Category: Top Dog

Puppy fear

My Samoyed girl Zuri is 4 months old now. She used to love walking, I’d take her out 5 times a day to potty train her. 3 weeks ago she heard a loud car noise during our walk and got scared.

At first I tried to force her to walk because I thought she would get used to the fact that nothing is happening to her. Then I saw her get worse and did some research, so now I carry her downstairs and outside, put her down at the end of the road and let her walk home and give her treats when she’s calm. I also play some car noises sometimes at home because my apartment is very quiet and I wanted her to get used to the noise.

I go to a vet uni and I take her with me. She loves uni cos she meets her friends. I carry her to the bus stop and then she’s fine to walk the street from the bus to uni, then I carry her home.

It’s been a few days of this therapy and tbh I haven’t seen much improvement. I let her run around in the uni garden and today she heard a motorbike and got spooked even if she usually feels safe at uni.

Am I doing something wrong? She was so close to being potty trained it’s just so sad to see her be scared of outside when she used to love it so much 🙁

Hi I just adopted a cavapoo 8 week puppy 4 days ago, and she doesn’t seem to be food driven (never seen that in a puppy before – granted the few puppies I’ve interacted previously were labs), but I’m starting to suspect that it’s bc I don’t use any very stinky treats…

We went to the vet yesterday and she was crazy about canned soft cheese, but I recently lost my dog very suddenly (most likely undetected cancer) and I would prefer to start my pups life with healthy foods etc.

So I’m here in hopes there are crazy neurotic ppl out there like me who reads every ingredient on a package, thank you

Hello!! 3 days ago we got a 8-9 week old lagotto romagnolo. Hes a crazy little guy and a sweetheart and is getting out of his shell quickly. Id like to crate train him as soon as possible while he's still young. He sleeps in my room and makes no issues during the night, but I've read about a lot of benefits from crate training, so we got him a crate. Naturally, he's scared to go inside despite my encourages and treats that I put in. I put his blanket in too so he feels more comfortable. Today he poked his head inside to try and get the treat, but backed out and whined. Its too soon to assume anything yet, but i feel like im not doing quite a good job. Im probably just overthinking though because hes tiny, he just got here and everything is still new to him. I also put his food bowl inside (close to the exit) in case that might encourage him. Im looking for some advice, critique or experiences!

I've seen a few posts about a partner or older child coming home with a puppy they have adopted without the other family members knowing.
How does that work? is it different in the US from state to state?

In the UK to adopt a animal you have to have a home check and also pay a fair amount of money and you don't get the animal right away and not at all if you don't have a secure garden, or small children or cats if the dog has not been tested around them. many won't let you have a cat if you live near a main road, or a dog if you don't have a garden.

I feel the UK is a bit too strict but the USA not strict enough, or not?

I have two 11 week old male corgis (I am a crazy person I'm aware) they've been with me for about a week now and are both responding really well to training. They're quick to pick up on commands, doing really well with potty and crate training and are both a ton of fun.

However, I am already seeing the major differences in their motivation and personalities. One is very food/treat motivated, it's easy to get his attention and he's already doing great with recall over small distances, the other is more interested in just about everything other than me and really only joins in certain activities because his brother is getting treats.

I would like to start leash training now that we're almost fully vaxxed but I'm not sure whether or not I should do it together or one at at a time?

Looking into dog car crate for my 60 pound poodle.

I’m not sure crash tested is something that is truly a quality I need but I probably prefer it.

Rough price ranges.

I know Gunnar is top notch but wondering if mammoth guardian would be worth it too.

I do not want ruff land.

Gunnar

$600

Lucky duck dog

$600

Dakota

$600

Mammoth guardian dog crate (unsure if this is crash tested)

$300

I know I’m about to get downvoted to hell, but why are “no-kill” shelters so highly praised?

From what I understand, there are far more dogs than there are homes, and that number keeps growing. Realistically, not every dog in the shelter system is going to get adopted. At the same time, animals don’t really have a concept of the future, hopes, or dreams the way humans do—they’re experiencing what’s happening right now.

Why is the focus on keeping every dog alive indefinitely in shelters instead of prioritizing overall welfare? Long-term kennel life can be extremely stressful, especially for highly reactive or behaviorally difficult dogs that are already unlikely to find homes.

Wouldn’t focusing resources on adoptable dogs— while humanely euthanizing those that are unsafe or unlikely to be placed improve quality of life for the dogs that can realistically get homes?

I have a 17 year old shih tzu mix that is driving me up the wall. Help! She always wants me on the bed. In the livingroom she moves from her chair the couch and her dog bed over and over . Seeming uncomfortable!? Or annoyed shes away from bed? she makes little disgruntled sounds and stares at me. If I get up for anything food, check laundry, answer door ,maybe get a book or craft. All of a sudden she will run/jump playfully wagging tail trying to get me down the hall to the bedroom. I want to enjoy my livingroom:( help pls

Moving from Australia back to New Zealand later in the year with two 12 year old dogs that will both be almost 13 when we move (Irish Setter & German Shepherd).

Their regular vet has said they both have the health of dogs half their age and has no concerns about them travelling from a medical perspective. Their only regular medication is preventative Cartrophen.

My main concern is our German Shepherd is a weenie. Externally he looks like a wolf, internally he has whippet tendencies. He won't eat if it's too windy outside, or if any doors are open. If he stays overnight at a familiar house but if as primary people/ guardians we're not there, he loses his appetite, can't settle and is not okay the next day. The flights should be okay but I'm worried about the time in between flights and kenneling.

Will require one of the following itineraries using JetPets for flights and kennels:

a) 1 overnight kennel 4hr domestic flight 2-3 nights in kennel 3hr international flight

b) 1 overnight kennel 6.5hr international flight 1 night kennel 2hr domestic flight

c) 1 overnight kennel 6.5hr international flight 4 day road trip staying together

Currently leaning towards c) as our GSD loves a family road trip, but would love to hear anyones thoughts!

dog tax

I had a dachshund for 16 years and fostered a few over the years. I’ve really missed having a dog, but it took me a while to heal after losing mine.

I loved her size and she was the best cuddle buddy, but she couldn’t keep up with my active lifestyle (hiking, outdoor sports), and IVDD was always in the back of my mind. Because of that, I’ve been thinking about getting a slightly bigger dog.

I recently found a Potcake puppy on a rescue site and totally fell in love. I applied and have an interview tomorrow.

My only concern is size. I live in a condo, so I’m hoping for a smaller medium dog. The rescue says she could end up anywhere from 25–60 lbs, which feels like a huge range.

She is currently 3 months old, 8 pounds.

Any Potcake owners here? How big did yours end up? Do many stay around ~35 lbs or under?