Danielle DeGroot
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My suggestion would be to talk to the neighbor. If this doesn’t work, check with your city code about keeping dogs on leashes and picking up their poop. It may not feel nice to report them, but it may be what you need to do to get your neighbor to stop letting your yard be their pup’s potty. And, of course, a fence and some strongly worded signs are always a good deterrent. You may also want to check with your HOA if you have one. Again, it’s not fun to “tell” on anyone, but you should not have to put up with poop in your yard.
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I’ve seen so many negative comments online recently about dog parks being dangerous, whether it be the risk of parasites or fights between dogs. Are dog parks really that terrible?Hi @lizbeth. Dog parks can be great fun, but there is always a risk of negative interactions or picking up germs. While dog parks have rules about this, not all have people to enforce them. So, it is always a little bit of a risk. As a long-time dog owner with reactive dogs, I can understand your apprehension. I have a few tips to help you make the dog park experience fun. The first is to look for parks that are smaller and less busy. These are a great place to start. You can also try one of my personal favorites: private dog parks through Sniffspot. These allow you to take your pup out, explore a new park, and be free of the fear of other dogs or picking up an illness. You can learn more in my firsthand Sniffspot review. Before you head out to any park, be sure your pup is vaccinated and has a handle on basic commands. This is very important for off-leash areas.
Along with that, we cover dog park etiquette in detail, which can help you learn what to expect and get your pup ready for his first dog park adventure. Not everyone will uphold these, but it helps to set a good example. Another tip is to join a dog meetup group so you are always at the park with the same group of dogs. This has been very helpful for me with my smaller dog, who is socially anxious. It is also ok to decide the dog park just isn’t for you. Despite our best efforts, there will always be those who break the rules and make the park uncomfortable. So, it often depends on the specific park, and it may take a few tries to find the one that feels right for your dog. I hope this helps!
What great suggestions. I can never get enough book-inspired dog names. It makes me want another puppy just to name them something awesome!
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But I’ve noticed small spots of blood on her toys. It’s not a ton, but is this a sign of a problem?Hi @Sarahrox, I can understand being worried when you see blood. A little blood on toys, blankets, and other things your puppy chews on is normal. You may even find some of her baby teeth. (Learn more about when puppies lose their teeth) Offering your puppy something cold to chew on can help soothe the pain and irritation in her gums. I like using fresh frozen carrots, bananas, watermelon, or even peanut butter. You can also buy puppy chew toys; many can be frozen and are made for powerful chewers. We cover puppy chewing in detail in this article on puppy teething written by a vet.
If you start to notice more significant amounts of blood, or she seems to be in a lot of pain, it’s best to check with the vet to ensure there is no underlying issue like an infection. Good luck!
Hi there. Congrats on your new pup. I am sorry to hear the transition is not going as well as desired. Dog adoption regret is real, but it does not mean your journey with your pup is doomed. Dogs, especially those that are adopted when they are not young puppies, can take time to adjust to their new environment. Training your pup takes time, and there will be some ups and downs. If you are having trouble, it may be time to bring in some help. You can try a dog behavior class, a private trainer, or an online trainer. We cover how to find the right trainer in this detailed guide. One online trainer that we really like here at Canine Journal is Doggy Dan, which we cover in detail in this review. While it is an extra expense, professional training is immensely helpful, especially for a dog in a new environment. This can be helpful, especially because you do not know what kind of training your pup had before they came to you.
Training a new dog is no small task, and there is no easy fix. Each dog will learn things at its own pace. Positive reinforcement works wonders and helps your pup build a bond with you. While this can be a challenging time, consistency is key to helping keep things moving forward and help your new pup get settled in. That said, sometimes it will become clear that the match is not the right one, and if that is the case, you can take steps to find a new home for your pup that will suit them better. It is okay if things don’t work out; this happens more often than one would think. One of our team members, Kimberly Alt, shared her experience rehoming a dog that turned out not to be a good fit for her family.
I hope you can give it a little more time and patience with your new fur baby. Hopefully, professional guidance will make the training process easier and more productive. Let me know how it goes!
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Is there another breed you’d recommend that may be easier to handle?Hi there, MichaelJ. How exciting that your parents are ready for a new dog. As a longtime Lab owner, I understand your concern about a larger breed. They can be a handful and are very physically taxing to walk if they pull. There are plenty of smaller breeds that will make amazing companions for your parents. Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their sweet, gentle personalities. They are medium-sized, so you can still get out for walks and activity, but they don’t have the physical strain of a bigger breed like the Labrador. A Mini-Goldendoodle might be a good fit, too. They are lovable, active, and a lot easier to handle than a full-size Lab. Best of luck, let us know what breed they decide on!
Hi Fire Dan. There are a few reasons your pup might not like his kibble. Dogs, like us, get bored eating the same thing every meal. There is also a possibility he may have something going on in his mouth. This may be a cavity, broken or infected tooth, sore gum, or other issue that makes eating kibble uncomfortable. A trip to the vet to have him checked out may help. Once you rule out any medical issues, you may want to try a different kibble. Sometimes, a change in flavor and texture can be helpful.
I have an older dog who can be very picky and started refusing to eat kibble a few months ago. I started mixing in freeze-dried dog food and wet and fresh food toppers, which has greatly increased her interest in her food. I like Freshpet for its low price, good quality, and convenience. My dog also loves Stella & Chewy’s. They make freeze-dried nuggets and toppers I mix in with kibble.
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It got me working if there are other unsafe ingredients to look out for in dog shampoo and conditioners (besides the obvious,Hi there. This is a great question because there are so many different brands of dog shampoo to choose from, and it’s tricky to know what ingredients are harmful. A few you want to look out for are:
- Parabens – Parabens are used as preservatives in many dog shampoos. They can pile up inside the body and lead to the development of hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and even cancer. Butylparaben, Propylparaben, and Methylparaben are the names of a few common ones.
- L- Sulfates – These collect oil and dirt form the skin, but also strip your pup’s body of the oils it needs to keep the skin hydrated.
- Cocamide DEA- This creates a satisfying foam from shampoo, but it is toxic. It can be absorbed through the skin and cause organ damage.
- Alcohols – Isopropyl alcohol can be absorbed through the skin and lead to organ and neurological damage. Along with that, it causes severe skin irritation.
- Fragrances – Artificial fragrances often involve chemicals that cause irritation to dogs and can trigger allergies.
- Artificial dyes and colors- Some of these can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even cancer in some dogs.
- Phthalates- Phthalates are used in some dog shampoos to help blend fragrances with the other ingredients. They are dangerous because they are hormone disrupters and can damage the endocrine system.
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Propylene Glycol (PPG) – These chemicals can allow toxins to be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause skin irritation.
- Mineral oils – Mineral oils are derived from petroleum and create a build-up on the skin, as well as prevent new hair growth. It clogs the hair follicles and prevents the skin from excreting toxins or letting out sebum.
There are a few more things like GMOs, silicones, and chemical preservatives to avoid. You can learn more about some safer options in our reviews of the
best dog shampoo for allergies, as well as recipes for making DIY dog-safe shampoo at home. I personally like oatmeal-based dog shampoos for my dogs and try to stick to all-natural options. I hope this helps!Quote:
They “think” he has some Labrador Retriever characteristics, but they say they’re not sure. Is there a way to tell how big a puppy will get if you don’t know the breed mix?Hi MichaelJ. I have a soft spot for mixed-breed pups, especially Lab mixes. I have adopted two Lab mixes as puppies from local shelters, and they have been wonderful dogs. However, any dog with Labrador genetics has the potential to get very big. They grow quickly, too, putting on up to ten pounds a month as puppies. Mine are both Lab Pitbull mixes, and both top over 80 pounds. You can learn more about how big Labs get and their growth milestones in this Labrador Retriever Growth Chart by our team member, Sadie Cornelius.
With mixed-breed pups, especially those in shelters, there is a great deal of uncertainty and wiggle room regarding size. For pups adopted from breeders, there is more information to go on. However, shelter pups often come from very uncertain backgrounds. In my own experience, I was told my dogs were Labrador Shar Pei and Labrador Blue Heeler mixes. Both turned out to be different mixes. You can try a dog DNA test, which will provide a breed percentage. However, you must adopt the pup first, as it’s unlikely the shelter runs these tests.
So my advice is if you want a pup that is going to stay small, look to a smaller breed mix, as any dog with Labrador genes will likely be at least 50 pounds when fully grown. I might suggest Chihuahuas or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, as they are both very friendly pups that stay on the smaller side. Best of luck with finding the perfect furry friend to add to your family.
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Do dogs really understand that their name is special?Hi there. What an interesting question. I have a similar experience. Growing up, my grandma called all her pets by the same name. Every cat she ever had was Kitty, and she also raised birds, all named Pretty Bird. I’ve spent a long time researching pet names, as well as what dogs can understand. Dogs do understand that their name is special, as when they respond to it, they get praise or a reward like food or a walk. So they learn that this particular sound means something. However, dogs don’t understand that a word means anything more profound than that.
I don’t see anything wrong with your dad naming all his dogs Jack if that’s the name he likes. Maybe it means something special to him, which is reason enough. That said, I love getting creative with dog names. Most of my pets are named after book or movie characters. We’ve got lots of name ideas, including unique dog names and funny dog names. Perhaps you can suggest one of these or find a perfect name for your next new puppy.
Hi Bernard. How exciting that you are thinking about becoming a dog parent. Puppies are huge chewers and need a few different kinds of toys. One toy is likely not going to be enough. Puppies need a variety of chew toys, or they will start chewing up your furniture, pillows, shoes, and other household items. This is not safe, so it is better to offer them a few different chew toys so they don’t literally start eating the walls. One I would suggest, which I have used myself with several puppies of varying sizes and breeds, is a Puppy Kong. These are super durable, and you can stuff them with treats, cheese, or peanut butter. My dogs never tire of these, even as adults. They are among the few chew toys I’ve found that stand up to highly aggressive chewers. In this detailed Kong Toys Review, we’ve reviewed several Kong toys, including the Puppy Kong.
Take a look at our article on the puppy teething timeline, which can help you know what to expect. We also cover the best toys for puppy teething.
I’d love to hear about your puppy journey, so keep us posted on how it goes!
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I need to take a long trip in a few weeks. I’ll be on the road for two weeks, and I can’t leave my dogs at home. I have never taken them to a hotel before. Are there any hotel chains that are better than others? What should I look for when I pick one? And how welcoming are hotels in general with dogs? I’ve heard some real horror stories from my friends.Hi there! I travel with my dogs and cats all the time. Some hotels are definitely better than others for pets. I encourage you to look at reviews of any hotel you plan to book. These can be very helpful, especially when it comes to having pets with you. Be sure to look for hotels that clearly post their pet policy, fees, and any other fine print. Some hotels are very welcoming. Others may not be as much. I recently stayed at a La Quinta hotel, which was awful. The website had a clear pet policy, but the hotel itself was not up to par, so I ended up leaving. This can happen with hotels like that that get franchised out. The main corporate website may say one thing, but the location differs. That is one big thing to watch out for, so read reviews and always call ahead.
If your pet has not been to a hotel before, be sure to reinforce leash and crate training before you go. If you have a dog that barks a lot, be sure to check if the hotel has a noise policy or quiet hours so you can take steps not to disturb other guests. You may even want to find a local hotel that allows dogs to take your pups for a walk around. They can explore the outside and sometimes even the inside. This can help them get used to the smells and idea of a hotel, even if it’s not the one you stay at. Or you could stay for one night locally to introduce them to the experience before your big trip.
You can learn more about some great hotels that allow dogs in our guide on Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains. I personally love the Embassy Suites and TownePlace Suites because they make staying with pets very easy and are quite affordable. Best of luck, and I’d love to hear how it goes!
Hi Lizbeth. How exciting that you are welcoming a dog into the mix. Introducing dogs and cats can be very tricky. I’ve done it myself many times, as I have always had both cats and dogs. Dogs and cats can live together and get along very well, but it takes time to build that connection. It is very important that they all have time to get to know each other, so this is best done in small steps.
Before introducing them, allow the cats and dogs to learn each other’s scents by sharing a blanket, bedding, or other item that carries their scent.
When the time comes to make introductions, do so carefully. If possible, keep your pup on a leash, allow the cats to explore, and approach the dog as they get comfortable. It may help to introduce one cat at a time. It may start with just visual contact; how comfortable each animal is will help dictate how fast things will move. Let them have a little time together, then separate them back to their safe spaces. Repeat this process, increasing the time spent together as they get acclimated.Be sure to reward both your cats and dogs with plenty of treats and verbal praise throughout the introductions. Slowly increase the time they spend together until both feel comfortable. Then, start letting them be out together while you are supervising. Learn more in this in-depth article, which covers introducing a cat to a dog. Best of luck, and I’d love to hear how it goes!!!
Hello. This is a great question and an awkward situation to be in. Sniffing crotches is normal behavior for dogs, but that does not mean we like it. It’s important to remember that dogs get a lot of information about their surroundings through scent. So they are more sensitive to smells than we are. Dogs sniff crotches and butts due to the pheromones that we release. The glands that release the pheromones are more prominent in the genital and armpit area for humans. Your pup sniffs your crotch to get information from those pheromones. We cover this in much more detail in this article about dogs sniffing crotches and this article about why dogs like to sniff butts.
You can work to train your pup not to do this to you and other people. It will take some time and consistency. Try teaching your dog to sit before you greet him. You can also redirect his attention by holding out your fist so he smells that first before going to the crotch. When your pup smells your hand, reward him with a treat. This can help train him to keep away from your more sensitive areas. While asking visitors to do the same may be awkward, it’s a lot less embarrassing than feeling like your pup is invading people’s personal space. You may want to try starting out the visit with him in his crate or another room and then slowly introducing him to people, using the method of having him smell their hands first. If you cannot make any progress, it is a good idea to talk to a professional trainer. Even just a few sessions can be a great help when it comes to understanding your pup’s behavior and taking the right steps to change it. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
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How can I get him to calm down so I can answer the door and not clean up pee every time the bell rings?Hi JessicaP. This sounds like a rather messy situation, but you are not alone in dealing with it. I also have a dog that pees when she gets excited. This is sometimes called submissive urination, especially if it happens when your pup is anxious or in a situation where someone stands over them, and they feel intimidated. Submissive urination is normal and can occur whenever your pup feels startled, excited, or overstimulated.
There are a few things you can do to help temper this down. If it happens only when the doorbell rings, try training him to lie down or go to his crate or other special spot when the bell rings. Do not answer the door while you are waiting for him to respond. You may want to put a sign out by the doorbell that says, “Dog Training, please wait after ringing the bell. We will be with you shortly,” or something to that effect. I used this method for one of my dogs that barks at the bell and for my dog that pees out of excitement. It has helped quite a bit, but it did take some time. You can definitely lessen this behavior, but it is going to take some time and dedication, and you may have to get some advice from a professional dog trainer if the at-home methods don’t work.
One thing to keep in mind is that small dogs may not be able to hold their bladder for very long, so be sure you are taking them out regularly, even a little extra, especially on days you expect company. This way, there won’t be much for him to let out and less mess to clean up. Always be sure to clean up the pee accidents right away; you do not want him sniffing old urine and thinking it is okay to pee there. I’ve covered how long dogs can hold their pee in more detail in this article, and we also detail urinary incontinence and what to look out for there. Best of luck with your pup. Keep us posted on how it goes.
