Danielle DeGroot
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Welcome to the wild (and wonderful) world of dog ownership! You’re asking a great question—because the amount of exercise a dog needs can vary a lot based on age, breed, and energy level. Since Tod is a Lab mix, chances are he’s on the higher-energy side. Most adult Labradors and Lab mixes thrive with at least one to two hours of activity each day, which can include walks, playtime, training games, or off-leash running if you have a safe space.
It’s totally normal to feel unsure in the beginning. Dogs don’t necessarily need nonstop action, but they do need a mix of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced. Tod might sleep a good portion of the day (most adult dogs snooze around 12–14 hours daily), but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need structured activity to burn off energy and prevent boredom. If he’s restless at night, chewing things he shouldn’t, or constantly pestering you for attention, it might be a sign he needs more enrichment.
Activity trackers can be helpful tools, but they’re just part of the picture. Start by making sure Tod gets a couple of walks each day, and mix in some fetch, puzzle toys, or basic training sessions. If he seems content and calm afterward, you’re probably on the right track. And don’t worry—figuring this stuff out is all part of the journey!
Hi Frankie, Koda’s quirky dinner ritual might seem confusing, but it’s actually not that unusual. Some dogs have playful or particular eating habits that can look like they’re being picky or strange. What you’re seeing might be part food inspection and part play behavior. Dogs sometimes “cache” food, instinctively setting it aside to eat later, or they may spit out pieces to inspect them more thoroughly. The tossing could be her way of entertaining herself or engaging her prey drive in a harmless, kibble-focused way.
Since she’s eating normally overall, showing no signs of dental pain, and happily returns to those rejected pieces later, there’s likely no cause for concern. It sounds like this is just one of Koda’s unique quirks, her way of turning dinner into a mini-game. Some dogs are more theatrical and picky than others when it comes to food.
That said if you ever notice changes in her appetite, chewing behavior, or signs of discomfort, a quick vet check wouldn’t hurt. But in Koda’s case, it sounds like dinner is just a little more entertaining than usual, and she’s loving every bite (eventually).
Hi Narwal, Rest assured, you’re not alone. This behavior is surprisingly common (and, yes, totally gross). Dogs are scavengers by nature, and many still have that instinct to “not waste food,” even if it’s already come back up. If your dog vomits occasionally and then re-eats it, especially right after eating, it could be simple regurgitation rather than true vomiting. Regurgitated food hasn’t been fully digested, which might be why your dog is quick to gobble it back down.
That said, while it’s not usually dangerous in isolated cases, it’s still a good idea to gently stop the behavior when possible. Re-eating vomit can expose your dog to bacteria or irritants that may have triggered the vomiting in the first place. It also makes it harder to monitor how often it’s happening and whether it could point to an underlying issue like eating too quickly food sensitivity, or acid reflux.
If this becomes a recurring habit or is paired with other symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or weight loss, it’s worth checking in with your vet. In the meantime, try slowing down mealtime with a puzzle feeder or slow-feeding bowl to see if that helps reduce the vomiting in the first place. We have an in-depth guide that can tell you more. Good luck!
I am a big fan of the artificial grass pads. They were a game changer for my dog when we lived in an apartment. I had to invest in a couple of them and let her decide which one she liked. It took a little time for her to get comfortable with it, but once she did, it was really good for her and saved me a fortune on carpet cleaning. I put one on the patio and inside. The only downside is that you have to clean them a lot. I had a hose on my patio, which was a great help. Otherwise, you have to clean them inside, which can be a bit gross to deal with.
My dog Daisy is a big Pitbull Lab mix, and sometimes I don’t want to get too close to her mouth. I’ve used the BARK Brite dental system and had great results. I still have to brush her teeth a couple of times a week, but I am happy with the results of BARK Brite, and she LOVES the dental chews and toothpaste. You can learn more about it in my detailed review.
What you’re seeing in your 10-month-old German Shepherd is totally normal. This is around the age when protective instincts start to kick in. Barking at strangers, stiffening up, or growling can be signs that he’s unsure about how to handle new situations. Your goal is to help him learn that while it’s okay to be alert, it’s your job, not his, to decide what’s truly a threat.
Start by teaching him to check in with you. When he barks or reacts, calmly acknowledge it with a cue like “thank you” or “got it,” then redirect his focus with a command like “watch me” and reward calm behavior. Over time, he’ll learn to pause and look to you before escalating.
Structured socialization is also key. Give him positive, low-pressure experiences with new people, like having visitors toss treats from a distance without approaching. On walks, reward him for staying calm around strangers, but don’t force interactions. Let him observe and gain confidence at his own pace.
Focus on basic training to build self-control and trust. Commands like “place,” “leave it,” and “this way” are especially useful. Mental enrichment (like puzzle toys or nose work) and regular obedience work in different settings will help him stay balanced.
Avoid punishing protective behaviors like barking or growling, as this can lead him to suppress essential warning signs. Instead, reinforce your desired behavior, calmness, focus, and trust in yourself.
If you’re ever unsure, working with a positive reinforcement trainer, especially one experienced with Shepherds, can make a big difference. With the proper guidance, your dog can grow into a stable, confident protector who knows when to act and when to relax. You’re on the right track just by asking this question.
Chihuahuas can be aggressive, but they are so small no one takes them seriously. I had a Toy Chihuahua for many years, and she was one feisty girl. She loved to pee inside, steal things, and pick fights with every single dog she saw bigger than her. Chihuahuas often get away with a lot of bad behavior due to their cuteness and tiny size. As they say, they pack a big dog personality into a pint-size pup. They actually are known to be biters, but again, they are so small and don’t do much damage that they don’t make the list of the most aggressive breeds or breeds that are likely to bite.
I am a firm believer in staying with my animals until the very end, including the hard part of being there during euthanasia. Our pets look to us for everything; they need that comfort when passing through to the next journey. For me, there is no question about whether or not I will stay with them. They offered me so much love and comfort in life; it’s the final act of love I can give them.
I totally get where you’re coming from. My dog Falkor is the same way. It really does feel personal when your dog looks at you like you’ve just betrayed their trust over a simple bath. Milo’s reaction isn’t unusual, and you’re definitely not alone in this. A lot of dogs act like bath time is a full-blown crisis, even if it’s just a five-minute rinse.
The thing is, dogs like Milo and Falkor often associate the sound of running water, the slippery tub, or even the smell of shampoo with something unfamiliar or uncomfortable. From their perspective, the whole experience feels overwhelming. He’s not being dramatic on purpose; he’s reacting out of fear or anxiety. Small dogs especially can feel vulnerable in a big, wet, echoey space where they don’t have much control. Even if you’re gentle and calm, the environment itself can still feel threatening to him.
Since you’ve already tried treats and toys, which are great first steps, there are a few other things you might try to make bath time feel less like a horror movie for him. Start by breaking the association with fear. Try bringing him into the bathroom when you’re not giving him a bath, and let him hang out there with treats, just to build a positive connection. You can also try using a non-slip mat in the tub so he doesn’t feel like he’s going to fall. That alone can really help with his sense of security.
You might also want to switch to a handheld sprayer or a cup to rinse him off, especially if the sound of water triggers him. Keep the water warm, not hot, and speak to him in a calm, upbeat voice throughout. Some dogs respond really well to slow desensitization, where you introduce parts of the bath routine in small steps over a few days. For example, one day you could just get his paws wet, another day pour a little water on his back, and gradually build up from there without doing a full bath.
If it’s still a huge ordeal even after all of that, it’s okay to call in help. Some dogs genuinely do better with professional groomers, especially ones trained to handle anxious pets. And no, Milo’s not being extra; he just has a strong personality, and he’s letting you know loud and clear that bath time isn’t his thing. But with some patience and a few tweaks to the routine, you might be able to convince him that it’s not the end of the world.
You’re doing everything right by trying to make it easier for him. Milo may never love baths, but with your help, he might just learn to tolerate them without feeling like he’s going into battle. You can learn more in our article on dog bathing tips. Good luck!
All my dogs have been rescues. My youngest dog, Falkor, came to me at a very sad time in my life. One of my other dogs, whom I had for 14 years, passed away from sudden heart failure, and just 2 months later, a very close family member passed away unexpectedly. It was a devastating time for me, and I didn’t have a big support system to lean on. A neighbor had recently taken in a pregnant stray dog. She didn’t know what to do with the puppies and planned to take them to a shelter but was worried they might not be adopted due to being mixed breeds of unknown origin. One day, she asked me if I wanted to hang out with the puppies because I was so sad, and of course, I said yes. As I was covered in puppy kisses, one little guy settled on my lap, snuggled in, and would not budge. The connection was made, and that little furball came home with me that day. I named him Falkor; he has been my best little buddy since then. He is terribly spoiled, but that’s fine with me. He 100% came to me right when I needed him and has been such a joy to have in my life.
My dog does the exact same thing and starts drinking water like she’s never had any in her life a few hours before bedtime. It always makes a mess, is loud, and, of course, makes her need to go out a couple of hours later. There are a few reasons dogs do this. One is that they can be dehydrated or overheated from the day and may be trying to compensate by drinking a whole bunch when things calm down. If your dog sleeps a lot during the day, he might be thirstier at night because he didn’t get enough during the daytime. Other times, they can chug water like that due to anxiety or even excitement. My dog gets a treat with medication before bed, and she often starts her nightly water guzzle shortly before she knows the treat is coming.
Some dogs drink a lot of water if they are bored. Other times, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition like diabetes, kidney malfunction, Cushing’s Disease, liver disease, or a urinary tract infection. If you are worried about it being a medical condition, a conversation with the vet is a good idea. Most likely, your pup is fine, but it is always best to check on any kind of behavior change.
You can learn more about dogs drinking too much water in this article, and we also review some of the best dog water fountains, which may help control your dog’s water intake.
You may have some luck using an anti-chew spray as a deterrent. You can spray it near any areas your pup seems overly interested in. The smell and taste may discourage your pup from sniffing in those tempting areas. In this article, we review some of the top anti-chew sprays.
Hi Rach-73, this is a great question. As a small dog owner myself I know what you are talking about when you describe your dog’s shaking. My Chihuahua Cookie always shook, even on a 95 degree day. My Poogle Falkor also always shakes when he is excited, scared, or stressed. Smaller breeds like the Doxie are more prone to shaking, and sometimes they do it seemingly for no apparent reason. This can be totally normal and isn’t always a sign of a health issue. However, it’s good to be mindful of certain factors.
Here are some reasons smaller dogs might shake without an obvious health concern:
Temperature Sensitivity: Smaller dogs often have less body mass and thinner fur, which makes them more sensitive to the cold. Even a slight chill can cause them to shake, especially if they’re not wearing a sweater or have a warm spot to curl up in. It’s worth considering if the temperature around them might be causing the shake.
Excitement or Anticipation: Some small dogs shake when they’re excited or anticipating something enjoyable, like when they see their favorite person, treat, or toy. The shaking is a way of expressing excitement, and this is typically harmless.
Nervousness or Anxiety: Smaller dogs may shake when they’re nervous or anxious, even in situations that might not seem stressful to us. They may be more sensitive to new environments, loud noises, or changes in routine. If your dog shakes in certain situations (like at the vet, during car rides, or around strangers), it could be related to anxiety.
Genetics: Certain small breeds are simply more prone to trembling. Breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Maltese, for example, are known for shaking occasionally, even when they’re not cold or anxious. This might be just part of their genetic makeup.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Smaller dogs, especially puppies or toy breeds, can be prone to hypoglycemia. If their blood sugar drops too low, they may start to shake. It can often be addressed by feeding them smaller, more frequent meals or providing them with treats that help stabilize their blood sugar.
Even though shaking is common in smaller breeds, it’s still important to keep an eye on it. If the shaking seems excessive, happens frequently, or is accompanied by other signs of illness (like lethargy, loss of appetite, or behavioral changes), it’s a good idea to check in with your vet to rule out any underlying medical issues. These can include an illness or infection, injury, exposure to a toxin, seizures, neurological issues, and aging. Your vet can help you determine if your pup’s shaking is normal, or due to more serious issues. We cover this in more detail in our article Why Is My Dog Shaking Or Shivering?
What a great question! When it comes to managing emergencies with your dog, it’s essential to have a plan in place and to be prepared for unexpected situations. First, make sure you have the contact information for your veterinarian and an emergency animal hospital, which is readily available in case of urgent situations. Know the signs of a medical emergency, such as vomiting, lethargy, excessive bleeding, or difficulty breathing, so you can act quickly. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with basic pet first aid techniques, such as performing CPR or managing wounds, so you’re confident and prepared in a stressful situation.
A pet first aid kit is an invaluable tool for handling emergencies at home or while you’re out with your dog. In your kit, you should include items like sterile gauze pads, bandages, adhesive tape, tweezers (for removing splinters or stingers), antiseptic wipes or solution, hydrogen peroxide (for inducing vomiting in certain cases), a thermometer, and a muzzle (if your dog may react aggressively due to pain). Don’t forget a digital thermometer, a pair of scissors, a flashlight, and an emergency blanket to help keep your pet warm. It’s also helpful to include any medication your pet regularly takes and keep a list of dosages in case you need to administer them. By keeping this kit stocked and easily accessible, you’ll be ready to take quick action to help your dog in an emergency. You can learn more about the best dog first aid kits in our detailed article. We also review Dr. Cuddles ReadyRESCUE, an at-home emergency charcoal detoxifying kit for dogs and cats. I hope this helps!
Hi Butterbean, this is a great question and one I have dealt with myself as I, too, have cats and dogs. It’s not uncommon for dogs to show an interest in cat food, and while it may seem harmless or even cute, it’s worth taking a closer look at whether it’s okay for dogs to eat cat food and how to manage this habit.
While it’s not toxic or dangerous for dogs to occasionally nibble on cat food, it’s not ideal as a regular part of their diet. Cat food is formulated specifically to meet the nutritional needs of cats, which differ from those of dogs. Cat food tends to have higher levels of protein and fat, as cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need more meat-based nutrients. For dogs, eating too much cat food can lead to an imbalance in their diet, potentially causing weight gain, digestive issues, and even pancreatitis due to the high-fat content. In addition, this could result in nutritional deficiencies over time if the dog isn’t getting the right balance of nutrients designed for them.
To help curb your dog’s cat food obsession, here are a few strategies:
Make Cat Food Less Accessible:
Try elevating the cat’s food dish or placing it in an area your dog can’t reach. A high counter, a cat tree, or a cat-only space can be great solutions.
Supervise Mealtimes:
You could supervise your dog during mealtimes to prevent him from sneaking over to the cat’s bowl. This could be as simple as keeping your dog in a different room while the cats eat or keeping him distracted with his own food or a toy.
Train a “Leave It” Command:
Teaching your dog a “leave it” command can be very effective in these situations. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn that cat food isn’t for him, and he’ll be more likely to leave it alone when prompted.
Feed Both Pets Simultaneously:
Try feeding your dog and cat at the same time but in separate spaces. If the dog learns to associate meal times with staying away from the cat’s bowl, he might eventually lose interest.
You might also want to experiment with feeding your dog and cat at different times so that the temptation of cat food doesn’t even arise. Also, providing high-quality, tasty dog food can make your dog feel more satisfied, reducing the likelihood that he will feel the urge to snack on the cat’s food.
You can learn more about this in our detailed article Can Cats Eat Dog Food? – which includes tips from Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed MRCVS. I hope this helps!
