Even if your dog does not leave your property, you are required by the municipal animal control Bylaw to have a municipal license for your dog.  The dog must wear the tag on its collar. This tag has all the information that allows us to identify your dog should he or she ever get lost or wander.  If your dog is picked up by a Whistler Animal Control officer and he or she is not wearing a current dog license tag you will be required to pay a fine that is much higher than if your dog was licensed. You will also be required to purchase a license before the dog is released from the municipal impound at WAG. 

Do not allow your dog to run loose

Whistler’s Animal Control Bylaw does not permit dogs to run at large in the municipality. If your dog is found at large within the municipality he or she may be picked up and impounded by an Animal Control Officer and you will be required to pay a fine. If you do not have a fenced in back yard, use a leash and go for a walk or go to a dog park.  The number of dogs that are hit and/or killed by vehicles is staggering. Dogs are smart, but they do not comprehend roads, property lines and to look both ways before crossing the street.  This simple act of leashing your dog can save you thousands of dollars in potential vet bills, fines and gives you the peace of mind that you did everything you could to keep your dog safe.  You may also be found liable if your dog bites or injures a person while running at large. When multiple dogs are running loose, they may form packs and gain confidence.  This may result in dog fights and snapping at humans.

Socialize your dog

Socializing your dog with other dogs and different people is an important part of preventing behavioural problems such as fear-based aggression. There are several services in the Sea to Sky Corridor that focus on dog socialization, exercise and training.  When dogs play, they learn social skills as well as getting exercise.  When they interact with humans, they learn what behaviours are acceptable.  Training classes teach the owner how to remain consistent in their actions so the dog does not become confused.  Teaching your dog obedience is crucial. If your dog does not see you as a leader, he or she will become the leader and behavioural problems will occur.

Exercise

Dogs require exercise and play daily. Just as for humans, fresh air and exercise are vital to a dog’s physical and mental well-being. Dogs who do not receive adequate exercise may become bored and frustrated. This could lead to behavioural problems such as incessant barking and destruction.

Remember to pick up the poop!

Spaying and Neutering

At WAG it is our policy that all animals in the shelter are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Everyone loves puppies, but they do grow up and become dogs.  Unfortunately, some people aren’t as interested in them when they grow up and they end up in shelters like WAG.  Shelters across the nation are filled with mixed breed adult dogs, because people don’t have their pets spayed or neutered.  This helps to reduce the pet population problem and get existing pets into loving homes. 

Having your animal neutered reduces certain behaviours such as roaming, marking, mounting, and fighting.  Many dogs feel threatened by an unneutered male dog and his scent and may display aggression towards him.  Females that have not been spayed may lure males to them and can also cause tension between the male dogs. 

Spaying and neutering pets helps them live longer, healthier lives. Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer in females. Neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer. Only overfeeding and a lack of exercise will cause your dog to gain weight, not neutering.

Don’t be a part of the overpopulation, be proactive and safe, and have your pet spayed or neutered.

Ensure you dog receives regular veterinary check-ups

Veterinarians recommend annual exams for pets and more frequent check-ups for older animals. Given the pace at which dogs age, this is roughly equivalent to you seeing your doctor once every 7 years. A lot can change in your body over that amount of time. The same is true for your dog. You veterinarian will help ensure that your dog receives proper vaccinations, will monitor your dog’s health, and provide preventative health care.

Teach your children Dog Safety

Dogs are loving and kind animals, it is often not their fault that they have problems, it is usually a lack of socialization and lack of knowledge that teaches them bad behaviours. Ensure your children are aware of a few simple rules on how to behave around dogs in order to prevent tragic events:

 ·Avoid playing Tug of War- this game conditions the dog to challenge you, the leader, and teaches him that its okay to take something out of your hands. This could result in teeth snapping down on little fingers and lead to the dog displaying other dominant behaviours.

·Avoid hugging your dog- Children always want to show their affection by hugging dogs around their neck and placing their head and neck over the dog’s. A dog may regard this behaviour as threatening and react with a growl, snap or bite. Cornering, crowding, reaching over his head or standing directly over a dog may also result in a dog feeling defensive and becoming aggressive.

·Use caution with older dogs-Elderly dogs can develop poor eyesight and may be easily spooked and snap at hands waving around their faces. They may also have sore joints and sensitive areas of their body and growl or snap when touched in these areas. Teach children to use caution and if they are unfamiliar with the dog, ask the dog’s owner if it is okay to pet the dog.

·Avoid rough play-Young children under 10 should ALWAYS be supervised when playing with a dog. Children can move fast and use high-pitched voices, resembling prey. This may cause a dog to chase and attack them. Children also tend to tease dogs, pulls their ears, yell at them or chase them. This can cause the dog to become defensive and acquire a fear of children. In excited play a dog may become over stimulated and bite as well. Teach your children to touch to dog gently and behave calmly around the dog.

·Leave the dog alone when he is eating or sleeping

·Teach them how to behave around stray or unfamiliar dogs

          -do not approach a stray dog

-stand still

-cross their hands in front of them

-look at the sky (not directly in their    eyes)

-let the dog come to them

Unfortunately, a lot of owners let their dogs run free. If the owner is not present then they cannot warn people if there is a behavioural issue or medical problem. If a dog is injured or afraid, they may snap or bite.  They don’t understand that you have good intentions. Ensure your children know that they should never approach a dog they don’t know unless they are with an adult. If they encounter a stray dog they should use caution and inform an adult who can then contact Animal Control.

Purchasing or adopting a dog

Don’t get a dog just because it is pretty, or fluffy.  Each breed has certain instincts and energy levels.  If your lifestyle is high energy, then an active dog will be great.  Just because a dog is small doesn’t mean that it will sit around the house.  Research the breed of dog you are interested in, or if you like a mix, learn about what the traits are so you know what to look for.  WAG deals with a lot of mix breeds, and are familiar with temperaments, behaviour and training.  If you are looking to adopt, sort out what you are looking for first, and we can match you up with a dog that will complete your family.