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Hi, can anyone share what 4 months old Shorkie’s schedule should looks like v

Mavis is 12 weeks old and the vet highly recommended dog training classes for her not only for of course training but socializing ASAP! She said it is crucial for a German to get the proper socialization and I should do it now the younger the better. But my issue is she doesn’t have her rabies shot yet (won’t until December 5th) and the trainers near me require it to register her in a class with other dogs. How can I work on socializing her with other dogs that’s not dangerous? I’ve seen so many things about dog parks being bad for dogs and introducing dogs on a leash can be bad or cause reactivity and I’m unsure where to go from here. Thank you!

I have a 7 month old beagle and she’s good with most things, but giving her baths is an absolute nightmare. I don’t bathe her often, probably once a month at MOST, but she likes to freak out and claw at me and try to jump out of the tub whenever I try to. I tried smearing a little peanut butter on the wall and that worked really well a couple times but now it doesn’t work at all, she’ll lick it when I first put her in the tub and then completely ignore it and try to jump out when I start washing her. I’ve also tried giving her a little plain chicken but that didn’t work too well either. I’m honestly just at a loss for what to do, I don’t want to keep getting scratched up every time a bathe her, and I wanna try and make it less stressful for her as well. Any help is greatly appreciated, I would like to get this figured out!

I have to leave Canada and move back to the Philippines. I'm happy and able to do everything I can to make it comfy for my dog but even if it's feasible, it doesn't always mean it'll be the healthiest or most comfortable as the climate is such a stark difference.

The temperature is 95-120F (35-50C) year round in the Philippines. The lowest it gets is 77F but the environment has gotten hotter in recent years. Climate is only ever sun or rain, with rainy season still at 77-80s from what I remember and what family has told me.

I really do want to give this some thought because she grew up with all 4 seasons in Canada, swimming in glacier lakes and rivers or the cold ocean, and it's a choice between her being separated from me forever or being in the heat forever.

If I bring her to the Philippines, I will be in the capital which is a bigger city than any place she has ever lived in and with less access to nature. The plan is to provide her with AC all day in one to two rooms, a kiddie pool, walk her early mornings (4-5am) and late evenings, do mental stimulation 1-2x per day, and provide weekly swims through indoor dog pools. I think the beaches would be too hot for her and even then, would need a 3-4 hour drive.

I asked in a Newfie group on Facebook and everyone said to keep her because it'll be harder for them to lose family. At the same time, those who have suggested that I bring her as their Newfies live with them in hot states still have that reprieve of cooler seasons.

I understand it's sad to lose each other but she's my soul dog and I would rather she has the best life and I don't want to assume that that automatically means it's with me. I've been having a hard time with this decision because she's my everything but I don't want to be selfish and I want what's best for her.

Does anyone have advice or thoughts?

Well, the dreaded teenage stage is here and it’s awful. My Aussie/hound puppy is 8 months old and oh my god she is chewing everything, not listening, being soooo sassy, and just trying to do what she wants.

I love my puppy, she’s so good and well trained but with this stage it’s like everything has gone out the window and she requires even more attention than she did at 11 weeks old! I am constantly taking her out to play, walk, or making chews and buying them to help with mental stimulation but this girl is crazy.

How does one survive the teenage stage and when on earth does it end 😭

I wanted to share a little frustration and need advice. I brought my now 11-week-old puppy home when he was 9 weeks old. He had received his first round of shots, deworming, and a health check at the breeder’s around seven weeks, which felt like a great start!

The real hiccup happened when I took him to my new vet to establish care and get his second set of vaccines. They informed me that they wouldn't honor the breeder's vaccine statement. They insisted on following their own three-round protocol. Essentially, this means my little guy will receive four shots in total, with that crucial first one not counting towards his immunity timeline.

I know, in hindsight, it's not a huge deal—the more protection, the better, especially against dangerous illnesses like Parvovirus. But the timing has thrown a wrench in my plans! I was really looking forward to safely taking him out and about by Christmas, imagining walks on the beach or play time in a grassy field. Now, his freedom date is being pushed back into the New Year.

He's going stir-crazy, and honestly, I am too! We both desperately need that outdoor play and exploration. The big question I’m grappling with is: Do I follow the strict protocol and wait until 16 weeks, or can I compromise a little by Christmas (which would be fully covered per the breeders vac scheudle)?

I will absolutely complete the vet's full three-round vaccine protocol, but what are your thoughts?

Thanks for letting me vent! Every puppy parent knows this struggle between safety and socialization.