Category: Top Dog

I’ve been reading quite a few posts here about people struggling or regretting getting a puppy, especially once they reach the teenage phase. A lot of it sounds like feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work and how much it changes day-to-day life.

I don’t have a puppy yet, but I do work from home and I’m trying to learn as much as I can before making the decision. I’m honestly just curious, is this experience pretty common for most owners, or are there things that make it feel harder (like expectations, routine, or lack of support)?

Not looking to judge at all, just trying to understand what’s normal and what can realistically be prepared for beforehand.

Hi everyone, I need to vent and maybe see if anyone else has felt like this. My Border Collie is an adolescent almost 9 month old teen boy and I swear he’s secretly judging me for being “not enough.” I’ve never had a puppy before – only adult dogs – and I feel like I’m failing at this whole dog-parenting thing.

Here’s a typical day in the life:

• 4:30–4:45am: Wake up, pup has light brekkie while I try to keep my eyes open.
• 5am: 20-minute drive to the park. 20-minute walk, 10–15 min fetch/frisbee, 10-minute training session.
• 6am: I go to the gym for an hour while he naps in his crate.
• 7:30am: Back home, some mental stimulation – usually a bully stick hidden in a bottle or a cardboard box to shred. I start work at 8am.
• 8am–12pm: He sulks around the house while I work. We squeeze in a mini training session and a 15-minute flirt pole session, sometimes a licky mat.
• 12–4pm: I work. He presumably judges my typing skills.
• 4–5:30pm: Long unleashed sniffy walk or beach swim.
• 5:30–6:30pm: Dinner prep and meal time for us both.
• 6:30–7:30pm: He still has SO MUCH energy so we do frisbee outside.
• 7:30–8pm: Winding down. Chew or dental stick, grooming, maybe a “find-it” treat game.
• 8:30pm: He goes in his crate. I collapse into bed.

Despite all this, he looks at me like I’m the least stimulating thing on the planet. And yet, when I have visitors, he lights up in a way that’s so lovely—he loves people and kids (even if it means constant jumping and demanding pats). It makes me wonder if my mostly solo life is really the best thing for him.

Here’s the thing—I’m exhausted. I run my own business, I’m solo in this, and I basically work all day and then care for this insanely smart, energetic dog. I have no time for myself without feeling guilty. Whenever I do something “just for me,” I worry he’ll destroy the house or hurt himself (spoiler: he hasn’t).

I love him to bits but I feel like I’m constantly failing. My mental health, friendships, and relationships are taking hits because I’m so focused on trying to be “enough” for him. I keep wondering if I’m just not cut out for owning a Border Collie, or if this is the reality for adult dog owners with high-energy breeds.

So, fellow dog (especially BC) owners, is this normal? Does it ever get easier? Or is this the life of a Border Collie parent—exhausted, questioning all life choices, yet still judged by a very judgmental dog?

Looking for my boots for my 7 year old golden retriever.

We had muttluks dog boots and unfortunately lost one of them. They were alright but weren't great.

Looking for some recommendations if any of you have had some good experiences. Some of the dog balms look intriguing but my significant other is worried about him tracking the oil/wax back into the house after.

Mainly is for the snow to keep the ice/snow balls forming in his fur in his paws.

One of the things my partner asked for for christmas was "something to enjoy with the dog." which I'm interpreting as like a gift that is for both of them. Last year I got them matching sweaters, which feels like it would fit the brief if I hadn't already gotten it. I'm struggling to come up with anything that isn't just a toy for the dog (which the dog will get plenty of). Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas?

If it makes any difference, our dog is a 5 year old terrier. Loves to sniff, loves to destroy things, knows some commands but can always learn more.

I'm worried my boy isn't getting enough exercise by just walking, so I want him to RUN!

My dog was an anxious wreck when we rescued her. In the past 4 years she has mellowed out but still retains some strange behaviors.

When we are home she prefers to chill alone most of the time. She’s very secure on her own now. However, if I take a shower, she slams on the door and claws to get in. If I let her in, she cries to get out almost immediately. Every time!

Is this just an unexplainable idiosyncrasy? If you have any guesses on what might be making her nervous I’d love to hear it. I want to think of ways to make her more comfortable as this seems stressful for her.

Thanks, all!

For the people who take their pups to daycare – what are you planning to gift the workers at daycare?

We have 14 people who work at the daycare we attend, and while I’d love to give $50/each, it’s just not doable for us right now. I am thinking of getting $20 gift cards to a local coffee shop that is close to daycare, but wondering if giving cash is better seen.

My partner thinks cash is better, but I feel bad only giving $20/each.

I’ve gotten a new job and moved across the country. I have a family member watching my 2 emotional dogs for 2-3 months while I find a place/get settled before bringing them along. My question lies in whether or not I fly out to see them, or just wait until I can bring them out. I don’t want to cause more distress in showing up for 72 hours and then disappearing again. Let’s hear opinions and advice, please.

(Posting again because it said this was deleted?)

I have a 6 year old corgi who has recently become obsessed with dirty socks. She doesn’t chew them, shred them, or play with them. What she does do is pick one up, carry it to wherever she wants to lay (usually the bed), and then just lay down next to it like it’s her prized possession.

If her younger sisters walk near her while she has a sock, she’ll growl. She does not guard it from humans at all, only from the other dogs. There’s no snapping, lunging, or escalation, just low growling when they get close.

I’m pretty sure this is resource guarding, except the resource is… a dirty sock. I try to keep laundry picked up, but I’ll admit I have a bad habit of falling asleep with socks on and somehow taking them off in the middle of the night, so it’ll end up becoming “The Sock”

My question is: Is this something we should actively correct or train out, or is it okay to leave it alone as one of her odd little quirks since it’s not really hurting anyone?

Curious what others would do or if anyone’s dealt with something similar.

Thanks!

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.