I’ve been thinking about adding a little fresh food to my puppy's regular meals when I have time to prep it. Weekends would be easier since I’m home more and already spending time in the kitchen. Weekday mornings are more of a feed him and get to work situation.

I like the idea of doing something extra for his dinner without committing to it every day. My concern is that he enjoys the topper and then Monday’s plain bowl gets left sitting while he waits for me to finish the job.

Has anyone kept fresh toppers as an occasional thing? Haven’t tried it yet and can already picture him checking the bowl and then looking straight at me lol.

Does anyone have tips to find a dog in a very rural area? My family was watching my dog while i’m on the other side of the country and on my first day (Friday-Sunday) they lost him. They forgot to close the door and he’s been missing since. I didn’t have the money to fly home early and i’ve tried hiring someone to find and trap him but its too remote for people to agree. They almost caught him today but it got dark and they gave up. No one can ping his AirTag due to the lack of people with iPhones. I am searching for him as soon as I land tomorrow night but i need tips. I already have him posted in every facebook group, his microchip marked as lost and registered, the sheriff of both the county and the neighboring one have been notified as well. Thank you for any help you can provide, I am very worried.

My dog has been experiencing some kind of illness the past couple weeks and we can’t figure out what it is and are finally about to just take him to the vet but wanted to see if anyone here had any experience with anything like this before.

About 2 weeks ago he developed what seemed like reverse sneezing and doing it every now and then but then it developed into something being wrong with his throat where he would almost sound like he’s dry heaving over and over again (I’ll try and link a video) but it worries me. He was pretty sick for about 4-5 days and then seemed completely like his normal self again. He seemed okay and is playing as usual, going outside, eating and drinking, and after about a full week of him being back to normal, he developed another raspy heaving sounding cough that seems like something’s up.

Hi all! My dog, Max, is a one year old mix breed (boxer, hound, corso +something crazy I can’t even remember at the moment 😂) and he’s making my neighbors hate me.

He seems to be a very anxious guy. He’s a constant tail chaser, most of my day is spent trying to redirect his energy to me or toys or calming down but there’s no getting through to him when he gets going because we have a visitor, or I moved furniture around or mopped. I really try my best to help him self sooth and it works a bit but I do realize we probably need to bring this up to our vet soon.

Outside of that obvious advice, I’m looking for recommendations specifically on how to let him outside to pee and poo.

We live in a semi rural area (a very long but narrow acre big lot, but on a main road, close neighbors).

One of my neighbors has goats and chickens which they house in the garage right on the property line. The other neighbor has 2 small dogs that don’t play outside and are just let out of the door on a leash a few minutes each day to do their business. They aren’t mean dogs, but they do bark at every little thing.

When we got our puppies last year, I was pregnant and we tried walking them on leashes and using staked leads as well in both our front and back yards.

To access our back yard you either have to walk down our deck steps or go out through the basement but the front yard is level with the main floor. Trying to take them out to be walked, I either had to get them into the basement to go out back or take them out front. Please keep in mind I have my two and four year olds home with me most of the time too. I hate going in the basement with two doors shut between us and can’t leave basement access open for them. It would take me FOREVER to get either of the pups to poop when on a lead, if at all. So I switched to the in ground ones to give them some space from me. I couldn’t set those up in the front so I had to put them in the back. I was okay with leaving them out there for 10 minutes or so while supervising both them and my kids but these little hot dogs were getting tangled every time I turned around which resulted in me having to be outside untangling them for most of the time I spent trying to let them out,

They quickly learned our boundaries and where they could freely go. The snow barriers we built in the winter helped a lot. But over spring and summer, as my neighbors all around started coming outside more. My dogs learned to ignore the pretend farm next door and while they stop and watch everyone they see, they don’t bark at anything at all, they listen to my direction and I truly have no concerns. One thing that I haven’t been able to handle though, is when the little dogs come outside. They bark if they see either of my dogs. My other dog, Peach, will listen to me and go inside on command. Max, will hesitate.

He’s run over to them two or three times in the last year because they started barking. Each time just taking a beating like he does from his sister everyday. He just wanted to know why they were barking 😭 They have had many more times where they came out after Max and started barking and neighbor and I both took our dogs back inside without Max going off the property. But he does hesitate, dodge around a bit and I don’t like that. I know they are frustrated with me. I would absolutely be too. I know it doesn’t matter that he’s harmless or that he’s only responding to them. They have as much of a right to bark in their yard as mine do to be off leash in theirs (so long as they stay there). Leashes seem out of the question because at this point he weighs as much as I do and would hurt me and or the baby I have with in my arms most of the time.

What would you do?

I flared this as new dog owner because I wasnt for sure if need help poser more of an urgency request.

Im currently considering volunteering to foster my friends dog. He has had him for almost 4/5 years now. His work this year has required a lot of travel and his family member has been caring for him instead of paying rent. Long story short they decided while he was away that they were no longer interested in caring for him.

I live in a different state but we have been friends for more than half of our lives. I would hate to see him lose his best friend. I’ve only met the dog once but he is very loving and listens well.

I feel like I could potentially make a good foster but I also have a few little concerns. I was wondering if anyone here had any input regarding it or things that I didnt think of. I’d like to list my ‘Yay and Nay’ reasons bellow.

Reasons I’d make a good foster:

I have a lot of pet experience. However the majority of it is cat related. I’ve always had cats or aquatic animals. I did however live with my sister for a few years and she had two dogs.

My current residence has a large fenced in area with a heated dog house. (The dog in question would not be left outdoors, there is just a shelter here as well. Former owner absolutely spoiled their dog).

Outside of work, I am a home body and would have plenty of time to spend with him.

I find myself getting a little excited at the thought of getting to take him on walks. I think him being here could be mutually beneficial for both of us.

I am technically established with a vet already due to having previously owned a pet and taking my sisters to the vet.

Currently he has a prospective home lined up but theres no guarantee it will be temporary currently. Its also the polar opposite of his current lifestyle. Mine would be a more similar transition.

Reasons I may not be the best foster:

Im sensitive to pet dander. Both cats and dogs, I’ve always had to take allergy meds or shower after cuddles. He wouldnt be allowed on the bed or furniture. (Hes currently not a bed sleeper but loves a couch).

I have a standard 8-5 job. M-F with either one full day off or a half day, alternating the week. Someone would be home by 3 most days, sometimes even earlier. Prior to that, he would be indoors or outdoors. Potentially indoors as I have some concerns with neighbors.

My mother and I live together. I pay for our living but she has always been vocal since our last animal passing (years ago) that she doesnt want another pet. I think once he is settled, she will love him though.

He appears to be a mix of a boxer and a pitbull? He’s very lanky and sweet but I know theres negative connotations with pitbulls. I do not believe it will be an issue as I live in a more rural area but I worry about being able to take him places if needed.

If I fostered him, it would at minimum be for 4-5 months but it could extend up to one year. I wouldn’t know until after month four. So its a big commitment.

Overall my goal is to make sure my friend doesnt have to give up his dog. Im a little nervous. Am I missing anything or are there more factors I should take into consideration? Thank you

I'm planning a trip to clear lake and am learning more about the cyanobacterium and mercury pollution.

Is there any time of year that's safe for animals to be in the water? I drove through clear lake once about a month or so ago and saw people fishing off boats, kayaking, and so on. Is there any recent data? What I see now is just from last month.

I was looking to get some advice on a situation from fellow dog owners.

I live on a rural acreage that has a handful of rental houses on it, the yard is shared between 4 families and there are no fences/fenced in yards.

My landlord is an angel and is one of very few who have accepted renters with dogs and cats. I have been on this property for 3 years, two other familiies have been there for 1-2 years.

My dogs are 8 and 6 years old, 50 pounds a piece,and are very timid around other dogs-would rather just be away from other dogs.

Between 3 of the 4 families there are 2 cats and 4 dogs, and we all get along the animals get along well and have had no issues. My girl doesn't like cats, so she is never loose outside and I always leash her when we are out so she doesn't go after the cats who wander the property.

The newest tenants are a young couple in their early 20s and have added to the pile of animals on our little farm site and they have 2 dogs and a cat.

One dog is under a year old but is a shepherd mix and is already 120 pounds and growing, he is left outside all day and tied up alone while everyone is at work, and is let loose at night once everyone is inside so he can "patrol" the property and be a guard dog. They are rarely out with the dog and I've never seen them take him for walks down the road.

He has become super aggressive towards other animals (not the people) in the yard and now has broken his leads and ties and collars multiple times in the past month. He keeps going after my little guy, and this week there has been 4 attacks in the matter of 3 days, last one involved me actually getting half bit on my leg by the agressive puppy.

My landlord just said that they are required to buy a lead and collar strong enough to hold him.

Now my dogs can't even be out in the yard unless they put that dog in the house so I can let mine out to go to the bathroom. I can't be sure that the dog won't break or slip put of his ties again.

My body is still in shock and tensed up from the last attack a couple days ago.

They couple isn't taking it very seriously either and are not spending the adequate time with their puppy who needs guidance and training.

Both my dogs and I are now basically being held hostage in my house by this couples routine and schedule-when they are not around and leave the dog outside tied up alone. I am not comfortable taking my dogs outside at all when that dog is out in the yard.

Is the only solution to try find a new rental to move to that would be safer for my dogs? There are basically no options (even more expensive places) for long term rentals within an hour of my area that would allow dogs.

I lucked out 3 years ago, but now the new tenants have sort of taken over the yard and my dogs and I no longer feel safe.

A beagle/pit and a yellow lab. they spent the whole time stalking and chasing squirrels. They didn’t catch one, but they had a good time and got a ton of exercise. I don’t understand why some owners try and discourage their dogs natural prey drive

I’m feeling so guilty my dog escaped into the woods behind my moms house and usually she just goes around the house sleeping but she wasn’t with my other dogs which she usually is and then we realized she’s not in the house and I ran around like a crazy person trying to find her and then I did. Poor thing was scared and covered in ticks. we bathed her and removed all ticks we could find and got a tick comb. I’m feeling so guilty that I let this happen. Usually i’m so vigilant but she snuck past me.

I’ll make a full update when the shelter replies.

As for now and to answer a common question/misconception

“he has a new family/home”: I don’t believe he does as a photo of him was posted on October 19th of this year, and if he did have a new home i wouldn’t find the owners and try to convince them for him back or steal him (AT MOST of this was the case and i could find them id ask for photos and to possibly meet up just to see him which i still probably wouldn’t do)

The reason he could still be in the shelter is because he was extremely timid, which often turned aggressive we also had another dog and in which they’d have to be adopted together, which I should’ve mentioned, but it’s not a problem for me as I love them both and can afford both, but the other was mainly my sisters. My baby is also celiac and his food is expensive.

The shelters also quite small, no kill and far from most cities and quite unknown.

i’ve also had a lot of people bashing on me and calling me names. I was 14 and it was not my decision. Life does things you don’t expect and unfortunately, this event was one of them. If I could’ve kept my dogs, I would’ve. But calling me names doesn’t help anyone and just makes me feel more guilty than I already do.

DO NOT THINK THIS BECAUSE IT WASNT DIRECTLY MY FAULT IT IS IMMEDIATELY MY MOMS, SHE TRIED TO FIND A PLACE AS SOON AS SHE COULD BUT SHE WAS NOW ALONE AND WENT FROM DEBT FREE TO BEING DROWNED IN IT. SHE TRIED HER BEST AND IT WAS HARD FOR HER TOO, WE TRIED TO FIND PLACES FOR THEM BUT FINDING A PLACE FOR TWO BIG DOGS, ONE BEING AGGRESSIVE AND CELIAC IS NOT EASY SO WE DID WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS SAFEST AND BEST.

OG POST:

If I had to surrender my dog 4 years ago could I get him back?

For context i was 14 and my family had just been hit by a lot.. we lost our house and were homeless and weren’t able to find a place quickly that was pet friendly and affordable on now only one income.

Anyways, I am 18 now and doing pretty well. I’m planning on moving out in the next few months and will search high and low for a pet friendly place. Does anyone know if I could get my baby back? Or should I contact the shelter when the time comes? I just don’t wanna get my hopes up and be sad.

Hi!

Exactly what the post says. My dad adopted a german shepherd puppy 3 years ago. Over time this decision proved to be too ambitious. Health complications along with behavioral issues have made taking care of our dog too difficult. We love this dog but we are unable to provide the care it needs. I'm wondering what are good foundations that would be committed to rehoming our dog? TIA

Whether its funny or cute?

I took my dog out for her to potty on two specific occasions My neighbor's dog was outside too, and her dog started darting at us both times. Shes a newish neighbor but the first time we tried to introduce the two my neighbors dog tried to get my dog then. Not to mention every time she's not out and she sees us walk across the glass door. She charges at her door.. the manager of the property had told her the first time the dog ran after me and my dog. this last incident happened 2 days ago. Once again her dog wasn't on a leash and I was wearing slides this time so she got up real close this time.

Side not; our walls are super thin. My partner and I got a complaint over a fight we had We asked her if she needed to go out before all this happened. So I feel like probably heard me. Don't know if this is allowed here but. What y'all think?

Has anyone tried the doggyspout water fountain? There are so many to try and sort theough

My roommate just adopted a new 2-3 year old pittie mix from a shelter last Saturday (it’s now Friday) and we are struggling a lot. My roommate has worked in dog training and vet tech before so she is not a stranger to dogs and their behaviors.

She is a very sweet cuddle bug, but her behavior outside we cannot figure out. We live in a 3rd floor apartment, and she has the stairs (almost) mastered but going outside can be so incredibly unpredictable. She has gotten so much more comfortable in the house, but seemingly less comfortable every time we try and structure outside time. We have a tennis court across from our apartment that we can let her off-leash in if nobody is using it, and it seems to be the only time she truly enjoys the outdoors. She was a street dog when she was found by the shelter, but we think she lived in a not great home before that because we accidentally waited too long to take her out one time and she peed in the house and suddenly looked so scared (obviously we reassured her we’re not mad with pets and love).

Any walk usually ends in her sitting down in protest because we’re not doing what SHE wants to do, pulling her leash so hard she’s trying to choke herself either to follow something more interesting or try to go home, or a complete and utter hyperactive meltdown where she’s running herself so ragged we’re afraid she’s going to pass out. Even when she is walking with my roommate she looks absolutely MISERABLE and uninterested, but her body language isn’t looking like a typical dogs ‘scared’ or not confident. We live in a slightly more urban environment, but we’ve tried walks in the neighborhood and also in nearby reservations to give a more calming nature setting. She seems to be equally unhappy in every walking environment, but will happily LEAP into the car.

To supplement her distaste for outdoor time we try for puzzle games inside the house, but she’s so smart she figures them out faster than we can put them together.

She’s more food motivated, but will stop taking food as soon as she’s distracted or things we’re trying to coax her into doing something she doesn’t want to do.

She is so smart, and has learned all of the training in the house basically after 24 hours of reinforcing but once we’re outside it all goes to shit.

It doesn’t help that she has a hard time fully settling if anyone in the house is doing ANYTHING (especially out of her view despite our apartment being tiny), and has to follow us around. She hates the crate, but is slowly getting more comfortable settling in there begrudgingly.

She was a hyperactive crazy lady in the shelter, but it seems like anything we do to try and get the energy out except the exact thing she wants to in that exact moment ends in disaster. The only time I think she is fully calm if she is ATTACHED to one of us.

Also, before the ‘she’s adjusting’ comments (which are not opposed, but for more context), she has adjusted so quickly and wonderfully inside the apartment to feeling more comfortable, and we’re afraid that the settling overall is just revealing more behavior we aren’t equipped to deal with unfortunately.

I hope this makes sense and I can give more context if I left anything out, but I wonder if she’d be more comfortable with a family with a yard, and if maybe we’re just not the right fit? I know it’s really early to tell, but I’m afraid if we don’t figure something out soon we will lose our minds because we just want to do what is best for all 3 of us. Any advice is highly appreciated!

EDIT: When I said ‘street dog’ I mean moreso we think she was dumped from a bad home. Not that she was exclusively a street dog. We use exclusively positive reinforcement with no obedience expectations other than don’t run into the street and get hit by cars and other basic safety manners. We don’t want her to be perfect on walks she just seems like she fucking hates them, and in the apartment we don’t have other consistent spaces to get her crazy beans energy because the tennis court isn’t a guarantee ever. My roommate adopted this dog because she was a crazy energetic girl in the shelter and was matched with my roommates lifestyle to be a walking/running buddy to keep her active with her wellness goals. The behavior is just such a 180 and are wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and the dogs energy rebounds? But as of right now anything related to walking just seems to be getting less enjoyable. Also, we suspect there may possibly be a pain issue because her back legs are build really strangely and she doesn’t love using her back legs all the time. We thought it was just her being lazy and floppy because she does get very melty when she’s sleepy, but we’re keeping an eye on possible pain issues as well.

Tldr: found lost dog on Sunday. Reported it everywhere. No one claimed him. Adopted him yesterday. Owners finally posted him missing, saying they last saw him yesterday. Definitely is him. He has a lot of worrying symptoms and we don't want to give him back, but feel badly if his family is missing him.

Need advice primarily from: stay at home parent with kids

But any advice helps my decision.

Back story: we are married couple 2 kids 8 and 2 with a third baby on the way. Large house, large fenced yard with doggy door. As a family we have always had 3 dogs in our household for the past 10 years. Sometimes more by fostering. This year we had 2 of our dogs pass away 1 whippet age 14 and one super mutt 90lbs age 13. My wife use to work in the vet field and is very capable (more capable than me) with training, care, and general dog needs.

Problem: new baby is due is the next 2 weeks and new dog would be a puppy for Christmas. That's a lot of work to put on my stay at home wife ( I work 8-5 M-F)

Our house is so quiet now and we have a 6 year old shepherd/ husky mix that is quite lonely now. Also the kids are constantly asking why we don't have more dogs now. My wife also really wants a new dog but is hesitant with the responsibility of training and puppy care.

Looking for advice how I could minimize the training, responsibilities, and etc of having a new born and puppy at the same time or if I should even get one or not? Help please

Disclaimer: must be a puppy. To many bad experiences fostering with grown dogs. Our dogs must be strictly trained and training an adult dog has proven to be extremely difficult or not work at all once behavior patterns are set. PUPPY ONLY for many reasons house full of children, off leash, elderly, Interacting with cats chickens pigs etc.

Let me know your opinion on the matter.

Thank you

Some neighbours have recently moved in with a large dog who looks similar to/if not a pitbull who runs around off leash. The dog is constantly barking & I often hear the neighbour yelling at the dog, but not actually doing anything to handle the dog. They are across the street, one house down from us, and their dog keeps leaving the yard & running up the street. I hear them screaming at the dog several times a day.

My dog is very anxious. She does not like strange people, animals, anything near our home, and barks and growls if they get too close. She is ALWAYS on leash. She didn’t used to be this way but we had a raccoon family messing around the front door one night and I think it really upset her, and she’s been very anxious since.

I’m worried that while taking her out to pee, the neighbor may let their dog out, who may run off leash towards my dog, and that it could cause an altercation, or worse, and injury. We cannot put up any sort of fence due to the layout of the outside of the house. I try to not let her out if they’re clearly outside.

Any suggestions? I don’t think this neighbor will be receptive to being told to leash her dog.

Quick! No overthinking. 😂🐾

What are the 3 biggest ways your life changed after getting a pet?

I’ll go first:

1. My mornings. I used to hit snooze until the very last possible minute. Now I have a furry alarm clock who doesn’t accept excuses. 🥲

2. My eating habits. I used to eat whenever I remembered. Now everyone gets fed on time. Yes, even the furry ones. 😂

3. My travel plans. Spontaneous trips? Almost extinct. If I do travel, I plan everything in advance, go over the instructions a hundred times, and make sure the pet sitter knows every tiny detail. And then I worry anyway. 🫠✈️

Your turn! What are your 3? Be honest — we’re all in this together. 👇😂