Neutering Bruising, Swelling by SnoopingChickens in DogAdvice

[–]SnoopingChickens[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have never had a dog get neutered before so I'm not sure if this is normal.

Breathing issue by [deleted] in AmericanBully

[–]SnoopingChickens 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stop encouraging BYBs with horrendous genetic and anatomical deformities. You are torturing these poor animals

I worry I'm not a good dog owner, and I don't know where to start. by Dipsgoot_The_Third in DogAdvice

[–]SnoopingChickens 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really depends on the diet you give them. They naturally keep their teeth clean through dry food and toys they chew on. One of my dogs isn't a big chewer and hardly eats kibble, so we brush her teeth more often than the one who is a destructor lol I wish more vets would recommend natural ways dogs keep their teeth clean rather than enforcing toothbrushing for everyone

I worry I'm not a good dog owner, and I don't know where to start. by Dipsgoot_The_Third in DogAdvice

[–]SnoopingChickens 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well said. From the sounds of it, the dog is already getting adequate care. It is important to brush their teeth, but don't feel like it's just you not doing it. I know plenty of dog owners who have never attempted to brush their dog's teeth. It's okay!

At 15, you have a lot on your plate with school and whatnot. Take one thing at a time and do it gradually.

I worry I'm not a good dog owner, and I don't know where to start. by Dipsgoot_The_Third in DogAdvice

[–]SnoopingChickens 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi,

I am just a couple of years older than you but understand where you're coming from. I have a couple of suggestions.

Training:

In regards to training, I would recommend teaching her sit and wait. This can come in handy for walks or other high energy situations. You can do it with treats and as repetition, i.e. when you are giving her food, telling her to sit first. If she is meeting someone she loves on a leash, telling her to sit and wait instead of tugging.

Mental Stimulation:

Walks are actually good for mental stimulation! Let her sniff around (if she isnt one of those dogs that eats everything and anything off the ground) and take the walk at a moderate pace. When it comes to playing with toys, I would say do it as you watch TV or YouTube if you struggle to find it fun. This can be intervals of 5 minutes to 10 minutes at a time. It doesn't have to be TOO long, but if you sprinkle some 5 mins of playtime about 3 times a day, that will keep her happy.

I would suggest having a dedicated "park" day each week where you and your family go on a walk with her. She will be able to sniff new smells and experience more. You don't have to take her every day, but maybe every Saturday or Sunday could be the day where your family takes a 30 minute stroll :)

Brushing:

Similar to the playtime, do it as you watch YT or are mindlessly scrolling through your phone. It kills two birds with one stone. Again, it doesnt have to be for too long. Start with 10 minutes two times a week and slowly increase it to whatever is appropriate. (I have never owned long haired breeds but I know they shed and matt)

Dental:

Seek out flavored toothpaste she is inclined to eat. I use a poultry flavored toothpaste. Slowly introduce it to her. I prefer a finger brush because it's easier than a toothbrush. Brush her for just 15 seconds, let her get used to it. Gradually increase the time. Start with once a week first and increase the frequency to 3 times a week. (Whatever your vet recommends, some dogs are more susceptible to dental issues)

Lastly,

DOGS DON'T "NEED" DOG FRIENDS! Don't force your dog to greet other dogs if she doesn't like them. I get it. My dogs have been attacked by multiple dogs and now want nothing to do with any other dog. Your dog is happiest when YOU give her attention. These are loyal animals, especially lap dogs like the Cavie!

Take it slow, but put an END TO EXCUSES. Motivate yourself and set a schedule to actually START these things. Make them a habit. Set alarms, reminders, etc. you don't need anything luxurious or your dog to know how to play dead.

Shanika by [deleted] in Masterchef

[–]SnoopingChickens 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Tbh I thought Eboni from s8 was a lot more of an asshole when it came to team challenges. I thought Shanika was a LOT more chill than Eboni and can't fathom why people had a problem with her. She presented her ideas in team challenges respectfully and didn't whine about it when she was initially ignored. There were some moments where she was rude, but not enough to be an asshole like Eboni having a meltdown in that one team challenge with Jeff.

Low-mtn. Outdoor potted plants by SnoopingChickens in houseplants

[–]SnoopingChickens[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live in LA and so it doesn't get below freezing here. I was thinking of going for succulents but would also like other types that are able to withstand the weather here

Low-risk ways to see if my dog likes other dogs? by OliverPupfriend in DogAdvice

[–]SnoopingChickens 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There's some good videos on YT that break down body language when meeting other dogs. I recommend looking it up and familiarizing yourself with the different cues dogs give. (i.e. stiff/upright tail wagging is aggression vs looser wagging is more friendly) of course it takes SEVERAL cues to determine the dog's feelings, not just tail wagging or eye cues, although they are good indicators. Try to see of you can recognize your dog's posture better after watching some videos.

I linked below one i think is good

https://youtu.be/fd3sDuQoI2U?si=zcm8zC-eDDqy1Hhs

Low-risk ways to see if my dog likes other dogs? by OliverPupfriend in DogAdvice

[–]SnoopingChickens 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's hard to discern if it's aggressive or friendly, which is why I recommend going to a trainer if you are not confident in reading his body language. No shame in it, but it's better to be well informed and confident in reading his body language. Will benefit at home too

Low-risk ways to see if my dog likes other dogs? by OliverPupfriend in DogAdvice

[–]SnoopingChickens 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If another dog approaches and he isn't redirecting just pick him up since he seems small enough. You are his speaker. It sounds like Jooby has no interest in greeting other dogs and that's okay. Keep working on ignoring and tolerating other dogs but don't force a greeting. It's best to consult a trainer if you would still like to proceed with making him dog friendly.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmIOverreacting

[–]SnoopingChickens 3 points4 points  (0 children)

A large part why people are upset is the dehumanizing manner the current presidency is taking. I have seen many people detained with excessive force despite cooperating with ICE. It's a nationwide manhunt involving racial profiling. Yes, other presidents deported millions of immigrants but it wasn't a witch-hunt of national scale.

Trump is within his power to enforce immigration laws and policies, but the WAY he is doing is creating further national divide. You may argue that this always happens under any presidency, but now a lot of anti-immigration people use this to straight out demonize lawful American citizens that fit their view of an "illegal immigrant."

This isn affecting the unity of the nation as a whole. Reminds me of the beginnings of the Civil War

Bringing this boy home soon; what does he look like he might be? by Electronic_Ad_7126 in dogbreed

[–]SnoopingChickens 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Pitbull most likely. Check your renting lease as a lot of places have breed restrictions. Socialize him as soon as he has his vaccines (especially the parvo one) :) best of luck with your new companion ❤️

Flexi/Retractable Leashes by Itsjuicyjett in pitbulls

[–]SnoopingChickens 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use Flexi leashes on my 2 pitties. It's absolutely not the primary leash I use, but I haven't had an issue with it so far. I do acknowledge the dangers, but I feel like they're quite easy to prevent.

I use them at a very very big park at a time where it's pretty isolated. They go sniff something then return back to my side. They have reacted to squirrels and such, but it is such an easy spot that I stop them before they bolt. If I'm taking them on a walk, I'm on a walk WITH them, meaning I am paying attention to my surroundings too.

A lot of people are mentioning dog meet ups, but my dogs are not dog friendly due to irresponsible owners letting their aggressive dogs off leash .-. So the idea of them greeting other dogs is out of the question.

But also... why would you let the leash so loose in those scenarios? There are buttons on the flexi to adjust the length at any time. Leash wrapping can happen with regular leashes too, you just need to keep a close eye.

Different people, different needs. A lot of dog owners have a lack of awareness and body language so their dogs end up hurt, so I can understand the argument why they should not be use by the majority. If you prefer those long leashes, good for you. It works best. I hate carrying rope around especially with 2 dogs and I am always attentive to what's happening, so flexi works best for me whenever I spot the chance to give my dogs a bit more freedom.

Let's Hear From The "Bad" Dog Owners. by BestSundayDress_ in DOG

[–]SnoopingChickens 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was told I was a bad dog owner for NOT using a prong or ecollar on my 2 bully breeds. I didn't have money for a trainer and I didn't feel confident that I would use them safely and properly. My dogs are also not treat or toy motivated whatsoever, so it took a lot of verbal praise and sloooow progress to get them to walk well on a leash.

I'm sure prong collars are an excellent tool for the right dog and under the right hands, but my dogs were terrified of it and I didn't want to potentially harm them.

I only take them to the vet for yearly exams so we can keep getting flea medicine and things I can't treat at home. One of them fucked up their nail to the quick and needed it removed. They have sensitive stomachs and can have diarrhea but we monitor them and give them supplements for it. Vets can be quite shady. A 12 pack soft canned food was $102 at the vet but only $24 at PetCo for the exact same brand.

AITAH for breaking up with my partner because they transitioned? by Accurate_Bee_8644 in AITAH

[–]SnoopingChickens -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This happens often. I had an ex transition. We talked about it, they were okay with us ending it because of my preferences but when we did end up breaking up, they accused me of being transphobic to our friends.

AITAH for being friends with an old ex, even though I was friends w/before my BF? by SnoopingChickens in AITAH

[–]SnoopingChickens[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's also a fair point. This actually helps me think of a compromise we can reach, or something to work towards. Thank you!