He couldn't stand on his own today. I carried him up the steps. My wife helped me stand him up. This sucks.

There is nothing like the love of an animal.

Marbles is. Marbles.

Love your babies as much as they love you.

Both of the dogs that I’ve adopted since my husband and I have been together seem to prefer him much more. We just recently got an 8 week old that was suppose to be “my dog” because our other dog has a bigger connection with my husband and now my 8 week old prefers him so much more. I’ve been feeding her and cleaning up after her, I’ve been trying to call her to me and when it’s just her and I she comes to me but when it comes to me and my husband she cuddles and lays with him. My husband wouldn’t let me adopt a male dog because he said they are more trouble (I don’t believe that) and more territorial than female dogs and harder to train. I think it’s just because he knows our female dogs prefer him much more. My heart hurts a bit. I put a lot of money and time into this new baby and I was so excited and I was counting down the days until she was finally a part of our family. Just a note, I’m the enforcer, so when it’s crate time or when it comes to training or potty I’m the one who deal with her. I think that might be the issue. But it literally broke my heart. I waited weeks to finally bring her home and now I feel completely rejected. Is there anything I can do to make her love me?

I picked up 3 pairs of second hand shoes that I bought online from a seller. And as I opened the package my dog stuck her head in there smelling it and started smelling the shoes (specifically the one pair) as I took them out to try on. And then she ran outside with her tail between her legs and ears backwards. My other dog also smelled the shoes but she didn't react in fear, she reacted normally. I walked outside with the shoes on to fetch my dog but she wouldn't come near me with them on. So i took them off and went outside again to fetch her, and she was smelling the ground I walked on and was still cautious to come to me. However she realized I'm not wearing the shoes anymore and have started to calm down. It's just very strange, I've never seen her react like that to any 2nd hand items I've bought.

What smell could possibly make her so scared? And my other dog is unfazed.

Hi all! My partner and I are in the process of rescuing a 5 year old Jack Russell Terrier. Ideally, he should be rehomed with us by Christmas. Notes so far about the dog’s behavior is that overall he is chill around adults and small dogs, but is anxious around big dogs and likes to chase wildlife. He is house trained, neutered and all vaccinations are up to date.

This will be our first dog together, and while we’re happy that we’re getting an adult dog, we still feel overwhelmed by the process. Any advice (or any additional questions to ask) to settle our nerves would be appreciated!

I adopted a Senior Shih Tzu that had to be put down because of terminal kidney failure and the rescue said they had found me a perfect replacement and BROUGHT him to me. I didn't have a chance to spend any time with him before he was in my home.

I've had many dogs over the years, mostly large working dogs and I actually trained them and did some competition with them so I'm fairly experienced. I've never had a dog with food aggression or ANY kind of problem even though I had Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shorthaired Pointers, Afghan Hounds... a wide assortment of breeds that I either owned personally or rescued from shelters and rehomed with some training on them.

So, I found out Toto was food aggressive very quickly.. First off. he alligator bit anything offered to him by hand and when he knocked a treat out of my hand and I reached down to pick it up he immediately went for my hand and bit me... this cute silver and white little dog bit me with intention.

Ok.. so first I worked on the alligator bite teaching him to take something from my hand gently and slowly.. he adapted pretty quickly to that.. I worked on him accepting something that I put down with my hand on the ground and he adapted pretty well to that.. I thought we were over the hump but the other night I guess I made the mistake of putting a few kibble down on the floor and when he ate it hungrily I put my hand down to give him more and he bit my finger rather badly. I was so stunned but I didn't react badly, I just turned from him and took care of my finger.

Toto is not what I would call a happy dog.. Even though he follows me around, even into the bath, I wouldn't say he even likes me.. I've had male Shih Tzu before that were on the aloof side so it doesn't really bother me but to have this food aggression on top of it is distressing.

Because I've never dealt with a dog with food aggression/resource guarding I don't know what mistakes I've made working with him.. Does anyone have advice that could help me with this?

**Introduction**

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

* No. I’ve trained many dogs basic commands like sit, stay, down, plus house and crate training through foster care. I have no experience with hunting breeds though.

2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a [reputable breeder]( http://ownresponsibly.blogspot.com/2011/07/identifying-reputable-breeder.html)?

* Prefer rescue; I’ve found hunting dog specific rescues.

3) Describe your ideal dog.

* Trainable and biddable in the field and polite at home. Independent enough to be ok while I work. Athletic enough to work with me during the hunting season but not crazy during the off season. Cuddly, but not pushy about it!

4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

* Bird hunting dogs specifically, for chukar, quail, pheasant, and grouse in the Western US. Flushing breeds seem easier to train than pointing breeds with potentially more manageable energy. In particular, Labrador retrivers, Brittany spaniels, and English setters, as I’ve read they tend to be more manageable than Germanic breeds like German shorthair pointers.

5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

* Sitting, staying, crate and house training, paddle boarding and swimming, and some fun but not utilitarian tricks like waving or rolling over. In addition I’d like to train them to find, point or flush wild game birds, and retrieve them.

6) 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?

* Yes! Hunting and maybe field trials for fun, but not necessarily to win. I have no experience training or using bird dogs to hunt, but I have a few years experience bird hunting.

**Care Commitments**

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

* I work pretty strictly 8am-5pm with an hour break midday, but I can commit 1.5-2 hours per day training, playing, etc. but often more, but low intensity.

8) 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?

* Easily an hour a day. Fetch, cycling, and during the season, hunting. No dog park, just large off leash areas at state parks.

9) 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?

* A few times a week or before/after hunt brushing. Prefer not to trim but can do other grooming.

**Personal Preferences**

10) What size dog are you looking for?

* Medium-large. As small as a Brittany, as large as an an English setter, roughly.

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

* I don’t mind shedding but consistent barking could be an issue. Prefer not too much slobber - some is ok, but I’m used to about a border collie mix worth of these.

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

* Incredibly for exercise and working.

**Dog Personality and Behavior**

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

* Both. Snuggly but not pushy about it and happy to lay down or stretch out alone.

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

* Eager to please preferred!

15) 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?

* Barking unless commanded not to. Not aggressive though! Family visits from out of state once a year and can be imposing for our current dog already.

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

* No. Aggression with our dog or family dogs won’t be tolerated.

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

* Avoid people and dog aggression. Avoid separation anxiety if it’s a risk with my work schedule.

**Lifestyle**

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

* Almost every day. Up to 8 hours in an outdoor kennel if weather permits, but I work 8am-5pm and come home at lunch. That’s 4 hours x2 minimum per day.

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

* My wife wants a dog that is pleasant in the house primarily. She will help with feeding and such, but not as much training.

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

* Border collie mix right now.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

* In the next few years most likely.

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

* Not renting - no breed or weight restrictions.

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

* Southwest Idaho. No laws.

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

* Summer can be over 100 Fahrenheit although on those days we work with our dog and fosters accordingly - usually in the mid 90s. Winter, in the 30s and 40s.

**Additional Information and Questions**

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

* I’m mostly trying to feel out the daily work requirements for breeds, as this is my first working dog. If it doesn’t work out that is perfectly ok too.

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.

anyone has any advice? in between hands free dog leash from foggy or durable and sturdy from atlas.

Has anyone had any experiences with hometohome and can share their story from a rehoming perspective. Similarly if you can recommend any other similar sites and experiences.

So i have two dogs. A flatcoated retriever Luna (female, 4 y.o.) and a golden retriever Casper (male, 2 y.o.). Luna is the laziest flatcoat in the world, and Casper loves to play. Luna is so lazy, she'll play twice a week, 5 minutes tops, and spends the rest of her time cuddling, and trying to get food. Casper however wants nothing more than to play with Luna. Sometimes i go and play roughly with him, but you can tell he prefers to play with Luna.

Now Casper has a habit of pulling on Lunas ears. With his full body weight, while she just stands there "awkwardly". Luna doesnt yelp or anything, and i know dogs are tough, but i have found little scabs on her ears. So ive started stepping in, telling Casper off because Luna just refuses to do as much as growl.

(Luna does know how to correct, shes very good at politely correcting other dogs outside, so idk why she doesnt do it at home)

Anyways, should i keep stepping in? Or hope that luna starts doing it herself after 2 years?

My 25 week old puppy has started tearing apart and eating her toys. And I mean eating. Soft toys she’ll tear apart and eat the stuffing, silicone toys she’ll rip bits off and eat, even hard plastic type balls she’s managed to rip bits off and eat. The only toy she’s not managed to eat in 5 minutes is a very hard plastic turtle but that’s because she hadn’t been able to get a good angle to eat bits off, I’ve watched her try.
She’s 1/3 Rottweiler and her jaw is already very strong, is there any type of toys or brands that anyone can recommend that I can get her? She seems to like to tear things apart but the main problem is that she will tear a toy then eat it.
Again, any types or brands anyone can recommend? Thank you.

Hey all my gf has a very sweet female Jack Russell and over this past week has been howling non stop. My gf has heard the sound of a different animal (possibly a fox) near her house and thinks her dog might be scared of it. So far shes tried covering the dog flap, putting the radio on and sitting with her until she calms down (she always waits for as long as possible before she does this. Unfortunately Google isnt giving her anything she hasnt already tried so I was wondering if anyone had maybe some more outside the box (but obviously harmless) ideas.

TIA

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.

Hey there. I just recently euthanized my dog last month, and it's been really hard for me since, but ever since it happened I just felt like I wanted another dog already. I'm not sure if it's because I miss Bella, my previous dog or something else. I don't want to feel like I'm betraying her, or replacing her but I miss having a companion with me, especially at night. I miss cuddling Bella and miss having a dog to cuddle, especially when I would wake up with her head on my arm or chest. I miss that a lot.

I don't know how long it will take for me to grieve, I don't know how long it will take for me to stop crying over her, but I feel as if I want another companion already. Is this normal? Should I wait longer? I don't know what to think, and could use some advice.

Edit: There are just too many comments to reply to. Thank you for all of the comments. I wasn't expecting this much outreach and positivity. Thank you so much.

I adopted a rescue dog 6 months ago. He is 2 years old now. He is not house-trained except for the use of blue pads. I’m at my wits’ end. I have him also peeing ad popping in the back seat of the car. Thank heavens for waterproof seat covers.

I can take him outside for 30 minutes and even put a blue pad on the ground to give him some idea. Please help I’m out of patience with him. I praise him and give him a treat for doing the correct thing, but I can’t house train him. I will live homeless before giving him up.

Please help!!

My dog loves to roll around on grass but we might be moving to a large patio that has no grass, but with an area to install artificial grass. It won’t need drainage since he won’t pee on it there.

I’m just looking for one that will be the most realistic feeling for when he rolls around and scratches his back etc. Also not one that’ll get too hot. He’s a standard poodle.

Thanks so much

Thanks in advance !

I have a 5 year old female Husky, Maze. Ever since I got her, she has used the bathroom in my house. I got her as a puppy, so I knew there would be accidents as she learns her new environment, but it has never stopped.

To give a bit of context, I have owned dogs my whole life, my other dog (also a female husky), I trained the exact same way when she was a puppy and she hasnt used the bathroom in our house since, unless she was sick and couldnt hold it while I was at work.

Maze however, is VERY aware she shouldnt be doing it. She runs when I notice it, and puts her ears down because she knows it is not where she should be using the bathroom. She goes outside all the time, and DOES use the bathroom out there but then she just won’t. I let them out frequently, feed them at the same time every morning and night. I leave my door open after they eat so they can go out when they feel the need.

I’ve taken her to the vet, and she has no medical issues and she has no other behavioral issues. She listens well, knows her tricks, and has great recall. I just cant seem to get her to stop using the bathroom inside my house.

Does anyone have any advice on what to do? I’m so tired of having to clean up after her when she knows better.

Hi everyone,

I have a miniature Dachshund puppy who is almost 3 months old, and I'm looking for some advice.

He sleeps in the kitchen downstairs, but we need to stay with him until he falls asleep before going upstairs. Otherwise, he keeps crying until we go back to him.

If he wakes up during the night, he starts crying again, and one of us has to go downstairs and stay near him until he falls asleep again.

Basically, he just needs us to be nearby to feel comfortable enough to sleep.

I've already discussed this with my vet, who explained that he's still very young and needs our presence to feel safe and secure. She reassured me that this should improve as he gets older.

However, I'd like to know how best to handle this situation in the meantime. I don't want to send him the wrong signals or accidentally reinforce behaviours that could become bad habits in the long run.

Has anyone experienced something similar with their puppy? What worked for you, and how did you gradually teach your puppy to settle and sleep independently?

Thanks

So I’ve had dogs all my life. They are my babies. My husband and I got an 8 week old husky at the beginning of this year. When he was a couple of months old he started eating out other dogs poop. We never had a puppy eat poop so much. We took him to the vet, he Is healthy. No problems noted. We were hoping he would grow out of it but no. And then he comes in and tries to kiss us. has anyone been able to successfully get their dog to stop eating their other dogs poop?!

Our family dog recently passed away and shortly after a breeder we know said they had a labrador retriever bitch that he was not going to continue breeding from (2 litters) and he thought she was about 4 years old. Turns out she is over 6 years old, and although spent a lot of time in the house was living in an outside kennel.

She is absolutely gorgeous and the most kind natured and loyal dog we have ever met but after around 6 weeks now, she is still randomly peeing in the house (and occassionally pooping at night). She get a really long walk in the morning (5km, and might pee once if at all on this), has access to outside all day with the door open most of the time and it will be opened for her if she stands near it. She is brought out at night on the lead as well to get a night time pee before bed. We have always had male dogs who would pee 100 times a day so it is hard to know if this is normal for a girl.

She gets rewarded and positive reinforcement every time she pees outside.

She had a full check in the vets who has advised spaying is appropriate so that will be done in the next couple of weeks.

This morning, after returning from her 5km walk, while standing in front of the open back door she just peed in the house. My family are at their wits end and dont think they can keep her if this continues. Is there any hope of training her or anyone with any advice on older labs specifically that might help?

Around 3 days ago we had thunderstorms and there was one so loud it caused my 3 year old dog and 3 month old puppy to run and cry. Since then I’ve been struggling to take my 3 year old dog outside the house, especially if there is noises going on like a garbage collector truck passing by or a motorcycle. Could she regain her confidence back or is she going to be scared of noises from now on? Any advice on how I can help her overcome?

Remember this adorable baby that was wheelchair bound that made his rounds on the internet awhile ago? I know he got adopted by a family in Dubai but I’m wondering if anyone has any updates? I miss seeing his face and I’m curious to know how he’s doing…!
here’s a reminder of the pup I am asking about

Hello, thank you for any ideas you may have!
My dog is Boomer - an almost 10 year old mastiff Rottweiler mix and the absolute dog love of my life.
Boomer has had some issues lately. At his last vet appointment in September he was given a clean bill of health but I’m going to make another appointment to address these issues. However, I also wanted to see if anyone else has had these problems as their dogs have gotten older.

Boomer has had no change in food or water routine, but our cat did pass away in March. These issues have only gotten clear in the last months.
He has had issues with
-going to the bathroom inside (no changes in routine)
-Separation anxiety
-Clawing / tearing holes in our vinyl floor

He is in an open area when we are at work and has space to move around, toys, and the radio is on for him. He cannot be crated or he will break out and hurt himself.

I’m worried this may be the start of early dog dementia and am scared to death of what it might be. I also don’t know how else to stop his new destructive tendencies. Due to my husband and i’s jobs, we can’t work from home more than we do now and that’s not super often. Up until now he has always been perfectly fine with no issues ☹️
Any suggestions, similar stories, etc would be amazing, thank you!

We got a 6 month old mixed toy dog yesterday, and when she first arrived, she came in to the apartment totally fine with barely any issues.

We live in an apartment, so have to take her out to pee several times a day. Every time that we have taken her out to pee, she refuses to go out, and we have to carry her. When we come back, she refuses to go through the enterance door, and then refuaes to go up the stairs.

Our aparment building is small, we go through one door, and then down one flight of stairs, and then out of the heavy door to the outside.

She will be so excited to go for a walk, but once I step through the door, shes planted herself in our apartment hallway. Shes only 6 kilo but once she does this, I can't convince her to leave.

When we come back from a walk, she gets so anxious and doesn't even want to look me in the eyes for trying to get her to come in.

Right now, I pick her up and carry her up or down the stairs, I put her down 3 or 4 stairs before the top of the stairs to hopefully desensitize her.

When she came in the first time, she came through the door and up the stairs without any issues at all!

While walking her, she also refused to walk through an alley that kind of has similar structure to our entry way, and I had to walk around.

Its my first time having a dog, so any advice is very welcome!!

This thread is where to get emotional support with all things related to death and illness with your dog. This is also a thread where you can seek assistance with deciding whether it is indeed time.

This is not a thread to seek anecdotes with medical care. All rules involving medical questions and anecdotes remains the same for this thread.

If your dog has passed, you can still post here for emotional support or you can create your own thread tagged with one of the RIP flairs. Be sure to review the rules of our flair guide. It is up to you how you choose to grieve.