Category: Top Dog

Our 1 year old pup is always on leash when we go out. How do you all deal with situations when you’re walking in an area where there are lots of off-leash dogs around?

We’ve had situations where a few will come up and want to play, and so does ours, but it kinda feels unfair (?) when our pup is on leash and they’re not. Also feels potentially dangerous with our leash potentially getting caught on one of the other dogs when they all get a bit excited.

One thought would just be to scoop her up (she’s only 7kg) but wondering if others had any suggestions. Thanks!

Seeking advice again, our 3.5 month old lab and 10 year old aussie/collie mix play just fine, no aggression and they tire each other out. With the aussie being an elder, she tires out way faster than he does. But that doesn't stop him from trying to get at her face, even when they aren't playing and they're just chilling in a room together, the lab automatically thinks "play time!"

We've tried everything from distractions to time outs to rewarding his chill behavior, but nothing seems to work for him. Is there any advice out there to not stop them from playing, but from stopping him from harassing the elder dog all the time?

Hey y’all,

First time pup owner. I have a 3 month fox red Labrador retriever, her name is Artemis and I love her dearly! She is currently a nightmare when out of her crate when it comes to teething though and I’m seeking advice! I’ve been told to say “ouch!” And/or yelp like a puppy when she bites, and not to move, and when she does move to walk away and ignore her for about a minute. This does not work for me because when I do this, she always just goes and finds something else to chew on. Is the solution to always have her in the ex-pen during this phase, except for crate time and outside time? It happens when we’re outside as well, which makes it much harder because I can’t just walk away, or she can just find a stick or a leaf to chew on. Please be kind to me, I’m new to all of this! Thank you!

Hi there, I was just wandering if anyone had any advice or has been through anything similar.

My puppy is doing really well with potty training and very rarely has accidents in the house now. However, he will only potty in the garden and never on any walks/outings. He has been going on walks and adventures into the local town for around 6 weeks now and not one time will he go no1 or no2 while we are out. It does not matter how long we are out for, he will hold it and often times cry if we’re out too long, which surely means he needs to go but just won’t.

Whenever he goes potty in the garden we give him a code word and give him a treat afterwards but anytime I instruct him to go potty on outings he will sniff but not go.

Does anyone have any advice or has gone through anything similar and know how to get around this?

A little background – I have always struggled with depression. In the past year, it has really improved through running and medication, but I have gone into a worse depressive period recently due to my partner being deployed.

We got a wonderful mini dachshund puppy at 10 weeks old who is now 7 months. I absolutely adore him, feel I’ve trained him well, and have made a safe and loving home for him. However, as my energy and mood have gotten worse recently, I’m worried that I’ve become a worse dog parent due to having less energy for play and going on less adventures together. I still always walk him as much as he needs, but mostly just nearby (occasional trips to the park) and I just don’t have the energy to teach him tricks and play tug of war all evening like I used to.

I’m really scared that my own problems might make him sad, lessen our bond, or make him think that I don’t care about him as much! Sometimes I worry I’m not the right person to take care of him, but I also know how much I love him and can’t imagine my life without him.

Any advice on how to manage these feelings or make sure I give him enough fulfilment would be really helpful.

Hi all! Just looking to see how others bring their pups on car rides.

My late boy was an extremely good car rider and would just chill in the front seat and fall asleep. But my current gal is very very different and a lot crazier in the car, lol. I'm trying to figure out the best way to safely travel with her, especially on longer trips.

My car unfortunately isn't large enough to put a crate in it and travel with her that way. So what are our other options?

My dog has a UTI, her vet appointment is Monday. Anything I can do to help her until then. Vet said she could be prone to them due to her vulva. I know all too well what a UTI feels like and my mama heart is feeling so bad for her. 😢

I just adopted a sweet little Cavalier mix. I live in a second floor apartment with a concrete deck. I was thinking about buying a “patio potty,” one of those little fake grass things, to put outside for occasional use, like when it’s pouring rain, or when she wants to go out and I am not quite ready to take her.

Has anyone ever tried these? Can you recommend (for or against) any particular brands?

This is Ginger (message for pictures), she’s super sweet and a little bit older. We need help finding someone to foster or adopt her. My family has been fostering her for a month or so but we are unable to keep taking care of her due to space. She had been returned to the shelter once before by a previous owner that moved away, so we’re worried that she will be euthanized if we bring her back to the shelter. She loves everyone and is totally safe with other dogs. Please message me if you may be able to help in some way.

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.