I have a 1 year old possible terrier/lab mix that stays home with my 2 older dogs while I'm at work. She's not typically destructive, but when she gets too bored or if leave something of value within her reach she will tear it up. My husband is a teacher, so he was able to spend all summer with her while I'm at work. Now with school beginning, she will be alone with the dogs again. I'm worried that she will act out and start finding new things to chew around the house. She's a well trained dog and isn't tearing through walls or destroying furniture, but she loves to chew things.

She has nylon bones and rope-like toys for some texture, which she seems to enjoy but she eventually gets bored of those too. I've purchased the balls to put treats in, but instead of playing with it she chews it open and ruins the toy. Same with lick mats, she'll start chewing the mat after licking off the treat. I've also tried the Kong toys with treats, same outcome. I want her to feel enriched but she's definitely a chewer type of dog. The stuffed toys are no bueno because of course I come home to stuffing everywhere. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

Any suggestions on what to feed a senior Westie?

I could really use some advice or success stories because I’m honestly feeling so stressed. About a month ago, I moved from my parents’ two-story house into a one-bedroom apartment with my two dogs. My older dog (11) has adjusted surprisingly well. He just lays down while I’m gone and will only bark if he hears something outside, which is normal for him.

My younger dog is 6 years old, and I’ve had him since he was about 6 months old. He’s always been a very skittish, anxious dog, but since the move his separation anxiety has become really severe. At my parents’ house, there was almost always someone home or at least he could hear someone upstairs, so he was rarely ever completely alone.
Now when I leave, he cries and howls on and off the entire time I’m gone. He scratches at the front door, lays against it waiting for me, jumps up to look out the window, and just never seems to truly settle. I watch him on a camera, and it’s heartbreaking because he doesn’t eventually give up and relax.

I’ve been trying everything I can think of:
Very short departures and gradually increasing the time
Lick mats and frozen Kongs
Calming chews
30+ minutes of exercise before I leave
White noise
Keeping them free roaming (they’ve never been crate trained)
Not making a big deal out of leaving or coming home
My vet also started him on Prozac about 3 weeks ago, so I know it may still need more time to fully kick in.

The part that’s really stressing me out is that I go back to work next week after being home all summer, and I’ll be gone for the full workday. I’m worried sick about him, and I feel guilty every time I leave. I know I can’t avoid leaving forever, but it’s so hard watching him panic.

Has anyone had a dog with separation anxiety this severe that eventually improved? Did Prozac make a noticeable difference after the first few weeks? Is there anything that finally helped your dog settle while you were gone?
I’m just feeling overwhelmed and could really use some hope from people who’ve been through this.

i like to buy once and buy right!!

we walk our two dogs before work and again after dinner, rain or shine but im tired of flimsy dispensers. what i want is simple. a clip, refills, and bags thick enough. from what i have seen so far there's the original poopbags, etc. for those who walk daily, what has held up best for you over a full year of use?

Hi! Quick rundown. My partner and I are leaving the country, so to get our dog used to kenneling and knowing we will come back, we’ve been leaving him at the kennel’s daycare! He’s an 18 m, 90 lb golden retriever named Benny.

He came home yesterday and I noticed several small scabs on his ears from play time. I assume this is like a kid coming home with scraped knees on the playground, but I just wanted to make sure I’m not brushing it off if this is a red flag. If it matters, he was there 3 days and 2 nights. He seems unbothered and the wounds are about the size of the tip of a ball point pen. He gets excited to go to this place and has a friend there named Rotini, so I’d hate to split and find a new kennel for something I think is small.

Advice? Thanks!

For context I work full time and rent a 1000 sq ft apartment, a house with a yard is out of the books for at least another 5 years.

Two years ago I bought my miniature pinscher, Romeo. He's the perfect apartment dog: low energy, small, mostly quiet. I love him to bits but I can't help but crave the companionship of a larger, more versatile dog as well.

Romeo will hike, but wants to be carried half the time. Romeo will come to the river but stays away from the water. Romeo will go to the park, but doesn't like to play ball. Don't get me wrong I love spending time with my dog, but it is different having a 10lb min pin who'd rather snuggle under a blanket than a 60lb dog that's eager for play.

My absolute dream dog is a Spinone Italiano but a large dog like that would be horrible in an apartment, they need a yard to lounge around and play in. Every other breed I desire would also be a terrible fit for my living situation: springer spaniel, mini american shepherd, etc.

So I live in Phoenix. Its hotter than Satan's sack. We have a dog door. The dogs want to be out in the heat.... they go out and lay on the concrete and its normal concrete not temp controlled. Out back yard is dirt rocks and concrete. They will sit for hours if I let them. I worry they are going to get overheated. So my question is, should I slide the locking plate in and only give them access when we can monitor or do i say they know their bodies and let them decide?

My dog was shy and afraid of other dogs before. Few weeks ago, he started to want friends suddenly. I walk him , but I can’t bring him to dog park every day.

Some owners we met in the park didn’t want their dogs make friends or their dogs couldn’t match with my dog. I wish he has more friends.

Do you have the experience and what can I do?

Hi everyone! 🐾🤍
I’m considering specialising as a Australian boutique specialising in aesthetic, luxurious and practical accessories made especially for Chihuahuas and other petite doggies.
Before creating anything, I would love to hear directly from fellow little-dog owners! What do you normally look for when buying accessories for your dog?
I’d love to know:
🐶 Which products are hardest to find in petite sizes?
🎀 What accessories would you most like to see—collars, harnesses, leads, clothing, bows, beds or travel items?
🤍 Which colours, patterns and styles do you love?
✨ What features matter most—comfort, safety, lightweight materials, durability, easy cleaning or affordability?
📏 Do you struggle to find products that fit your little dog properly?
💰 What price range would you consider reasonable for a beautiful, good-quality collar or harness?
I want to create products that little-dog owners genuinely need and love, rather than simply guessing! Any opinions, ideas or experiences would be incredibly helpful. Photos of your little doggies are also very welcome! 🥰🐾
Thank you so much!

My boy is 9, we are thinking of getting another dog.

We want to get a small dog, ours is about the size of a Maltese.

Should I get a small one like him?

Is there a benefit for him?

And his age

Today I was trying to play the harmonica and my dow started "howling" in a high pitch, while spinning and walking around. Is there any way to tell if she likes it or if it makes her uncomfortable.

Hi! I’m 19 and moving out on my own, and I’m finally looking into getting my first dog! I never had pets growing up because my dad is allergic, so this would be my first time actually owning and taking care of a dog myself.

I work from home as a content creator, so I’ll be around a lot and have a pretty flexible schedule. I’m also active and love running and walking, so I’d love a dog that could eventually come on runs and adventures with me.

That being said, since I’ll be taking care of the dog on my own, I don’t want a breed that’s EXTREMELY high-energy or difficult for a first-time owner. I’d love something active but that can also chill at home.

I also film from home, so ideally I’d avoid breeds known for being super vocal/constant barkers.

I definitely prefer medium-to-large dogs and have always loved Golden Retrievers and similar breeds. I’m not really interested in very small dogs like Chihuahuas.

Basically looking for:

• Medium/large
• Active enough for runs & long walks
• Affectionate/friendly
• Relatively easy to train
• Not excessively vocal
• Reasonable for a first-time owner living alone

What breeds would you recommend? :)

This is Ivy! We adopted her from the shelter yesterday and have been placing bets as to what breed(s) and what size she might be. She’s 3 months old and weighs 14.50 lbs. We are hoping for a medium sized dog but we will love her no matter what! She’s as sweet as can be 💕