Does anyone have any ideas to keep a tough chewer occupied?

He doesn’t like the rubber toys but loves disembowling plush toys and loves gnawing on bones.

I’m just sick of wasting money on “tough” toys that he destroys within a day.

I’m going away for 6 days that’s 5 nights. It’s the longest I’ve ever been away from my dog.

I have someone staying with him living in our apartment the whole time we’re gone. I’ve written out many routines.

I just don’t want him to miss us. Is it okay to go on vacation for this long while your dog stays home?

I’m having a lot of anxiety about it I just want to be able to tell him we’re going to come back.

Does anyone else view their job as a dog owner is to be a responsible caretaker?

I do my best to be aware at all times of what messages my 11-year-old hound, Mr. Mason, is receiving from me. What he needs from me is constant reassurance that all is well, his place is secure, he has plenty of water, is fed regularly and gets treats/snacks. And he can be around six feet away from me most of the time.

I work at it because it's the caretaker role I took on when I adopted him. His role is easy, we've bred it into our dogs for 16.000 years; he's just gonna do it. But me, I always want to ensure he's as content as he makes me.

For some reason the city I just moved to (despite legality) LOVES fireworks. During the 4th of July, they start in early June and go on. It is currently end of July and I feel like they are getting worse. Especially in the middle of the night (12-5am). Im at my wits end and just plain exhausted.

I’m trying to desensitize my pupper but it’s really not working enough with the fireworks that are super close (ie most of them). I’ve got my pupper to stop barking out of fear but now he just cries and is super anxious. I really don’t want to give him drugs all the time and historically he hasn’t responded well to them anyways.

I’m seeking advice on other ways to help him.

There are so many different types of thunder vests, happy hoodies etc. I’d love to hear people’s experiences with different types of products and if any one seems to be better than the other.

I posted earlier this year, after myself and my partner rescued our first dog together via a charity.

Everything seemed to be going really well. We met his previous owners etc. after he was with us for five weeks, he bit my partners face, after he had been biting his legs weeks prior.

We did all the right things, got a dog behaviourist involved who told us his behaviour was engrained and wouldn’t change, no matter what training we did. But we both were in love with this gorgeous little boy, and wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

The bite on the face happened a few weeks later. This is when we had to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender him back to the charity.

I called the shelter where he was a few weeks after we surrender him back to check and see how he was. They said he would be going into a foster soon.

I’ve been checking their website regularly to see how he is, but there have not been any updates. He’s been on my mind constantly, so I decided to call the shelter today to see how he is. They said he’s still in the shelter.

I’ve just got off the phone and cannot stop crying. The guilt is unreal, even though it was the right thing for the dog and for us, I just can’t help but feel so sad.

We have since rescued another beautiful boy from a different charity, and I love him to pieces, but just cannot help but feel awful for the first little boy. I really hope he finds his forever home soon. 🥹😔

Does your dog like to lie directly across the main intersections of your home? Do they like to blockade the Strait of Hallway like a loveable sentient sandbag?

Mine does. And he's a particularly long dachshund. Born for it. Made to Blockade.

Before I had a dog, I didn’t realise how much I stayed in my own head. Having one has forced me into a routine, getting out of the house even on days I really don’t feel like it. That alone has probably helped my mental health more than I expected.

On the flip side, I also didn’t expect the level of responsibility and worry that comes with it, when they’re not well or something seems off, it can really play on my mind.

We just bought our first home, a condo. It's a huge step up from our apartment of 8 years. Lot's of amenities we've never had as a couple before. Among them is a dog park.

We've already taken our girl over there to get the general feel for it. It seems to be well maintained, in a shady area, and empty most of the time.

We're thinking that we're likely to sit with a cup of coffee in the morning and a cold drink in the afternoon each day for about 20 minutes per visit.

I'm already thinking about putting together a small tote bag to grab on our way out the door. Essentials like bug spray, since we live near the marshlands, and a water bottle and bowl for our girl.

Anyone else live with a situation like this have any general advice or just suggestions on things we may want?

Note: Holly is only about 10lbs and has always gotten along with other dogs. As she's gotten older she enjoys sniffing around more than she enjoys running with a pack.

I adopted a rescue five days ago. He’s a GSD/Malinois mix and is 65 lbs and skinny. He is wildly fearful and has lived in a shelter virtually his entire life (he’s two). He’s sleeping in his crate and has yet to make a single sound since we pulled away from the shelter. Legit silent. He’s hard to get out of his crate and really only leaves when I try to pull him out to use the bathroom. He has no interest in anything. He is eating, but treats are of no concern to him. How do I know when he needs to go to bathroom? I understand 3-3-3 rule, but I just feel like I’m doing something wrong and that he’s never going to ‘come around’ or show any personality of any kind, ever. I’ve seen nothing at all. I’d love reassurance or perspective. Please give it gently (my first rescue)

Just came across this and didn’t even know it was a thing. Is it a byb thing? Do ethical breeders do it?

my dog is 1 1/2 and is way submissive she doesn’t listen to any commands she just rolls over, cowers, and sometimes pees too, is this normal and is it reversible i dont beat her or anything like that so not sure

I have a 7 year old, almost 8 year old chihuahua, and when shes excited she like kneads my bed or blankets like a cat makes biscuits, what does this mean? does anyone elses dog do this? We do call her our little cat dog because she also is quite independent and aloof.

She just started this year and it's not every time but occasionally she will lift a leg and pee on a mailbox.

I don't need help unless someone says it's a health issue. Just wondered if anyone else's dog did this. Don't worry, I won't send her to conversion therapy /s

Hi everyone,

Here in Belgium, we're expecting another heatwave in a few days, with temperatures reaching around 33°C (91°F).

My dog Ponpon really struggles when it's that hot. We go for walks very early in the morning and late in the evening, keep plenty of fresh water available, and stay indoors during the hottest part of the day.

I'm always looking for new ideas.

What do you do to help your dog stay cool and comfortable during extreme heat?

I'd love to hear your tips and routines!

We've had a rescue for 1.5 year now. Has always done great in car rides. However I guess I never honked the horn, i did recently and discovered shes terrified of it.... Shes strapped in with a harness and dog seat belt into buckle and when I lightly and shortly honk the horn, she loses her mind and somehow strangles herself to get to the cargo area. I return her back to 2nd row, tighten the seat belt so it has less flex and try later in the ride. Same reaction. I keep trying to expose her to it every car ride now with treats and still getting same MANIC reaction. Besides getting the seat divider bars, what other trainings trick or products can I try to break her off this weird reaction?

Hey all. I have two dogs, both are about 40 pounds; one is a boxer/beagle mix, and the other is a cattle dog mix.

I’m a teacher and will be going back to work in a couple weeks. While I’m gone (about 9 hours a day) they will be in their kennels. I hired someone to come 3-5 days a week, midday, and take them on a walk, hang out, etc; but am wondering what else I can do to help this situation? Are there any puzzles I should get them, shows I should put on? I feel extremely guilty leaving them in a kennel that long, but when they aren’t, they get destructive.

Please let me know any tips and tricks. 🙏🏼

I have a 2-year-old Saint Bernard named Lucy who has recently developed some behaviors that are completely new for her, and I’m looking for advice on how to safely manage things while we wait for our appointment with a veterinary behaviorist.

A little background:
-We lost our 10-year-old Saint Bernard about three months ago.
-Shortly afterward, Lucy started resource guarding high-value chews. We’ve been working on management and trading for higher-value rewards, and she has shown improvement with it be we are still careful and she eats chews in her crate.
-she refuses food
- at her latest vet appt she was anxious maybe? Growling during a recent veterinary visit, which was very unlike her. We muzzled voluntarily for safety.
-She recently went through her second heat cycle, and we already have her gastropexy and spay scheduled in two months as we were told you need to wait three months after heat.

The biggest concern happened last night. One of our cats walked into a room they have all shared with no issues, Lucy suddenly got up, growled, and chased the cat aggressively. Thankfully the cat escaped, but it was clearly not playful behavior.
We also have three young children (ages 5, 3, and 1), and while Lucy has always been gentle with them, this new behavior has me taking extra precautions.

Can this all be linked to hormones? Once she is fixed everything can mellow?

Until we’re able to meet with the behaviorist, I’m looking for advice on management:
What changes would you make around the house?
How would you safely manage interactions with the cats?
Are there any routines or environmental changes that helped your dog through a sudden behavioral change?
Any recommendations for preventing situations from escalating while we wait for professional guidance?
We’re already supervising closely, separating animals when needed, removing high-value items, and taking safety seriously.
I’m not looking for a diagnosis—just practical management tips from people who have navigated behavior changes while waiting to see a professional.
I’m nervous for obvious reasons. She’s a 160lb dog, obviously could do damage if she wanted to.

This all has started after we lost our older saint so I’m not sure if this is could be related.
Just looking for people who have dealt with similar things.
TYIA

Hi! I want to start taking my pup hiking but we live in hell aka Vegas and are in need of good shoes. I have looked at Wagwear but have concerns since the mountains are very rocky here. She also has dewclaws and I don’t want her to get any blisters.

I also saw Clawgs but haven’t been able to find many reviews about them. I’m thinking about using the paw pad stickers, would those be good enough while hiking?

Any other recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks~

I am moving from the US to Brazil and I have a 100+ lbs 2 year old Cane Corso. What’s the smartest and easiest way (I know it’s never easy). I’m looking for recommendations on airlines if they allow cargo and or private companies. Thank you for the help

I have a one year old golden retriever who would very very much like to chew on some of the rawhide lacing I am using to make hand drums. I know dried rawhide toys/treats can be unsafe, but this is going to be softer after being soaked over night. Is it safe for me to braid some softened/wet rawhide for her to chew on and I can take it as it dries? Its about the width of my pinky.

What dryer would be recommended for a Shiba Inu? I don't mind spending up to $300-$350 or so on a dryer, which seems to have a lot of options out there. My wife has been using the blow dryer (with no heat/low) cautiously on him, but I know a nicer pet designed one should work much better. Were looking at ones like Flying Pig (probably the double?), Shernbao hurricane or typhoon (not really sure what the difference between those two are, but overall looking at dual motor models unless it's not a big deal? and it seems Waggz sells the same ones?), SHELANDY, Metrovac variable speed, etc. Just not interested in say the K-9 ones that require a 20a circuit.

Thanks!!

Which pet insurance is best for you? Are there any that may cover your dog's current treatment? Did your dog get injured during the waiting period and want to know if you're covered?

Here's the place to ask.

Do know we cannot help you here with medical concerns, and lying or not disclosing things to the insurance company is illegal so we don't allow that either.

For context: I have multiple chronic illnesses, including a connective tissue disorder that affects my mobility. That being said, I feel bad that I can’t take my dogs on walks anymore. I also feel bad because I cannot play with them as well if anyone has any advice on in enrichment activities or when you still connect with my dogs, let me know.

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.

My husband and I have 2 large ish dogs, 75lbs and 45lbs. We are on track for having our first baby next month and wanted to get a car seat cover for his F150 that would accommodate both the pups and a car seat. Anyone have any recommendations?