starting tomorrow, so please remember to bring a bowl alongside your own water so we can stop the spread before it gets bad. Thank you!... LFM See more

To know a dog you need to be a dog.

New study published in Animal Cognition found that dogs have a bias towards vowels when understanding human language. This differs from people who have a bias f...or consonants. In the study 44 dogs were played mispronounced versions of their names, one with the vowels incorrect and one with the consonants incorrect. Dogs demonstrated a vowel bias rather than a consonant bias, preferring their own name over a vowel-mispronounced version of their name, but not in comparison to a consonant-mispronounced version. It didn't seem to have much of an impact on their understanding if the consonants in their own name were wrong. This is interesting when thinking about how dogs respond to our vocal commands - it is more important for us to pronounce the vowels well than the consonants. This might not be intuitive because it is the other way around for us humans. I've actually tried this on my own dog, Maki. If I call him Baki or Raki or Waki, he responds as if I'm calling his name. If I call him Muki or Moki, he doesn't pay as much attention. Does anyone else have similar experiences? Paper: The role of linguistic experience in the development of the consonant bias, Animal Cognition October 2020 Link to paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10071-020-01436-6 #dogscience #dogs #science #dogcognition #dogsmarts #doglanguage #dogbehavior #dogbehaviour #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogowner

https://www.psychologytoday.com//201911/can-dogs-smell-time

OWNER HAS BEEN FOUND. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SHARED. HE WAS NOT USED TO THE AREA DUE TO SAYING AT A FRIENDS HOUSE AND HE GOT LOOSE LAST NIGHT. IT WAS A NICE... VISIT WITH TUCKER HE WAS SO COMFORTABLE HE DIDNT WANNA LEAVE. SUCH A FRIENDLY DOG. Found gorgeous male friendly dog. Inglewood Caledon 15601 McLaughlin rd. Pushed it's way through my door at 4am Oct 11. Refuses to leave the property. Walked up and down the street and won't leave my side. No collar. Very well behaved dog and paws at door untill we let him inside. Don't really want to call the animal control just in case know one claims him and so the owner won't have to pay to get him out. If not claimed soon tho I will have too come Tuesday night maybe. If he's yours please come claim him. 905 838 2598 See more

Understanding your dog’s core needs is a crucial aspect in raising a calm adult dog. Every dog has an emotional cup that is relatively empty at the start of t...he day, & needs be filled through satisfying what are truly instinctive core needs. Every dog, being of the canine species has at least these 6 core needs. The order of importance depends on the individual. The 6 core needs: Sniffing Dissecting Digging Chewing Chasing Social contact Some dogs will prefer some of these activities more over others, so it is important to determine what your dog’s personal preferences & priorities are. Only then, can you begin to provide them with appropriate outlets to meet those needs. If these needs are not met, your dog will seek out ways to satisfy them that may feel inappropriate to you, such as rummaging through the trash, chewing on the furniture, shredding your socks and so on. What really is a bad dog? It’s a human made construct based off our perception of what dogs are supposed to do in our two legged culture. As a trainer, when I hear someone say that they have a bad dog i immediately question whether their dog’s core needs are being met or not. If we don’t provide activities or outlets to help fill their emotional cup in a productive way, they will seek out ways to satisfy such needs on their own. No dog is a bad dog. A dog left to their own devices will make very doggy decisions. It is up to you, to help your dog learn what is appropriate where and when. #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingisfun #dogtrainers #clickertraining #markertraining #puppytraining #impulsecontrol #smartpuppy #pdxdogtraining #pdxdogtrainer #pdxdogtraining #pdxdogsofinstagram #portlanddogtrainer #dogwhisperer #noblewoof #rewardbasedtraining #behaviorsciences #animalbehavior #gooddog #walkandtrain #basicmanners #petsbehavingwell #snackleadernotpackleader #youdonthaveto See more

***ATTENTION*** The city will be shutting down the water at some point next week in order to start winterizing the parks. Make sure to bring some water for your pups when you come to the park!

Experienced Foster Home Needed!

Happy Thursday everyone!

Did you know Toto is on Instagram? We are and you can find us @ totoleashfree

Toto is sad to learn that Squeaky passed away this morning. Our hearts go out to Mike & Karen at this difficult time.

Henley's leaping into the weekend at Toto!

This is always the case - we just need to learn their language.

Good rainy Friday! We thought we'd brighten your morning by introducing Gus, a 2-year-old neutered male Saint Bernard. He came to us on Tuesday from the shelt...er and will be available for adoption in time but we have some medical to do for him first. Many thanks to the shelter for trusting us with him and to our amazing foster parents who just keep opening their arms and hearts to help dogs in need! Here is a video to start the day: https://youtu.be/a0yFc-IeHZU See more

Its Water Not Land

*** Myth Buster Monday *** "Pack walks are so much fun for dogs." NO they are not. Not like this. Off leash with compatible friends could be great but not this.... There are so many potential threats to these dogs. We see many pictures like this on social media and the average response indicates people think this is a good thing.It doesn't impress me. It shows an utter disregard for the dogs happiness and/or a complete lack of understanding regarding normal and natural canine behaviour and the needs of the dogs. This photo is not a photo of happy dogs. They can't sniff anything which is the most exciting thing about going walking for a dog. Dogs get so much joy from sniffing on walks. Sniffing is the doggie equivalent of humans taking joy in seeing beautiful things. All things olfaction are what dogs are all about wheras humans are more visually inclined. Sniffing is reading the local news for your dog. This picture is exactly the same as me taking you window shopping in a blindfold. They can't see much walking like this. They need to stay in their positions and keep pace to ensure their leads do not tangle. So its physical exercise without the benefit of the mental enrichment that comes from sniffing and experiencing the environment. There are several different aspects of this photo that suggest discomfort. If you can't recognise them we recommend the dog decoder ap to learn to recognise the initial and more subtle body language cues dogs display. These photos and the adulation they receive from the general public really cause me concern. As a behaviour consultant who specialises in reactivity all I can think when I see this is what if they encounter a dog and there is a reactive response from any of the dogs present? These dogs are trapped together. They may very well panic and start redirecting on each other. Flight is not an option in this situation. What if one of these dogs is injured, sick or has some kind of medical emergency? How will you deal with that with so many to care for? What if one of them has a seizure? A dog having a seizure can result in aggression from other dogs. What if an off leash dog appears? Or a cat? Rabbit? You get the gist. Its not safe. It can be difficult enough to deal with an unsupervised, unknown, unleashed dog when you are only walking one dog without this kind of complication. Dogs also have varying comfort zones in regard to personal space. No personal space in this photo This isn't a joyful photo. Its physical exercise. Nothing more. There is quiet alot of pressure on these dogs. My dogs walk is for them and me and I promise them it would never look like this. My dogs walk is happy time. I want them to get all the enrichment opportunities they can safely have. I'm not a drill sargent. I'm my dogs best mate. Side note - don't send me these pictures. It breaks my heart to see dogs getting less than they deserve. #walksshouldbefun #dogsolutions #reactivityconsultant #behaviour #dogs #letthemsniff #whoswalkisit

Clyde is looking for a home.

Punishment based training DOES NOT WORK! Science has proven that again & again!

Not dog related but if you know anyone who can help please share this with them.

ATTN: MISSISSAUGA MEMBERS!! WE HAVE AN URGENT REQUEST! Eddie’s Network is an organization of volunteers who assist owners of missing dogs to put up posters. Th...is tiny thing has been missing for three weeks and the worst was feared, but there was a sighting yesterday, near Burnhamthorpe and Hurontario. Unfortunately the dog is a new rescue and very timid and disappeared again. Eddie’s Network is low on volunteers in this area and are desperately appealing for help with putting up a few missing dog posters. Time is of the essence to find this sweet thing! If you might be able to help (even to post five posters!), please comment below and Erin Winn, an admin of Eddie’s Network, will get in touch with you! Squeeze your dogs a little tighter tonight! Wishing this baby a safe return home.

Get our free loose lead walking workshop and learn to do it properly. http://ed.gr/cw7vv

This is one of the scariest stock images I have seen so far.

If using disposable masks please cut the straps before throwing them out!

Transport help needed!

Help stop puppy mills! Do your research before getting a dog! http://www.kismutt.com/puppy-mills.html

Allowing your child to sit on a dog is like allowing them to sit on a lion. Neither should happen. Encourage positive, safe, and responsible interactions! O...ur pocket-sized Child and Dog Interaction Guide includes our popular Child and Dog Safety Series which is also available in FREE PDF downloads on our website https://www.trailblazingtails.com//child-and-dog-interacti See more

Mississauga is part of a province-wide rabies bait program. If you see one of these packets, don’t be concerned as they're not harmful to pets or humans. The bait shouldn’t be touched please leave it for the raccoons, skunks & foxes to consume. More info: http://ow.ly/HBbm50B3uVV

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoomies is a grassroots volunteer initiative dedicated to offering support for dog owners. We at Zoomies understand that the pandemic poses additional risks to some members of the community but believe that no one should have to choose between their health and caring for their beloved pet. We match those who are struggling to safely exercise their dog(s), as well as our amazing frontline workers, with a volunteer dog walker in their area ...who will provide ongoing dog-walking support. To register your dog, please complete our Dog Owner Registration Form: https://forms.gle/9GcMetevmwkm7kym8 To register as a volunteer, please complete our Volunteer Registration Form: https://forms.gle/RtiGyswoqPGJNq7f7 For more information, please visit our website: zoomiesdogs.com or email us at [email protected].

RANT WARNING - I was online and saw this: $7500 Bernadoodle, $3500 Shepadoodle, $4000 Bodation (Border collie X Dalmation). What the heck is going on?! These se...lf-proclaimed ‘Designer Breeds’ are NOT real registered breeds and they are causing the devaluation of legitimate purebred dogs. You can purchase a PUREBRED dog for half the price! A reputable, ethical breeder will painstakingly study their dog’s pedigree, do genetic testing, health/disease testing, behavioural/temperament testing and purposely match sires with bitches according to these many factors in order to control the next generation to the best of their ability. Often times, breeders will sacrifice on ‘pretty colour patterns’ or trivial aesthetic traits to ensure the more important health and temperament traits. We used to pay a high price tag for purebred dogs because of this type of meticulous control and long history of records and standardization. Why then, would Joe Blow let his Poodle mate with literally any other random breed creating some sort of ‘Oodle’ or ‘Poo’ suddenly market his dogs an expensive ‘exotic designer breed’? Folks, this is what we used to call mutts/crosses/hybrids; there’s nothing exotic about it. Nothing wrong with a good old Mixed Breed. Nothing wrong with a wonderful mutt but there is something very wrong about Con Artist Joe, who demands an ‘extra $500 for blue eyes’ on top of the $3500 for this ‘rare Shepadoodle breed’. If you’re going to shell out your hard-earned money, think carefully about the value you are getting for your dollars. What exactly are you paying for? Food for thought.

This topic was requested soooo many times, but this one broke me. As a dog owner, this was terrible to draw (and took me way too long)

Please share widely to help us to help protect dogs from being poisoned. In response to the recent deaths of dogs in the Guelph community due to rodenticide, we are giving the world wide community free access to our self control course until September 1. This course is designed to help dogs to learn self control. Part of self control is learning to never ever pick things up that they just find, especially food items. No training is a guarantee, however a well trained automati...c leave it (the dog learns to leave it without you saying "leave it" which means you don't need to see what the dog is interested in; he just doesn't touch it!) can really help. A solid cued take it takes time to teach, but this course will get you started and any training towards that end will help keep our canine family members safe. To take advantage of this course, you will need to sign up with our online school and allow us to send you emails, and then take the second step of registering in the Self Control course. Please use the coupon "dogsintheparkfree" (no quotes!) to get a 100% discount at checkout. If you pay for the course by not using the code, we cannot refund you at this time, so please use the code! PS: WE have a number of free offerings; check out our free classes section! We would love to see you in class. https://doityourselfdogtraining.thinkific.com//self-control See more