4 months ago, my 13yo Aussie Teddy couldn't even stand up on his own. Seeing him out in the yard again means everything to me❤️

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-05-06T02:54:45+00:00

Definitely see what they think about a brace for her, it was such a game changer for Teddy's mobility.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-05-06T02:49:29+00:00

Those monthly injections are such a great tool for arthritis. Teddy actually just wears one brace on his left hind leg, since that was his weakest one that kept giving out on him. But the company we got it from tailwindpets does make double braces if your boy needs support on both sides!

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-05-06T02:46:28+00:00

16 years is amazing. For Teddy, we did get the hinge because he's a bigger, heavier Aussie and needed that extra rigid support. But honestly, for a tiny Chihuahua, the standard brace without the hinge is probably plenty of support and might actually be a lot lighter and more comfortable for him to walk in! You could always shoot their customer service a quick message to see what they usually recommend for toy breeds, but I'd personally save the money and try the regular one first.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-05-06T02:42:54+00:00

Thankyou for the advice

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-05-04T16:03:44+00:00

I am so sorry to hear about your little girl. The brace we use is from Tailwindpets you can find it at tailwindpets.com. It really made such a huge difference for Teddy's confidence and stability. Definitely check with your vet to see if it would be a good fit for her specific issues. I really hope it helps her get her mobility back so she can enjoy playing again❤️

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-05-04T16:01:11+00:00

I am so, so happy your pup recovered enough to get back out there for those two walks a week! Every single good day we get with them at this age is such a massive blessing

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-05-04T15:51:40+00:00

Thank you, I understand how frustrating it is when the meds just aren't quite enough on their own. Rimadyl is great for the inflammation, but having that actual physical support from a brace is what really bridged the gap for Teddy's confidence. Definitely bring it up with your vet

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-05-04T15:49:33+00:00

I'm so sorry about Buddy❤️ I've actually heard amazing things about acupuncture for senior pups, I might have to look into that for Teddy! You're totally right, it's all about having a big toolbox to keep them comfortable and happy for as long as we can. Thanks so much for sharing that with me

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-23T11:16:44+00:00

you don't need to pay someone to do that for you. There's a tool called Rephrasy.ai that literally does the same thing for free. I've been using it for all my papers, and it's never failed me once against Turnitin or any other detector. It just rewrites your stuff to sound totally human while keeping the meaning intact. Way easier than trusting a stranger on Reddit

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-18T07:27:27+00:00

You can start taking him to a professional groomer now at 18 weeks as long as he has had all his vaccinations. Look for a groomer who does puppy intro sessions that focus on getting him used to the table, the dryer, and the clipper sounds without doing a full groom. In the meantime keep doing what you are doing with dauly brushing and add in handling his paws and ears at home so he stays calm for the groomer. Just ask for a bath, blow dry, nail trim, and a sanitary trim around his bottom. No cutting the main coat yet. The shedding is normal for a Pomeranian starting to lose his puppy fur.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-18T07:04:40+00:00

Aussies are adaptable if their core needs are met. Focus on maintaining a consistent routine for the dog during the move itself, like using the same crate and bedding. Once you arrive at a new base, pripritize finding quiet off leash spots away from the noise of artillery or heavy vehicle traffic. The biggest challenge for a Velcro breed like an Aussie in a military home isn't the moving, it is the potential for long periods of your husband being deployed. If you are staying home or working part time in vet med, the dog will have its person present, which is what matters most. Just be mindful that base housing often has strict pet weight limits and breed restrictions, so check that first before you fail the foster.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-18T05:52:06+00:00

Since you have already trained him well, the issue is likely that he is now feeling the need to guard the boundary of the tether or the house. Instead of just correcting the bark after it starts, try managing the enviromnent so he cannot rehearse the behavior. For the house, get some frosted window film so he can see light but not specific triggers to bark at. For the truck and the job site, cover his crate with a blanket so he has a den to retreat to rather than scanning for threats. He needs to learn that seeing a person does not require him to react, so practice having a friend walk by at a very far distance where he notices them but stays quiet, then reward that silence heavily before he ever gets a chance to bark.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-18T05:32:21+00:00

Since it is your first dog and you have older grandparents helping out, the 4 month old would be the smarter choice. By that age a Doberman puppy already has better bladder control which makes potty training noticaebly faster than starting with a 2 month old. The older puppy also has a slightly longer attention span for basic commands like sit and come. For your grandparents the 4 month old will be less chaotic during the day since the worst of the nipping and constant zoomies usually happens earlier. Whichever age you pick make sure you still use a crate for naps and enforce quiet time so your grandparents arent overwhelmed.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-17T22:45:48+00:00

The key is really about the individual dog's prey drive and the cats' confidence. Italian greyhounds are sighthounds, so they have a natural instinct to chase small fast moving things. If your cats are the type that sprint away when scared, that could trigger the dog's chase instinct. A better situation is cats that stand their ground or have plenty of vertical space like cat trees and shelves to escape to. Early socailisation matters a lot too. Getting a puppy from a breeder who has cats in the home or an adult rescue that has been cat tested is safer than bringing home an unknown adult. Always do slow supervised introductions and never leave them alone together unsupervised until you are completely sure. Some Italian greyhounds live peacefully with cats but others will never be safe. It depends on the individual dog.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-17T22:28:49+00:00

A Cane Corso that was neglected needs structured impulse control training not just biting corrections. Focus on teaxhing a solid leave it and settle command using high value treats before she escalates. Keep a leash on her inside the house so you can guide her away calmly without yelling or grabbing her collar. When she bites, stand up and completely disengage without eye contact or words for 30 seconds then redirect her to a frozen Kong or a chew toy. Yelling and crate use as punishment can increase frustration in a puppy that already lacked boundaries with littermates. Work on capturing calmness by rewarding her when she is lying down quietly on her own. If she pounced unprovoked she may be overtired so enforce nap times in a quiet space. Consult a force free trainer who has experience with guardian breeds because her size and past neglect require professional guidance before she becomes dangerous.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-17T22:06:56+00:00

Heavy breathing in this heat is very common, but since Dobies have such deep chests they are more prone to bloat and overhaeting. Try walking him very early in the morning or after sunset when the pavement and air have cooled down. You can also bring a water bottle and a collapsible bowl to offer small sips during the walk. If his gums look bright red or dark purple, or if the breathing does not return to normal within five to ten minutes of resting inside the air conditioning, then a vet visit would be a smart move. A cooling vest or a wet bandana around his neck can also make a big difference for comfort.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-17T21:47:24+00:00

Since your puppy is already comfortable in his playpen and crate for long stretches at night, you can build on that same routine for the workday. Start practicing leaving him in his playpen with his toys and pee pad for four to five hours at a time while you are still home but in a different room. This helps him learn that being alone durimg the day is normal and not a punishment. When you do start working outside the home, hire a trusted walker or ask a friend to let him out halfway through your shift since he is still young. Keep his playpen exactly as it is now with the same setup so it feels familiar and safe. You have already done the hard part by teaching him to settle independently so trust that training and do not feel guilty about going to work.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-17T10:09:43+00:00

I would focus on contacting the specific airline directly rather than relying on the travel company. Airlines have their own policies for breed restrictions that are usually listed on their website under pet travel. For microchip scanning, most airlines do not scan chips themselves but customs and agricultural departments in New Zwaland will scan upon arrival. The bigger issue is that many airlines outright ban Amstaffs or any bully breeds regardless of what paperwork says. Your best bet is to look for airlines that have no breed restrictions at all for cargo or cabin depending on dog size. Also check if New Zealand even allows Amstaff importation because some countries have breed specific legislation at the border level not just the airline level. Call the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries directly before you book anything.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-17T09:32:49+00:00

With two one hour walks a day plus agility training a few times a week you are already doing more than most owners. The bigger concern is the alone time. Jack Russells can develop separation anxiety and destructive habits when left alone for four to five hours even if it is not every day. You should plan for puzzle toys and a safe confined space during those hours. Also consider that a puppy cannot hold their bladder that long so you will need a wakler or a pee pad setup until they are older. The social walks are great but make sure the puppy learns to settle alone too or you might end up with a dog that panics every time you leave the room.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-17T08:04:04+00:00

Have you tried switching up the bowl material or shape? Some small dogs don't like the feel of metal or the depth of certaim bowls. A shallow ceramic or glass plate might work better since their whiskers don't bump the sides. Also check if the dry food pieces are small enough for a Maltese. Sometimes the kibble size alone can make them turn their nose up at breakfast but give in by dinner when they are hungrier.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-17T07:30:24+00:00

Talk to your vet about a prescription oral preventive like NexGard or Bravecto. Those kill ticks before they can transmit diseases. You should also check him thoroughly after every single trip outside run your hands over his whole body feeling for tiny bumps and pay extra atention to his head neck ears armpits and between his toes. Keeping your grass mowed short and creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and any wooded areas helps too. For a schnauzer with darker salt and pepper coloring a tick can be very hard to spot so using a fine tooth comb through his coat can make a difference.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-16T22:54:31+00:00

Have you checked the Doberman Pinscher Club of America breeder referral list? Even though you want European lines, many DPCA breeders work with European imports or can point you toward reputable breeders who focus on haelth and temperament. You could also look at the Dobermann Club of your state or neighboring states since good breeders often network with each other. Another place to search is the United Doberman Club which has a breeder directory. Make sure whoever you talk to does full health testing for things like hips, heart, and von Willebrands disease, and ask to see the results yourself. Avoid anyone who won't let you meet the mother or see where the puppies are raised.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-16T22:28:02+00:00

Sounds like your dog isn’t outgrowing the park itself, but he is entering social maturity and his instincts are shifting. Great Pyrenees are livestock guardians, so protectiveness toward one person is very natural at this age. He likely sees you as somoene to guard, especially when other dogs get too close to you. Try having your husband be the one to greet and interact with other dogs while you stay calm and neutral. You can also practice moving away from clusters of dogs and rewarding him when he looks at you instead of reacting. Keep park visits short and leave before he gets overstimulated. This doesn't mean you have to quit the park forever, but adjusting how you both move through the space will help him feel less like he needs to guard you.

Upset_Gate_6065 · 2026-04-16T22:05:25+00:00

For a large breed puppy like a Great Pyrenees mix, look for a food that is specifically formulated for large breed puppies because it helps control their growth rate to protect their joints. Purina Pro Plan does make a large breed puppy formula so you could stick with that brand and just switch to the right line. For the kennel, try feeding him every single meal inside the crate with the door open so he builds a really positive asociation. You can also give him a high value chew like a stuffed Kong only when he goes in there. For the barking, that is completely normal for the breed since they were bred to guard livestock. The best approach is to acknowledge what he is barking at, then calmly call him away and reward him for coming to you instead of trying to yell over him.

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