Blog

Hey everyone,

So after months of researching different breeds and trying to find the right fit for my lifestyle, I’ve decided on a Dalmatian. The issue is that where I live there aren’t any truly reputable breeders, so I’ve decided to get a puppy from abroad instead.(And no there isn’t any trusted breeder of any other breed either since owning dogs is quite a new concept in my country and most people with ethically bred dogs for them from neighbouring countries)

Because of my country’s laws, I won’t be able to bring him home until he’s at least 16 weeks old. I know that’s past a big chunk of the early socialization window, so I’m a little nervous about starting desensitization and socialization “late.”

For those of you who’ve brought home slightly older puppies, what should I focus on right away? What would you prioritize in those first few weeks to help him grow into a confident, well-adjusted dog?

My puppy (8mos large mixed) was skittish on our stairs when we brought him home. We spent the first few weeks building confidence by putting treats on the steps and he slowly made his way up. For a few months he had no issues but over the last week or so has refused to go up the stairs (where he sleeps at night). Started the treat incentives again but I can’t get him to go up to bed. Wondering if anyone has any other suggestions? Carry him? Let him sleep downstairs?

How do I stop this. It’s always bed or couch when I’m sitting there. Has happened maybe four or five times total. My old dog doesn’t react. We got the puppy at 4 months and have had him for 2 months so far. I don’t want this issue to continue. He is not neutered yet. I’m bad at this please help.

From all I’ve seen and read, puppies can’t really go outside before 6months when they have all their boosters. And they need frequent potty walks and feedings and need to be trained to be quiet etc before taking them to the office.

People who work full time office jobs, how do you get through the puppy stages? Is it just all crate time?

Can you explain your schedule as a prospective puppy owner with an office 9-5!

Looking new ideas to tire my little guy out mentally and physically that can be done in our house …his bored groans are killing me!!!. So Barney is my 12 year old Dachshund and the light of my life!!! He still plays like a puppy, loves his Stuffies, puzzles , treats balls etc and with 3 acres and ample walking trails keeping him happy is a breeze for most of the year until the peak of winter hits and ours trails have three feet of snow on them and our sidewalkless roads have 10 foot snowbanks and cold slush that reachs up to my poor boys belly!! We snowed in literaly!!! Luckily my husband deligiently snowblows are large patio plus a generous section of our backyard for Barney to do his business in comfort but besides a few loud barks just to let everyone know this is his yard he back inside like a flash. I play with him as much as I can, he has an emabrsssingly large selection of toys, puzzles, chew sticks etc and yet I'm constantly being stared down with his beady little eyes and guilted with overdramtic sighs that could rival most teenage girls (has anyone who's ever had a dachshund kind of test they are drama queens). And I feel bad for him I get it he's bored silly being cooped up inside and so I thought I'm sure there must be tons of enrrichment ideas I haven't thought of to get my little guy out of his funk. Please Help!!!

We recently moved into a house that has a back yard and my dog keeps getting out by hopping the fence yesterday she got out and then ran off took an hour to find her. The two other times she came straight to our front door. I don’t want to have to keep worrying about her getting out and lost. She loves to be outside. We lived in an apartment prior when we got her so this is the first time she has had a yard. We don’t have anything up against the fence that she can use as a launch pad. She a Belgian mal so jumping fences is what they do. I haven’t had this issue with my other mal I have. What can I do to keep her in the yard???? I want to be able to put her outside so she can run around as much as likes. I can’t sit and watch her the whole time because I have a very active toddler. Please help.

Considering signing up for my 6 month old pup. Is it worth it? How is the toy selection and quality?

Hello, I have a weird problem and could use some suggestions. I have some dexterity issues in my hands that make it difficult for me to grip/click most of the clickers that are on the market. What would really help is a clicker that’s shaped like a tube/clicky pen (that I can wrap my fingers around and click the end with my thumb) instead of something flat or teardrop shaped. Is there anything on the market like that? Or even just an actual pen that’s sufficiently loud to substitute.

I’m genuinely curious about this because I’ve kind of changed my thinking over the last year.

I used to assume dog parks were automatically good for socialization. More dogs = more exposure = more confidence, right? But I’ve seen a few situations (including one pretty close to me) where the opposite seemed to happen.

Instead of getting more confident, the dog started getting more on edge. Super alert around other dogs, overreacting to fast movement, struggling to settle afterward. In one case the dog even became more reactive on leash outside the park over time.

I’m definitely not anti–dog park. I think they can be awesome for the right dog in the right setting. But I’m starting to wonder if they’re not neutral — like they either really help, or they kind of amplify whatever baseline stress the dog already has.

Has anyone else noticed this? Did you end up cutting back or stopping park visits because of it?

Would love to hear real experiences either way.

Hi! I have a 14 year old llewellin setter named Jax. He’s the absolute baby of my family. As he’s gotten older we have suspected signs of dementia as he often poops in the house without warning and doesn’t stop barking when left alone for kind of any amount of time. He is walked daily for 30 mintues to an hour (except on the days when it is too cold), we play with him 2-3 times a day, he plays with enrichment toys, and he is given a lot of affection. Unfortunately someone cannot be home with him 24/7 due to school and work. We have a dog walker that comes when we need him which is great. Jax will stare out the windows in our living room and bark repeatedly and he doesn’t stop unless I close all the shades or actively distract him. I can’t take a shower for 10-15 mintues without him nonstop barking. He cry’s constantly even if he’s been walked, doesn’t need to go to the bathroom, has eaten, been played with, etc. When he was younger he would whine and bark a decent amount but nothing to this extent. I really love him so much but it’s difficult to listen to the barking all the time. He’s pretty healthy other than a few minor health issues, he’s active and happy. I am wondering if anyone else with a senior dog has a recommendation for helping with excessive barking and dementia like behavior. I know it’s not completely solve-able at this point in his life and he is seeing the vet soon in the next few weeks. We just started giving him this like doggy neurological treat a few times a week so we will see how that goes. If you have any recommendations or methods please let me know! Anything helps. 🐾