Category: Top Dog

Has anyone gotten memorial jewelry for their pooch?

My dog has been on meds for a couple weeks, and I’m worried if he doesn’t improve that it might be the end… I’m looking at My Millie Jewelry.

I really love subtle memorial pieces, like having their paw print or nose print engraved. I’m trying to plan ahead so I’d know what to ask the vet for, and maybe get extras if I have to send his prints in somewhere.

Any experience with My Millie? Any other recommendations?

Hey everyone! I’ve got a young dog who just can’t stop biting things shoes, furniture, even cables sometimes 😩 I try to tell him “no” firmly and give him his toys, but he always goes back to chewing something he shouldn’t.

What’s the best way to train him to stop this behavior? Any tips or methods that worked for you would really help!

Today we had our 6 month vet visit, that included the scheduled vaccine; after that we concluded our day as normal. Going for a walk around 20:00, back for dinner and some play/potty, and then go to sleep in his playpen (I don’t like the crate – pls no advice on this). We have been keeping his playpen in the laundry room this month as we have guests, and he’s pretty well adjusted to it and never had a problem with sleeping there, is much warmer as it has the furnace that emits a humming noise I think he likes.

This was around 21:30 when he first started barking to be let out of his room; we were cooking dinner with my bf, and the dog wouldn’t stop, usually we ignore him (as in training him that after all his needs are covered, he should be able to calm himself down) but he wouldn’t stop barking.

I took him out after like 15 min of non stop bark, thinking he wanted to go potty, nothing, then played some tug, gave some water and back in the pen… as soon as I crossed the door barking again, I even gave him some treats in a bottle (which he ignored completely). I kept this loop of leaving him alone and taking him outside 2 more times, even giving him 30 minutes to settle. And still kept barking every time I left him alone (and this never happened before, he usually goes to sleeps right after we let him inside his pen).

Could this be vaccine related?? Just like humans feel groggy or “sick”, he can be feeling anxious about this “weird” feeling???

What can I give him to help him settle down easily for next time?? It’s almost midnight and he just went to sleep. It was almost 2 hours of constant barking. But I want to be prepared for next time.

Just read a quote that "every parent can understand child abuse," not meaning that every parent is an abuser, but that ever parent has been pushed to that point of frustration or anger with their child (and then hopefully most have chosen not to slap their child). I think the same could be said about puppy owners, or just pet owners in general. I would never strike my pup, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that there were times that a part of me would've done anything to get the barking or leashing pulling or whatever annoying behavior to stop. Does anyone have any stories about times they've had to walk away in order to not do something they regret? Let out your frustrations here instead of on your pup 🙂

Hi everyone,

My (female golden retriever) puppy is 12 weeks old on Tuesday, but I have a question regarding her behaviour.

I have never had a dog before so this is all new to me apologies if it’s a silly question.

I understand that she is still teething, and they naturally want to chew everything, but sometime it comes across very aggressive – for example she recently was chewing the table so I picked her up to move her and she will growl, show her teeth and snap at me, while she’s in the air wriggling and trying to bite.

This has happened a few times and I understand they do a territory thing where they guard their belongings but is this behaviour I am describing normal?

It’s not like nipping or teething on us – she has gotten us both good a couple of times to the point of bleeding and will bite very hard.

It seems to happen when she is hyper more (we can’t take her for walks until Tuesday when she gets her last vaccine) so maybe she just has all this energy that’s she’s putting towards this behaviour?

When she does this aggressive growl and trying to bite us we will direct her to her chew toys, but after 2 seconds of biting it she will come straight for either of us – if this continues we will put her in the kitchen for a few minutes – somtimes this helps but most of the time she will come back and try to bite again.

As I say apologies if this is completely normal behavior for this breed but just wanted to get some opinions as I’m still very new to this.

P.S. we are going to the vets this Tuesday coming for her next vaccines so will talk to the vet then – just wanted some opinions on here for now.

Thanks

Introduction

1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

I had a dog in my childhood but obviously I wasn't the sole owner. Now that I'm an adult I want to have a dog that is just my own for the first time.

2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?

I do not have a preference

3) Describe your ideal dog.

A smart, playful, and cuddly pupper who likes to hang out with me

4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

Idk if it's just because I love snoopy so much but I love beagles

5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

Sit, stay, give me paw, and how to be calm in a crate

6) Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

N/A

Care Commitments

7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

I would be willing to spend all my evenings with the doggo

8) How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?

I'd be willing to spend an hour to an hour and a half walking the dog. I would also be willing to take it to the dog park but not every single day.

9) How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?

I would rather not brush the dog every day. Trimming hair and cleaning ears is ok. I'd be willing to pay a groomer.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?

I'd prefer a smaller dog so I don't get walked instead of the dog lol

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

I'd prefer minimal of all of that

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

It's preferred but not essential

Dog Personality and Behavior

13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

SNUGGLY!

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

Not sure what is meant by this

15) How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?

I'd prefer if the dog did not jump on to people entering the house

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

No

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

I do not want to deal with too much drool

Lifestyle

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

6 hours a day during the work week

19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

I live alone

20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

I do not have other pets and would be fine to not have any other pets

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

No

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

I do rent and my apartment is limited to cats and small dogs

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

I'm uncomfortable sharing any location related information and I am not aware of any laws banning certain breeds

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

Summer is like 90 degrees Fahrenheit and winter is like 20 degrees Fahrenheit