Category: Top Dog

My 7mo pomapoo puppy has some very specific weird issues, some of which I’ve resolved by looking stuff up myself for common issues like resource guarding high value treats, but others I haven’t found any resources on. I’ve been recommended on reddit and on phone calls with trainers to hire a behavior specialist. Unfortunately, I live in Hawaii and the only positive-only behaviorist I could find gave me a quote of $350 for a 1 hour consultation (with $300 1 hour follow ups if needed). I even reached out to a balanced-obedience trainer who also quoted me $300 for 1 hour… no way that’s normal right?? I’m just screwed??

How much should a behaviorist be?? (Not basic group classes like puppy class)

Ok so I have a 22 week old border collie puppy and I think only one testicle is dropped. I contacted my vet and he said to feel and I can only easily feel one that’s dropped and maybe very slightly feel the other. He said it’s probably fine and just to be patient until he’s 6 months. But I’m super worried because I read something about cancer. I’ve never seen this before. I quickly contacted the breeder and she said she’s never had any trouble with any of his relatives including brothers. She also said he had a vet check at 8 weeks and everything was good to go then. Sorry, I’m just super worried. I don’t know if I’m being paranoid or not. Also I researched it a bit and found that leaner built puppies are sometimes slower to develop in that area. He has a lean build. Thank you!!

Hi I have 10 week old golden/lab. I noticed the last week he’s been getting a little aggressive. Especially when picking him up, I respect his boundaries and space. But I noticed it’s becoming an issue — I couldn’t pick him up to even put him in the scale at the vet or the exam table without him growling and attempting to bite me . I know he’s a puppy and probably in a setting that makes him stressed. But this will even happen at home, when we try carry him off the couch. Wondering if anyone has experienced this, if this is normal. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks

Gettinga new one every other day is absurd and completely defeats the purpose of a megathread. Can we please just have one megathread so that it's actually useful?

My rescue is the absolute sweetest little bean and so cuddly in the house but the second we step outside she’s on high alert. We’ve done intensive training but it just feels like she’s getting worse. She loves playing fetch SO much but now she hears a single sound, not even the loud truck noises that used to be her main trigger, and is DONE. She paces, cries, full panic and full strength pulling to get us back inside the building. We just started anxiety meds but I don’t know to what level they will get her to and I cry everyday because I hate seeing my happy playful dog turn into this absolute basket case everytime we have to go potty or try to get energy out and I don’t know what to do anymore.

What do you do with the rigid security panel when you open your dog door for the day? I’ve been tucking it behind his food storage container, but I would rather keep it off the floor. Do you have a particular hook you like for hanging it on the wall beside the door other solutions?

I adopted my Belgian Malinois about 3 years ago and he had no problems pooping. Now, I could let him out for 3 hours and he would not poop. I have a camera setup in the back to watch him so I could pick up the poop right away. But I get frustrated having to watch him for hours to do his business. So I would go out and yell at him to go poop, and right away he would poop. But I hate that I have to act angry so he would poop. But I could leave him out for 1, 2, 3 hours and he would not do it.. Until I yell at him. Works every time, like a charm. But it turns me into this angry person. But if I don't, he would poop inside the house, steps all over it.

Anyone has any suggestions?

I've tried rewarding him with treats after pooping and it doesn't work. He only poops after I yell at him