Category: Top Dog

Hello! My dog is a 4 year old chihuahua mix. He had separation anxiety for 2 years now but was only together with my other dog whenever I left the house. My other dog recently passed away and now that he is alone, he will cry/bark nonstop if no one is home and whenever I come home, he is attached and will follow me everywhere including bathroom, outside, living room, etc. I also tried to get me do some puzzle enrichment games but he is not interested and does not wanted to play.

What are some activities that can keep him interested and not bored? What are some tips on trying to help with anxiety and attachment?

Would really appreciate any input from anyone using those products. I have a sliding door going out to the back yard which I either need to open 20 times a day for my dog to go out, or leave it open which brings all the cold in.
I don't want to replace the door or cut an opening through my wall (Both are very expensive in my case).
I'm considering a few options:
1. A panel that has a dog door. There are products from $150-$200 (e.g. entry-level petsafe) to $350 (Petsafe Weather Extreme) to $700 (Enduraflap)
2. An auto-slider that when the dog comes near (with a tag) the door opens then closes behind, or I can open / close from an app / alexa. With all required accessories this ends up being around $700 (Products by Wayzn / SmartSlyder).

the auto-slider way seems ideal in terms of insulation (so I'm guessing I'll be paying more now but less in heating / cooling costs). It also looks much nicer than a panel that takes some of the door width. The problem is that it's made by 2 companies who don't sell on Amazon or any place where I can read somewhat objective reviews. I'm worried that it won't really work reliably, or break in a short time. Has anyone actually tried those and can give some honest feedback?
Also – if going the panel route – is it worth paying more for the more insulated versions or it it all the same crap and I just need to accept that wind / cold will get in?

Okay so please don’t come for my throat.. my girl is about 8 months old and likes to have a little freedom on walks to be sniffy. I’ve tested using a retractable leash that I used to use for my senior dog (RIP) and her martingale collar. When she gets to the end of the lead or if I lock it, she knows to stop moving or to check in with me. The same cannot be said for her normal leash. Where we usually walk and potty is not highly populated, but if we run into other people or dogs, I keep her on a shorter leash and she does fine. On a normal leash, she pulls and tugs and zigzags and whatnot and does not listen as well. Is this a situation where a retractable leash could have a place? Again, I know they’re frowned upon so be gentle!

Hi there! So little background, my girlfriend and I have a 10 month old pittie mix. For the first few months, she was great! Never had any issues with other dogs really other than a couple here or there, and she was super out going! Well, the last couple months, she has seemed to change. She had gotten more aggressive towards dogs, almost like hyperfixating on them, wouldn’t listen to us at all, and going as much as lunging at the dogs. It is weird though because as soon as the dogs are out of her line of site, she is whining for them. She also seems to have some new found anxiety and is scared of so much.

We did end up getting a 1:1 trainer that specializes in fearful and reactive dogs, because honestly we didn’t want this to become a problem later down the line, and she has gotten better since starting.

My girlfriend and I were talking the other day though and realized she has signs that she is starting her cycle soon. Our vet told us to try and get as close as we can to her starting her cycle, but to not actually get it before spaying. I just set up the appointment for two weeks from now. We almost wonder if this new anxiety and aggression could be hormone related? We’ve never gone through a dog in heat, our other female dog was spayed at 4 months old before we got her. Are behavior changes typical? Could we expect them to get better after she gets spayed?

Hello! I have a pittie mix with very short legs. we live in the midwest and get lots of snow and her belly is always in contact with it. I’ve been looking online for a winter coat that covers her belly and is easy to put on (has a zipper on top or side) but I am not having any luck. does anyone have any affordable recommendations? Thank you!

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.