Learn How to Talk to Your Dog (Without Saying a Word)

Have you ever wished you could talk to your dog? Really talk — hear their thoughts, their feelings, and what they actually think of that new puppy next door.

Dogs Are Already Talking — We Just Have to Listen

The truth is that dogs are talking to us all the time. They just aren’t using oral communication (aside from the occasional “bark bark!”). Instead, they communicate through their bodies, their faces, and how they move through the world. The challenge isn’t that we can’t talk to our dogs; it’s that most of us were never taught how to listen.

What “Behaviour” Is Really Telling You

That time your dog turned their head away? They weren’t suddenly distracted by a ghost. That moment they briefly froze on a walk? They’re not lost in thought. Even a jump or a bark isn’t automatically “bad” or “stubborn” behaviour. These are all ways dogs tell us how they’re feeling in the moment: unsure, overwhelmed, excited, cautious, or just needing a little space. Understanding canine body language is the foundation of behaviour, training, and strong relationships, and it’s one of the most powerful tools animal guardians can learn.

How Dogs Communicate With Their Bodies

Dogs speak with their bodies. They communicate through posture, facial expressions, movement, and how they use space. Is your dog loose and wiggly, or stiff and tight? Are they leaning forward with curiosity or shifting their weight back to increase distance? Is their body curved and relaxed, or straight and braced like they’re preparing for something important?

Facial Expressions Matter Too

Their faces are just as talkative. Soft eyes, hard stares, pinned-back ears, lip licking, blinking, and even yawning all tell a story. So do choices like slowing down, freezing, approaching, or avoiding. None of this is random. It’s meaningful, moment-by-moment communication.

The Signals We Miss First

Many of the most important signals are subtle and easy to miss. A quick head turn, a pause on a walk, a sudden interest in sniffing the ground: these are often early signs that a dog is uncomfortable or unsure. When those signals go unnoticed, dogs may feel the need to “speak louder” through barking, lunging, or other behaviours that are often labeled as problems… when really, they were just the final chapter of a story that started much earlier.

Communication Is a Two-Way Conversation

But listening is only half the conversation. Learning to read your dog’s body language is a huge step, but nobody enjoys a one-way conversation, including your dog. “Talking to your dog” isn’t about issuing more commands or speaking louder (they already hear you, promise). It’s about how we respond to what they’re telling us. If your dog is overwhelmed, creating space can be far more helpful than pushing through. If they’re overexcited, slowing things down can help them regulate. If they’re unsure, forcing interaction can increase fear, while patience and choice build confidence. When we adjust our behaviour, dogs don’t have to escalate theirs. This is the heart of humane, effective behaviour support: meeting dogs where they are, not where we wish they’d be.

Why Body Language Matters at Every Age

Communication skills aren’t something dogs grow out of; they’re skills they grow into. That’s why understanding body language matters from puppyhood through adolescence and into adulthood. As dogs develop, their signals change, their emotional range expands, and their communication becomes more nuanced, just like ours.

Welcome to Dog Customer Support

If this is all sounding familiar—active listening, clear communication, adjusting your approach to support someone else—congratulations. You’ve been promoted to fulltime dog customer support. No tickets. No hold music. Just very clear signals, if you know how to read them.

Learn These Skills Together

Learning to recognize and respond to your dog’s body language takes practice, curiosity, and sometimes a second set of knowledgeable eyes. If you’d like to deepen your understanding, Calgary Humane Society classes are a great way to learn more about canine communication and behaviour—together.

Giving animals a second chance offers the community a unique opportunity to support animal welfare, build meaningful human-animal bonds, and create a more humane world. Many animals are often overlooked for a variety of reasons, causing them to spend extended periods of time in shelters waiting for a loving home. By recognizing their worth and opening our hearts, we not only change their lives, but also enrich our own.

This was certainly the case for one of our cats in need of a second chance, Patches.

Patches was a domestic longhaired, white and brown tabby feline friend who was surrendered to Calgary Humane Society as a young cat for back in the later months of 2008. True to his name, he had large brown patches—one covering his head and ears, another heart-shaped patch on his side, and one under his nose resembling a moustache. These unique markings were paired with the fluffiest white coat and brightest green eyes.

After being brought to Calgary Humane Society, Patches immediately underwent routine medical care, ensuring he was in good health and that his vaccines were up-to-date. After twelve days, Patches was moved to the adoptions floor and ready to find his forever home.

Despite his captivating appearance and charming personality, Patches remained at the shelter longer than anyone expected. Still, Patches waited patiently for his future family and hope was not lost.

On Sunday, September 28th, 2008, two very special people came into the shelter with the intention of adopting a cat.

Patches was not their first pick. One of the adopters felt certain that, given his striking looks and friendly nature, Patches had no shortage of interest and would be adopted soon. Their priority was to give a second chance to a cat who might otherwise be overlooked. But when the CHS employee informed them that Patches was that cat—the one waiting, the one needing a second chance—they knew. He was the one.

And just like that, Patches was welcomed into his forever home.

They decided to keep his name but also opted to use nicknames: Patchy McGee, Patchy, Patches O’Hooughligan—the list seemed endless. Patches spent the next seventeen years as an incredible companion. In his home, Patches grew to be the most loving and affectionate friend, getting along with other animals and helping his family through the loss of two cats and two dogs. He came when called, purred when brushed, and loved with his whole heart. Patches was always the first to welcome guests into his home the same way that he once was (though this would end with him convincing them to turn the bathtub tap on for him to drink from). Even people who didn’t like cats were enchanted by him and often found themselves wanting to adopt cats of their own. If you loved Patches, Patches most certainly loved you.

As years passed, Patches’ family began to notice differences with his health. They began attending routine check-ups with his vet, where he received regular senior wellness panels, treatment for IBS, and arthritis injections in his later years. Throughout all of this, Patches personality never changed and he remained the charming friend he was when he was first brought home.

After seventeen years of living his second chance, his family knew it was time. On June 11th, 2025, Patches crossed the rainbow bridge. Patches remained his loving and beautiful self right until the end.

Patches was an animal in need who was given the opportunity to live a second chance, and in return, he gave seventeen years of love, comfort, and unwavering companionship. Patches will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever remain a testament that giving animals in need a second chance helps create a more humane world.

Giving an animal in need a second chance has great impact on not only the animal, but also the human. Much like Patches, giving an animal a second chance can result in the most rewarding reciprocal bond. Giving second chances provides the opportunity for humans to create a lifelong bond with animals and communities to create a more humane world.

It is Monday morning. A polar vortex has descended upon Calgary over the weekend and the drive in to work on ice covered roads brings an ominous expectation of things to come. Calgary weather can be a wild ride. It is not abnormal to see a 40 degree swing in temperatures in a matter of days. Sure enough, this -33 degree Celcius day strikes early and often. We receive notification that Calgary Police have seized a dog overnight, having been left out in the cold without any protection from the elements. A concerned citizen is calling our call centre to report 2 dogs in the yard for a lengthy period while another complainant holds to report roaming cats seeking warmth in the engines of vehicles. A Landlord is emailing in requesting removal of cats from an unheated garage they were renting to a now evicted tenant. When it rains, it pours, or rather, when it snows, it blizzards. CHS Animal Protection Peace Officers, themselves layered to battle the elements get the enforcement trucks started and warmed up for what will inevitably be a busy day. Arrangements are made to retrieve the CPS seized dog from the emergency veterinary clinic and the Peace Officers are out to the field to attend calls on a triaged basis. Shelter calls are an emergency today and will take top priority, but that does not mean abuse, abandonment and medical neglect calls slow down.  

This is just the tip of the iceberg. 15 minutes of play-by-play, narrating the start of a new week of protecting Calgary’s animals. Pet owners usually exercise common sense in the most extreme weather but on the basis of reports, that rule of thumb does not seem to be holding on this day. While animal protection enforcement is usually very nuanced and ‘grey’, it doesn’t get any more black and white than a weather event like this. If an animal is deprived of adequate shelter or protection from injurious cold and the owner is either not present or not willing to take the dog inside, the animal will be seized, at least temporarily, until an investigation is completed, the animal is examined by a veterinarian, treated for any medically necessary concerns and remediation of the environmental concern is complete. In this case that remediation would be the installation of an insulated/heated doghouse or a commitment to keep the dog indoors, save for bathroom breaks and short exercise sessions. 

Education is a foundational element of animal protection, so while the field officers are bouncing around the city, ensuring animals in distress receive appropriate intervention, we take opportunity to utilize the media to our advantage in hopes of preventing some animal suffering by making legal obligations and consequences clear as possible. A live segment on the noon news and a smattering of camera, phone and e-mail interviews for other outlets ensures a wide net is cast. In many cases, in the face of a compliant and cooperative animal owner, Peace Officers will opt for education over enforcement, ensuring the animals’ needs are met. If we can change behavior without having to remove an animal from its home and ensure its welfare, we will.  

On the other end of the spectrum, where the offense is egregious, repeated or causing significant injury, charges under the Animal Protection Act or Criminal Code may be warranted to deter future offense and prohibit animal ownership. Maximum penalties for animal cruelty in general (and to be clear, depriving an animal of adequate shelter and protection from injurious cold is exactly that) are up to 5 years incarceration, a $20,000 fine and a lifetime animal prohibition order.  

Brad Nichols, Director of Enforcement, Vice Executive Director

Why foster for the Holidays? 

The holiday season is a time for togetherness, joy, and giving. It’s also a time when many of us reflect on the things that matter most—family, love, and kindness. For Calgary Humane Society, this season offers a unique opportunity to not only celebrate these values but to also spread them to the animals in our care. Every year, we work hard to send as many animals as possible into foster homes during the holidays. This not only helps the animals but also allows our dedicated staff and foster parents to enjoy the holidays with their own families, knowing that the animals are in safe, loving hands. 

A Busy Time for the Shelter 

The holidays are a busy time for animal shelters. While many of us are making travel plans, preparing big meals, or decorating our homes, shelters like Calgary Humane Society continue to operate, caring for vulnerable animals in need. However, the shelter is closed to the public on December 24, 25, 26th, and January 1 so staff can take a much-needed break. This brief pause is crucial for everyone who works so hard year-round to care for animals in need. But as with any busy time of year, the shelter can quickly fill up, and we want to ensure the animals continue to receive the care and attention they deserve. 

That’s where fostering comes in. 

The Gift of a Temporary Home 

Fostering animals during the holidays not only reduces the number of animals in the shelter but also gives these animals the chance to experience what every pet deserves—a warm, loving home. It’s the best gift we can give to an animal during the holiday season. It’s also an incredible opportunity for people to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals in need. By offering a temporary home, foster parents provide a safe, quiet, and less stressful environment for these animals, far away from the hustle and bustle of the shelter.  

Animals in the shelter, particularly cats, dogs, and small critters, can be stressed by the noise, the constant movement, and the unfamiliar faces. Foster homes provide these animals with the space and time to relax, decompress, and truly enjoy their time with humans. Whether it’s a cozy corner by the fireplace or a warm lap to snuggle in, the gift of foster care over the holidays allows these animals to experience peace, comfort, and the joy of human companionship. 

A Win-Win Situation 

Fostering is a win-win situation for everyone involved. For Calgary Humane Society, it means we can reduce the number of animals in the shelter, making it easier for our staff to care for those who remain. It also gives our team the ability to take a well-deserved break during the holiday season. For foster families, it’s a chance to make a big difference with relatively little commitment—just a few days or weeks in a loving home can have a huge impact on an animal’s wellbeing. 

Most importantly, fostering gives animals the opportunity to get out of the shelter and into a home where they are treated as part of the family. This break from the shelter environment allows many animals to become more comfortable with human interaction, which can increase their chances of being adopted in the future. 

115 Animals Fostered in December 2023 

In December 2023, the Calgary Humane Society sent 115 animals into foster homes, with 68 of them placed during the week leading up to the holidays, from December 17th to 23rd. This included a diverse range of animals, from dogs and cats to birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even a snake. During this week alone, we sent out: 

6 birds 

23 cats 

33 dogs 

1 guinea pig 

4 rabbits 

1 snake 

These numbers reflect the generosity of our foster parents, who help create space in the shelter and give these animals a safe, loving environment to thrive in. While the shelter is closed during the holidays, these foster animals can rest easy in homes that care for them, without the stress of being in an overcrowded environment. It’s truly a holiday gift for them, one that sets the tone for a bright future ahead. 

The Joy of Fostering 

For many foster parents, participating in the Home for the Holidays program is one of the highlights of their year. The joy of providing a safe, loving home to a pet during the busy holiday season is deeply rewarding. The excitement among our foster parents was so great that we began receiving messages about participating in the program before we had even advertised it! As one foster parent shares, “I would be happy to participate in the Home for the Holidays program again this year. It’s such a fulfilling experience to help an animal find some peace during the holidays.” Another foster parent adds, “We would love to be a part of this program. The opportunity to make a difference for an animal in need is something we look forward to every year.” 

The excitement for many is palpable, with others saying, “I’m so excited to be a part of this,” and “I would love to take in a cat or kitten for the holidays!” For many, it’s about offering a temporary haven for animals who may be stressed in the shelter, providing them with a quiet, loving environment where they can feel safe. One foster parent reflects, “Last year, we had a wonderful experience fostering for Home for the Holidays, and we would love to do it again this year. It’s such a wonderful program that allows us to give back during the holiday season.” For these foster parents, fostering is not just about caring for an animal—it’s about making a real difference in their lives, giving them the comfort and love they deserve during a time when it’s needed most. 

One of our most dedicated dog foster parents, Deb, exemplifies the deep connection many foster parents feel with the animals they care for. Deb first joined the Home for the Holidays program as a temporary foster parent. She was so moved by the experience of fostering during the holidays that she transitioned to regular fostering, offering her home to animals in need throughout the year. Her journey shows how the Home for the Holidays program can serve as an introduction to fostering, with many foster parents finding it so rewarding that they continue to provide love and care long after the holidays are over. 

How You Can Help 

If you’re considering fostering over the holidays, we’d love to hear from you! Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience, and it’s easier than you think to get involved. Whether you’re a first-time foster or a seasoned pro, we provide all the support and supplies you’ll need to ensure a successful foster experience. Plus, our team is always here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. 

The holiday season is a time for kindness and compassion, and by fostering an animal, you can make a world of difference. Whether you’re taking in a dog, cat, rabbit, or even a bird, you’re helping give that animal the gift of a peaceful, loving home—at a time when they need it most. 

So, this holiday season, consider becoming a foster parent for an animal in need. It’s the best gift you can give—not only to the animal but also to yourself, knowing that you’ve played a part in giving an animal the love and care they deserve. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for everyone! 

Suzanne Fletcher, Admissions and Foster Manager

When news of a looming postal strike appeared in the media, the sentiment of my peers in the for-profit and private sectors was one of indifference.  A feeling that Canada Post was an archaic and dying service in today’s world of email, e-transfers and Amazon delivery was expressed.  They truly believe they will not feel the impact and business will continue as normal.  They were not worried.   

Where the impact will be felt is with not-for-profit organizations.  The organizations who support those who are in the greatest of need and the most vulnerable – individuals fleeing from violence, seniors, those struggling with housing and food insecurity in a harsh winter, the list is endless.  For Calgary Humane Society, it is the thousands of animals we admit every single year suffering from abuse, neglect, cruelty and abandonment looking for a new home and a second chance.  This is where the impact will be felt.   

The holiday season, which kicks off with Giving Tuesday, is the most critically important time of year for most philanthropic organizations – Calgary Humane Society is no exception.  Over 45% of our total fundraising revenue comes in over the final two months of the year.  We often can predict the success of our fundraising campaigns by the size of the mail bins being delivered daily from Canada Post in response to our Direct Mail pieces sent out in advance of the holiday season.   

If the postal strike should evolve into a long term strike, this could significantly impact the program and services not-for-profits are able to deliver – the very organizations that pick up where government programs and subsidies end. All of us at Calgary Humane Society, and in the not-for-profit sector as a whole, are holding our breath and quickly adapting our strategies to minimize the impact this strike could have on our year-end financial results.  We are all hoping for a quick resolution to the dispute, but as the days turn into weeks, we are becoming increasingly concerned.  There is so much more at stake than letters being delivered to the North Pole for Santa.  

The need in our community is great this year.  With the falling economy, rising inflation, the housing crisis, along with political instability that seems to hinder any progress towards positive change, not-for-profit organizations need the support of the community more than ever.  At Calgary Humane Society, we rely solely on the Calgary Community to continue our operations.   

We implore anyone who is planning on giving a charitable gift this year to please consider an online gift.  If you are considering a gift to Calgary Humane Society this holiday season to help the animals in our care get a home for the holidays and the life they deserved right from the start, we urge you to go to our website at https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/ and click on that orange donate button.   

Or even better, on December 7th we will be hosting our Home for the Holidays Christmas market at the shelter starting at 1:00pm.  This kicks off our Home for the Holidays Adoption event that runs through to the end of December.  I extend a warm invitation to anyone thinking of giving a gift to the Society this year to please come in for a visit!  We would like nothing better than to be able to warmly greet you at our front door and thank you for your support in person.  I look forward to seeing you.       

All the best,

Carrie Fritz, Executive Director

Somebunny to love: Why Adopted Rabbits are a Hare above the Rest! 

When thinking about a loving, playful, and interactive pet, you probably wouldn’t think of a rabbit. Let us show you just why they make incredible pets and why adoption is the best choice. 

What makes rabbits unique pets? 

Rabbits make incredible pets—they’re affectionate, playful, and highly interactive. Many rabbits will learn to recognize their owner’s voices and will follow them around the home. Rabbits love gentle petting and interaction, making them wonderful companions for those who get to know them at their pace. 

As well as being very affectionate, rabbits also have an incredibly playful side and are highly intelligent. They can be trained to do tricks like “stand,” or “spin.” They love tunnels, mazes, and jumps so setting up the home for plenty of free-roam enrichment becomes quite the hobby for the rabbit care givers not just the buns. A rabbit’s curiosity is endless and watching them go on mini adventures is so much fun! 

Caring for rabbits is a big commitment 

Even though rabbits make amazing pets, they’re not the ‘easy’ or ‘starter’ pet that many people believe they are. They need daily care and attention, with plenty of bunny-proofed space to roam around. Cages and huts that are marketed for rabbits are actually much too small and cramped. Rabbits do much better with penned off areas, full rooms, or even access to the whole home all the time. They need space to run, hop, and binky (a brilliantly wild type of jump bunnies do when they’re extra happy!). 

Because rabbits are prey animals, they can often be very skittish and may require a lot of patience and gentle handling when you first bring them home. It can take some time for them to learn that the big thing hovering over them is not going to swoop down and carry them away for supper! They don’t like to be picked up, but over time they may show that they enjoy being up high and will jump up on to the couch to binge-watch your favourite series with you.  

They also have a very specialized diet. Despite Bugs Bunny’s propaganda, rabbits cannot survive on carrots (in fact, that’s really bad for them!) Rabbit diets consist mostly of hay with pellets, fresh greens, and the occasional tiny fruit treat, and plenty of fresh water.  

Did you know rabbits are classed as exotic animals? They have to go to specialized exotic vets for all their veterinary needs, including yearly vaccinations.  

Rabbits are not a low-maintenance pet and are as much work as cats or dogs. They are social animals that need daily enrichment, interaction, and exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are also a long-term commitment as they often live up to 10 years or more!  

So why is adoption better than getting a rabbit from a pet store? 

Aside from the ethical choice about adoption versus store-bought pets, the fact is that adopting with CHS is the smarter choice. Our rabbits are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and recovered—an advantage for adopters since these procedures can be costly and may carry risks if done privately. Rabbits that aren’t spayed or neutered are prone to severe health problems as well as behaviour issues.  

Adopters also get the benefit of advice and support from our experienced shelter staff, incredible vet team, and our outstanding volunteer Bunny Huggers who provide us with so much insight into each bunny’s quirks – we can help you find the rabbit for you and your home.  This support doesn’t end once you’ve brought your new friend home. We offer a lifetime of support for questions, concerns, and advice for all thing’s bunny!  

Adopting also means that you are supporting the shelter and our efforts to provide our rabbits a second chance and the adoption fees go towards helping the rest of our animals. We understand that sometimes an animal may not be the best fit for a home, so we offer adopters the option to return their pet within the first six weeks. Our team will gladly continue working with you to find an animal better suited to your lifestyle  

What are you waiting for? Hop to it! 

Rabbits bring so much joy to those who understand their needs and are willing to make the commitment to their care. They are affectionate, playful, and curious pets that deserve the right environment and a loving home. By choosing adoption, not only do you give a rabbit a second chance, but you support the welfare of animals in need and find the perfect pet match. For those ready to commit, adopting a rabbit is an incredibly rewarding choice!  

Kerry-Leigh Fox, CHS Adoption Counsellor 

This summer, Calgary Humane Society proudly ran two successful Community Spay and Neuter Clinics, offering much-needed services to help address pet overpopulation and capacity issues in Calgary. These clinics provided no-cost spay and neuter surgeries to low-income pet owners, ensuring that pets remain where they belong—at home with their families. 

The response to our first clinic was overwhelming, with an incredible number of applications pouring in as soon as we opened registration. The demand was so high that we quickly realized one clinic wouldn’t be enough to meet the needs of our community. Thanks to the dedication of our team and the support from our community, we were able to organize a second clinic, allowing us to assist even more pet owners and their beloved animals. 

At Calgary Humane Society, we believe that responsible pet ownership is essential for the well-being of both pets and their families. Our Community Spay and Neuter Clinics are a key part of this commitment, providing accessible resources to those who need them most. By offering these services, we help to prevent unwanted litters, reduce the strain on animal shelters, and support the long-term health and happiness of pets across Calgary. 

But our commitment to the community doesn’t stop there. Calgary Humane Society also offers a variety of additional services to support pet owners and their animals in different ways: 

• Behaviour Helpline and Classes: We understand how challenging it can be when your pet is struggling with behavior issues. Our Pet Training programs offer private consultations, training classes, and free resources to help address these problems and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. For assistance, call 403-723-6019 or email behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca. 

• Food Bank Program: Financial difficulties can impact everyone in the family, including pets. Our donation-based Food Bank program provides pet food and supplies to families in need, ensuring that pets don’t go hungry during tough times. For more information, contact 403-205-4455 or email general.inquiries@calgaryhumane.ca. 

• Pets and Renters Program: Housing challenges often lead to pet surrenders. Through this program, tenants can access free behavior consultations to help their pets become better tenants and neighbors, reducing the risk of surrender. For more details, call 403-723-6019 or email behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca. 

• Pet Safekeeping: For individuals in crisis due to family violence or abuse, our Pet Safekeeping program offers temporary housing for their pets, providing a safe alternative while they seek help. Access to this program requires a referral from a recognized service agency. Contact us at 403-723-6025 for assistance. 

• Emergency Boarding: In cases of sudden hospitalization, natural disasters, or other emergencies, we offer short-term boarding for pets when other options are unavailable. This program is a last resort and requires a referral from a recognized service professional. For more information, call 403-723-6025. 

• Rosco’s Keep Them Home: This initiative, in partnership with veterinarians, helps return surrendered animals to their owners during emergencies like accidents or ingestion of foreign objects. Referrals are made by participating veterinarians, ensuring that aid reaches those in genuine need. 

• Seniors Program: In collaboration with the Calgary Foundation and Calgary Seniors Resource Society, this program offers support to seniors, helping them maintain connections with their pets through medical support, food bank services, and more. For information, call 587-320-3801 or email general.inquiries@calgaryhumane.ca. 

We are excited to continue our work in the community and look forward to running more spay and neuter clinics in the future. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels to find out when the next clinic will be available, and how you can apply to have your pet scheduled for surgery. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their families in our community.