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The All Dogs Blog

Beyond the Cute factor

3/26/2017

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There are few of us who haven't at some point in our lives considered the addition of a canine companion. Dogs are wonderful creatures who can enrich our daily experience in a myriad of ways. Before getting one, however, each and every responsible pet owner must consider whether or not their lifestyle is flexible enough to include an animal. Aspects of dog breed and background should always been compared to one's personal lifestyle, to ensure the best possible compatibility between the human and the dog. Below I've included some very important considerations that every potential dog owner should ask themselves before deciding on a dog.


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1, Be clear with yourself about exactly how physically active you are.
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Different breeds and ages of dogs have different exercise and activity requirements. A dog that isn't provided with enough exercise will find other ways to expend that energy, and these can often be destructive. What's more, a dog that does not receive enough exercise will almost always exhibit other behavioral problems, such as excessive barking and in severe instances, self-harm. On the other hand, dogs that are exercised too much can experience pain in the form of sore limbs and an upset stomach.  
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Ask yourself the following question:

On a sunny summer afternoon, would you rather a) go for a walk/run, b) sit on a patio, c) go to the beach, or d) stay at home and relax in the A/C?
No answer to this question is wrong or better than another. Follow your gut instinct. Your answer to this question will probably have some clues as to the age and breed of dog you want. Someone who answered “a)” would do well with a high energy Boxer, English Setter, or Labrador Retriever. Those who feel “b)” is the most accurate would potentially do well with a breed that requires less attention, such as a Havenese or Bulldog. If you answered “c)” alternatively, an American water spaniel might be more your speed, or even an Otterhound. Someone who answered “d)” may want to consider an older dog with less physical needs than an untrained puppy or adolescent.


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2. Check in – what is your motivation for getting a dog?
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Really ask yourself why you want one. Is it for companionship? Security? Exercise and greater time spent outdoors? Perhaps you are a student away from home? Do you just like dogs? Are you looking to fill some empty space in your life? Depending on what you're looking for, you can really start to narrow down the kind of dog that will be a good fit in your life. American cocker spaniels, for example, are upbeat, fun, happy companion dogs who also need a lot of exercise. Alternatively, a middle-aged basset hound is going to be your best couch potato buddy. And if security is what you're after, consider the Giant Schnauzer, Akita, or the Doberman. Dogs are as unique and full of wants and needs as we are. Great care must be taken in choosing a dog that will be compatible with you and your lifestyle.
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3. Take a close look at your lifestyle.

Do you have a work schedule that is consistent or erratic? Dogs thrive on consistency, and a dog that does not know what to expect from its routine is often an unhappy one. Are you home a great deal, or do you like to spend most of your time out of the house? Are the activities you like to do inclusive for a dog, or better suited to a person solo? Do you have children who may cause a reactive or insecure dog some stress, or are you living with roommates who may have allergies or tolerances/requirements? The answers to these questions will help you find a dog that surpasses all of these variables. 
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Finally, and most importantly, you must ask yourself how capable and willing you are to change your current lifestyle to accommodate the needs of a canine companion for the rest of its life? The exercise, attention, medical, and financial needs of each dog are unique and like any living creature, are ever-changing. Will you be able to change with the needs of your dog?

The consequences of poor compatibility between a dog and his or her owner is a very sad reality for many dogs who end up re-homed, left behind in shelters, and in the very worst cases, abandoned by owners who did not prepare for the commitment their chosen dog required. The choice to own and care for any animal should be taken with great seriousness. You must be prepared physically, emotionally, and even financially for these changes, which can often seem quite sudden. And while most dog-human pairings are forgiving over time, the questions and reflections outlined here must be considered to ensure that the compatibility between you and your dog is an ultimate success.  
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    Camille Salter is the founder of All Dogs Pet Services and a certified, knowledge-assessed dog trainer (CPDT-KA)

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I cannot say enough good things about Camille and her team. A few months ago, I had to temporarily close my own dog walking business due to an unexpected and debilitating health issue. Camille's team not only stepped in to cover a significant number of "my" dogs, they did an exceptional job. This would not have been possible without Camille's management capabilities and her walkers' skill level. I don't know if there is another company that could have done this. Camille and team, thank you for taking such good care of "my" dogs, "your" dogs, and giving me the time to heal. If you are looking for a walker, there is no company I could more highly recommend than All Dogs Toronto." - Kate Fink

We have been sending our Goldendoodle to All Dogs for over a year, ever since Zoki was a young puppy. While we are at work we know that Zoki is in a safe and supportive environment where she has learned to interact well with other dogs. Ben and Camille have made it possible for us to continue to have active, professional lives, and a young dog. Since Zoki is so at home there, it has been easy to leave her for a week when we have both had to be out of town. We highly recommend their thoughtful and well-informed care. - -- Christina Kramer and Richard Franz


I cannot say enough positive things about Camille Salter, the owner of All Dogs. From the moment my rescue dog and I met Camille, I knew she would work wonders. Her demeanor, grace and confidence made my dog fall in love her instantly. She is so incredibly knowledgeable that I try to soak up as much information as I can from her.


I highly highly recommend Camille Salter and All Dogs. Whether you are looking for a professional trainer or walking, she will provide you with all of the tools needed to ensure your dog is set up for success.

Camille is truly a pillar in the community of canine training within Toronto.

Thank you Camille!! - Tessa Vaskas


Camille and All Dogs have been amazing for our Basset Hound, Columbo. We have been using the service for the last six months. Columbo started with puppy training with All Dogs and he has learned all the commands. Training has been reinforced during Columbo's puppy visits which has helped greatly during his growth and development. Camille and her team are on-time, attentive, supportive, great with our Columbo and our house. We appreciate everything that she has done and recommend her to anyone. " Andrea Suhay


"Camille is amazing. Really understands each dog’s unique personality and applies individual techniques based on it. I use their daycare, boarding, training, walking... my dog always comes back better behaved & full of love and Camille is so insightful that I learn about my dog, too! My dog adores her. Super trustworthy and effective." Kathryn Kearns


"I highly recommend Camille and All Dogs Pet Services. I recently used All Dogs Pet Services to walk my dog for two weeks while I was out of town. Camille was able to accommodate walking my dog on short notice. Camille is very pleasant and cheerful to deal with and from the first meet and greet Camille had with myself and my dog Charlie I felt confident that Charlie would be safe and in good hands. I will definitely call Camille again and recommend her to all my dog owner friends." - Richard Fernandez



Overall, Camille definitely made being away from my babies a far less nerve-wracking experience! I trust her and would hire her again in an instant." - Amanda Factor


"I can't say enough positive things about Ben and Camille!  Camille (and her large  support of other trainers) have assessed Bax, and we are all happily working through his (fearful aggression, "spoiled Prince" and bulldog tendencies) and MY issues.  Thank you, Ben and Camille, for your patience, care and love for my sweet fat Baxter. I know that he is in the best hands whenever I have to go out of town!"
~ Baxter and Kyla


"—Camille looked after our diabetic Cat and did a fantastic job. He was going into remission right when we had a 1-week vacation scheduled. Camille was more than up to the task. She had to measure his blood daily and give him the corresponding amount of insulin. It was very reassuring knowing we had a real professional looking after our critter. She did a great job of looking after our apartment also and we didnt even know that was something she would do. Couldn't possibly give a stronger recommendation for this company." - Holt Mansfield

“I adopted Frank not even a month ago. I’ve been training him myself, and got him to do ’sit,’ ‘down,’ ‘come,’ and ‘wait,’ at home. But when we went outside, it was a different story: he got a bit too excited, and that led to pulling on the leash, which wasn’t a pleasant experience for either of us. He never made eye contact with me, and calling his name and offering treats of all sorts didn’t do much, either. Working with Camille turned this around after just one session — she was so patient and calm with both me and Frank, and taught me how I could get Frank to connect the dots between paying attention to me and getting food. Since then, he comes and sits upon command even in the most distracting situations like being surrounded by other dogs in a park with firetruck siren blaring in the background. It’s been so rewarding to start developing this bond with Frank that will last a lifetime. Thank you Camille!” - Maythe Han


"Just wanted to share an excellent experience I had over Xmas with petsitter Camille Salter. Highly, highly recommend contacting Camille and her business All Dogs Toronto if you need pet sitting, feeding drop-ins, dog walking, etc in downtown Toronto." - Annie Hennessey


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