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My puppy is about 8 months old and he’s pretty destructive. Like he rips his toys to shreds in an instance. I can’t give him like things to chew on bc he resource guards them pretty bad. Like he’s always looking for something to chew on like a sock, toilet paper, anything. I take him on walks on this trail. But idk what to do anymore I’m tired and frustrated. I’m constantly trading with him to get the socks and everything away. Like what’s something I can do inside that keeps him preoccupied when it rains and shit. I just need some advice or encouragement idek.

I would love to have a dog one day but am wondering how much would it cost in the US – including food, vet, medical costs and doggy daycare. I’m just contemplating right now – I will be in medical training for the next 6-7 years and don’t want to miss out, but also wouldn’t want to leave my dog alone on long days.

Just thought I’d share since everytime I get frustrated with my dogs I feel bad and want to apologize so when I was doing that today it seemed like only one of my dogs was actually sitting down to listen while the other one was in his own world (I was petting both of them).

Idk I just kept trying to apologize because when only one was paying attention it didn’t really feel like I was apologizing properly. I spoke in a soft tone and pet them so they’d be comfortable and it seemed like they liked that even if they both had different reactions.

Our Frank loves Rawhide chews, he'd happily sit and chew on one for an hour, always supervised, but sometimes I wonder if they're the best for him. Choking hazards aside, I've heard they're not very disgestable.

Any recommendations for him? He's an 11 month old lurcher. Thank you!

So far I have had a (I believe) size medium Kong crate for my working cocker spaniel puppy, she is now 6/7 months old and is around 13kg (she is a big cocker spaniel and has, in my opinion, almost outgrown her current crate!) I am obviously still not 100% sure on what her fully grown weight will be but am looking at getting a Lords and Labradors crate set for her and am stuck on what size to get. They say a large would fit a springer spaniel, which although she is a cocker, her size is much closer to a springer. I ordered an XL because the L was out of stock at the time in the colour/type I wanted and although it is massive, she will grow into it a little bit, but I am not sure if it is a silly size for her. I like the idea of her having a lot of space to move around when I have to leave her in there, but I also feel like the big crate restricts the room it’s in and kinda takes over the room, although a large can’t be that much smaller.

1. ⁠Copy/paste the text below into a new text post..
2. ⁠Replace "ANSWER" with your response but do not delete the asterisk (*). Leave a space between the asterisk and your response.
3. ⁠Remember to include [Breeds] in the title of your post.

Introduction

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

• My first dog personally, but have been around dogs most of my life, and we currently have a 3 year old Bernadoodle that my girlfriend raised from a puppy. (We live together now, been together 2 years almost)

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

• i have a preference for reputable breeders

1. Describe your ideal dog.

• Moderate energy, low shed, medium-large, not super barky (I'm fine with some occasional barking, but not constant), eager to please, and ideally fairly trainable as a puppy

1. What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

• This is why im here. I think I would enjoy poodles (or doodles, though I know they are frowned upon so will probably avoid one), the idea of a Labrador or golden retriever sounds good as well

1. What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

• Nothing outside the ordinary tricks

1. 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?

• Nope

Care Commitments

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

• I'm happy to play/train until they lose interest or get tired

1. 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?

• 1-2 hours just walking, can do more if needed. Can also take him to parks, etc.

1. 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'm fine with brushing for 30 or so minutes daily. Open to grooming myself, or using a groomer like we currently do for our doodle.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?

• Medium-Large dog would be good. Our current dog is about 55-60LBS.

1. How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

• I would prefer minimal slobber, barking is fine, and ideally minimal shedding, but could be open to a moderate amount.

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

• i would love to have an off-leash dog, but i don't mind too much if it wouldn't ever be possible.

Dog Personality and Behavior

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

• Definitely want a snuggly dog ideally.

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

• eager to please

1. 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 would want them to be neutral, or even excited to see whoever.

1. Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

• Ideally not, as we currently have one.

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

• i would like to avoid reactivity/aggression towards our current dog haha.

Lifestyle

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

• 2-4 hours max.

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

• None really, just ideally not insanely high energy.

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

• We have a 3 year old doodle.

1. Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• Not as of now.

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

• Currently renting, no restrictions.

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

• No restrictions.

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

• Summer 15-25, Winter can get cold, anywhere from 5 to -10

Additional Information and Questions

25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

• No additional information.

1. Feel free to ask any questions below