Category: Top Dog

Thing is there’s never any straightforward answer.

I ditched the crate for mine and let him sleep with me in my bed and then today, he got very worked up.

Play wouldn’t help, settling him down wouldn’t work, food?? Water?? Nope not the issue.

He used to bark in the crate but he was barking anyway at me so I put him in there and he settled immediately.

Now I’m not sure about the psychology of it, why he’d seek out a place that was so stressful before.

Sometimes he just needs that space.

(I’d like to specify this is a positive post and in no way am I complaining. This is to highlight that there isn’t any “fix all” solution for dogs. One thing may work then not and that’s okay.)

Hi All, my beautiful boy is a 2yld Black German Shepard that was trained from a pup to 6 months old to be a drug dog. Unfortunately (for them!) he was too playful to continue training. I love him to bits and he’s been a perfect companion to go on runs, play at the park, and general exercise but my (admittedly very small) issue is that he totally lacks any response to affection.

When I first adopted him he’d actively pull away from any pats, cuddles or tummy rubs, and looked rather sad if you asked him to sit for a pat. Now that he’s a bit older he tolerates a head or tummy scratch but clearly would much rather be running after a stick or playing in some way. He won’t come up to me, or anyone else, for a pat but will happily grab a toy and beg you to throw it at first opportunity.

I grew up with a super cuddly golden retriever who, if given the choice, would’ve spent his whole life in your arms! I understand Shepards can be very different but my assumption is that he got no affection/was disciplined for seeking affection as a pup and that’s why he doesn’t like a pat?

Interested to hear other’s opinions on the subject. Thanks 🙂

My dog is 3 and has started to periodically howl in her sleep. It’s not a normal howl and she does not howl ever when she’s awake. It’s super creepy & loud enough that it wakes me up. Does anyone else’s dog do this?

I’m so frustrated! My girl is 11 weeks now and I’ve tried everything you all have recommended, everything our trainer recommended, and this girl just goes insane in her crate. I’m at a loss. I feel like a failure with this. She has a playpen she can sleep in but what about when we have to eventually leave the house?! She can totally knock that thing down if she wanted to. I’m so stressed yall. I’m about to freaking break down.

I have a 4 month old labradoodle.

Looking at insurance, I searched Reddit for advice, got a good list of places to get quotes. Also checked reviews on Reddit, Forbes, Consumer Reports.

I got quotes for the same level of coverage: unlimited max payout; 90% reimbursement; $500 deductible.

1 important factor for us is 24/7 ask-a-vet options. Only 3 have this as far as I can see: Prudent Pet, Spot and Pets Best.

The head scratcher is the monthly fee:

Prudent Pet:$33.03/month

Spot: $86.03/month

Pets Best:$84.33/month

That is a huge difference between Prudent Pet and the other 2.

Anyone have a plausible explanation??

Many thanks.

Hi, I have an 11 month old female standard poodle puppy. I am a first time dog owner.

My dog is very sweet and attentive, but absolutely loses her mind when seeing other dogs. Whether it be walking, sitting, she is lunging and barking to interact with them (she wants to play, no aggression).

When on walks, we have tried walking in the opposite direction, standing at a far away distance and rewarding when she ignores them, but she continuously will pull in the opposite direction (she will literally stand on her hind legs and bark as I’m pulling her). When sitting, she will bark even after the dog is out of sight for several minutes.

The real issue probably lies with me. I have extreme anxiety, and feel intense embarrassment and humiliation in public when she is losing her mind. I have had people move away from us due to her barking, which worsens my anxiety, and after a few tears I end up leaving with her still pulling and acting up.

I’m not sure what to do to overcome this, or how to even respond or correct her when she’s barking non stop. She won’t pay attention to me if there is another dog, and is disinterested in treats as well if another dog is present. We have been to parks, outside my student union, and outside at cafes. I don’t know where else to go, or how else to grab her attention, since she doesn’t seem to be learning that quiet is a good thing.

How do I correct her? What can I do to stop feeling so embarrassed at her barking? Where else do I go? This is the biggest hurdle I have had since getting her, and I want to be able to go to public places without her acting up. Does she just need more exposure? Will she stop eventually? I have been taking anxiety medication when I go out with her, but it’s difficult as I have to drive to many places and cannot drive on my meds. Please help!

I am hoping for some ideas and suggestions for a dog I'm fostering.

He's currently in isolation in our above ground "basement", but it's a smaller space. He spends the majority of the time sleeping, as he should, and I do spend time with him. I am just worried in less than a week as he's recovering, he's going to get incredibly bored and will not be sleeping as much. Any ideas for toys or other items that will keep him engaged for when he's feeling better?

I don’t know what to think… I have a 1 yr old Alaskan Husky/Malamute/German Shepherd mix and he is by far the laziest dog I’ve ever had (other than my prior Chiweenie).

Has anyone experienced this with any combination of these breeds? He was minimally destructive as a puppy but is no longer. He zoom zooms for a little bit at the big dog park but otherwise just a wants to dog pile with the us or our little dogs (frenchie & Maltese-chihuahua mix).

I’m not complaining but am very curious to see if anyone else has experienced such a lazy dog of any of these breeds.