902.826.1933

Blog - Category

Ginger Sigut

Jun 15, 2010 – Nov 27, 2013 A sweet and beautiful little girl, Ginger was taken away too soon by a tragic accident and will be missed enormously by all that knew her. Full of personality and a loving nature, Ginger brought a short three and a half years of happiness to her family. In […]

Read More

Rocky Davis

1995 – 2009 A Poem for the Grieving… Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on the snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken […]

Read More

Wilson Bonin

December 26, 1994 – December 10, 2010 A thousand times I’ve thought of you, A thousand times I’ve cried. If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, In death, I love you still. In my heart you hold a place No other one can fill. […]

Read More

Jack Doucet

2004 – 2011 Our big Jack was everything for which Rough Collies are famous: gentle, intelligent, loyal, courageous. We had some great years together. Sadly, a thyroid condition (not part of the plan) claimed him at age seven.

Read More

Misha Johns

March 6 1995 – August 24 2011 Misha is survived by brothers Christian, Adam, Parker (Rhyno), Mike and predeceased by Gimli the Guinea pig. Misha was not a dog that needed to be by your side constantly but she was always a glance or a short step away. She was one of the prettiest mutts […]

Read More
1 2
We took Angel, our 12-yr old spaniel-chiahua mix, in to have her swollen ankle examined. We had thought this was…

Michael Moss

A few weeks ago, I had to say goodbye to my old dog Brutus. It was sad & heart breaking…

Lise Chiasson

I have used Westwood Hills Pet Focus for almost 5 years. I couldn’t be happier with the staff. Every single…

Leslie Gluckman

I was a former member of the Tantallon team and they are fantastic at what they do. I've heard nothing…

Samantha Lawrence

Blog

House Training Techniques To Try On Your New Puppy

Housetraining is not only possible but also easy because dogs have a natural instinct to relieve themselves away from their living quarters. The use of the pet crate makes the whole process go more smoothly. A pet crate has the additional advantage of protecting your home from the potential destructive behaviour of a curious puppy and minimizing the chances of the puppy injuring themselves. Feed your puppy three meals per day. Consistency in feeding time makes the time of elimination more predictable. The last feeding should be no later than 6pm. Removing water at 8 pm may be helpful for the first few months. Our veterinarians at Westwood Hills Veterinary Hospital can help you choose a diet that works for your pet. Select one toilet area for your puppy. Take your puppy to this area at the time he/she is most likely to need to eliminate right after sleeping, soon after eating, etc. In the beginning, it is advisable to take the puppy out every 30-45 minutes. Always provide the puppy the opportunity to go outside to eliminate just before being put back in the crate. Always take the puppy outside immediately after returning home before the excitement causes an accident. Praise your puppy immediately after eliminating it in the right area. If you find an accident, do not raise your voice, do not spank your puppy, and do not rub their nose in it. Punishment does not make your puppy afraid of the accident but afraid of you. It also makes your puppy think that you don't want the puppy to pee in front of you. This means that when you take your puppy outside, it is going to hold it; as soon as you come back inside, that puppy will then run somewhere that you can't see it and pee there. Most puppies will be “regular”. They will go out at the same time every time after eating. Most puppies will be eliminated within 10 minutes after eating. Once you have learned the specific time for your specific time for your specific puppy, you will have a good idea of what time you should routinely take the puppy outside. Use products that neutralize odour when cleaning up accidents. We stock an effect stain and odour removal, particularly for this reason. Remember to be patient. Housetraining should be complete by 4-6 months of age, but it is still advisable to keep the pet in the crate when you are away from home for several months to prevent possible destructive behaviours. Also, remember that your puppy needs plenty of play and exercise when out of the crate.

Read More
See All Articles