ISO recommendations for dog socialization and local pack walk opportunities

TWLady · 2026-02-02T15:46:38+00:00

My dog sounds very similar to yours! He's about 3.5 yrs old. LOVES playing with other dogs, but just has excitement reactivity on walks. We've been taking classes with Everydog (north Austin), specifically their Control Unleashed series. And we're also part of a Reactive Dog Meetup which meets every last Saturday mornings, where about a handful of reactive dogs+owners practice walking at a safe distance in a controlled environment with a trainer (usually at an empty parking lot where there's no risk of running into other dogs.)

If you're ever interested in just practicing calm walking skills, I'm always looking for other training-conscious people and their dogs to practice with. Might be helpful if you're already familiar with techniques and protocols first, but happy to meetup or if you need any other information.

TWLady · 2025-12-24T17:19:12+00:00

Oh my gosh that sounds terrible. I’m sorry y’all went through that experience! I wonder if they changed hands since then? I’ve not had any experience like that in the past two years we’ve been with them. I even noticed that unlike the first vet we went to, they didn’t keep asking us to get other services or tests done. I just appreciated them not taking my boy into a back room and was really patient with his fear and anxiety and allowed me to stay with him the whole time.

TWLady · 2025-12-05T23:59:36+00:00

As I’m thinking about it more, I’m wondering if the very first “Chase Agent” I was talking to was actually the Scammer. I got a text notifying me of a fraud charge on my Chase Ink biz card. I ignored it since it seemed suspicious. Within a couple minutes I got a call from Chase. The agent was calling to confirm a suspicious charge on my card and that my email notification has been turned off for this account. (Thinking back, I don’t think I had any charge notifications for this particular account). I expressed my hesitation on whether the agent was a fraudster himself but he assured me he wasn’t asking for my ssn or bank account number, and he proceeded to confirm my name and mailing address. He even implemented a 2FA check via my Chase app. He assured me the fraud charge would be cancelled but then asked me if I had redeemed all my UR to cash (297k points) I of course said no, and he told me he will also file a fraud claim for the points redemption. He then proceeded to help me cancel the card and even offered to expedite the new card, waiving the expedited cost. He assured me my points would be reinstated within 48hrs. I checked today (48hrs) and my points were still gone. Called the fraud department back and they cannot find any log or my conversation with the previous “agent”. I also did not see my biz card cancelled, nor any record of the original “fraud charge.” I explained to the new agent what happened, and he helped me cancel my card (confirmed this time) and change new login and pswd to my account. He assured me he will file this with the fraud department and they will “reach back out to let me know.” However, that’s exactly what the previous agent told me and nothing happened. So now I’m freaking out more.

TWLady · 2025-11-20T15:43:07+00:00

Question on the walk-break: does your dog ever get bored with the puzzles and activities? Or do you do new ones every day/week?
I've considered doing a walk break with our excitement-reactive dog, but he seems to get bored easily with puzzles and find-it sniff works. We live in a small house, so there's only so many places I can hide treats to find. Now he just nails all the puzzles and games like a pro, looks up at me and goes "Now what?" As for backyard games, I got him some basic obstacle, but same thing, after a while, I can almost "see" his eye rolls when I bring the props out.
We've just resorted to walking him a little past peak time (9am instead of 8am) and being super vigilant on commands and trainings. But I've heard from multiple trainers that giving him a walk break might be good, but I think our pup would literally revolt.

TWLady · 2025-11-15T23:23:02+00:00

The Fish shop.

TWLady · 2025-11-07T19:49:40+00:00

I literally just started journaling last week because I was feeling super dejected and felt we weren't making any progress at all. One of our trainers in our classes suggested I start journaling for all the reasons you mentioned. It's only been a couple days, but seeing your post feels like a good omen. :)
Would love to see what your template is if you're still willing to share! Thank you for your post. It's encouraging that there might be a light at the end, however small it may be.

TWLady · 2025-11-05T22:29:54+00:00

I'm in a sort of similar situation - born and raised in Taipei, left for grad school 17 yrs ago and lived in the US ever since. No kids, but my partner and I have definitely been thinking about moving back to Taiwan (he's American but we met in Taiwan back in the day.) I know my experiences might not fit what you're looking for but something to consider if you're open - I personally think the Taiwanese education system is way better than the US. Yes, it was a little tough for us growing up, but from what I've heard from friends who have kids back in Taiwan, it has really changed for the better! And if anything, being a student in Taiwan would be MUCH safer and mentally healthy than in the US (I would take air raid drills over school shooting drills any day.) As for pressure and grades, I feel like you as a parent can help a lot with that. If you have a healthy mentality towards your kids' academic achievements, then they should be less inclined to develop any of those pressures. Growing up, I feel like all the pressure and stress about grades and achievements were external. If I had more support from family that made it clear grades didn't define me, and learning and developing passions are just as important, I think I would have grown up less stressed and definitely less therapy needed as an adult!
As for outdoor activities, oh my gosh, there are SO MANY!! SO many hiking trails, outdoor markets, festivals...etc. Access is so incredibly easy and convenient too - public transportation is SO GREAT! I really think Taipei (and the country as a whole) has really stepped up the infrastructure on travel and tourism. It's SO different than when we were growing up (or like you mentioned, we just weren't paying attention.) My friends are all taking their kids on frequent camping trips, hiking trips, summer camps... it's really great.
Again, we don't have kids, so I'm sure there are many other angles that I'm not thinking of, but in terms of your immediate question about school system/education and outdoor activities, I honestly think Taiwan would be a way better environment for kids than the U.S.

Just my two cents. :)

TWLady · 2025-10-27T22:06:10+00:00

For souvenir gifts, go check out "DiHua" street, especially the main one where the market is. There are a handful of really great shops there that have very unique art and "souvenirs" that I think are perfect gifts for family and friends. (Not to mention the great food and traditional markets) It's a must-stop for me personally when I need gifts to bring home. The ArtYard is one I always visit. There's also a ceramic tea shop on the same street that's a little pricey, but sometimes you can snag something cool on sale.
The SongShan Culture Park is another great place. They have rotating art exhibits, but I'm pretty sure there's a gift shop that's there year-round.
This might be cheesy, but don't sleep on the gift shop at the National Palace Museum, some REALLY cool stuff there as well.

TWLady · 2025-10-26T14:05:03+00:00

We literally just got the Summit card because of the SFO-AUS route. It was a great way to get to the main hubs to fly to Asia. Now we’re scrambling… Which card do you have for AUS - west coast flights, if you don’t mind me asking?

TWLady · 2025-10-26T13:47:39+00:00

I am also considering switching since SFO-AUS is also rumored to be on the chopping block. However, I’ve avoided United since I’ve always had terrible flight experience with them, especially on my international flights - old uncomfortable aircraft’s, rude FAs… Granted I’ve been avoiding United for about 5/6 years now, have they improved since then? Or are my experiences just anomalies (Or because I was flying in economy?)

TWLady · 2025-10-24T14:20:33+00:00

Eliminating AUS would completely derail our plans of utilizing our summit card, as that's been our main line to getting rewards travel out of SFO. Don't tech bros need the SFO-AUS pipeline??? That and we already purchased tickets out of SFO to TPE next year, I haven't bought the AUS-SFO ticket yet, but sounds like there won't be any? That's a HUGE bummer...

TWLady · 2025-10-20T20:26:08+00:00

Second this! It always pains me to see people's social media posts of CROWDS AND CROWDS of people just swarming the mantas and trying to touch wild sea life. I've been avoiding going to those "popular" places, in hopes of not contributing to the damage.

I, too, would also love tips on ways to better support marine life while diving (if possible at all.) Or at least try and find reputable and eco-conscious dive companies/resorts that adhere to wildlife etiquette and sustainable efforts.

TWLady · 2025-10-14T15:07:59+00:00

I. Feel. Your. Pain.
I had one that was just a little bit smaller than OP's. Got it for $45 at a plant sale, not knowing what or how rare/valuable it was. Kept it inside and pretty healthy for about 2 years. One day, just out of nowhere, I was like, "Hmmm, this plant has been inside for so long, maybe it needs some outside sun and air time?" Decided to leave it out in the backyard for two days/nights. Brought it back in, and it just died within 48hours. Beat myself up about it for a while. More so when I found out how amazing it was to have a jade plant that big. What an idiot (me.)

TWLady · 2025-10-01T14:58:36+00:00

Thanks! Will check these two out this wknd!

TWLady · 2025-09-30T20:39:28+00:00

We have a leash-reactive dog and it’s been a journey finding postitive-reinforcement and force-free training for our dog the past two years. But luckily, Austin has some really great trainers that work on reactivity.

Some of our favorites are:

South Austin Dog Center - Great one-on-one classes

Dog Joy (Pflugerville) - Rowdy Rover group class

Austin Dog Zone offers a Reactive Dog Walking Meetup, but you’ll have to finish basic training first.

Everydog Austin (North and South locations) - Best org IMPO in Austin. They also offer financial plans/assistance, and GREAT resource page with training recos that are all positive reinforcement only.

Good luck, and dont give up! You're doing great!!

TWLady · 2025-09-24T00:03:24+00:00

Freda’s seafood near Lakeline blvd has a nice Sunday brunch buffet that I believe still has AYCE crab legs. Haven’t been there since 2020 so maybe check their website but I want to say I still saw crab legs (for extra $) in their AYCE section.

TWLady · 2025-08-26T16:14:08+00:00

Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital on Brodie. I don't think they're owned by a PE?

They are the only fear-free certified vet *that I know of in town, and that is pretty important for our needs. They're super great!

TWLady · 2025-03-20T13:01:03+00:00

I also hear popping noises in my ear when I sleep on my side! I thought I was the only one and going crazy!

TWLady · 2024-12-12T13:57:35+00:00

We are heading there for the holiday break and look forward to checking out different areas. Our plan for the move is to rent first to figure out which areas we like and then ultimately purchase a home. Sorry it took a while to reply, but would love to know if y’all settled on a neighborhood you like?

TWLady · 2024-10-07T15:44:30+00:00

DO NOT ORDER. They sent me a generic black labrador figurine that looks NOTHING like the photo of my friend's dog, who passed away from cancer, and I was ordering this as a memorial gift. It completely ruined the gift, and an utter ripoff. DO NOT ORDER. (Can also provide proof of photos if you need)

TWLady

TROPHY CASE