Category: Top Dog

I know it's largely me at fault for being too accommodating but I woke up and realized my life revolves around this dog. He chews the bed sheets so I'm currently sat on a bare mattress without a pillow. He demand barks. He digs. He has all the exercise and enrichment but it never seems enough. He has an opinion on everything and isn't shy to voice it. He humps and bites me every night. My home has been completely stripped back from anything that makes it soft and cosy because it's an immediate drawn to him. He has separation anxiety so I can't even leave him to nap I have to be with him and since he digs the sofa it means I'm sat in a cold kitchen or a bare bedroom while he sleeps.

I spent 3 months crate training but for whatever reason it did not click. He barked the entire time and couldn't do it to my neighbors anymore.

I'm constantly just tip toeing around this dog. I thought I was following best practices managing and habits, positive reinforcement but it feels like it's just giving in and my life and comforts are shrinking as a result.

This doesn't feel normal and I don't know how to break the cycle.

We have a 10 month old cavalier/poodle cross. With us since 3 months. Crate trained. A generally great puppy and very good and obedient.

Routine for the past few months – around 8pm take her for evening walk, does business, relax on couch from 9 to 9.30 when we tell her “bedtime” she takes herself into her crate, and we go to bed, no issues.

Starting 2-3 weeks ago – she has started barking in the mornings to be let out of her crate.

Usually we get up around 7.30am weekdays, and 8.30am weekends. When she first barked, it was around 8am on a weekend, and we thought maybe she just needs to go outside, no issues.

It’s now happening every morning, and it’s getting earlier.

Last week it was around 7.15am every morning. For a few mornings, I went down to her at 7am before she barked hoping it would stop the habit. But this weekend, she started barking at 6.45am both mornings.

All advice appreciated, thank you!

Hi All! I have a 4 month old Spoodle who thinks chasing and ‘attacking’ our cat is a game.

Our cat isn’t super bothered, she occasionally hisses, swipes or just hops the fence, but I am really wanting help with curbing this behaviour.

Our pup thinks it’s play but it’s getting out of hand and I’m finding it hard to control the dog when the car is around and gets riled.

Any suggestions would be amazing! Open to anything.