Category: Top Dog

My dog Pico lived with me and my folks, at one point I left home for about 8 months. When I left he was around 4 or 5 months old but he was pretty big, and he had no issues with being scared or anything, he would have accidents every now and then. Fast forward 8 months and I’m back, his schedule is great with no accidents, but I notice that when my folks aren’t home he refuses to leave his crate. To go outside, to eat, treats, nothing makes him want to leave his crate. When I try he shakes and tucks his tail, all the signs of a scared/sad dog at the instant he realizes Im reaching for the crate door. But the second they get home he’s completely normal, seems like the happiest dog ever. This is worrying to me bc when I move out I plan on bringing him with me. What could the issue be? It’s been about 3 months since I’ve been back and he hasn’t budged.

Just a note, I have another dog named Oscar who I’ve had since I was a teenager who has zero problems with being scared while it’s just me. Also Pico and I have a great relationship, he loves the whole family dearly and when my folks are home he has full energy, he also loves his crate.

So my dog Lando absolutely freaks out whenever he rides in the car with me. Panting, crying, shaking and extremely uncomfortable. If I try to reach out to him to comfort him he will avoid my touch. Have tried having him in the front seat next to me or in the back and it makes no difference. I’ve never scolded him in the car nor have we had any traumatic car rides together. He’s always been like this.

I travel a lot for work and he has a handful of babysitters who have taken care of him over the years and all have reported that he’s been calm and normal in their car rides.

What am I doing to trigger my guy like this? I really want him to be comfortable and to see him so distressed is always upsetting.

I have 3 dogs and 2 cats and no matter how much I vacuum, there is still fur everywhere. It ends up on the couch, the rugs, my clothes, even in the corners. My current vacuum clogs all the time or just doesn’t pick up the hair properly.

I’m looking for the best cordless vacuums for pet owners that can actually handle thick hair and make cleanup easier. Something light and easy to grab for quick touch-ups that works on stairs, rugs, and under furniture.

Which ones do you actually use every day and really like? Any tips for keeping up with constant shedding? I need real advice because I am tired of feeling like I am always cleaning fur.

Hi! Family has been getting worried for people and dogs around us when at home and/or walking our dog as she’s highly reactive.

Wanted to know your opinion on dog muzzle training along with which muzzles you guys recommend for dogs who love to bite (unfortunately EVERYTHING, including dogs and people).

We just want to be able to take her on walks without the worry she’ll break loose and bite someone (as she’s done before except last time it was an actual chicken).

my dog is very overprotective. she’ll bark at my apartment door if she hears someone pass by. when we go for walks, it’s incredibly stressful and embarrassing. she barks at literally everyone and everything. if you had this issue, what tactics/tricks did you do to fix this problem for your dog(s)?

What it says in the title. My 9 year old chihuahua mix has god awful crate anxiety. He’s just finally getting comfortable resting in the crate after years of trying to help the anxiety (thank you, fluoxetine 🙏) and I don’t want to restart anything progress we’ve made by putting him in a crate in the car too soon.

I know there’s all kinds of options and seatbelt attachments for dog safety in the car, and the safest option of all is a crate. I also know the seatbelt attachments can be hit or miss. For size reference, my dog is about twenty pounds.

What are some options you guys like?

background: We have an 8 year old cattle dog mix, extremely smart and an amazing dog but very stubborn. We moved into our home about 6 months ago, and finally have a fenced in yard after years of apartment life. She has never been the kind of dog that lets you know when she has to go, so we just have standard times of letting her out.

She used to go out on leash only, one long walk a day and then 2 quick potty trips. Now she still gets one long walk a day, but the 2 potty trips are in the yard. I am the one who takes her on her daily walks.

She goes through phases where she’s extremely stubborn about going in the yard. Sometimes she’s totally fine and will go in 5 mins. We both struggle with this, but for him it will take 10 mins on a bad day, for me it will take 40 or she won’t go at all. With me she will just stand by the door unless i go out with her, for my husband she’ll run out and he’ll watch her from the windows.

When I’m at my wits end i will put her on leash and take her for a “walk” down to the neighbors house where she’ll go in a minute tops.

What can I do to gain back control over the situation? I would really like to have her go in the yard so that we aren’t walking at night! I also hate to go to bed without her going, as I worry she may get an infection or something. TIA for any advice!!