Danielle DeGroot
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My friend’s dog is staying with me in a few weeks while he is out of town. The dog eats only boiled chicken and rice. He says he will provide me with the supplies to make the food, but I’m not sure this is a balanced diet for the dog in the long term. My friend says the dog started on this diet when they were sick, and they haven’t been able to get her to switch back to kibble. I’m not going to make a change to her diet, she’ll only be with me a few days. But I think he needs some help with this. Any advice on how to get a dog to eat dog food over boiled chicken?Hi @GrouchoBarks, boiled chicken and rice taste great, and both are safe for dogs, but dogs need more nutrients in their diet to stay healthy. Perhaps your friend can start adding some fresh veggies and fruits like carrots, apples, spinach, peas, green beans, and sweet potatoes can add these healthy nutrients. However, because this is not your dog, and you don’t know the full medical history or reasons behind why the dog is on this diet, it’s not wise for you to change anything. Feed your friend’s pup the chicken and rice, but ask him why the dog has this diet, and suggest he talk to his vet to be sure this pup gets a balanced, healthy diet. We have an excellent recipe for chicken and rice that can help you while this pup is in your care. Best of luck!
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I hate this time of year only because my dog barks at squirrels non-stop. My sliding glass door faces the woods out back. The acorns are plentiful and so are the squirrels hiding them in my yard. I have a mixed breed, so I don’t know her penchant for certain behaviors, but she wants to get those tree-rats. It’s also a pain to take her out back – I always have to scan my yard for them. Is there any way to train this out of my pup? It happens all the time but especially in the fall.@walter_white_rules I feel your pain, as I have the exact same problem. My dog is almost 14 and has mobility issues but acts like a young pup every single time a squirrel even pops into view. She almost broke her leg trying to jump a fence to get one as a puppy. I have tried many different things to get her to stop. One thing that works well is to simply block the view with curtains, but that means sitting a dark room which is not always great.
Another approach is to train your pup to ignore the squirrels while on a leash. This, of course, means relying on the cooperation of the squirrels. To do this, put your dog on a leash, take her outside, and allow her to come close to a squirrel. She will likely get excited and struggle. You need to remain calm and hold her in place. Use a command like “Quiet” or “Leave it”. When she calms down, reward her with a treat. You must repeat this several times over a few weeks until she no longer gets excited when she sees a squirrel.
You can also try distracting her with a new or favorite toy when she starts barking at a squirrel. Interactive toys are a great pick, as they will engage her for longer. My dog actually loves this Hide-A-Squirrel toy. I’ve literally bought about 50 of them over the years. She destroys it eventually, but it keeps her entertained and gives her a squirrel that is safe for her to play with.
Chasing after squirrels is a natural instinct dogs have. They are hunters, and squirrels are fast, lithe, and everywhere, making this a common issue for many dog owners. I hope this helps. Please keep us posted on any methods that work to help stop your pup from stalking the squirrels!
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My dog has the chasing part down, but how do I teach him to return the ball to me?Hi @Myname5james, what a great question. Fetch seems like a simple game, but it is not as easy as one might think. As you mentioned, there are two main parts: chasing the ball and bringing it back. One way to train your pup to bring the ball back is to give him a verbal reward when he picks up the ball. You may need to teach him this and give him a treat when he picks it up at first. Then, call him back to you, and when he comes to you, give him a treat. When I trained my dog, I started this part very close to him, just a couple of feet. Then, I gradually increased the distance as he became more confident in it. One thing I also did was run with him at first because he was reluctant to do that part. Another family member stood across the yard and gave him a treat when we made it to them. Another big thing is to teach your pup the drop command so he drops the ball when he comes back to you. You can do this by saying “drop” and then offering a treat when he drops the ball. Once your pup has the game down, you can reserve the treats for the end of your play session. The fun and thrill of chasing the ball and seeing your excitement are reward enough, and you don’t want him to pack on excess weight.
This all happens in steps. Work on each part until he gets it down, then move to the next. Eventually, all the parts will fit together, and your pup will be a master of fetch! We have a step-by-step guide on how to teach your dog to fetch that might help. You may also like some of these low-calorie dog treats so that you can keep your pup healthy and still offer tasty rewards. Best of luck, and I’d love to hear back about how your pup does on this next part of the game.
@GoHawks This is a great question and a fairly common canine behavior. There are a few different reasons your pup might behave like this. Often, dogs see the time when we settle down and have low activity as a chance to interact. Your pup may simply have to go to the bathroom, but she might also be seeking out attention. You mention that you clean up for a bit before sitting down to relax. While she may want to go out, she may wait until you are not busy. She knows that when you sit down, you will relax and be there for a while, and she wants to engage. She may also be a bit bored and see the low activity time as an opportunity to go outside for a little more activity.
I also have a dog that whines about going out almost as soon as I settle in for a cup of coffee or a bit of downtime. It used to drive me absolutely batty until I realized it was not always a call to go out to relieve herself. I saw this as a sign she wanted a little more attention; after all, we get busy with work, school, and life, and she might feel left out. We have a special playtime every evening with her favorite toys. She loves tennis balls and interactive toys. This gives her that one-on-one time she craves and allows me to have my downtime without the whining. It helped to set a routine. I take my dog for a walk every afternoon, and then she has her playtime after dinner. I feed her before the human family eats dinner so I can have my downtime when all that work is done.
It took a while to establish a routine, but it truly helped me and my dog. Of course, it’s also important to rule out any medical issues. Observe your dog and make sure she is able to relieve herself, is not in pain, and does not have any signs of irritation. If she is having trouble or has a urinary tract or yeast infection, she may be trying to go outside because she is uncomfortable. Have her checked out by the vet if you notice any irritation, pain, discharge, etc. Hopefully, that is not the case, but it’s always best to check. Best of luck with getting some peaceful relaxation time!
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I have a mixed breed with a long, thin coat. I’m wondering if he needs extra layers during the winter time.Hi @Gus Gus this is a great question. Dog breeds with thin coats, small breeds, puppies, and senior dogs usually need coats. Even thicker-coated breeds can need them if it is cold enough. As a general rule, your pup should have a coat on whenever the temperature dips below the mid-40s (Fahrenheit). If it feels or reaches 32°F (0°C), your pup needs a coat, regardless of breed. Do we cover this in more detail in our article How Cold Is Too Cold For A Dog? We also discuss if dog paws can freeze. With colder weather moving in, it’s a good idea to get your pup a few lighter jackets and a winter coat to keep warm. Even shorter walks need some protection from the elements; as a rule of thumb, your pup should only be outside for about 10 to 15 minutes if the temperature is below freezing.
Our team has reviewed some of the best dog boots and coats for winter. This can help you determine the best kind for your pup. I also have mixed breeds; one has a long, thin coat. I put him in hoodies and sweaters starting in October, and then often use a waterproof layer on top if it is wet out or really cold. This allows him to wear his harness under the layers, and I can remove one if he gets too warm. When we go in the snow, I put him in a few layers or a snowsuit and always use booties to protect his feet. I hope you find some cute winter wear for your pup!
@dogshabit, you are right. The Corgi Labrador mix, or Corgidor, is a lovely mixed-breed dog with energetic, eager-to-please personalities. In the right home, they can make wonderful companions. Our Corgi Labrador mix breed guide covers this breed in more detail. Learn about temperament, care needs, health, price, and more.
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I love TJ’s and usually go there for groceries but is their PB safe for pups?Hi @childlessdoglady, I am also a big fan of Trader Joe’s. My dogs LOVE peanut butter, so it is a staple in my house. I give one of my dogs medication daily in a little bit of peanut butter, so I am always on the lookout for dog-safe options. Peanut butter can be a safe treat, but you must be careful not to pick products that have added salt or artificial sweeteners. This article covers feeding your dog peanut butter, and this one reviews the best peanut butter for dogs.
In regards to Trader Joe’s peanut butter, it all depends on the specific product you use. I looked at a few; for example, Trader Joe’s Creamy No Salt Organic Peanut Butter is safe, as it only contains organicValenica peanuts and no added salt or sweeteners. Another safe option is Trader Joe’s Creamy Unsalted Peanut Butter, which is made from unblanched peanuts. Always look closely at the ingredients and avoid added salts, sugars, and artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol. It is toxic to dogs and should always be avoided. I hope this helps you find a tasty, healthy peanut butter your pup loves.
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one of my dogs has started peeing on the other dog@thanks4allthefish, this is a good question, and I’m glad you reached out. There are a few different reasons dogs pee on each other. One of the main reasons for this behavior is marking territory or proving dominance. It can also be a sign of anxiety, using urine marking to reassert themselves by peeing on things. However, if the behavior is new, it could be connected to a medical issue or incontinence, which you can learn more about here. I’d suggest getting your pup checked out by the veterinarian to ensure nothing else is going on. Then, if this keeps happening, you can work with a trainer to stop it. You can also use a spray to stop your pup from peeing places you don’t want them to. Learn more about dog potty training sprays here.
I hope you can figure out what is triggering this behavior. In the meantime, it might be a good idea to let the dogs out separately to potty; that way, no one is peeing on each other! Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!
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Has anyone had good experience with DogHood app for finding play dates or dog-friendly places?Hi @GeorgieCKCS. I briefly tried out the DogHood app but did not find it helpful for dog playdates. I recently moved to a new area and thought it might be a way to connect with other dog owners, but there were not many ways to meet other dogs in my area through that app. I would suggest Meetup, which often has dog walking groups or dog park meetups posted in local areas.
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I feel so bad for all those pups who are stranded and have been hearing a lot about the shelters who have had an influx of pets since taking in the pups from Asheville and surrounding areas, wondering how I can help from afar!Hi @GeorgieCKCS. Seeing all the animals that need help right now from Hurricane Helene is heartbreaking. There are a few ways to help. One of the best ways to do this is to make a donation. We’ve covered this in this short guide about how to help shelters in our home state of North Carolina: Hurricane Helene Hounds Need Your Help. You can also donate at these two links:
I hope this helps. Every little bit helps, so anything we can do is greatly appreciated by the people and animals affected by this terrible storm.
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So, my question is how do you know when it’s the right time to put a dog down?Hi @Gus Gus. I’m sorry your friend is facing this heartbreaking time. I understand completely. I currently have a 13-year-old dog who is on palliative care, and I have spent much time over the past month or so wondering this same thing. The reality is it is never an easy decision, but it is a necessary one. With each and every pet we bring into our lives, we will eventually have to face this decision. It is one of the hardest parts of pet ownership.
Your friend will have to look at the reality of the situation and answer some questions. It can be very difficult to do so, as often answering them truthfully means that your pet is nearing the end of their time with you. If a pet is in pain, having trouble controlling bodily functions, not eating, not enjoying life, has a poor diagnosis, and has a poor quality of life, it’s time to face what’s next. Especially when it becomes an epic effort to keep a pup alive. A big factor is how long your friend can pay for care once the dog’s needs intensify.
Fifteen years old is quite a long life for any dog breed, and it’s clear your friend loves her pup. I am very sorry she and her dog are having to navigate this tough time. This article covers when and how to know it’s time to say goodbye in more detail. I hope she gets as much quality time with her pup as she can. You can learn more about how to help her after she says goodbye in our guide on dealing with the death of a dog. Sending lots of support.
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the dog keeps scooting her butt on my carpet@Fire Dan, I understand your concern and being grossed out. Dogs often rub their butts on carpets to relieve an itch. Dog butts get itchy, and they can’t exactly reach them, so sometimes scooting is the only way to relieve it. But there are a few other things that can cause it. One thing in particular is anal gland issues. Or anal sac disease. We cover this in more detail here. Other medical issues include parasites or even growths from serious diseases like cancer. So while your friend’s dog may just have an itchy butt, it could mean something else. I agree with my colleagues and suggest you take your pup to the vet.
I had a Chihuahua who was a ferocious scooter. She would scoot across the carpet all the time, but always after pooping. I took her to the vet, and it turned out to be an irritation of the glands. So, it’s always better to check because dogs cannot tell us when something hurts or is causing them discomfort.
Hi @childlessdoglady. I saw your post and wanted to see how things are going. I also wanted to suggest setting up an alternative spot for your pup to go potty when it rains. My little dog refuses to go outside and pee on the wet grass. So, I’ve set up a potty spot in the garage. I use one of those dog potties made from artificial turf. It has been a game changer for getting my dog to go outside and potty when it’s wet or really cold. In this article, you can learn more about other options, like dog litter boxes and indoor potty options. For my larger dog, I have a spot of artificial turf under a covered part of the pard, so she always has somewhere to go. It helps with the muddy mess and was well worth the extra cost and effort to set up. To keep the paws clean, I use a dog paw washer, which is sometimes messy but saves my white carpet.
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We all know the old saying that if you have mice, get a cat! But what about a dog?Hi @GeorgieCKCS. This is a fantastic question. We do often associate cats with catching mice, but many dog breeds are skilled ratters. These include Rat Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Dachshunds, and Yorkies. Each dog reacts to mice differently; my little dog is afraid of them and got very skittish when he saw one scurry by on a walk. Other dogs may enjoy the chase. That said, you don’t want to let your dog eat mice. They can carry diseases, including insertional worms and toxoplasmosis, and even pose a risk of toxicity if they have ingested rat poison. It’s best not to let your pup around the mice.
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@Danielle DeGroot THANK YOU! So many great ideas! I have never heard of Sniffspot, but after reading your comment, I took a look and found some options in my area!That’s great to hear @lizbeth! I’m glad you found some good spots. I hope your pup has fun at the dog park. Let us know how it goes!
