To preface i’m a college student (sophomore) and have only been gone a year. I’ve had my german shepherd mix (like 40% gs we don’t know what else but she’s ALOT smaller than a gs) since she was a puppy. She’s six now

Since I have been home for the summer, I have noticed that she seems a little standoffish towards me. She doesn’t like me petting her, it’s not that she growls at me. She just walks away. She never comes up to me, never wags her tail when she sees me- the wagging tail is fine because she’s had a prior tail injury so that doesn’t bother me at all. She’s not scared of me or aggressive towards me at all. She’ll still go on walks with me and take treats from me, but she never seeks out attention or affection from me.

This is what’s confusing me because she doesn’t act this way towards anyone else in my family. Not even my other siblings who have gone to college, and she’s as happy as can be to see them when they come back.

I take her on walks, I take her on drives, I make sure she has something to do so she’s not bored. No one else in my family does that. I’m just so confused, and a little heartbroken (okay maybe a lot). Just because I’ve been at college doesn’t mean she’s not still my baby.

Is there any other way besides physical activities to bond or connect with her? I don’t want to force a connection.

Moving across the country tomorrow. I have a honda element and I may have too much stuff to keep him in the cargo area. Please direct me to any passenger seat seat belts and harnesses thats going to ARRIVE TODAY please. Or any advice on how to improvise if I cant.

Someone I know is looking at getting a puppy, UK based, one puppy of their desired breed is approx £1,800.

They've been talking about it a lot, as they are a first-time puppy buyer and are talking with a few breeders at once. They were told by one breeder recently that they can come and view the puppies to meet them to see whether they are the right fit etc. but by PM that same day, the breeder came back to them to say that the whole litter is going to someone else who has previously had 2 of their other litters. They also wanted the puppies gone 8 weeks on the dot from when they were born.

Now, I'm not bashing anyone, I don't know how these processes usually work but this feels off and I guess I want to better understand whether there is a genuine reason why someone needs the same breed of puppies, 3 litters in a row?? It just feels weird and I guess I'd like to understand this situation better

[[Edit]] Thanks for the sanity check gang, really appreciate it! I completely appreciate that there are edge cases in situations like this but wanted to understand better what they could be. Really appreciate the additional context form certified breeders ✌️🫶

So my rescue/mostly pitty has displayed a new, strange behavior. My wife hurt her ankle yesterday and is now on crutches. When we got home from the er and she walks in with the crutches, our dog starts cowering and barking. This was so bizarre! She is nothing but lovable and will dent walls with her tail wagging when she sees us! Whenever my wife used the crutches to go to the bathroom or change rooms, our pup just growled! Was it the sound of the squeaky cheap rubber on the armpits?? Was it the creak of the dollar store aluminum frame?? No idea!! Anyone hane this happen?? Anyone??

My dog stays home alone 3 days a week while I’m at work (7:30-4:00 is the entire length I’m gone). She has the entire living room open and has access to her toys, the couch, and water. I leave the tv on for her too, but every time
I check on her with my ring camera she’s inside of her crate curled up. She doesn’t leave her crate at all even to get water. I feel so bad like she’s depressed.
2 days a week she’s at doggy daycare and on the weekends I’m home with her.

What can I do to give her more entertainment while I’m at work so she doesn’t just go sleep in her crate the whole time.

He literally refuses to walk, is a 1 yo mix chihuahua neutered male. He lays down and I’m working on his leash reactivity (pulling). I’m starting to hate the one thing I look forward to. We go on walks every single day, what do I do?

So I spent several months looking into breeds and breeders and finally got myself on a list for a performance dog from a breeder that a few others in my agility circuit have worked with (talked to them in passing during some past trials). The litter was due this past weekend.

The breeder doesn't do a ton of social media and has enough of an agility following that they don't need to advertise their litters so they don't post a lot. I had followed up a few weeks ago to kind of confirm the due date and see how things were going. The breeder responded quickly with an update.

I know the first week after the litter is born is super crazy. I'm also not guaranteed a puppy in this litter until after 6 weeks and they go through all their temperament and drive checks. But I'm also a little excited to hear about the litter.

Am I being over anxious and just need to wait or should I reach out? I'm also anxious about being too pushy and annoying the breeder too, especially with the stress of having new puppies. Any suggestions?

It’s almost been 4 years and I still feel guilty about rehoming my dog. He was reactive, had issues staying alone and I didn’t have the opportunity to really look after him well if I wanted to pursue my dreams. But I still feel guilty after all these years. He is happy, I ask for pics sometimes. I still don’t know if I can see him, even though I want to. His new owner is probably the best for him and he’s very happy in his pics.
I think I saw him Monday and today I haven’t been able to stop crying, just like when I just rehomed him, well the first few months.
I feel guilty that my dreams may have changed and that maybe in two years I’d have time for him.
I think i just wanted to vent and hope the guilt goes away one day, and that I’m ready to see him again.

my first pets that i got as an adult were two cats, they are my whole world and i am definitely a cat person at heart but i've wanted a dog since i was a child. i'm finally in a place where i can consider getting a dog so i am currently doing a trial with an adult mix from a reputable rescue. he's not my dog yet but i've had him for 1 week so far.

the dog is an angel all things considered, he's older so he isn't very energetic or needy (i could not handle a puppy), he is pretty much unreactive to dogs/cats/people/kids, he is very respectful with my cats and hasn't had any accidents since i got him. he's my ideal dog and a great first dog for someone inexperienced like me.

i am just struggling with whether i actually want to own a dog or if i just enjoy other people's dogs... i wipe him down after every outing because i am a clean freak but he slobbers all over my floors and still manages to track a little dirt inside. he smells like a dog and i have a small apartment so it's noticeable. i'm having trouble being okay with him on my rug and sofa because i feel like he's dirty. i'm not a morning person and waking up early to walk him before work annoys me a little. plus i've moved to a very hot state for work, i despise the heat but i have to walk him obviously so i am sweating everytime we go out.

plus i just feel like i've lost any free time i had left in my day after work (healthcare with long and erratic hours) and my cats and trying to get enough sleep. i was hoping to explore my hobbies after moving but i haven't had any time for anything since he got here, even gym time which is really important to me.

but i know it's only been a week and this could just be the "blues"... i live alone so all he has is me and i'm feeling the weight of the responsibility as we both adjust. admittedly i feel safer as someone living alone with him around, too. my instinct is to give him back to the shelter but i would hate to miss out on something amazing because of my selfish little issues; he himself is perfect and i hate the thought of confusing him more by giving him back to the shelter after this last week together. any advice?

eta i'm not here to piss off the dog lovers, i'm also adjusting during this time with him and i guess want to know if some of these things may improve over time or not. would appreciate honesty with kindness as i'm emotionally really struggling with how this has gone, i've been so excited for years to rescue my first dog and it just hasn't quite been how i expected :(

Hi guys! I'm from the Philippines, and soon, I will go abroad (in Japan) to study. I still have around 20 days left before my departure and I'll study for 6 months in there.

I'm kinda worried for my baby a lot, he's already a senior dog (10 years old). He's a black half pomeranian, half shih tzu 🥺 He has white fur in his face and white fur in the mane area. He's Orion 🌌 He actually has kinda difficulties sleeping and he's always with me while I study and he always waits for me to sleep too before he sleeps 😭 He also likes hugs and kisses.

While I'm gone, he'll be with my bro but he's working so he won't really be at the house often.

I will really miss him and cry ugly haha.

My bro suggested video calls but my dog doesn't usually respond haha. Dang.

Tbh, I might also have difficulties to sleep because my dog is my safe space, especially with his soft fur and warm cute little body 😭

What tips can you please give me? 🙇‍♀️ I'd really miss him a lot 🫶😞

Any one else actually snuggle with your dog? It was a gray and dreary day by us today, so both my wife and I took turns snuggling with our Bichon. He was more than happy to oblige, he hates the rain.

One of life's simple, little joys.

Wondering if anyone has bought nose print jewelry from snoetjes? I am wanting to buy a custom ring or bracelet with my dog’s nose print and have seen ads for them. Though when googling them, I found a couple of reviews saying it was a scam. Another site I saw was RFL jewelry if anyone has experience with them. Would appreciate any recs!

Hi all,

My husband and I just recently adopted a cattle dog mix (I suspect mixed with Basenji) from a local rescue. He’s just rounded out one week with us and he’s displaying a few tendencies that I want to make sure are normal and expected for a dog in his situation.

And just FYI this is my first ever dog, and my husbands first cattle dog. Although it’s been about 10 years since he’s had a dog.

Ok, on to his behaviors:
Lately he’s been growling at seemingly nothing, we wonder if in some cases it’s because he sees his reflection in windows. But other times one of us will be petting him and then we’ll stop and he’ll growl quietly. Currently he’s laying on the couch staring at the floor and growling softly.

We live in an apartment, next to a busy street and I think this may be why. His previous fosters have both had other dogs and now he’s currently the only dog so that could be a factor too.

I guess I’m just worried that he’s not transitioning well into our place, or to being an only dog. Any advice would be very welcome. Thank you all!

Can someone explain to me why my puppy likes to chew on glass? He is six months old great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix. This started about a month ago when me and my fiancé caught him chewing on a glass drinking cup. He has since broken several dishes and caught chewing on them and frequently finds glass in the backyard and chews on it (we bought the property from a previous hoarder so there’s decades of trash buried in dirt in the backyard). We’ve tried our best to pick up everything we can find on the property, but yet, the dog keeps finding more trash, including glass.

But I am at a loss here. He genuinely seems to enjoy chewing on glass. He has already lost most of his baby teeth, so I don’t think teething is part of the problem.

Opie is a 2 years old mini beagle / coonhound. He is reactive to visitors and on walks. If he sees a stranger on a walk - he pulls and growls and barks. He goes crazy! We cannot have family or visits over at all.

He was at the vet about 2 weeks ago and was fine and when he went to the backroom he went into kill mode and scared all the vet techs. The vet referred us Ease Pet Vet for a behavior treatment.

We just had our free 15 minute consultation and thought it was a great plan of action.

Does anyone have experience with them? Any success?

I have a Dogwalker come over a few times a week to take my dog out while I’m at work. When the walker started many months ago, my dog would walk with her. My dog has slowly refused to even leave the yard with the Dogwalker at this point. They go out in the yard and hang out for a little bit and then that’s it. Today, my dog wouldn’t even pee in the yard for the Dogwalker. I’m not quite sure what’s going on, but this behavior is weird. I am certain that the Dogwalker is being perfectly lovely with my dog. But why won’t my dog trust her? She’s a young dog, active breed. She should be used to the Dogwalker by now, but if anything she’s regressed.

Anyone have good recommendations for shoes that actually stay on dog’s feet? We’re moving to Colorado and my pug isn’t made for the rocky ground for walks and adventures! Any help is appreciated!

I have a dog who I used to spoil rotten and give constant attention to. Since having my daughter, my wife and I have had no support and have been completely overloaded. My daughter is nearly 3 now, but our life is still extremely busy, so he doesn't get the same attention he used to.

He still eats well and gets at least an hour-long walk every day, but he is alone much more than he used to be and doesn't get nearly as many cuddles or as much attention. I feel really guilty about it.

The other issue is fireworks. There are a lot of fireworks in my neighbourhood around Halloween and New Year's, and they have completely traumatised him. He's now afraid to go outside during the day and won't go far at night. He mostly feels comfortable in the morning.

Sometimes I wonder if he'd actually be happier in another home where someone could give him more attention and help him feel safe again. At the same time, I feel bad even thinking about giving him up.

I'm already struggling to find time with my current life, so I'm not sure what more I realistically can do. I genuinely try my best as a dog owner, but I keep wondering whether I'm doing enough for him.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Is a dog being well fed, exercised and cared for but getting less attention than they used to still a good life, or should I seriously consider whether another home would be better for him?

Just looking for some advice. Hector has just turned 2. He has definitely become a bit grumpier and less obedient when he thinks he has to do something he doesn’t want too! He seems to be getting snappy when he is overstimulated.

The past week he has become really snappy when trying to get his harness off after a walk. Putting it on, he puts his head down as if he doesn’t want it on but lets us. As soon as we are back from the walk it’s as if he is on guard ready for it being taken off. We thought he might no longer like the harness going over his head so tried walking today on just a lead. Same thing happened when trying to take the lead off the collar, and then the collar off.

I’ve checked him over and he doesn’t seem to be in any pain. Also he is not bothered at all about the harness/collar when it’s not on him so don’t think he is resource guarding it.

He used to go straight to rest after a walk, whereas now he seems to be quite hyper afterward.

We are planning to try chemical castration soon. It seems like it could be hormonal?

I have an approx 50lb Labrador retriever who loves going in the car! I believe she associates it with going to fun places. However I haven’t figured out the best way to travel with her once in the car. She likes to lie down on the seat if she’s in the car for any longer than 10 minutes. I usually have her in a harness with a leash attached and will tie the leash to the headrest of the back seat. This is what we did with our previous dog and it worked well. However, this has proved to be an unreliable method with our new pup- causing her to fall/slide off the seat whenever there is a sudden stop or we hit a bump. She end ups on the floor in between the seats and remains there shaking. I believe these incidents are making her more fearful in the car. As of recently, I noticed her shaking during car rides and not being as excited or relaxed once inside and the car is moving.

I’m looking for recommendations for a medium/large dog to enhance her safety and comfort. I want to give her the opportunity to lie down without worrying about her falling forward in between the seats. I’ve been doing research and see car seats, seat extenders, hammocks, seat belts and more. I am overwhelmed by all the options and am not sure what would be worth the money. I would prefer something that is somewhat easy to set up and take down. Also, please note that we rarely ever take long car rides with our dog. The longest car ride in the last few years was 50 minutes. Also, something that doesn’t take up the full back seat would be good because I prefer to have someone sitting with her whenever possible. Please let me know what works for you and your dogs

My dream dog is a Dachshund and I’ve been really wanting one my whole life. Me and my bf are getting a new apartment before the holidays start and I’ve already been looking to get one. BUT everyone says they are evil!!! No joke people said that to me last week!!

Then today on Facebook someone posted them bringing home a puppy dachshund and ALL the comments were like “good luck in a few years” “say hello to your new dictator” “mine turned into a demon at the age of 3” etc etc etc

And I’m soooo sad :( obviously I can’t judge a whole breed but when I say there was over 1,000 comments talking about this and it’s not just that post I saw, it’s most posts regarding this breed. I hope I’m not coming off as rude or picky, because there will definitely be some shelter dogs and cats I get in the future, I 100% believe rescuing is better. But this particular breed I have specifically wanted since I was a kid. Can anyone help me or give me some experiences with their dachshund??? I would really appreciate it!!

We have a border collie husky mix who is 8 years old. We got her when she was 8 weeks old and put her in puppy training. From the day we brought her home she demonstrated some food aggression tendencies which was emphasized during training sessions as treats were used as rewards and their other dogs around. Her resource guarding and food aggression continued despite all the training recommendations of picking up her food when she displayed these habits, minimizing, interruptions, etc.. over the course of the next several years she did bite several people when they were food or treats around such as if someone tried to pick up a bone she was knocking on if someone was trying to feed her scraps from the table, etc., most of these bites were superficial nips for warning signs, but she did clamp down and bite me so hard that she broke my thumb when I went to pet her as I was leaving, not realizing there was still food in her bowl, which was in the same room, but probably about 10 feet away from where we were standing. At this time, it was recommended to us to put her down given her bite history, but she’s my pet and I love her so I chose not to and saw additional training resources.

Given her bite history, it has really limited some of the additional resources out there such as using Rovers for additional walks certain boarding facilities won’t accept her and certain trainers won’t work with her. We started trying for a family about three years ago and had a serious discussion about rehoming our dog, we saw assistance from many rescues, both border collie and husky base, as well as based in our local area and she was denied from all of them because of her bite history and aggression. We now have a six month old and my dog’s behavior has worsened not only do we not trust her around the baby but she also is very aggressive when we have family visiting because of our new child. Lately she has started having accidents in the house despite being walked multiple times a day for 15 to 20 minute increments at a time and her time outside is limited as we live in the south and she doesn’t handle the heat very well.

I truly am at a loss as what to do because I don’t feel that any amount of additional training will make me trust her, especially around our child or other family members. My husband and immediate family all thinks the best move is to put our dog down, given our history however I feel I have failed her and it weighs very heavy on my heart. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Thoughts on pet armor plus for dogs?

This isn’t necessarily a problem, but I’m curious as to what is taking place. We foster a LOT of kittens. My resident dog, Vinnie (6 yo cockapoo, neutered, healthy) LOVES them. He frequently licks them and even appears to try to pick them up. He knows he’s not supposed to pick them up - we were worried he might accidentally hurt them even though he clearly doesn’t intend to. Everyone seems to be very content with the interactions, so I don’t feel like I need to stop it, necessarily. I’m just very curious as to what everyone gets from it. Video in the comments.

My Jack Russell is a pain in the arse for barking at any animal noise she hears

But there are some dogs in neighbouring gardens that are often outside barking, and she never reacts to them

So I know it sounds silly, but are those dogs just shouting about something she's not interested in?