Category: Top Dog

Just here to say things CAN get better with time and to hang in there with bringing a new puppy home to your dogs! I have two adult female dogs (9 & 6) and just adopted an 11 week old male puppy. When I first brought him home a week and a half ago, my adult dogs did NOT like him. They weren’t actively aggressive towards him, but avoided him like the plague and growled if he even got within a foot of them. They did this for about a week. On like day 5/6 of having new puppy, I broke down because I was so nervous my girls would never take to the new little guy. One of my girls seemed genuinely so unhappy he was here and I felt so bad for her it made me cry. She always looked so betrayed! (Also didn’t help I was dealing with some sleep deprivation from puppy lol).

All of a sudden yesterday (day 11), they became interested in him and started to initiate some play (play bowing, etc). It was so random and seemingly out of nowhere! Today, they all three snuggled for the first time and shared their toys, and even tugged a stuffy together!

Just wanted to post this for anyone who thinks their adults may never adjust to a new little one, just have patience and take your time and they should come around eventually!

NO POTTY ACCIDENTS IN THE HOUSE!!!!

I did not believe she would be capable. She's about four months old and today was the first day we have had ZERO accidents!!!!!!!

We still have an hour and a half left in the day but even if she were to have an accident, I'd still count this as a success 👊

We adopted an 8 week old shepherd/collie/boxer/supermutt mix. She is very sweet and chill, but I am failing at potty and crate training and I am exhausted and don't know if I've made a terrible decision (we are a family of 3, owned an adult rescue dog before, but never a pup).

She can't go outside for at least several weeks due to not finishing parvo vaccines. I know there are mixed feelings about this, but we live on 6 acres, have wild animals and who knows what else through our yard that we can't control (not fenced), and this pup came from a rescue that had 11 puppies fighting parvo (different litter) when we adopted. I've read and read on puppy pad training and she's occasionally successful with pee, never poo, but mostly not successful. I place her on the pad during all the times I'm supposed to throughout the day (after waking, after playing, etc. etc.). She sometimes pees, usually whines and tries to escape, and sometimes lays down and goes to sleep on it. I put her in the playpen when she doesn't pee which happens most often, then try again, and still nothing.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to crate train as well. There is a soft mat for her to sleep on and she hasn't soiled it at night yet, but during the day, while trying to build positive associations by leaving toys in there, occasional treats, and feeding in there (all with the door open), she goes in and uses it to pee and poo. Of course, I'm afraid this will now become a nightly habit as well. At night, she has woken a typical amount for a pup and peed when I let her out when she stirred, but then she proceeds to whine and howl in distress. I let her whine for about 10 minutes (I saw mixed feedback on this–some say let them go 10-15 mins, some say only 1 min) but she kept going. I keep the crate in my bedroom at night. I'm able to console her but then I lay awake and worry all night about her waking others in the house and I wake exhausted and she wakes at 4am. I can't seem to tire her out either. She's a pup and sleeps a lot but doesn't really want play. I feel so bad for her not being able to go outside and romp but inside she just wants to sleep. She might squeak or chew a toy a bit (we have a kong, rope, benebone, and non-stuffed duck) but barely anything to wear her out.

I've read so much about these topics, my head is spinning. Is there anything anyone can offer to help that I'm missing? I know it takes time but I feel like I've made zero progress.

I have a 4yo male springer spaniel who needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation. He's energetic and quite intelligent.

I've found he needs interactive things to do at home, especially in the winter when his walks are a bit shorter and less frequent.

The problem I have is he is a really aggressive chewer. He's destroyed almost every toy he's had, despite trying to choose toys carefully and supervise play as much as possible.

So toys that are stimulating don't last, and toys that are tough enough to withstand his teeth tend to be basic and thus bore him quickly.

I've seen the 'chase buddy' advertised, but loath to spend money on it in case he wrecks it in 5 minutes. Does anyone have any experience with the chase buddy to say how durable it is? Any other recommendations for toys that are both interactive and durable?

Thanks!

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.

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.

Hey everyone, I’m curious to hear some outside opinions on how big my dog might end up.

I’ve included a recent photo of him, his DNA test breed breakdown, and a growth chart I’ve been tracking since I brought him home. He’s currently 8 months old and weighs about 80 lbs.

Based on the DNA results, I have some idea of what to expect, but I know mixed breeds can be pretty unpredictable, especially with large-breed genetics involved. I’m interested in hearing from anyone who has experience with similar mixes or who likes estimating adult size based on growth trends and puppy photos.

How big do you think he’ll be as an adult? Does his growth so far seem fast, slow, or fairly average to you? Mostly asking out of curiosity, but I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks!

Pics/DNA results/growth chart: https://imgur.com/a/bcggTDb

I think it’s cute. My dog loves the Christmas tree. He takes naps or likes to sit under it. He doesn’t seem bothered or bring up any behaviour/health concerns.

I believe it’s denning behaviour. The tree is in a nice quiet area and has dim lights so it must feel cozy to him. I guess it’s his way of getting into the Christmas spirit.

I don’t understand it. He used to chew on them as a puppy.

He’s 8 now and every single time I have a water bottle in my hand and he sees it, he’ll go hide in his room.

When the bottle makes a cracking noise from expanding it whatever, hr doesn’t like that sound I guess.

Is there anything I can do to possibly ease his anxiety around the bottle?

We have a Newfi mix, a little over a year old, but we rescued in June. Once the temps fell below 30F, he was out the doggie door to sleep in the cold. Throw in some snow and it’s tough to get him inside. When he does come inside, you get a 130 pound big ball of freezing fluff trying to hop in your lap for scratches.

So how do your dogs deal with the changing seasons? Do they migrate outside or do they make camp by the fire?