Category: Top Dog

Hi all! My 8-month-old girl just started her first heat cycle. We are definitely going to to have her sterilised but I am unsure about when to do it. The vet said to do it after the first heat cycle but the dog trainer says it's better to wait until after the second one as sex hormones play an important role in brain development. I am wondering what people's experiences have been like doing it after the first or second?

A shelter in BC Canada recently euthanized a young dog after DNA testing showed she was 35% wolf. (Wolf dogs are legal in BC)

She was reportedly good with people and in good health, but deemed “un-adoptable” under the organization’s policy.

The shelter stated that wolf-dog hybrids have complex physical and behavioural needs that typical homes cannot meet, and that one accredited sanctuary would not accept her based on her genetic makeup.

This has sparked public debate locally about whether euthanasia decisions should be based primarily on DNA percentage versus observed behaviour and temperament.

News story: https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/wolf-dog-hybrid-put-down-after-being-deemed-un-adoptable-11937361

I’m genuinely curious how this community feels:

* Should wolf-dog hybrids automatically be considered un-adoptable?

* Is there a meaningful difference between 10%, 35%, or 50% wolf content in terms of adoptability?

* Should policy focus more on behaviour rather than genetics?

* For those experienced with northern breeds or wolfdogs, what’s realistic in a home environment?

Not trying to start a pile-on — just hoping for informed discussion from people experienced with dogs and hybrid policies.

I love her, with all my heart. even one time I ended up in the ER because she was sedated and didnt recognise me. it’s hard work to trim her nails and do her checks up… but I love her with all my heart. anytime I get sick, she stays with me. when I studie, she stays awake. I hate her last owne, he hit her so much that after 5 years she still got trauna.

well, basically the title, she's almost 1 year old and everyday when I'm leaving the house for college she jump on me, wanting to play and that cause things like changing clothes because she dirt my clothes, she ruined those clothes because she bite them and make me get later when I'm on a rush. I've tried the thing about ignoring her when i go out and come back but that doesn't work, she just see it as a way to jump on me and worsened everything. I would be glad to hear any help you guys can share with me.

to be clear, she can't stay inside the house while I'm not there because I have cats and they don't get along with her, and the mess she would do unsupervised too.

My Mini foxy x Jack Russell, is currently on a diet, here is a method with minimal money and a way to work your dogs brain and body for those treats.

Get a box, put treats inside and make sure lid is secure without tape, put down and dog must find the way to open the box and get the treats

Hello,

I have a male Cocker Spaniel who is 1 year and 8 months old.

This summer, we wanted to go on vacation and leave him at a boarding kennel for a week. We've already done lots of tests at the daycare center, and things are going relatively well. He is treated well and plays with other dogs, even though he is fearful of humans and too attached to us…

But this boarding facility (and others) systematically requires surgical neutering (not chemical), and I admit that I am very afraid to do it.

My cocker spaniel is quite fearful, I would say, or emotionally unstable:

– He is adorable with almost all dogs, but some males are very aggressive towards him (stressful on every walk), but he does nothing (or on rare occasions my dog growl and bark once a year at another dog).

– He is very fearful of humans, especially children and adults who stare him in the eyes. He barks and tries to run away. But we can take him downtown without any problems. As long as no one tries to touch him, he doesn't react and just goes about his business.

– He is a little overly attached to us. At the boarding kennel, we are working on this gradually by leaving him for only a few hours at a time, because he whines quite a bit before finally moving on to something else.

I have read that neutering can amplify problems in fearful dogs, so I am very anxious about having him neutered.

– I would be happy if the other males stopped attacking him and if I could go out without feeling sick to my stomach.

– I'm afraid he'll become even more fearful/barky around strangers.

– If he can stop peeing every 30 seconds outside, that's a bonus, but indoors he doesn't do anything and he's never mounted a single female dog.

What do you think?

Photo of the puppy

https://imgur.com/a/LlCOB8S

My dog bites.. but let me explain:

My dog was traumatised after a neighbour let her out of our garden, she was chased and grabbed at my strangers. So now obviously she’s mistrustful of strangers and always has a guard up – understandable. We’ve spent thousands on training and socialising her after this. She’s on expensive antidepressants. She is muzzled every time she’s outside. I feel like I’ve tried everything to help her understand she doesn’t need to resort straight to biting.

She has bitten my MIL, 2 strangers, my auntie, and now the dog walker who she loves. I don’t know how much more of this I can take and I don’t know what to do anymore. Her biting is almost always defensive, and if she bites it’s usually when I’m not around. I understand this isn’t her fault, it’s mine. However I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if she managed to bite a child, the guilt I feel is horrible.

She is a strong and powerful dog and she can and has done some damage with my MIL needing stitches in her hand. I feel as though now she’s a ticking time bomb and I can never trust her in public spaces. As far as training and medication goes I’ve spent so much time and money trying to help rehabilitate her I don’t know if I have anything left. Which is horrible I know, I love her so much but what else can I do?

My husband has had enough, we have held off having children due to having this dog. Advice would be greatly appreciated TIA

My 6-year-old Shiba Inu is currently staying with relatives in the U.S. while I recently moved back to India about a month ago. Everything happened very quickly, so I didn’t have time to plan bringing her with me.

I’m now trying to figure out the best way to relocate her and I’m considering using a pet transport service instead of having someone fly with her.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has actually transported a dog from the U.S. to India using a relocation company.

Specifically I’m trying to understand:

Which pet relocation company you used

The exact cost you paid (not estimates if possible)

How the journey and layovers were handled (were pets taken out, walked, etc.?)

Any unexpected issues during paperwork, flights, or customs in India

Whether you felt the full-service relocation was worth the cost

For context:

• Breed: Shiba Inu

• Age: 6 years

• Weight: about 30 lbs

The only company I’ve spoken to so far is Pet Porters, but I’m trying to learn about other experiences before deciding.

Honest experiences (good or bad) would really help.

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Hello, i got a 4 months old puppy(2 days ago) and put him in my yard inside of a 10 square metres cage, but he doesn't want to leave it now, and is scared outside of it, and doesnt want to walk on leash too. Should i give him some time or? And one more thing, when he sees food he gets hyperactive and eats like a maniac, i spread his food all over the cage to slow him down, any advice on this too?

I live next to a park currently where dogs can run off leash during off leash hours. He gets good exercise. I’m moving to a new place that doesn’t have a park close by. Are walks enough for an almost 2yr old large breed dog?

He’s an Irish setter