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You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Build a Happier, Healthier Life With Your Dog Through Training

Training your dog is one of the best investments you can make in their happiness and well-being. A well-trained dog is more confident, less stressed, and better equipped to handle new situations. Whether you’re starting with a playful puppy or helping an older dog sharpen their skills, consistency and patience are key. Training is also an incredible bonding experience for you and your pet!

When it comes to your canine companion, few things are more important than training. Whether they are a puppy or a senior, our pets are consistently learning and can always work on their manners.

5 Essential Dog Training Tips

  1. Enroll in a class. From puppy kindergarten to advanced agility courses, there are classes available for every age and ability.
  2. Focus on the positives. Reward your pet with praise and high-value treats for responding to a command correctly. Consistent positive reinforcement makes it more likely for your dog to repeat the behavior.
  3. Keep it short. Limit at-home sessions to 15 minutes, up to 3 times per day, to keep your pup’s attention span.
  4. Commit to a schedule. Our pets thrive when they have a structured routine and repetition is critical to reinforce your pet’s new skills.
  5. Teach an old dog new tricks. If your dog has a firm grasp on the basics, introduce new commands for them to work on.

Enroll in an ARL Dog Training Course

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) offers a range of classes at our Dedham campus, led by certified trainers. Our programs teach commands, build trust, and strengthen your bond with your dog. From basic manners to agility, there’s a class for every pup! Explore courses and register today.

Fall Into Healthy Grooming Habits

An Important Part of Your Pet’s Routine

Regular grooming is a key part of your pet’s overall health. It’s a simple way to prevent discomfort, infections, and other health issues before they start. Each grooming session is a perfect chance to check your pet for early signs of trouble, like a skin irritation, ear infection, or overgrown nails that could affect their mobility. By taking the time to care for them, you’re helping your best friend feel their very best.

Here are the top 3 grooming questions asked by clients of Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), ARL’s clinic with a mission:

  1. How do I clean my pet’s ears?
    – Use a cat or dog-specific ear cleaning solution. Never use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol!
    – Gently hold your pet’s ear flap open and squeeze a few drops into the ear canal.
    – Fold the ear flap back and gently massage the base of the ear to help loosen debris.
    – Use a cotton pad to gently wipe the inside of the ear, removing dirt and moisture.

    BVC Pro Tip: If your pet’s ears have a bad odor, redness, or discharge, check in with your vet!

  2. How do I trim my dog’s nails?
    – Use dog-specific clippers to cut each nail at a 45-degree angle, right where the nail begins to curve.
    – Clip small amounts at a time to avoid cutting off too much of the nail.
    – If the nail bleeds, pat Styptic powder or corn starch onto the tip and let it dry.

    BVC Pro Tip: Ask a family member or friend to hold your dog and distract them with treats while you do the clipping.

    3. How do I brush my cat’s fur?
    – Introduce a brush or comb gently and pair it with treats and praise.
    – Brush in the direction of fur growth and focus on areas prone to matting, such as the chest, abdomen, and behind the ears.
    – If you do encounter mats, gently tease them apart with your fingers or a de-matting comb. Severe matting should be addressed by a groomer

    BVC Pro Tip: Check for fleas and other skin issues during grooming sessions.

Schedule an Appointment with BVC

BVC provides a full range of high-quality outpatient veterinary services to pet owners in the Greater Boston Area. A mission-driven clinic, BVC’s profits support ARL’s animals. Request an appointment today.

    When Feeding Pets Becomes a Struggle

    More families need help keeping their pets fed

    No one should ever have to choose between feeding themselves and their pets. Yet for the 1.1 million Massachusetts’ residents whose budgets are affected by current events and changes in family food support, this hardship is a stark reality.

    Many of our family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues are experiencing food insecurity, leading to an increase in stress and serious health risks from poor nutrition. And when people go hungry, their pets go hungry, too.

    Pets are family. They give us unconditional love in return for our meeting their basic needs of food, water, shelter, and care. A companion animal also drastically improves our physical and mental well-being, especially during these uncertain times. But what happens during a national hunger crisis when putting kibble into the bowl is a challenge?

    The cost of owning a pet is rising rapidly. The average cost of food, supplies, and routine veterinary care for a cat or dog is over $1,000 annually. When this high cost is combined with an emergency – such as a sudden health issue, a change in housing, or another unforeseen circumstance – owners face the difficult decision of what to do next.

    Fortunately, organizations like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) are here to help. ARL provides pet food and essential supplies to clients living in Greater Boston and on Cape Cod who are facing financial hurdles. In 2025 so far, ARL has provided meals to 1,524 pets on a monthly basis

    Times are tough. In this season of giving, it’s more important now than ever to lend a paw to help pets in the community.

    1. Help stock ARL’s pet food pantry. So far this year, an unprecedented 1,300 owners have called ARL seeking pet food. Our resources are stretched to the limit, and we need your help to keep pets fed. You can make an immediate impact in the fight against pet hunger today.

    • Donate Food Directly: View our digital wish lists of our most critically needed pet food. Items are shipped directly to ARL.
    • Organize a Drive: Start a pet food collection drive at your school, university, workplace, or place of worship to gather donations from your community.
    • Drop Off Donations: Bring unopened, unexpired, shelf-stable pet food directly to ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, or Cape Cod (Brewster). Drop-off hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
    • Make a Financial Gift: Monetary donations allow us to purchase exactly what is needed most. You can make a secure gift online.

    2. Donate to your local food bank or human service organization. When we take care of humans, we also take care of their pets. Dozens of organizations in the Greater Boston area, including Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) continue to be a critical resource for families, providing assistance with food, housing, and other basic needs. ARL currently distributes pet food at ABCD Food Pop-Ups in Mattapan and East Boston, ensuring that as families receive help, their beloved animals are cared for, too.

    ARL staff members work to hand out pet food at ABCD pop-ups

    No one should ever have to give up their beloved companion because pet food is too expensive. If you need assistance, you’re not alone. View a full list of ARL’s free and low-cost services to help you keep your pet.

    Supporter Spotlight: Mary Jane Treacy & Connie Chan

    For Connie and Mary Jane, a shared love of animals has been a constant throughout their lives. After years as professors in Boston—Connie in clinical psychology and Mary Jane in the humanities—they retired to Cape Cod, where they embraced a new chapter filled with four-legged family members and a commitment to animal welfare.

    Their journey with ARL began years ago at our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center when they added a cat named Gigi to their family. They then became clients at Boston Veterinary Care for Gigi and the rest of their felines.

    When Connie and Mary Jane moved to the Cape, they decided to adopt a dog from the Brewster Animal Care & Adoption Center. This led to a life-changing decision to adopt Keiki, a terrified puppy who came to ARL on a recent transport. Though they initially envisioned an easygoing dog, fate had other plans. When Connie and Mary Jane arrived at the shelter, they discovered a frightened black puppy, hiding under her bed in fear. Something told them that despite her special needs, she was the one.

    Her transformation was slow but profound. Initially, Keiki was so timid, she would only eat in her crate. But with patience and love, she blossomed into a cherished companion. Despite challenges, including a broken finger for Mary Jane after an incident with a twisted leash, Keiki has been part of their family for over a decade. Her name, which means “child” in Hawaiian, reflects their deep love for her.

    A year after Keiki’s adoption, another furry friend entered their lives. Connie happened to see a
    puppy named Leilani at another rescue. Though she initially resisted the idea of another dog, Connie soon found herself calling Mary Jane to set up a meeting. Leilani and Keiki bonded instantly, and today, they are inseparable companions.

    Connie, who grew up in Hawaii, has loved animals since childhood and would show kindness to every stray she met. Mary Jane grew up with many beloved family cats. Today, they extend that compassionby creating pollinator-friendly gardens in their yard, advocating for wildlife, and of course, supporting ARL.

    They are passionate about helping more challenging pets, like Keiki, find the loving homes they deserve. They also recognize the importance of ARL’s wide-ranging services, spay and neuter programs like the Spay Waggin’, and support for a variety of animals, not just dogs and cats. On the Cape, where resources for animal welfare can be limited, ARL plays a crucial role in ensuring that animals in need receive the care and attention they deserve.

    Looking ahead, they hope their support will help more animals like Keiki heal and find loving homes. Grateful for the network that brought Keiki into their lives, they wish for others to experience the same joy and life-changing connection that pet adoption has brought them. For Connie and Mary Jane, animal welfare is not just a worthy cause—it’s a lifelong commitment. Through their generosity, they continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals, the families who adopt them, and the community.

    5 Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Should Avoid

    Keep your pup happy and healthy this holiday season

    Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, good food, and great company – including our pets! While it’s tempting to slip your dog a little taste from your plate, some holiday favorites can actually cause serious harm.

    Before your pup partakes in Thanksgiving the feast, here are five foods to keep off their menu:

      1. Turkey Bones
        They might seem like a classic treat, but turkey bones can easily splinter and get lodged in your dog’s throat or digestive tract. This can lead to choking, internal injuries, or even surgery. So skip the bones and opt for a dog-safe chew instead.
      2. Fat Trimmings
        Rich, fatty foods are tough for dogs to digest and can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Watch for signs like vomiting, abdominal pain, or lethargy, and keep the greasy leftovers far from your pup’s bowl.
      3. Raw Dough and Cake Batter
        Unbaked dough can potentially rise inside your dog’s stomach, causing bloating and severe discomfort. And if the batter contains raw eggs, there’s also a risk of salmonella. Let your pup “help” in the kitchen by supervising, not taste-testing.
      4. Nutmeg
        This seasonal spice adds warmth to pies and lattes, but it’s toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause tremors, seizures, and vomiting. When baking, keep spiced treats safely out of reach.
      5. Raisins and Grapes
        Even tiny amounts of raisins or grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. Since the reason for their toxicity is still unknown, it’s safest to steer clear altogether.

    There are safer ways to include your dog in the celebration!

    The best way for your pet to partake in the holiday cheer? Stick with traditional treats that are safe for dogs and cats! Food puzzles and interactive toys like a Kong filled with plain yogurt, peanut butter and 100% real pumpkin are a great way to keep your canine entertained and feeling satisfied all holiday long.

    Bonus tip: Keep your vet’s emergency number handy. Should your pet become ill, contact your pet’s veterinarian or the local animal hospital’s number! A quick call to either of them can give you life-saving advice or even help you avoid a trip to the ER. 

    A Paws-itive Partnership: ARL and Copeland Subaru Find Homes for Dogs

    The “Bark & Bagels” adoption event, part of the nationwide Subaru Loves Pets® month, successfully connected local families with adoptable dogs in Hyannis

    The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) received support for local shelter animals through grant funding from Copeland Subaru Hyannis and an adoption event held on Saturday, October 18 which helped two dogs, Penne and Barney, find new homes in the community. The effort was part of Subaru Loves Pets®, a national Subaru initiative to support the lives of as many shelter animals as possible. ARL brought five dogs to the event and two were adopted. Barney was at ARL for 4 weeks and was the Brewster location’s longest shelter resident.

    A black and brown dog sitting outside next to two people.

    Barney with his new family!

    “Pets make all of our lives better and Copeland Subaru is happy to do our small part in helping to find good homes for our furry friends. We appreciate our growing partnership with Animal Rescue League and look forward to growing this into a year-round event,” said Bryan Scarpellini, Managing Partner of Copeland Subaru Hyannis.

    ARL organized the pet event, in collaboration with Copeland Subaru Hyannis, to raise awareness for Cape Cod pets in need. During the month of October, Copeland Subaru Hyannis and over 630 Subaru retailers nationwide worked with the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) to provide grants to local partner shelters resulting in over $3 million in donations.*

    ARL staff posing outside next to a table with ARL materials

    ARL staff outside of Copeland Subaru Hyannis

    Subaru is proud to have donated over $70 million since 2008 to national and local organizations that help in the adoption, rescue, transport, and health of over 700,000 animals and pets. In addition to hosting the pet adoption event, Copeland Subaru Hyannis helped celebrate the seventh annual National Make A Dog’s Day by encouraging the local community to do something special for the dogs in their lives, adopt a shelter dog, or volunteer at an animal shelter and share the experience on social media using the hashtag #MakeADogsDay.

    More information about Subaru Loves Pets.

    *Subaru retailers provided grants based on previously selected tier to local shelter before October so it could be used throughout the month.

    Supporter Spotlight: Kira Weaver

    With an infectious personality and an unwavering commitment to helping animals, Kira has opened her home to 28 fosters so far—17 dogs and 11 cats—since moving to Boston three years ago.

    Her love for animals is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Originally from California, Kira grew up in a home that always had three or four dogs at a time, along with a variety of other pets including tortoises, hamsters, geckos, and even a snake! She credits her parents for helping to shape her values and instill the love and compassion for animals she has today.

    One of the most defining experiences came from Diesel, her family’s dog who suffered a slipped disc at age two. His condition required extra patience and care, which she and her family provided wholeheartedly until his passing at the age of five. This opened her eyes to just how much animals need us, and how much we need them. His impact was so profound that she bears a tattoo in his honor, forever reminding her of the lessons of patience, compassion, and empathy she learned from him.

    A small gray and white dog in a wheelchair outside in the grass.

    Diesel

    Kira wanted to help more people experience that special bond, and though she was not ready to commit to adopting, she thought fostering would be the perfect way to experience the joy of animals, while helping others. So, on a flight home from a trip, and after a quick Google search, she found ARL and applied to be a foster.

    Just two weeks after moving into a new apartment, she welcomed in her first foster – a tiny kitten named Gus who had ringworm, a foster experience that would make many hesitate. Kira didn’t grow up with cats, but she embraced the opportunity as a learning experience, allowing her to care for more cats and kittens in the future.

    From tiny kittens to big-headed bully breeds, she embraces every foster opportunity with the same level of love and enthusiasm. She says even in moments of chaos with a litter of kittens or a rambunctious puppy, she is able to reflect on her experience with Diesel, which instilled the patience and compassion necessary to work through any experience fostering throws at her.

    Kira cites the incredible community that supports both the animals and volunteers as one of her favorite parts of working with ARL. But her passion for animal welfare extends beyond providing temporary homes. She deeply values the work that ARL does, emphasizing not only adoption services but the additional resources ARL provides, such as dog training, advocacy work, and programs like the Spay Waggin’® and Wellness Waggin’® that provide accessible veterinary care to those in need.

    Kira’s story is one of selflessness, energy, and an unshakable belief in the power of rescue. Whether it’s taking in a sick kitten, helping a shy dog find their confidence, or simply spreading awareness about the importance of fostering, she pours her heart into everything she does. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to others, proving that even temporary care can have a lifelong impact on an animal’s future.

    Learn more about fostering at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

    ARL Welcomes New Chief Financial & Operating Officer

    We’re excited to have Vikram Mathur join ARL’s leadership team

    Vikram brings 20 years of experience in corporate finance and business strategy across diverse industries, including hospitality, insurance, and e-commerce. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives in financial planning, operational efficiency, and strategic growth, raising and managing millions in revenue and funding.

    Guided by a long-standing personal commitment to animal welfare, Vikram pursued a Master of Science in Animals & Public Policy at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, where he focused on the intersection of human-animal relationships, policy, and community impact. He also completed his capstone externship with ARL, gaining first-hand insight into the organization’s programs, advocacy, and operations.

    “I feel extremely fortunate to be able to use my skillset for an organization whose mission is to help animals and the people who love them,” said Mathur. He looks forward to making sure ARL’s financial operations support the ever-evolving needs of ARL and plans to strengthen systems to ensure ARL’s innovative programs are efficient and cost-effective.

    Welcome to ARL, Vikram!

    How to Prepare Your Pet for Spooky Season

    In Massachusetts, Halloween means busy city streets filled with trick-or-treaters, neighborhood block parties, and plenty of creative costumes. While it’s a fun and spirited time for people, the holiday can be overwhelming—or even dangerous—for pets. With a little planning, you can help your four-legged family members stay safe and comfortable while you enjoy the festivities.

    4 Tips to Protect Your Pets This Halloween:

    1. Keep candy and chocolate out of reach. The bowl of candy that we make easily accessible for tiny trick-or-treaters is also at paws-length for our pets. Even small amounts of chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free candy), and caffeine is toxic to dogs and cats and can cause seizures, liver failure, and even death. If you suspect your pet has eaten something dangerous, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
    2. Be careful with decorations. If your goal is to create the perfect spooky ambiance for all the Halloween festivities, keep in mind that many decorations are not pet-friendly. Faux spider webs, glow sticks, and plastic toys can be harmful if swallowed. Lit candles or jack-o-lanterns can be knocked over by curious pets, leading to burns or even fires.
    3. Create a calm space. The doorbell constantly ringing, a flurry of strangers in costumes, and loud noises can overwhelm pets- especially those who are typically skittish or anxious. Set you cat or dog up in a quiet room with their favorite toys and a TV or white noise to help ease their stress.
    4. Check your pet’s ID. With doors opening and closing all night, there’s a risk of pets slipping outside. Make sure their ID tags and microchip information are up to date so you can be reunited quickly if they get lost.

    Halloween can be a wonderful holiday for the whole family—but for pets, it comes with hidden risks. By keeping treats out of reach, decorating with care, reducing stress, checking IDs, and being mindful about costumes, you can ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable. With just a few simple precautions, the holiday can be fun, festive, and worry-free for everyone.

    Carve Out Some Fun This Halloween!

    Download our free pumpkin carving templates featuring cute animal designs.

    ARL Featured in Hill’s Pet Nutrition 2025 State of the Shelter Pet Adoption Report

    The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is proud to be featured in Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s newly released 2025 State of the Shelter Pet Adoption Report!

    Hill’s surveyed a socioeconomically diverse group of 2,500 current and prospective pet owners to better understand the growing challenges in animal welfare—namely, the increase in shelter pets and the decline in pet adoption rates.

    The report also spotlights insights from ARL President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino, underscoring the importance of addressing adoption barriers that individuals in our community face every day. By identifying these challenges, the data helps us better understand what pet parents need to make adoption more accessible, equitable, and sustainable.

     

    At ARL, this knowledge is essential. It allows us to strengthen our programs, improve the adoption experience, and, most importantly, provide even greater support to both our communities and the animals in our care.

    We’re grateful to partner with Hill’s Pet Nutrition in this vital work, and we encourage you to explore the full report here: Hill’s Pet Nutrition – State of the Shelter Pet Adoption Report.