Category: Top Dog

Hello everyone, honestly I'm probably going to keep this post short because I've tried to write a long-winded and detailed explanation in another dog community but it got deleted. So for context I have a miniature schnauzer and two cats. So as you can imagine I have to do a lot of management. Currently that will look like place training, rewarding for giving me her focus to me after looking to the cats, if she does try to chase and play with the cats (no I'm not downplay the situation, my girl genuinely wants to play with them which still of course is bad but I think full transperancy on how the animals see each other is very important for training), I’ll recall her off them and treat her.

As you might guess I've also recently gotten a crate, and am currently working on crate training her for multiple reasons. The issue is my silly little schnauz pup, has recently with her create training started mixing up her marker word, and her release word. So our training will look kinda like this, lure her in, mark, reward. She’ll eat the treat that I slipped, then I’ll mark again trying to build duration, but before I can slip the treat through the top of the crate (I don't hand feed her the treats in the create, I want the reward to come from the create), she’ll leave the create. I know this isn't a confidence issue and more a mix up on her cues because of how confidently she leaves her create, the same way she would when I give her, her release word (honestly it's kinda funny and cute but of course not what I'm looking for). She always had a habit of mixing up her commands but those would be things like “sit”, and “down” (which seems to me like me and my girl have to go back to the basics of reteaching those until she has a better understanding and foundational skills) but this being her marker and release word of course it's different. It might be handler error with how I tought her, her release.

That would look more like “down” she downs, mark “yes!” gives her the treat, “free” she releases, “yes!” mark and reward. So now I have this mix up. If anyone has tips on how I can help her understand the difference in differentiating this I'd appreciate it. Honestly this applies to both her mixing up her marker and release, as well as just commands in general. I'd appreciate help in both territory.

I got my 10 week old lab/English pointer puppy two days ago. We immediately started her on crate training and she’s doing great. When we are sitting on the couch, she will bark and or growl when I get up to walk away to the bathroom etc. is this separation anxiety? And how can I fix it? To add, we also have a 1year old Boston terrier that never did this and I’m new to owning a big dog. She does try to play with the puppy but I’m worried it’s stressing the puppy out causing the anxiety. However, the puppy keeps going back to my Boston initiating more play time so I honestly don’t know. This is my first time owning two dogs at the same time and I don’t want mess either of them up so any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you.

A big maybe?

My golden is fat due to his hypothyroidism, and his old harness no longer fits, I need the best option for him

Which pet insurance is best for you? Are there any that may cover your dog's current treatment? Did your dog get injured during the waiting period and want to know if you're covered?

Here's the place to ask.

Do know we cannot help you here with medical concerns, and lying or not disclosing things to the insurance company is illegal so we don't allow that either.

Four years ago, my two Pomeranians passed away. At first, I thought I had just lost my pets,but later, I realized I had lost something deeper, a bond built on trust, understanding, and unconditional love.Even now, when I come home, I still slow down at the door, as if I could still hear their tiny footsteps rushing toward me. Time has taken away their scent, but not the morning sunshine, the familiar walking paths, or the way their eyes sparkled when they looked at me.People often say, “Time heals everything.” But I don’t think time makes you forget; it just teaches you how to live with the memory. Those days taught me that love doesn’t fade when life ends,it transforms into a gentle weight that stays in your heart, reminding you how deeply you were loved.So now, I don’t hide from that feeling anymore. Whenever I think of them, I whisper softly, “Thank you for coming into my life.” Because they showed me that even the shortest companionship can warm a lifetime

Does your dog turn his head when he hears an odd noise? Does your dog bury their food with your pants? This is the thread to ask why.

Please keep this thread to non-medical issues only.

I’ve told him multiple times I don’t like it, that it doesn’t teach them anything except to be afraid of you, that it isn’t a proper form of correction. But my husband refuses to change. He said our dogs are too rambunctious and don’t listen to any other form of discipline so he said he’s not gonna stop. Our 2 dogs are living in an apartment right now which is obviously not ideal for them, so sure they have some extra energy they try and get out by playing and being wild sometimes. They’re not great walkers because they get excited to be outside and able to run around IMO. But he says they’re just too bad of dogs, isn’t willing to try and put aside the time to train them, and decided hitting them is the only way they’ll learn (it doesn’t make them act any better overall). Am I overreacting for thinking this is just not okay? I would never hit my dogs, I love them so much.

Thinking about getting a second dog to keep our girl company when we are at work, someone to play with, and another member of our family. I have some questions.

Our dog is a 3.5 y/o spayed female. 50% Aussie, 38% Standard Poodle, the rest Bernese and Swiss Mountain Dog. 70 lbs, a bit taller than your typical Aussie. We have 2 indoor cats that coexist with her. Our dog is more comfortable playing with dogs smaller than her or about the same size. She does not like sharing her things but is otherwise appropriate.

We both have an hour commute one way, and our dog can be home alone around 8 hours a day 3-4 days a week. I’m home at least 3 days a week. We have no kids, an acreage, and a quiet household. Our dog doesn’t go outside alone. I hike with her, take her for walks, we play, and she does chores with me (chickens, outdoor cats, horses). Occasionally we visit relatives.

Here’s my questions:

1. Are most dogs happier with a companion?

2. Do dogs have a preference on the gender of the other dog, like females generally getting along better with one gender over the other?

3. Where can I find an ethical breeder? Top priorities are temperament and health. I don’t care about show lines or any of that. I don’t want a dog that was bred for the latest and greatest trendy look for the show ring that takes away from the original function of the breed. I found the AKC marketplace but wasn’t sure if there were other places to look!

4. For Poodles or rough collies – would I be able to do their grooming at home – bathing, shaving, brushing, nails, etc? I would rather do it myself than go to a groomer. Is there a way to make a Poodle’s coat less high maintenance than it seems?

5. I’ve been thinking about adopting a dog from a shelter some, but my partner is against that and wants to get a puppy from a good breeder. For breeds that are semi-compatible to our dog and our lifestyle, I was thinking a Golden Retriever, a standard Poodle, or rough collie. What are your thoughts on these picks? Did I miss any? I am not a fan of labs.

I know this is long. I so appreciate your input!!