Pets enrich our lives. A well trained, well behaved dog makes life better. Teaching your dog simple tricks also teaches them how to obey commands, gives opportunities for positive reinforcement and teaches your pet discipline. Who knew tricks could be the key to having a well behaved and happy dog?! Here are 5 fun tricks to teach your best friend, from your friends at Timbercreek Communities.

Kiss

It’s pretty easy to get a dog to lick your face. The trick is to get them to give you a gentle kiss that doesn’t require toweling off after. Hold a treat by your face as you say the command and offer your cheek. Wait until he touches your cheek with his nose and pull away and give him the treat before he can lick you. Eventually he will learn that is all that is required. If you have a big or overly excitable dog, don’t let your kids perform this trick until your dog has it down.

Shake Paws

You’ll need a little patience to teach your dog to shake a paw. If you can spare the time, it's ideal to practice for about 5 minutes a day. To keep you both from getting tired or frustrated. Show your dog the treat in your hand. If your pet lifts its paw, or bats at the treat in your closed hand, reward your pooch with the treat and a little praise. Your other hand should remain out flat to shake. When your pup lifts his or her paw you can grab it while he/she takes the treat.

Fetch

It may seem like a dog would naturally fetch without training but the truth is, most don’t. Most dogs will simply stare and possibly wonder why you are throwing their toy away. Follow these 6 steps to teach your dog to fetch, from the dog whisperer himself, Cesar Millan.

Bark on Command

Teaching your dog to speak or is an easy trick and can fix a barking problem, as he will learn to bark only when commanded. If your dog has a barking trigger, like a knock at the door, try knocking on the door. When he barks say “speak” and give him a treat and/or click your clicker. Repeat this several times, then give the “speak” command without knocking. If he obeys and barks, give him treats and praise.

Spin

Teaching your dog to spin is not only cute, it also keeps your pet limber. Place a treat on his/her nose but don’t let your dog eat it. Slowly move your hand in the direction you want your pet to spin. Stick with one direction at first. Once your pet completes a full circle, click, use your marker word and give him/her a treat.

We hope you give these fun tricks to teach your dog a try! To find your home with Timbercreek Communities, please visit our website.

WE LOVE PETS! They provide companionship, affection and improve our quality of life -- if they are well behaved. To teach your pets to behave properly you need to be able to get and hold their attention. When you can get their attention, then you can give them commands and control their behavior. It’s straightforward, but it’s not always easy. To help you take control, Timbercreek Communities wants to share these 4 steps for getting your pet’s attention.

Eye Contact is Key

Your pet, especially a dog, is thinking about what it is looking at. If they are not making eye contact with you, chances are they are not thinking about you or what you want them to do. Eye contact is key. The first step in training your pet is to teach them to stare at you, without stopping. After several sessions getting your dog familiar with eye contact, you won’t need to tug on their collar to get their attention.

The Name Game

Getting your dog familiar with eye contact is crucial, but how do you get them to stare at you on command? Teach them their own name. A pet’s name can be used to get their attention, so that you can then tell them what you want them to do next, like “come” for example. It’s important that you only say your pet’s name once. If you repeat the name over and over, they may dismiss it. If you don’t get their attention after saying their name, follow it with attention-getting noises. You can pat your leg or make high pitched noises, then reward them when they look at you.

Praise

Your pet will respond to praise. Positive reinforcement works. The reward of praise makes them likely to repeat the behavior they were praised for. Timing is key -- you need to give them the praise immediately or they will not associate it with the correct action. If you tell your dog to “sit” and then say “good boy” when they stand back up, they will think they are being praised for standing up.

Reward

Besides praise, the other reward that is important to your pet is treats. When you say their name and they stare at you, reward them with a treat immediately. Keep your commands short. Single words are best. Everyone in the family should use the same commands and reward good behaviour right away. Consistency is key. The treat should be small, not something they need to take time to chew. Accompany these treat rewards with praise and you will be able to get your pet’s attention and have them follow your simple commands.

Timbercreek Communities hopes these tips for getting your pet’s attention help to transform your pet into a happy a well behaved member of the family.

To learn about pet friendly Timbercreek Rental Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

While it’s a little early for t-shirts and sunscreen, the days are getting longer and the clocks have sprung ahead. It’s important to keep our animal friends in mind as spring begins. From cleaning products to open doors and windows, spring plants, and other seasonal changes, hazards to our pets increase. To keep your pets safe and sound, Timbercreek Communities has some important safety tips for spring.

Steer clear of standing water

From algae to mold, dirt, oil, heavy metals, and giardia, standing water (puddles, eaves troughs, ponds, poorly draining backyards) can present a danger to pets. While their digestive systems tend to be less sensitive than humans, pets can still get sick from drinking contaminated water. Try to keep an eye on your yard, and keep an eye out for standing water pockets on your walk routes.

Keep spring cleaning materials high up

Cleaning products contain a ton of toxic chemicals and need to be kept out of reach of your pets. Consider keeping your cleaning stuff in a high place. If you’re like a lot of people, you keep your cleaning solutions under the sink, or on a shelf next to the laundry. For your pet’s safety, relocate any and all cleaning products to a high shelf or cabinet. Keeping them out of reach will prevent accidental ingestion (and vet bills!).

Avoid toxic plants

Lilies can be fatal to cats if ingested. The ASPCA also lists Azaleas, Tulips and Sago Palms as having “systemic effects on animals and/or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract.” While both dogs and cats gnaw on grass and succulents for added vitamin content, it’s important to be aware that these and other common greens can give your pets trouble. Get more info here.

Keep Easter chocolate out of reach

While delicious for humans, chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs. Throw in that cute little plastic grass that comes with many Easter basket packs and you get a real pet hazard. Inform your kids about the dangers of both items. They shouldn’t have trouble keeping their chocolate safe, but remind them to keep it out of pet reach.

Screen your windows (cat safety)

Even indoor cats love the prospect of outdoor freedom. With spring weather comes open windows and doors, which present an irresistible seduction to the adventurous pet. Get a jump on spring by installing screens on windows to deter your cats (dogs, birds, salamanders) from roaming the neighbourhood (sad as it might be for them!).

Watch out for fleas

Spring is flea and tick season. Luckily for you, knowing is half the battle. The best prevention is cleaning your pet’s bed, sleeping and hangout areas, vacuuming your home, and watching your pet for telltale flea and tick behaviour (scratching, biting, licking, shaking). Click here for more info.

At Timbercreek Communities, we know how much you love your pets and we hope that these important safety tips for spring keep your pets happy and healthy this year.

For more information on Timbercreek Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

Welcoming a puppy to your apartment can be a wonderful and exciting experience...until an unexpected injury or accident happens. Puppy proof your space to protect your little buddy. Find out how in today’s Petiquette 101 guide from Timbercreek Communities.

Start with your electronics

Make your apartment safe by taking note of any household items you have that feature cords -- this can include everything from your laptop to your bedroom lamp. Remove loose or hanging cords or wires that your pet might trip over or yank accidentally. Whatever wiring remains, cover with a standard cord protector to prevent your puppy from chewing them.

Keep toxic cleaners out of reach

Having a puppy in the house is similar to having a toddler. You have to hide your cleaning products! Equally life threatening for baby and pup alike, make sure that wherever you store your cleaning supplies, they are completely out of paw’s reach. Seeking an even safer storage solution? These Baby Proof Storage tips might be just what you need. Don’t stop with your cleaning products, the same rule applies to any medication in your apartment. Trust us, childproof lid or not, your puppy’s teeth will find a way to open that bottle.

Snag your houseplants before your pup does

Dogs love to sniff and chew on household plants. This may seem fine, but you may be shocked to learn that some household plants are extremely dangerous for animals to eat. If your favourite plant makes the caution list, make sure to move it well out of your little friend’s way. But let’s be real -- even if it wasn’t toxic, you’d want to keep that prized plant away from your curious puppy’s eager mouth.

Invest in chew toys

Your apartment isn’t officially puppy proof until you have at least half-a-dozen dog toys scattered about. As puppies teeth, high-quality chew toys are absolutely essential.

The team at Timbercreek Communities can’t wait to welcome your furry friend to one of our pet-friendly apartments. For more info about Timbercreek Communities apartments, located in five provinces and dozens of cities across Canada, please visit our website. 

It’s a common misconception that your furry friend is immune to the cold because of his or her fur coat. Fido’s comfort and safety in winter weather conditions depends on a number of variables, from breed, to age, to general physical stamina and strength. Learn more about how to care for Fido this winter in today’s post from Timbercreek Communities.

Minimizing Outdoor Trips

You can’t keep your dog inside all winter, but when is it safe to go out? Smaller, shorter breeds that walk closer to the snow are usually less resilient in cold weather, along with elderly dogs. Some dog breeds, like huskies, have thicker snow-ready coats than others, like greyhounds. A general rule is that when temperatures fall below zero degrees celsius, no matter the dog, your furry friend is at risk for hypothermia. When the cold hits, check the temps to determine if it’s safe to go out. Consider minimizing your outdoor trips with dog-friendly indoor games and activities.

Paw Pads

Perhaps the biggest perk of paw pads is protection, not from the snow, but rather the salt and chemicals that melt the snow. Invest in a pair of affordable paw pads to keep your dogs paws safe. Love long winter hikes? The second benefit of paw pads is protection from rugged terrain that can potentially cut or damage your pet’s paws.

Grooming

You can’t protect your pup from everything, so grooming during the winter is important. Your local groomer will thoroughly clean any salt or mud that finds its way onto your pet throughout the season.

Do’s and Don’ts for Cold Weather

• Don’t leave your pet unattended outdoors when it’s extremely cold.
• Don’t feed your pet less just because it’s cold; Fido actually requires more energy from food to heat his or her body during the winter months.

• Do take note if your dog begins to shiver, bark or refuse to move, as these can be signs of overexposure to cold.
• Do get a cozy Fido Fleece for smaller pets, or pets with thinner coats.

Proper winter care for your pooch is key. Get started today with one of these tips from the dog lovers at Timbercreek Communities. For more information about pet-friendly Timbercreek Communities apartments, located in five provinces and over 27 cities nationwide, please visit our website.

The holidays are a busy and exciting time. What’s fun for some can be overwhelming for others. The abundant decorations and lights can be very distracting and enticing for your cat. From tipping over the tree in an attempt to climb to the summit, to sniffing and scratching toxic plants and decorations, there is much that you need to deter you curious cat from exploring this holiday season. Timbercreek Communities has some great tips to help you cat-proof your home for the holidays.

Hang your mistletoe and holly high (it can be poisonous)

Hanging mistletoe and holly can be a happy holiday tradition (and a great way to get some free kisses) but did you know that the mistletoe berries contain polysaccharides and alkaloids that can be poisonous to your pets? To keep this tradition a happy one, make sure that these plants are kept well out of your cat’s reach.

Use cat-safe tree decorations and avoid tinsel

You may have noticed that your cat loves your Christmas tree, maybe even more than you do. What cat wouldn’t be happy to have a tree arrive, indoors, and then to have that tree adorned with all sorts of hanging ornaments to bat around?  Knowing this, it’s important to cat-proof your tree. You may want to choose ornaments that are less shiny, less dangly and therefore, less attractive to your kitty. You can also make your own cat-friendly decorations for your tree. There are some decorations out there that simply are not conducive to keeping your cat safe that should be avoided. Tinsel can be a choking hazard and even cause intestinal blockages, as can dangly ribbons. Fake snow can be toxic, and of course, real candles should not go anywhere near your tree.

Keep orange peels under your tree to repel your cat

The smell of orange peels and citrus can be delightful during the holidays, but it’s not something cats enjoy. If you are having trouble keeping kitty from climbing the tree, placing some chopped orange peels under there may be enough to keep your cat at bay. Replace the peels about once a week to keep the citrus oil scent strong.

Mist citronella on plastic trees

A citronella solution may be just the solution you need to keep your cat away from your artificial tree. Since there is no pine smell from a plastic tree, the citronella scent will be a strong deterrent for your cat. It’s important to make your solution strong enough, so be sure to use a ratio of 1 part citronella oil to 4 parts water.

Avoid poinsettias

Poinsettias, with their festive red and green colour, are a popular plant to buy and give during the holidays. Many people mistakenly believe they are poisonous for pets. The truth is they are only mildly toxic, so if someone shows up with one as a gift, there is no need to panic, but you should keep them well out of reach of your cat. Even a mildly toxic effect can cause discomfort and distress for your pet for which there is no effective treatment. Keep the plant high up and away from things your cat can climb easily.

Timbercreek wishes you a happy holiday season! We hope these tips help you cat-proof your holiday decorations this year. For information on Timbercreek Communities near you, please visit our website.

You’ve prepped your house and your wardrobe -- now it’s time to get your furry pal ready for winter. Transitioning from fall to winter can be tough for dogs, so here are 8 winter must haves for dogs from Timbercreek Communities are simply essential.

Dog sweater

If your little guy is prone to getting little shaky in the winter, a dog sweater is a great idea. You can find a cute dog sweater at pretty much any pet or department store, but why settle for ordinary when you can find something unique? For the stylish pup, check out Etsy’s online selection of handmade dog sweaters. 

Waterproof dog coat

Dog sweaters are perfect for indoor holiday parties or family gatherings, but when it comes to outdoor festivals and events, you’re going to want something more water resistant or your pet will quickly become cold and uncomfortable. Teckelklub is one of the best brands of dog coats in Canada, specializing in waterproof winter coats that hold warmth in.

Dog boots

Road salt, puddles, snow and ice are just a few of many great reasons to protect your pup’s paws this winter. The dog boots you choose should meet this basic criteria. Dog boots need to have excellent traction and water resistance in order to be worth the expense, let alone the hassle of actually putting them on your dog.  

Dog blankets

Give your best friend a cozy blanket to warm up with on cold winter nights. Dog blankets are a great buy this time of year and, if ordered online through Amazon, impressively affordable. 

Safety light

A safety light is easy to overlook, but this accessory can go a long way in guaranteeing your dog’s safety during cold, dark winter days and nights. We love the GoDoggie-GLOW light for its seven colours, five sizes and brilliant LED bulbs that also flash. Best of all, the safety collar can be conveniently recharged, saving you an inconvenient trip to the store for batteries.

Paw balm

When cold, dry weather leaves your poor pup’s nose and paws cracked, a little paw balm is in order. Try making your own this winter, starting with this Homemade Natural Dog Paw Balm recipe. 

Self-warming pet mat

If you love to spoil your pet, add this self-warming pet mat to your list of presents. The mat will soothe your pet’s aching muscles, relieving tension and restoring heat after a snowy day playing outdoors.

Pet carrier for icy days

If and when the weather truly gets ugly, don’t risk your pet’s safety. Keep a pet carrier in your closet or the back of your vehicle for when you need to transport your pet through ice and snow to your destination.

Help your pet thrive this winter by investing in a few must-haves for the season. For more information about dog-friendly Timbercreek Communities, please visit our website today. 

After months of searching, you finally found an affordable pet-friendly apartment. But now what? Living in an apartment with a furry friend can be a bit of a learning curve for newbies. Do it right with these simple rules of petiquette from Timbercreek Communities.

A healthy pet is a happy pet

Ensure that your new pal is safe and healthy. Check with your veterinarian if your pet requires any of the most important vaccines (such as rabies). It is also wise to ask your veterinarian about parasite preventatives for your cat or dog if you live in an apartment building. Don’t worry -- these shots are remarkably affordable, and booster shots can be scheduled in advance by your veterinarian.

Social and desensitize

Socializing and desensitizing is training lingo for teaching your pet what constitutes good and bad behavior. The first step in this process is taking note of what your pet likes and dislikes. Next, expose your pet—slowly, and at a distance—to the object, person or behavior you want them to learn to love. With time and careful instruction, your pet will learn to be the friendly well-behaved little buddy you hoped for.

Keep your neighbors in mind

It’s hard to believe, but your snuggly dog or adorable cat could actually be your neighbour’s worst nightmare. There are many reasons why neighbours might resent your pet -- from allergies to fear. Keep the person next door in mind to guarantee a positive living situation for all. Keep your pet close to your side, and try to keep noise to a minimum as much as possible.

Clean up counts

An apartment is often a shared space. Cleaning up after your pet at home is always a good idea. Regularly vacuuming and dusting keeps your apartment odorless and hygienic. When out and about, making sure to always take doggy bags with you is key so you can pick up after your pet when nature calls.

We hope you enjoyed Petiquette 101!

For more information about pet-friendly Timbercreek Communities apartment rentals, located in five provinces and over 27 cities in Canada, please visit our website today.