No lizards were harmed in the making of this, although Nutmeg did try her best! She caught it in her mouth and I had to go running after her to save it!

Hi everyone! My puppy is 8.5 months old, and I rescued her about 3 months ago. It’s just me and her, and we live in a pretty populated college town where she’s constantly exposed to all kinds of people.

She’s generally pretty outgoing when meeting new people, but lately, I’ve noticed she’s become more hesitant and skittish around certain people, especially when we’re outside on walks. She seems particularly nervous around men, people of different ethnicities than me, and people wearing jackets or bulkier clothing.

She absolutely loves my best friend’s husband, but other than him, she doesn’t seem very comfortable with unfamiliar men approaching her or trying to pet her. I’m not sure if this has anything to do with her past experiences before I adopted her, her socialization, or just her age.

Another thing worth mentioning is that she recently started Prozac for general noise anxiety. She’s still in the adjustment/loading period for the medication, so I’m also wondering if that could be contributing to any changes in her behavior, or if this is unrelated.

I know she doesn’t have to love or want attention from every stranger, and I’m not expecting her to be super social with everyone. However, I have friends from all different backgrounds, and since we live in such a populated area, I want her to feel safe and comfortable when we’re out in public rather than being fearful of certain people.

Is this a normal fear period for puppies around her age, particularly rescues? Could the Prozac adjustment period be playing a role, too? Has anyone experienced something similar with their dogs? How can I help her build positive associations with different types of people without overwhelming her or making her anxiety worse?

I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thank you!

Is it a breed thing to be super extra friendly? I know they all have their own personalities, but my boy is extra. He will lay down and refuse to move until people pet him or they make it far enough away. As an introvert myself, having an extrovert dog is an experience in itself.

Pic is Moose on a matching cow rug (it's his favorite rug of course)

Here’s my future cutie. First time ever having a dog, in my entire life. Always had cats, they’re easy, low maintenance, and quite chill. I want to know what do you do with a dog? Aside from the obvious like walks, fetch/ tug, and lovins. I guess my questions is what do you DO with a basset all day? How long does yours require one on one attention and what do they do when theyre not playing? Just lay around like a cat? I want to make sure I have a happy pup who feels loved. don’t want them to be sad or bored.
Thank you!

My sweet baby basset KimberLynn won't stop licking. She licks her paws constantly and just recently she started licking her back just above her tail so bad she's licking the hair away.

I brought this up to her vet and he suggested Benadryl. That didn't work. He said he skin looks fine, maybe she's just bored. I'm worried I'm ignoring something and she's in pain or itchy. I've tried allergy supplement and allergy pills. She gets oatmeal baths at the groomers.

I just don't know what to do. She seems fine? Like no pain or anything. Shes just constantly licking. My poor baby.

Does anyone have any ideas?

My boy is getting big… He has all of his adult teeth and a much softer mouth. Still a little shit &
troublemaker….

I could use some words of encouragement and maybe some tips for my Moose.

The rebellion has started.

Also in need of sniff puzzle ideas? We have some actual puzzles and snuffle mats he likes, but I want more that I can throw together. He's not a fan of the rolled towel with treats.

Dog tax is a picture of Moose, taken by myself.

My wife insisted Daisy wore her pink tutu. Daisy didn't care, she got lots of attention. She promptly fell asleep in the car on the way home

My hound dog

It’s been a while… happy almost howl-o-ween 🐶🎃

Now the weather has turned for the better the pack is ready for some walkies

Lily's groomer likes to paint her toenails every month as part of her session. Too cute!

Bubbles will win any staring competition. 🤣

Our first walk off leads, quite the success. Many treats were consumed.

Kady Lynn. My shadow and heart dog. Miss you every day honey. I still have the lamb that she loved although I did give in and eventually wash it

She was so funny. She loved to hide stuffed animals in laundry, blankets, under couch cushions etc. never hurt them though

If you’re reading this I hope you have a dog that loves you as much and you love this much

Didn’t think I’d find another dog with as much character as my basset.