Category: Top Dog

Hi wonderful people! I brought home two 8-week old foster puppies and have some questions about training. I will only have them for about another week, so I’m wondering what’s the most valuable training I can do in this short time to set these pups up for success. We’re currently working on potty training with puppy pads, although it’s a little hard with two because they both want to go at the same time. They sleep in their crate together at night, so we’re sort of working on crate training but I suspect they will have a rougher time being alone in the crate when they are adopted individually. Is it worth it to work on individual crate training with them or maybe just some basics like sit? Also any guess on their breed?

Hi everyone. I really need some support and stories from people who raised a puppy completely on their own (no partner).

I have a Havanese puppy, she just turned 3 months old. I got her when she was 10 weeks old. I’ve always dreamed of having a dog. Before getting her I read a lot, planned my life so I could stay at home (I work from home), and tried to set up a good routine and learn how to train and socialize her “the right way”.

She’s been with me for almost a month now. During the first weeks I cried almost every day. Even with all the preparation, the reality was very different. Now it’s a bit more manageable: we kind of have a routine, and in my head I understand she’s just a baby learning how to live in this world with me. In some ways she already makes me a better person. But honestly, I still get so tired and overwhelmed sometimes.

I also realized that my “old life” is gone. It’s funny to think how I imagined I could just keep my evening activities (like dance classes) and simply “fit the dog in”. In reality she can’t stay home alone for long yet, and that changes everything.

I used a pet sitter once, because I really didn’t want to miss an important event and completely disappear from my social life. When I came back, I didn’t feel guilty, I actually felt relieved and happy to see her – which maybe is a sign that this balance is possible.

I read a lot about dogs, training, schedules, etc., and sometimes it feels like I’m not doing enough, and other times like I’m doing way too much. I just can’t find that golden middle. People keep saying “enjoy the puppy stage, it goes so fast”, but honestly sometimes I just can’t wait for her to grow up a bit so life feels less intense and I can get at least some parts of my old life back.

My parents live in another country, and they’ve been very emotionally supportive – we talk more now and it actually brought us closer, which is a big positive thing. But I still cry sometimes (way less than before, but it still happens).

I’m not trying to complain or say I regret it. I fully accept the responsibility, and I already feel like she’s part of my home and family. I just really want to hear from people who also got a puppy while living alone:

• How did you cope emotionally?
• When did it start to feel easier?
• What happened to your social life?
• Were you able to go back to hobbies / classes / evenings out?
• What helped you not feel “trapped” at home all the time?

Thank you so much to anyone who reads and shares their experience 💛

this is my first dog as an adult (I’m 36)

I am trying to find a good groomer in Houston, but they all kinda give me sketchy vibes. they all seem to also do boarding and I want to find a groomer that only does grooming.

also I don’t like how you gotta buy packages for services rather than just paying for what you want. is that the norm?

primarily I want to find a groomer that prioritizes what’s optimal for the dog. meaning don’t cut coats that shouldn’t be cut, don’t use perfumes, dont dye his hair weird colors, etc

can you guys give me some pointers?

thanks!

Ive had my golden retriever pup since 8 weeks old. About 3 weeks ago, he had an accident in his kennel. I didn't wake up when he first whined to go out, so he peed. I still took him out and cleaned up his mess etc. The next night no accidents. The night after he whined when he needed out, but I noticed he had already peed in his kennel, and then he didn't go potty when outside the next night i set an alram for 3 am (which is when he would be whining to go out) when my alarm went off, i got up to get him, but he had already peed in his crate. To make this worse, he began drinking it.. I immediatelystopped him, got him some water to drink (because omg gross), brought him outside, and cleaned up his kennel.​

Fast forward to now, he has now adopted a behavior ​of peeing in his crate and doesn't alert when he does it, only after. Even with me setting alarms to try and stop it. It has become consistent. I've read dogs will not go where they nest, yet he has made it a routine to do so.

I've tried taking him out at different times, waking up earlier to take him out. He's even been caught "sneaking" into his kennel to pee instead of trying to go outside.

I'm having to give him several baths a week because he's non stop peeing in his kennel. Taking the kenel away is not an option, as we tried keeping him in the bathroom, but he ended up chewing on the molding of the cabinet, and I rent.

The stressful part of this is that I got my pup to be my service dog. He does well with training, and all else, but i can't et him to shake this peeing thing.

I need help ! ​

Im having a hard time finding a harness for my pup that will maintain its size after adjusting. The harness we have now constantly loosens and it’s a PITA to have to adjust every time we put it on. Any Recs?

I have over 15 dogs I am taking care of we have no food and water any help is needed

My eldest Luna is 11, husky mix and a good size, and her legs have gotten weaker over the past year and she has trouble on wooden floors sometimes. When she gets really excited, she still will try and jump, but her legs will splay out sometimes and she will fall to her belly unable to get up.

This happened last night, and for some reason my other dog Misha, a golden retriever mix (unsure of exact breed or age, we found her on the side of the road, we think chow or Australian shepherd), will suddenly go nuts and start barking and trying to bite her as if Luna is posing a threat to her. This makes it all the much harder for Luna to even attempt to get up as shes clearly in pain and struggling to regain her footing.

Any clues as to why Misha might do this? In general Misha doesnt like other dogs, but she has always loved Luna since they first met. They even started playing a few minutes later once Luna was back up.

My dogs have little space to be in and we have no food to feed them

Hi everyone! I've got a 2-year-old Parson Russell Terrier. She's my third in the JRT/PRT variety, and she's a well-behaved, balanced girl (for a Terrier, LOL)…until someone turns on the TV.

We are not all-day TV people, but we do like to watch most evenings, and my husband watches a lot of sports. These things are non-negotiable for us. Our girl barks any time there is a cat, a dog, a horse, or a cow on the TV. She barks when we turn the TV on, or any time there are graphics on the screen as we are switching channels. And don't get me started on the Netflix "tada!"

Obviously, this behavior isn't a dealbreaker; we love her too much, and if we have to live with it, we will. But, if there is ANYTHING you all can think of that might help (besides throwing out the TV), I'd love to hear your ideas.

We have a few longer trips coming up, and are debating if we should board our dog or have her stay at a family member’s house. She’s stayed at the boarding facility before and according to staff, she does well and they all love her. She’s a happy go lucky dog in general, typical golden retriever.

Typically I’d say have her stay with a family member, but they work 8-9 hour days a few times a week, so our dog would be alone for 9ish hours for two or three days over the course of the week. I don’t doubt she could hold her bladder that long, but wondering if thats too hard on her?

A boarding facility would let her out more frequently, but she wouldn’t get one on one attention as frequently and would be in a (presumably) more stressful environment. Staying with a family member would keep her in an environment she knows and is comfortable with, with one on one attention, but make her hold her bladder for a few days. Which do you think is more preferable?