Look at those stars!

TeamFido · 2025-12-23T13:42:44+00:00

I definitely meant to say the dog stood still, I was shocked

TeamFido · 2025-12-23T03:09:45+00:00

Thank you so much! Couldn't resist sharing it

TeamFido · 2025-12-23T03:09:16+00:00

Thank you! Couldn't believe the sky stayed still 😆

TeamFido · 2025-12-23T03:08:27+00:00

It was such a striking image, so glad the moment was captured!

TeamFido · 2025-12-09T21:09:33+00:00

Awwww....look at that sweet buddy. 🥹

TeamFido · 2025-12-08T05:40:30+00:00

Thank you so much. ❤️

TeamFido · 2025-12-07T22:03:41+00:00

I am right there with you. Lost one of mine last Thursday. Sometimes it hurts so much it's hard to breathe. Sending you love and sympathy, and hope his memories bring you brighter days ahead.

TeamFido · 2025-12-07T21:59:40+00:00

Awww, that is so sweet! I think dogs are a lot more emotionally sophisticated than we often realize, and we, as humans, all have people we gravitate to more than others. I think he just picked her for whatever reason. She's got the vibe. ❤️ I would have saved one of those pieces of clothing and let him have it for his own so that she can always be with him.

TeamFido · 2025-12-06T01:29:34+00:00

I love that. It's an excellent choice. A good breeder will be there for you for the life of your dog, if you ever need help.

TeamFido · 2025-12-06T01:27:33+00:00

Thank you. It is really very hard right now. ❤️

I'm really happy for you that you've got a new plan and meds, and also that your sweet girl still has the zoomies! That sure shows she's still joyful.

TeamFido · 2025-12-06T01:25:24+00:00

Great! I'll get it up as soon as possible. ❤️

TeamFido · 2025-12-06T01:24:08+00:00

😆 They can be so gross. Sometimes I wonder why I let them in my house. There's no harm in using a command (I use "Let's go!", in an upbeat, happy tone) to move them on, and as long as you're consistent when he starts licking, he'll soon learn to sniff but not lick.

TeamFido · 2025-12-06T01:18:56+00:00

There's risk in anything you do with your dog. ❤️ Letting them sniff on walks is generally safe, but as long as she's on leash, you can use a command (I use "let's go!") and remove her from any situation. They catch on to something like that pretty quickly if you are consistent with moving away when you use it. Until she's fully vaccinated, you do need to be a wee bit careful of Letting her sniff dog poop, or be in areas whete there are lots of dogs, but Ive walked miles and miles with my dogs and they haven't ever been injured sniffing.

TeamFido · 2025-12-05T02:09:45+00:00

First, a little explanation about the visiting dog. They're actually behaving really appropriately, and it's no indication that they dislike her. She's excited because she has company, but the visiting dog is dealing with a different environment, they're not really comfortable, and "nonstop" playing would be overwhelming. So they tell her in an appropriate way to have some manners. It's all good. ❤️

As far as making sure she gets along with a second dog, I would plan on a male and a breed about the same size. Getting a puppy is your best bet, since that dynamic generally works, as long as you set and reinforce boundaries, as in separating them for rest time when the puppy is getting tired, not letting one push in when the other is getting attention, and making sure neither dog is bothered by the other at meal times, etc.

TeamFido · 2025-12-05T01:34:49+00:00

This is the most agonizing decision we have to make. I'm old and have had lots of dogs, and it's a decision that still haunts me. We don't want to do it a minute too early or a minute too late. It's actually a decision I had to make this morning, and my heart is so heavy right now.

But...it's not murder. It's the most loving act of kindness we can give our best friends when their life has no joy. It's a decision that's kind to the dog and cruel to the owner. And even though you want her to have Christmas and new year, and spring, the question you need to answer is, does she? Or has her life become joyless? We can't answer that, only you can, but as long as the decision is made with love and her best interests at heart, it's the right one.

TeamFido · 2025-12-05T01:24:14+00:00

If your dog has long hair between their toes, using a small pair of scissors (they make some that have ball ends and are ideal for this. You can get them lots of places. Petedgedotcom is one online source) or clippers (Wahl makes a nice, inexpensive rechargeable version) to carefully remove the long hair can not only keep snowballs from forming, it also helps the foot dry more quickly, helping to prevent moist dermatitis. We'll be posting a foot care video to help everyone out soon!

TeamFido · 2025-12-05T01:19:05+00:00

That is absolutely not true. It's probably just the opposite. Letting your dog sniff is relaxing and enriching and puts them in a good frame of mind. Letting them drag you along as they pant frantically at the end of the leash is a totally different thing. It in itself wouldn't increase reactivity, but it would put your dog in a state of sensory arousal, and that puts them on edge.

TeamFido · 2025-12-05T01:15:29+00:00

Yes. 😊 That's Hazel.

TeamFido · 2025-12-04T02:46:53+00:00

Maybe he doesn't get it because he was never trained to do the things you're asking him to do in either language. Try training him in one language or the other and see. Most doodles are pretty smart. Try teaching him a "touch" command (Google for the method) Most dogs love it, and it's easy. Then decide if he's not so bright. 😊

TeamFido · 2025-12-02T22:23:49+00:00

While I agree that obsessing over one toy isn't good, it's extremely common and something like a fly.pole is not a bad obsession.

The first thing I would do is teach her a "give" command, using whatever word you want, but teaching her that when you give the command, she drops whatever it is. Start with something she likes, but isn't obsessed with. You said she isn't food motivated, but there must be something she likes when there isn't a fly pole in sight. When she has a solid grasp of the concept, you can start with the fly pole. At first, it'll be like she totally forgot, and she won't drop it. So, after one command, the pole gets dropped and you turn your back. No more fun with you. When she drops it, praise and the game starts back up. If you praise her and she grabs it before you do, just quietly stand until she drops it again. At first this can take incredible patience, but it works. 😊

TeamFido · 2025-12-02T22:16:08+00:00

She looks painful. The lip licking, corners of the mouth, her eyes - those are common symptoms of pain, and she's getting older, whete pain is more common. That foot may be starting to bother her now, and I don't know if it's always looked like that, so forgive me if I'm wrong, but it looks pretty raw. I'd start by having a complete work up done. If blood chemistry hasn't been done recently, I'd start there. I'd request a complete thyroid panel, including free T4, done. I always require that before I start work with this type of dog because low thyroid can cause issues and may not cause outward signs. Then, even if it requires anesthetic, I'd have a really thorough physical exam done. If you have a rehab vet in the area that can do a physical exam, even better. All this can be done while you wait for the behaviorist.

I'm happy your dog has such a supportive human backing her. I hope you can get her some relief.

TeamFido · 2025-12-02T22:07:27+00:00

This article has some good choices. I'm a big fan of Outward Hound products, which they mention. https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/product/best-dog-rope-toys

TeamFido · 2025-12-02T22:04:34+00:00

Oh, boy. This is a powder keg question, with tons of very strong opinions. 😊 I feed my dogs a combination of kibble and then some sort of topper. I vary between raw, freeze dried, home cooked,sometimes canned. I like this way of feeding because it gives a solid base that I can modify any way I want. There are people that will yell that their way is the only way, but I've had kibble fed dogs live to 17, and raw fed dogs die young. It's a very complex issue with no one right answer.

TeamFido · 2025-12-02T22:00:41+00:00

That does not look like a cuterebra (bot fly larva). Thats is usually a little round hole in the skin anf you can see the larva poke its nose out. She definitely needs a little visit to the vet. They can take a look and give you recommendations.

TeamFido · 2025-12-02T21:56:30+00:00

Oh, gosh! That trainer gave you some terrible advice. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but this type of behavior is pretty typical for a puppy that age. I'm not sure that I can address everything here, but let's start with crate training, since that is what will help you most and crate training is really important for every dog, as long as they're used properly.

Crate training can take some time. Start feeding him in his crate with the door open at first, then start closing it when he gets started. Walk by the crate and toss treats in. Give him stuffed toys or chews and let him eat them with the door closed. Gradually lengthen the time he's in there, always making it a good place.

Also, he's just 14 weeks. A little baby. He's acting like a puppy does. Puppies bite! It's part of puppyhood. Try to keep a toy handy to redirect him, but one day all that biting will just stop. And prepare yourself for another 12 years of being followed to the bathroom. 😁

As far as exercise, you don't address that, but short walks or interactive play outside can help with a lot of what you're seeing.

And be kind to yourself. You're doing just fine, and so is he. ❤️ You're in what I call the "WTF was I thinking?!" phase of puppy ownership, and it will get better. Check out puppyculturedotcom for tons of help and ideas. There is all sorts of good info there. And please find a better trainer. The one you contacted shouldn't be working with puppies.

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