Category: Top Dog

Hi, for some reason in the last few months (maybe even couple years but now he has been doing it more) my dog triggers his scratch reflex on his own, he keeps touching his right ear with his front right paw and starts kicking, he usually does it when kind of excited and looking for attention but still kinda worries me because he does it many times in a row to the point where when he’s gotta walk right after doing it he starts limping for a bit like there is some kicking “residue” on the leg he kicks with. Any tips? Can’t find anything similar happening to anyone

I have always been an over-worrier, so I want to get fresh eyes at this problem. Is it a legitimate concern or am I just giving myself pressure cuz it’s exhausting me.

It’s about potty.

We just got a 3 month female St Bernard puppy. We know that 3-4 hours of holding pee is probably her max capacity, so we’ve been taking turns to take her out to pee (she refuses to pee inside the house).

But this week, I’m home alone with the pup, which means I gotta keep her 3-4 hour pee schedule, which is exhausting.

I wake up early at 6am to take her out. I keep all my errands short and quick. If I’m outside for more than 4 hours I get worried. Just thinking that my pup might be suffering in the pain of holding pee just burns me, and I’d rush home no matter what.

My families told me I’m worrying too much. They said I should train her to get used to us humans schedule. But I’m worried she might get bladder problems or UTI, if she has to hold her pee for long hours every day.

But I’m also burnt out, cuz I have to run my life around her schedule. I can’t go out for a long time. I can’t sleep in. I can’t do anything for more than 4 hours without thinking “I gotta take her out again”.

So I’m here to hear some thoughts. Am I actually worrying too much and holding pee for more than 4 hours is fine? Or holding pee is actually not good for her? If so? How do other solo puppy parents get around this issue?

Thank you all.

I have been doing so much research for my mini dachshund and her separation anxiety. The minute I hit the door she shows signs of being over threshold like putting her head up and then eventually getting up from her spot of sleeping. We have tried going out for a second and coming back, it seems like nothing is working. We have been at this step forever I have gone through medication for her and it works but I hate giving it to her because she seems out of it all day after and it’s not intended to be used for a long time. I have gone through countless of YouTube videos and talked to many people. It does not work the second we are out the door she barking howls and cries for hours on end. She does not take treats or toys when we leave either. We have taken her for walks before hand and worked on mental stimulation with training and toys this also doesn’t work. It is also impossible to be home with her constantly because 3 days a week she is alone for 2 hours while my husband leaves for work and I get off 2 hours after he leaves for work. We have another dachshund but he is great and doesn’t bark or cry when we leave (maybe because he is still young) but I don’t want it to rub off on him however he is doing great sleeps the entire time we are gone or plays with toys. She also does not do good in the crate it makes her freak out even more. Does anyone have any advice on this?

So our pup have been amazing before neutering, he has learnt to ring a bell to go to the balcony whenever he needs to go and has done so consistently for months.. there’s only minor marking issue that developed prior to the neutering but that is rare. Day 3 after his surgery he is suddenly so terrible and as if he has lost all of his potty training and I am not sure why. I don’t remember him ever having consistent accidents in one day … in the morning he decided to potty on his bed , after doing really well with his poo outside. Then again midday he rang to go outside, and outside instead of going to the grass he decides to go on the floor between 2 grass patches … then at night he decides to potty again at the replacement bed. I’m so lost on why he does this and what I can do? It’s also not small amounts of pee like UTI or marking, but he emptied out his full bladder. He has been acting normal and even very active post neuter, other than whining for attention a lot more and whining more when left alone in playpen. He does have a slightly larger/slightly redder area on his surgical site but he has been checked by the vet and only told to monitor it as it’s ok for now. Any help appreciated. Thanks!

Breeder had her vaccinated at the vet (sent me proofs and all including vet’s license number). Her last round of vaccination was in August. Is it safe to welcome her home now? And is it safe to take her outside already? We have another 4 year old dog waiting for her new baby sister/park playmate.

Thank you! Tips and advices are welcome! 🙏

I was checking my dog’s “Good Boy” puppy pads after seeing posts lately about mold in Always pads curiosity struck me due to my OCD, and when I held one up to the light, I found actual mold balls and dark patches inside the pad.

My dog has had a dry nose, dry paws, plus sneezing and coughing lately even though she’s drinking normally Even having a pleasant time when going potty. Now I’m worried this might be why.

I haven’t contacted the company yet but I plan to do so, but I wanted to warn other dog parents first. Please check your pads — our pups can’t tell us when something’s wrong. ❤️🐾

I adopted a 4 year old puppy mill breeder. I am having trouble getting her to potty outside because she will only potty when no one is around.

She will hold it all day and potty in the middle of the night when we are asleep. She is used to pottying where she is laying. So if i crate her overnight, i wake up to a mess and she needs a bath. If i leave her loose overnight she will potty on pee pads.

I take her outside every hour. If i walk away and leave her outside, she sometimes will potty on our porch, but only after I leave the area.

Im not sure how to train her to go in the yard because she wont potty while anyone is around.