Category: Top Dog

Hi,

A question I have for other dog owners: Why are brachycephalic breeds even being bred anymore? Or should I say, who's buying them? (Not shaming those who have brachycephalic pets).

Brachycephalic pups (french bulldogs, pugs, etc.) have the shortest snouts and can barely breathe. They snort constantly trying to catch their breath. Imagine living like that for your whole life – a horrible quality of life. Sure, they're cute and sweet but live a low quality of life where they struggle to the most essential thing to live – breathing.

So, why are they even bred anymore? While there are some reputable breeders out there that focus on the health of the pups instead of trying to shorten their snouts, it seems most breeders of brachycephalic dogs are focused on selectively breeding them to have shorter and shorter snouts. It's not natural and honestly unethical.

So, why are they even bought anymore? Shouldn't people know that they suffer, and supporting irresponsible breeders focused on profit isn't good? (Btw if you've bought a brachycephalic pup then I am NOT trying to shame you at all.) These breeds shouldn't really exist…the dogs suffer.

I have a rescued little mutt pup (according to her DNA test she's mostly chihuahua and mini poodle) and she has a long snout and can always breathe really well, she rarely chokes or coughs. Most long snout dogs I've seen just seem so happy, and can simply breathe. But the brachycephalic ones I've seen just…aren't. They can't breathe right.

So, why are they bought anymore?

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I took my reactive dog out today and went to go to like a pet shop and there was huge fish in the tanks that he was scared of and barked once. I wonder how to get him used to things moving in tanks. He just freezes and goes down quite low trying to figure out what it is

Our dog has been with us for a year and a half and had never shown interest in the litter box. She would walk past and give it a sniff but that was it.

Recently we tried out Catsan natural clumping litter and all of a sudden she's started eating it! I've obviously heard lots of stories of dogs eating cat poo or wee litter but this is usually with clean fresh litter.

Does anyone else's dog have a preference for a certain type of litter? I'm hoping that if we switch back to the clay litter we were using before she will stop but now I'm worried she's going to have a taste for it.

Hi I’m here because I want to know what’s the matter with my dog, she’s a three year old female shepherd. I’ve grown up with German shepherds all of my life and I’ve never seen one like this. I love her to bits as she’s the sweetest dog when she’s calm but I don’t know how to get her to stop spinning around.

I bring her on long walks or get her to chase a ball/ play tug of war with me to try and use up her energy but as soon as she’s tired or calm, if someone walks into the room (could be anyone not a particular person) she’ll start spinning. When she spins she will grab her tail and pull it really hard (sometimes to the point of ripping out her own fur). And after the initial spinning she will lay down and lick either her paws or tail for 20-25 minutes roughly.

Things that “set her off”:

Loud noises

Singing (even quietly)

Humming

People entering or leaving a room

While she’s barking outside

When she’s first brought inside after being outside

Cars passing in the side of the road

Being told off

She also has what I call ‘happy spins’ she gets these when she’s excited about food, water, or play. These spins aren’t bad as she’ll only spin once and then go back to what she was doing (eating, drinking, etc).

The spinning gets so bad that she won’t even listen to anyone and can result in her hurting herself or knocking things over. I’m so sorry for the absolute essay I have wrote but I’m concerned for my dog and would like advice on how to help her. Anyone know what to do?

I just adopted a 4 month old puppy. Whenever we leave her in her crate she will aggressively paw at the door and bite the wires in attempt to escape. She will destroy any toys or beds that are in there with her. She whines and yelps. We set up a camera to keep an eye on her while away and saw this can go on for hours. She will do the same thing at night in her crate which is in our bedroom. I had to order a new heavy duty crate so she cannot escape or hurt herself while we are gone. I’m not sure if this is because she is still adjusting or she may have separation anxiety. I also don’t know if she just hates closed doors in federal because I will take her into the bathroom with me so she can’t get into things while I’m not looking and she will still whine and paw at the door when we are in the same room. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

hi all! My dog does well seeing other dogs on walks does not bark or try to run towards them. He does start to wag his tail but will continue his walk right past them.

I live in an apartment so leashed walks are the usual for us and he does great. I usually walk right past the other dogs on their walks with ease (maybe some interest).

On two occasions, the owner of the other dogs have asked if they could meet and I agree as he’s typically good with other dogs. These two times are the only times he’s first met a new dog on a leash. He’s usually off leash in a yard when meeting new dogs, he sniffs fine and then we’ll begin to bark/growl and jump around. His tail is alert but wagging during these interactions.

Do we think this is aggression towards the other dog or overly excited and wants to play, but might feel restrained due to being on the leash?

Please let me know:)

I’m expecting to move house in May and I have a 9 year old rescue staffy. She’s been with me over 4 years in my current house but understandably still can struggle with separation anxiety after being abandoned by previous owners.

What can I start doing now to make the transition easier for her so she knows she’s coming with me and not being left behind. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

So we have had a few different water fountains for our 40 lbs. dog. The first was a plastic PetSafe one that didn’t cut it.

Now we have a stainless steel water fountain from PetSafe: PetSafe Seaside Water Fountain

I think the water fountain itself is definitely an improvement from the plastic one and this one is super easy to clean. However, it collects a lot of debris in the water.

The water pump on it gave out recently and I’ve been debating between getting a new pump or a new fountain altogether. I’d like one that keeps his water pretty debris free, or will be able to filter the debris better.

Does anyone have recommendations for easy to clean, stainless steel water fountains that don’t collect much debris?