I write a lot about training, and I try my best to keep it informative rather than definite. I’m very careful with the wording I use. I say “this is what worked for my dog,” rather than “this will work for yours.” I say “this worked for my dog after a couple of weeks,” rather than “this will work for yours in 14 days.” And I don’t make guarantees.

That’s not to say that there aren’t some (nearly) fool proof training techniques, it’s just that it’s impossible to make guarantees on things that include so many variables.

Dogs aren’t all the same, we’re not all the same, and neither are the circumstances that surround why we’re training to begin with.

A 4 year old dog that’s had limited human contact will react differently to training than a 3 month old puppy. Trying to train your dog in the middle of a dog park will yield different results than working in your living room. And a dog that’s been scared of fireworks for 6+ years is going to be more of a challenge to calm on the 4th of July than a 6 month old puppy. They can’t all be cured with the aid of a thunder shirt or essential oils.

Meaningful Progress Takes Time

Training is an ongoing process, and progress is made over time. There’s not always going to be a quick fix or method that works 100% of the time.

If you’ve been training your dog for years you’ll start to develop skills that help you train the dog in front of you, whether you’re conscious of it or not. Over time you learn how to communicate with them clearly, and you’ll know how to keep them motivated. When it comes to starting over with a new pup you don’t have that foundation; it has to be built.

That’s not to say that all training is difficult, or that it’s always harder to train a puppy rather than an adult dog. It all depends on the variables. What are you trying to train? Is this going to require your dog to do something they’re uncomfortable with? Teaching your dog a new trick will be easier than training your dog to have a different emotional response to something they find scary. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to training.

When Something Doesn’t Work We Blame the Dog

Our dogs aren’t all the same, and when it comes to training they each present their own quirks and challenges. But if we read an article that says “guaranteed to work for your dog in 7 days” we expect it it work. If a “guaranteed” method doesn’t work we assume it’s because there’s something wrong with our dog. We start to think that our dog is just being stubborn, or that she’s just stupid and/or impossible to train.

But the thing is there aren’t any guarantees when it comes to dog training, and articles that make those claims are misleading. If a method doesn’t work for your dog it doesn’t mean she’s defective, it means that the method you’re using isn’t producing results. That may be due to a lack of communication on your part, it might have to do with distractions, or it may be due to an issue with the method itself.

The “yelp to make your puppy stop biting” method doesn’t work for all dogs, and in some cases it makes it worse. The “use a crate so your dog doesn’t eliminate during the day” method doesn’t work because it’s impossible for some pups to hold it for 8+ hours, and others won’t bother trying. Some dogs can be potty trained in 5 days, and others take months. Not every method will work for every dog, no matter how many times someone uses the word “guaranteed.”

When it comes to training we need to remember that our dogs are different. A method that works perfectly for one dog might take weeks on another, or it may not work at all. When it comes to training we need to understand that it’s not always going to go as planned, and it’s certainly not always going to happen in two days.

Find What Works For Your Dog

The best advice I have for training your dog is to stick with it. Don’t give up just because method A didn’t work. Vary up the rewards to find out what keeps your dog motivated. Train in distraction free environments. Make your training sessions 5 minutes rather than 10.

Find out what works for your dog and build on that. Over time you’ll start to see what techniques work best for your dog, and once that foundation is in place it’s easier to keep moving forward.

Don’t Be Afraid to Question the Motivation

If you come across an article that’s “guaranteed to work for your dog” don’t be afraid to question it. Is it too good to be true? Is it light on information? Are they just trying to sell you an online dog training system? If so move on, there’s a thousand more articles where that came from.

Not all dog training articles are bad, most of the ones I’ve read have been pretty good. But sometimes it takes a bit of sifting to find those gems. When you come across a training article ask yourself if the author presenting good information you can use right now, or just promising results if you buy their program. Close the ones telling you to “click here to learn more” and move onto the next one.

And if you come across a dog training article that didn’t work in “seven days guaranteed” as suggested, just remember – don’t blame your dog. It’s the authors fault for making a promise they couldn’t keep. A stranger has no business making guarantees when it comes to what will work for your dog; unless of course their whole business is trying to sell you their online training system.

If you need help with training: A good dog trainer can teach you more than any article. Reach out to dog trainers in your area. Find one you’re comfortable with, and one that works well with your dog. Working with a good trainer is one of the best decisions I’ve made.

The post Why I Don’t Like Seeing The Word Guaranteed in Dog Training Articles appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

In my nervousness I’d over compensate and say a lot of stupid things. And it wasn’t until I was on the receiving end that I realized just how horrible some of things I’d said really were.

There isn’t one magical thing you can say that to alleviate someone’s grief, but there are plenty of things you can say that make it worse. Here’s 3 things not to say after someone loses their dog (and things you can say instead).

Don’t Ask “Are You Getting Another Dog?”

When you ask ‘are you getting another dog?’ to someone whose just lost theirs it makes it sound like they’re replaceable. That they can just go out and buy another puppy and things will be hunky dory.

But pets aren’t replaceable. When you love and care for an animal you can’t just swap one for another. There’s a deep bond and connection that develops, and it takes time to heal.

For many of us the grief we feel after losing a dog can be just as strong as it is for the loss of a family member or friend. And you wouldn’t tell someone to just go out and replace either of those. Suggesting that we go out and get another dog undermines our grief, and makes it seem as if ‘getting over it’ should be simple. Everyone grieves differently.

Although there’s growing acceptance of the fact that the grief we feel for pets can be traumatic, it’s still not something we acknowledge widely. Don’t make the person feel worse by suggesting that they can replace their pet and move on. Grief doesn’t work that way.

Rather than asking ‘when are you getting another dog,’ just offer your condolences. Tell them that you’re sorry for their loss, and that you’re there for them if they need anything.

Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim. – Vicki Harrison

Don’t ask someone whose lost a dog ‘so when are you getting another one?’ Dogs aren’t replaceable, and your question undermines their grief and makes it seem as if it should be simple to just ‘get over.’

Don’t Push For Details

Don’t be offended or surprised if someone doesn’t want to share all the details regarding the loss of their pet. Some people aren’t comfortable discussing private matters with everyone, and that’s especially true in public places.

When I came back to work after losing my dog Carter the act of keeping myself from breaking down every two seconds was exhausting. Every time I started to concentrate on my actual work someone would come up and ask ‘oh my gosh, I’m so sorry – what happened?’

There’s no easy way to answer that. And every time someone asked me that I’d lose it all over again. I didn’t want to be rude by not saying anything, but there wasn’t much I could say that wouldn’t turn me into a sobbing mess.

Don’t make it hard on the grieving person by asking a question that they might not be comfortable answering. Having to say ‘my dog died’ or ‘Carter is gone’ was excruciating. And I couldn’t even imagine what sort of a mess I’d be if I went into the actual details.

Don’t pry for information. Give them a chance to come to you if they want to talk about it.

Don’t just ask ‘oh my gosh what happened?’ That puts them in an awkward position of having to answer. Give your condolences, but make sure you end it in a way that only obligates them to say ‘thank you.’ Let them know you’re there if they need anything. If they need to talk let them come to you.

There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief. – Aeschylus

Some people will have a hard time keeping it together when dealing with grief. Don’t try to force a conversation they might not be comfortable having by prying for details. Let them know you’re there for them, and that they you’re available if they want to talk.

Don’t Second Guess Their Decision

If someone has just lost their dog please don’t say things like ‘When my dog was sick we gave him (insert random drug, herb or therapy here), and he lived another 3 years.’ Although you mean well those sorts of comments undermine the person whose grieving, and it makes it sound as if their dog would still be around if only they’d made the ‘right’ choices.

Unsolicited advice can be hard enough to handle on it’s own, but to bring it up after someone has lost their pet is just cruel.

There’s a lot of decisions that go into end of life care, and there’s not one ‘right way’ to deal with them all. People have to make tough choices, and while some may seem seem obvious to you, remember that you weren’t there. You don’t know about all the ‘what if’s’ and quality of life issues that were raised.

Those choices are never easy, but as pet owners they’re ours to make alone. Details about treatment, unless freely discussed, should be left between the owner and their veterinarian.

Instead of offering your opinion, just offer your support. Tell them that you’re sorry, and that you’re there for them if they need anything. If you’ve been through something similar find some common ground doesn’t come off as being judgmental.

If their dog had cancer there’s nothing wrong with adding a simple ‘F cancer’ sentiment to your condolences. Because seriously – F cancer. There’s not a single good thing about it.

Grief doesn’t have a plot. It isn’t smooth. There is no beginning and middle and end. – Ann Hood

Although you may have gone through a similar experience ask yourself ‘how will this make them feel?’ before comparing your situation to theirs. Offer your support, not your opinion. Give them the right to grieve without turning it into a competition.

What to Say to Someone Whose Lost a Pet

If you want to offer your support to someone whose lost their pet and aren’t sure what to say keep it simple. Don’t get nervous and say something you’ll regret. Tell them that you’re sorry, give them your condolences, and let them know you’re there for them.

Keep in mind these tips are for giving condolences to a coworker or acquaintance, in other someone you’re not very close with. For something more personal you can buy a sympathy card, send flowers, plant a tree in their pet’s honor, or make a donation to an animal organization in their pet’s name.

The post 3 Things Not to Say After Someone Loses Their Dog appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

Now I bet that changed your opinion of me at least a little, and what sort of pet owner I could possibly be. But please read on before you judge.

The Conversations We Have About Surrendering a Pet

I don’t know what’s going on lately but there’s been a huge amount of discussions going around about owners surrendering their pets. You know the ones where we hear that he ‘surrendered his dog because of allergies.’ And yes, my first gut reaction is so say to myself ‘I would never do that’ or ‘that’s horrible,’ but then I think back to the day I was faced with that dilemma myself.

All of the conversations I’ve seen tend to be with a bunch of people that are into animal advocacy, and they generally end up with 99% of people coming to the conclusion that surrendering a pet = evil person.

And while I hate hearing a lot of the excuses that people use for surrendering their pet I have been on the other side. I’m not willing to automatically equate every owner who surrenders a pet as being pure evil.

I had to surrender my own dog years ago, and it’s something that haunts me to this day. But when it comes to the conversations we have about surrendering a pet it’s people like me that keep quiet. We don’t share our own stories, but maybe we should.

Working with rescues & shelters I’ve seen both sides of the issue. I’ve seen owners surrendering their dogs for ridiculous reasons such as “he chewed up my curtains,” but I’ve also seen those on the other side. The owners who are desperate for help, the ones who reach out for assistance, and the ones who are are willing to try anything in their power to keep their pets.

And yes, I hear way more stories about about owners surrendering dogs for seemingly silly reasons rather than those desperate for help. We all do. And I believe that’s precisely why we often think ‘what a terrible human being’ as soon as the word surrender is mentioned.

But then there’s people like me, one of those ‘evil people’ whose still haunted by the memory of having to surrender my dog.

The Time I Had to Surrender My Own Dog

When I was 12 we lost our home in a fire. At the time I lived with my mother and our dog Joey. It wasn’t a simple ‘the garage burnt down’ type of fire, it was a ‘your house is totaled’ fire. It happened in the middle of the night, and the fear of being trapped inside a burning building is a sensation I’ve never forgotten. Luckily we were all able to escape through a window.

The only positive to come out the whole situation was that the local paper called me a hero for getting us all out in time. So at least that meant I didn’t have to explain to everyone at school why I’d be wearing ill fitting sweat suits for the next 6 months.

I was 12 so many of the details regarding insurance and the like were completely foreign to me. What I do know, and remember quite vividly, is that and all of a sudden my mother and I, along with our dog Joey no longer had a place to call home.

So there we were, my mother and me, and our little Lab mix Joey. No home, no money, and no idea what to do. My mom had to keep her job, and I had to keep going to school. We didn’t have a place to keep him during the day, and we didn’t have anyone willing to take care of him. So the decision was made to surrender him.

I’d be lying if I said this doesn’t tear me up to this day, knowing that we had to “get rid of” our beloved dog. It does, and I’m sure it always will. But unfortunately sometimes shit happens and there isn’t an easy way out.

Not everyone has the money to just go out and buy a new house. And not everyone has friends of family that are willing to take you and your pet in for x amount of time. Not everyone has money to pay for boarding. Not everyone has the ability to wait around trying to find a place that’s both affordable and willing to accept a large dog.

Now Joey was about a year old when this happened, and he was such a happy go lucky sort of dog. In my heart I knew that the right family would come along & love him as much as we had – but that didn’t make it easier. It was a small comfort to the trauma of losing both your home & dog in the same week.

We ended up taking Joey to the Michigan Humane Society under the promise that we would have to find a plan B if he didn’t end up getting adopted. But much to my relief (and sadness realizing that he was really gone) he was adopted 2 days later.

I don’t have any photos of Joey, because unfortunately we we lost them along with everything else we had in the fire. He was the sweetest black Lab mix with the cutest little white paws and the goofiest smile.

Why I Can’t Judge Everyone That Surrenders a Pet

Sometimes people end up with a dog with serious behavioral problems. Sometimes horrible things happen beyond your control, and being able to take care of yourself and your pets may no longer be feasible.

So while I understand the negative reactions to a lot of the silly reasons people surrender their pets I’m cautious to lump everyone whose done so together.

This is why you’ll never see my say things like “anyone who surrenders a pet is heartless.” I’ve been there, I’ve done it, and it’s not something I take lightly.

Now don’t get me wrong – things like “my dog chewed up my door so I’m getting rid of him” or “we’re surrendering our old dog because we got a puppy” happen, and those really piss me off. But I also know that for every 10 horrible stories we hear about animal surrender there are those like mine, of those who are forced into a shitty situation rather than choosing it.

But we don’t hear about those stories, those aren’t the ones getting shared like crazy, we just hear about the bad ones.

So when I see all these conversations about surrendering a pet I tend to read and just keep my mouth shut, but I can’t help and wonder if there’s others out there like me who find the comment “everyone who surrenders a pet is evil” a bit hurtful. If so this is for you – I want you to know I don’t think you’re evil. I’ve been in the situation of having to make that heart breaking decision, and it’s not something I’d wish on anyone else.

I understand that surrendering a pet is a touchy subject, and I understand that the overpopulation of shelters is horrible. But I also understand that there’s some people out there that have had to surrender a pet for serious reasons.

So while I hate hearing about dogs being surrendered as much as anyone else I can’t just automatically judge them. A few of them are probably just like me. People who would have never considered doing such a thing unless something beyond their control happened, or something they truly can’t fix.

I still have nightmares about that fire, and I still wake up with tears in my eyes as I think about my dear little Joey. It’s not something I want to relive, but certain events don’t just go away, no matter how much we wish they would.

And I’d be lying if I said I’m not hurt a little every time I see the comments “I’d never surrender my dog” or “those people are heartless.” I understand where those comments are coming from, but please remember that there are valid reasons for surrendering a pet.

The fact that I’m one of those “heartless people” who surrendered a pet bothers me. But the comments themselves aren’t what really hurts, it’s the memories of losing Joey is what really breaks my heart. I think about Joey often, and I can only hope that he ended up in a home that loved him as much as we did.

The post Why I Can’t Judge Everyone Whose Surrendered a Pet appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

And you wanna know why I don’t blog about dog food? Because I’m not an expert when it comes to dog nutrition. Dog food is a subject I’m not comfortable writing about, because I honestly have no idea what food is the best for your dog. I have a pretty good idea of some brands to avoid, but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable telling anyone else what they should be feeding.

If it sounds a little familiar it’s probably because I touched on it briefly in 5 Dog Articles I’m Tired of Seeing, among a few other things that really bother me about pet blogs, but today let’s dive in a little deeper.

Now let me clarify one thing – I am not talking about general dog food posts, I don’t mind those & actually find them pretty insightful. Articles like “5 Superfoods For Your Dog” are fine by me, because they tend to be written by real dog owners sharing their own experiences with certain foods & brands. I consider those honest reviews – ones written by people who have actually tried the food their pimping.

The ones I don’t like, the ones I don’t trust at all and find unethical, are the very specific ‘best foods for insert dog breed here’ ones.

But looking at the new dog blogs that pop up everyday I’m seeing more & more people who do just that – tell you exactly what you should feed your dog. But the problem is I’m not buying it, and I’m not sure you should either.

The Types of Dog Food Posts I Find Untrustworthy

There’s a ton of reviews that I’m perfectly fine with, even if I suspect they’re written only with affiliate income in mind. Reviews about dog toys, harnesses or shampoo are fine by me because even if I don’t end up liking the product they’re not likely to have an impact on my dog’s health like a bad review about dog food can.

Food & nutrition, to me at least, is a ‘serious’ subject that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Changing your dogs whole diet based on one review isn’t something to be taken lightly, and I really wish the people writing these crappy dog food posts understood that certain diets can have dire consequences for some dogs. They never even hint at the fact that slowly transitioning your dog to a brand new food is a good idea, they just say ‘hey this one is awesome for Golden Retrievers” and leave it at that.

But unfortunately nutrition isn’t a one size fits all sort of subject, yet many crappy dog food reviews treat it as such. But it’s not exactly true. There isn’t one single miracle food that will make every dog thrive.

Now when I say crappy dog food reviews you might be wondering which ones I’m talking about – and oh let me tell you about these lovelies. The ones I don’t like are the ones that are breed specific & obviously written for the sake of targeting the keywords “dog breed + best dog food.” Catchy as they are I distrust titles like “The Top 10 Best Foods for Your Greyhound” & “The 5 Best Brands of Food for Your Beagle.”

And why don’t I trust them? Why do I find them so unethical?

Well if you look at the about section of these blogs there’s no mention of them being experts in that breed, experts in nutrition, nor do they tend to have any real life stories of their own experiences with the brands they’re trying to sell. Most times you can’t even find a photo of the author with a dog, let alone a single photo of their dog with the food mentioned.

Call me weird but if I can at least see photographic proof that you’ve at least had that dog food you’re reviewing in your possession at one time I’m a little more at ease. But if you can’t provide that why should I believe you’ve even tried it? And why is it OK for you to tell me to use it if you haven’t used it yourself?

Secondly you can find all the nutritional information they’re listing right on amazon – the place they’re trying to send you to buy it anyway. Now they do make it nice & convenient with their comparison tables & fancy 5 start rating system. I get it, they look nice, and it’s hard not to trust a site that looks so professional.

But what they’re doing is spinning the stuff that other owners have already written about on amazon & making it into their own article. They’re hoping that when people search for “what’s the best food for my Wheaton Terrier” they’ll end up on their own articles so they can refer them to to amazon for some of that sweet affiliate income.

If you want to see some of the ‘crappy dog food reviews’ I speak of just look up the ‘best dog food’ and let google do the rest. It can be a lucrative topic to blog about – if you don’t mind selling your soul first.

Why I Don’t Blog About Dog Food

I get it, we all want to make money, and writing about dog food can be pretty lucrative. But that sort of ‘reviewing stuff I don’t actually use’ mentality isn’t a practice I find ethical – especially when we’re talking about food – something that can directly effect your dogs health & wellbeing.

I don’t have kids, therefore I don’t blog about kids & what’s best for them. How the hell would I know? What I do know is that I’d have trouble sleeping at night if I was trying to make my living by telling other people what to feed their children. To me it’s just a subject you shouldn’t touch if you have no idea what in the hell you’re talking about.

I don’t have a bearded dragon, so you won’t find me writing a post about “The 5 Best Heat Lamps for Your Bearded Dragon – Guaranteed!” Though I’m sure there’s a lot of money to be made there if you’re so inclined…

So what I’m getting at is that if you don’t have a Cocker Spaniel, nor do you even have a dog at home, I’m not sure you should be feeling good about making money from writing posts like “The 7 Best Dry Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels.” I don’t even know that I’d be comfortable writing that article if I had a damn Cocker Spaniel myself because guess what? There isn’t one miracle food that’s perfect for all Cocker Spaniels.

When it comes to dog nutrition you need to think about the dog in front of you, not the general label of ‘medium breed dog’ or specific breed itself. Even if you have two dogs of the same breed and age that doesn’t mean that they’ll both thrive off of the same exact diet. It may, but it may not, it’s all about considering the dogs themselves.

The most extreme version of this practice is known as lying. But more often, bloggers will take a little bit of knowledge and pass themselves off as topical experts about complex matters. It’s fine to give advice or discuss a multifaceted subject; just don’t write as if you are a field specialist if you aren’t one. – Unethical Blogging Practices to Stay Away From

Not All Dogs Thrive on the Same Food

The other part that really bugs me about these ‘best dog food’ type articles is that they don’t take into consideration any one dogs specific nutritional needs.

Now OK maybe it’s a given that you shouldn’t just take any advice you find online blindly, but it certainly hasn’t stopped people from searching things like ‘what to do if my dog won’t stop bleeding’ and asking for advice on dog forums. The internet has given us such easy access to ‘all the answers,’ yet we sometimes forget that those answers are often created by people just like you or me – not necessarily experts in the field they’re writing about.

When it comes to caring for our pets & choosing their food we each do our own level of investigating & research. Some of us do much of it on our own, while many of us (myself included) look to ‘experts’ for help.

For as much good advice as their is online there’s a lot of crap to sift through. And when it comes to something as important as my dogs diet I’m not going to trust just any site I stumble upon – I want some sort of proof that they’re educated in dog nutrition, not just another affiliate marketer.

And seriously if we could just stop with the idea of thinking that all dogs of a certain breed just need the same exact diet. That’s certainly not something I’d expect a real expert to say. As anyone whose had more than one dog at a time knows each of dog does better or worse with certain diets, and it’s not something that’s just dependent on breed.

I mean going by that logic what in the hell should I feed Laika or any other mixed breed dog? Should we just take the best dog foods for each breed & divide it equally? Using specific breeds in dog food reviews is for marketing purposes – you certainly can’t rank in google for the term ‘best dog food for my dog,’ but if you switch it to ‘best dog food for Silky Terriers’ you’ve got a chance.

What to Keep in Mind When Reading Dog Food Reviews

Now I know we can’t purge the internet from all unethical deeds. But there are a few things we can keep in mind when deciding whether or not a blog should be deemed trustworthy when it comes to reviewing dog food.

Think about their intent first. If someone is willing to give you advice on what exact food to feed your dog please consider why. On their about page does it mention that they’re an expert in dog nutrition? Are they writing the review based off of their experiences with their own dog, or are they just rewriting the same crap you can find in other online reviews?

Do they have a bunch of dog food reviews on their blog, and if so are they all targeting different breeds? If so run. Seriously just run. Don’t give them any of that affiliate income. You can find the same information they’re regurgitating on amazon anyways.

My intent for writing this piece is to not only get this off my chest because it is a subject that really pisses me off, but also to hopefully help someone decide to shop around a bit before making a decision regarding dog food. Much like when I wrote Is There Really a Best Breed For First Time Dog Owners I also hope that maybe someday, far in the future perhaps, someone googling ‘best dog food for x” can end up here and at least see the other side of the story from a bloggers perspective.

As bloggers I believe we have a tremendous amount of accountability since it’s so easy to trust most things you come across online as long as they’re presented nicely. Us pet bloggers are writing about stuff that can directly effect another living being, and I believe we should stick to writing about stuff we know about firsthand. I can’t tell you what food is best for your dog so I don’t, even if there’s money to be made.

I know we can’t make the internet a truly ethical place, one where everyone writes for the sake of either entertaining, informing or inspiring. There’s a lot of money to be made in the dog blog world, and a lot of it comes from promoting dog food. And if there’s money to be made you can bet that people will be out there hustling for it.

But perhaps we can at least make the internet a little more decent by choosing not to support blogs that make their money off of selling crap they know nothing about. Next time you come across another one of those “Best Canned Dog Food For Your German Shepherd” just run. Leave that site and don’t return. They’re not in the business to help or inform you, they’re just out to make a buck – and when it comes to the serious decision of choosing a food for my dog I’m not giving them a dime.

What Do You Find Unethical In the Dog Blog World?

So you probably guessed by now that blogging about dog food without being an expert or at least offering proof bugs the hell out of me. And reviews of dog medications – don’t even get me started on those, they’re just as bad. There’s something very off putting to me about pimping products that directly effect your dogs health.

What bugs you about dog blogs? Are there certain subjects you wish people wouldn’t write about? Have you come across any of these ‘crappy dog food reviews’ yourself?

The post Why My Silly Moral Code Won’t Let Me Blog About Dog Food appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

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Confession: My Dog is Super Fussy, And I’m Sure It’s All My Fault

Well my dog is like that, and it’s really embarrassing. She’s not aggressive per se, and she doesn’t bite, but she certainly goes from this is so awesome, you’re the best masseuse in the world! to what in the hell do you think you’re doing touching my foot??? in less than a second.

She grumbles, she groans, and she flops around like a damn fool if you touch her the wrong way – and this includes lightly brushing up against her tail on accident or daring to touch one of her precious her back feet. It’s the same way a puppy acts when they’re super hyper & playful – and she still does it at 5 years old. My dog is super fussy.

I don’t get it, I really don’t. Dogs (at least all the ones I’ve had over the years) are generally pretty laid back when it comes to being pet. And for the most part they’re pretty trusting when it comes to all the weird things we like to do to them such as clipping their nails, cleaning their ears, or brushing their teeth.

But Laika? Well she doesn’t want any of it, and she’s certainly not afraid to let you know about her dislike about anything. She can’t even tolerate a light brushing with a super soft hair brush for more than 10 seconds before she starts having a fit. She’ll flop around, roll on her back, and start pawing anything that comes close to her.

For the most part I’m used to it. 5 years of this fussiness seems pretty normal to me, but when we have to go to the vet? Oh dear…She screams bloody murder when getting shots, and she spends most of the time on her back pawing away any stethoscope or vet hands that come her way. It’s slightly embarrassing to say the least, and it’s definitely one of the reasons why making a trip to the vet is something I consider a debacle.

Now what I don’t understand so much is why. Why all the mistrust? Why all the fussiness? We made trips to the vet on many occasions just for her to get treats from the staff & get weighed – you know, simple good stuff to get her used to the place & a way for her to feel more comfortable there.

Has it seemed to work? Not really.. I mean we can go to the vets office and stay in the waiting room no problem. But when it’s time for her examination? All hell breaks lose again. She’s flopping around, groaning, and acting a fool – making it nearly impossible to get anything productive done. At home I can barely look inside her ears without immediate suspicion – at the vets office done by a professional it’s pretty much a no go.

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My Dog’s Fussiness Is Even Worse at the Vet

Unfortunately because of this going hog wild act of hers she now gets muzzled at the vet. She’s never bitten, and she doesn’t growl much, but she’s so damn vocal I feel it’s better to err on the side of caution. Did I mention how embarrassing this is? OK just wanted to make sure you got that point.

Compared to any of my previous dogs I have spent more time with Laika trying to desensitize her to all the weird things that humans will do to her at some point in her life. I’ve clipped her nails at least weekly for 5 years using the best treats possible, always remembering to take it slow since it’s obviously not a favorite activity of hers.

I’ve been brushing her teeth every day for years, but do you think that stops the madness? No. Every single night it’s the same old flopping about & groaning, even though I’m as gentle as possible. I make it a habit of looking in her ears and examining her eyes even when I don’t think anything is wrong – just to get her even more used to it, and letting her know that nothing bad or hurty will happen, yet she still looks at me with that look I know all to well. The one that says I’m about to freak the frak out if you touch my ear one more time. After years of this I’m starting to wonder if I’m the problem…

Is it possible that I’ve coddled her too much? Is my own sensitivity towards her sensitivity making everything worse? Is she just making a game of all of these things? I wish I knew. Or is it possible that some dogs are just super fussy little brats? Or is it possible that Laika is just so sensitive to touch that everything doesn’t just bother her, it really bothers her….I wish I knew.

Whatever the actual reason is one thing is clear – Laika doesn’t like to be messed with. It doesn’t matter if it’s for her good, and it doesn’t matter if you’re trying to be as nice and gentle as possible – she doesn’t like many a things and she’s not afraid to let you know.

via pinterest

So back to that original question about petting cats when they all of a sudden turn & go crazy mode bitey face defensive on you… Is that something that’s seen in dogs other than my own? Or is my dog just super fussy?

I guess no matter what the reasoning behind Laika’s fussiness is the end game will remain the same. She’s my heart dog, and no matter how fussy she gets when I go to brush her teeth I’m going to keep on doing it – no matter how much she protests. It’s good for her damnit, and one of these days I’m guessing she might just settle down enough for us to get it done without much of a any hassle.

Does Your Dog Get Fussy? What Makes Your Dog Fussy?

When you look up fussy dog in google you get a whole lot of stuff about dogs not eating. I get it, that’s a pretty big issue for many dogs, yet it made me wonder if I was alone when it comes to having a dog that’s fussy when it comes to other stuff – such as taking a bath or getting nails trimmed.

So please tell me I’m not alone on this..Does your dog get fussy when it’s time to clip their nails or take a bath? How do they show you their dislike? Do they flop around, howl, and act like a buffoon? Any theories on why some dogs seem so overly sensitive and/or defensive when it comes to things like nail clipping or taking a bath?

The post Confession: My Dog is Super Fussy, And It’s Probably All My Fault appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

Some of us can put on a brave face and conquer anything after the loss of a pet, and some of us can’t. For those of us who have struggled to cope with the loss of a pet there’s one thing that’s certain: grief changes. One day may be horrible and the next a little less so, but then one little trigger can bring it back with a vengeance.

What works to deal with grief and loss for one person may or may not work for you, but please don’t ever feel that you’re grieving too much for a pet. They are part of the family, and their loss causes intense grief. Many of us have felt that way, and it’s important to realize you are not alone.

When it comes to losing a pet we all mourn differently, and that’s OK.

They say time heals all wounds, but that presumes the source of the grief is finite. – Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince

Grief Might Make You Feel Completely Isolated

I know there’s the five famous stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression & acceptance), but not everyone goes through those. I know I certainly don’t.

My grief starts with a feeling of complete isolation. I’m never in denial – I know very well what just happened, but the tremendous sense of loss makes it impossible for me to feel like I can just “hang in there” and deal with situations in a normal matter.

It’s the weird, surreal like feeling of being disconnected from anything but grief – yet everyone else around you is just going on as usual – as if nothing has changed. But for you everything has changed.

Everyone else is laughing, telling jokes & going on like nothing happened while you’re unable to move past your loss. It’s happened to me many times, and that feeling of being alone and isolated from your “normal” world can make the pain ten times worse.

The difference is not about emotions, those are exactly the same, but my navigation through the loss and the day is completely different. – My GPS is Off: Oh Melvin

I can’t tell you that it’ll go away in 5 days, and I can’t tell you that it’s going to get better. But what I can tell you is that it will change. The feelings you have today may be different tomorrow, or they may be different in a month from now – but they will change.

I’d have great days followed by OK days, and then one little trigger would bring back all those feelings of grief in an instant. For me it was evenings that usually  brought back those feelings of grief and isolation. For 10+ years I’d walked my dog Carter every evening, and now he was gone.

Maybe you’ve had similar feelings, and maybe not. We all deal with loss differently, and whether it’s for a human family member or pet please remember that your grief is real. It doesn’t matter if it fits into what others think of as normal – that grief is yours.

When it feels too painful to exist, knowing that Kelsey is gone, all you can do is distract yourself until time passes. Watch movies. Do things that require concentration, like playing an instrument or practicing a sport. Now isn’t the time for long, silent walks—unless long, silent walks are what you need. You could volunteer at an animal shelter or you could avoid other dogs completely. Whatever you need to do, sob or paint or run, is the right thing to do. – What To Do when You Lose a Dog

If You’re Having a Tough Time Dealing With the Loss Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with grief don’t be afraid to reach out to someone close that’s able to listen and not judge. Sometimes just having someone to share your feelings with can help, and it can make you feel less alone in your grief.

There are also support groups available for dealing with the loss of a pet. You can reach out and connect with others going through similar situations. It’s important to know that you’re not alone – that grief your feeling is real, and you’re completely right to be feeling it.

It’s an odd thing grief. We fear it, dismiss it, try and avoid it, occasionally have brushes with it, and most often times without warning, it invites itself into our lives. No welcome mat but it comes nonetheless. – Anatomy of a Grieving Dog Mom

Grief is a tough subject for people to deal with – both for those going through it and those that are trying to offer support. Although people generally have good intentions there are some people in your life that might not offer the kind of support that’s immediately helpful.

I’ve been told things like “why not just get another dog” or “it’s been a couple of weeks already.” Although they certainly didn’t mean anything negative by it those things hurt, and they made me more apt to grieve alone. Unfortunately grief isn’t the easiest of subjects to talk about, and those that try to offer support may end up saying something stupid.

No one really wants to see grief. No one really wants to talk about it. At least not after a certain “acceptable” point. Plus, all that grief talk is aimed at people grieving other people. There’s practically no wiggle room in that journey for grieving pets. The next day: “So, when are you going to get another dog?” – The Grief Chapter

Your Grief Will Change With Time

The bad news about losing a pet is that the pain stays for a long time. There isn’t a set number of tears or bad days before that you have to endure before it gets better. We all deal with it in our own ways, and for some of us it takes a long time to get back to a feeling of being somewhat ‘normal’ again.

What I can tell you is that what your feeling today will change. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week or maybe next month – but it will change. Grief is always changing. Some days it pops up as soon as we wake up, and others it might not rear it’s ugly head til bed time, but it’s always there in some capacity.

It might take a week, it might take 6 months, or it might take 6 years – but your grief will change. Until then please remember that you are not alone. Many of us have been there, and there’s plenty of people going through something similar right now. If you’re feeling lost don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to. – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, 25 Quotes About Losing a Dog

The post When It Comes to Losing a Pet We All Mourn Differently, And That’s OK appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

But that was one of the most stressful weeks I’ve ever gone through, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. If there’s any chance that I can help find a lost pet (or at least help network ones in my area) you can count me in.

Full disclosure: Laika and I haven’t actually found any lost dogs in real life. That’s probably because she’s not an actual search dog, and I’m not an actual search handler. But hey, we try. While my search skills in person might not be the greatest, my internet skills have proven slightly better. I’ve helped reunite 6 lost pets through cross referencing groups, craigslist & shelter sites. Am I changing the world with this hobby? Well, no, not on any large scale. But for me it’s one way to use spare time that feels meaningful.

I even created a big list of Michigan Lost & Found Rescources so I (along with anyone whose lost a pet in Michigan) can have a handy list of lost & found groups in one place. If you’ve ever googled “lost pets in (insert location here)” you’ll understand why I created it to begin with. It turns up hundreds of individual sites & groups that may or may not be helpful at all. In other words it’s a hot mess.

So I spend a lot of time on lost & found pet groups, hoping that I can help in some way. And of course since it’s the internet there’s always drama. Why does there need to be drama when it comes to lose & found pets? Hell if I know. The internet brings all sorts of trolls out into the open. So today I thought I’d address those morons.

An Open Letter to Those Who Shame People on Lost & Found Pet Groups

Apparently we need a quick reminder about the purpose of lost & found pet groups. They’re a place to post lost & found pets — simple as that. They’re not a free for all group where you can get your jollies off by shaming others.

Luckily the moderators of these groups are generally pretty quick about deleting your nasty posts (which is why I don’t have screenshots). But I still see them, and they still piss me off every time they’re posted.

Since you’re choosing to ignore the guidelines of these groups I’ll take this moment to elaborate further on why you need to take your shaming elsewhere.

They Are For Helping Others, Not Shaming People

Lost & found pet groups are for helping others. They’re for finding lost pets, not shaming others. It’s clear from your posts that you believe anyone who has lost a dog is irresponsible. Perhaps before I lost my own dog I would have agreed with you. But after my own experience and seeing it happen to others I’ve realized that sometimes shit just happens.

My dog Carter took off from my backyard years ago. We were playing frisbee when the transformer that I’d never paid much attention in the very back corner of our yard blew up. He was gone in an instant. He took off as fast as he could and kept on running. Luckily for me my story had a happy ending. A very nice gentlemen found him and called us via the number on his collar. We got him back after a week, and it’s a week I’ll never forget.

If you’ve never spent hours walking & driving along every road within a 5 mile radius of your home desperately calling for your dog and praying that you don’t find him on the side of the road let me tell you — it’s not fun. This was before the internet was a big thing, so we were stuck with canvassing and making fliers. The whole process leaves you emotionally drained. It’s such a hopeless feeling, and every day that feeling just gets worse.

So when I see people shaming others in that same situation I get pissed. I know you’re just looking at a photo of a lost dog on the internet, so you don’t have any real attachment or feeling towards it, but to me it’s personal. When you keep leaving “why wasn’t your dog on a leash” comments you can be sure the only thing you’re doing is hurting a person whose already suffering.

Not Every Dog That Gets Lost is Due to an Irresponsible Owner

Some dogs take off following a car accident, some get stolen, some with anxiety issues break through windows & escape. Not every dog that gets lost is due to an irresponsible owner.

I understand that in your own mind you think posting “Why are so many pets getting lost? So many irresponsible owners without leashes on their pets, it’s sad” after every single listing of a lost pet is going to help. Or maybe you’re thinking that your super important awesome message will somehow stop pets from getting lost in the future. I take that back, I don’t actually know what you’re thinking. You’re just being a dick.

What I do know is that your message is irrelevant when it comes to finding a lost pet, and it’s just making people in a horrible situation feel even worse.

It’s like telling someone whose house burnt down that they should have had batteries in their smoke alarm. First, you have no idea why the fire started. And second, fires start for various reasons; they don’t just spontaneously happen when a fire alarm runs out of batteries. Sometimes shit just happens. Maybe the pets who got lost had leashes on, but that certainly doesn’t mean they can’t get lost. Dogs with leashes attached get lost too.

You’re telling someone that they should have done A to prevent B. But the problem is B already happened, so your point is moot.

You Don’t Know The Whole Story

So remember if you’re in a lost & found pet group these people have lost their pets for all sorts of reasons. You don’t know the whole story, so don’t go making assumptions & waving you’re mightier than thou stick. These people have lost their pet and they’re seeking help — there’s no reason to be a dick.

If you think anyone whose lost a dog is irresponsible fine. You’re entitled to that opinion. But just remember for a second who your “stupid people keep losing their pets” comments are being read by.

One of the recent nasty comments I saw was directed at a woman who was stuck in the hospital with a broken pelvis. She’d gotten into a bad car accident with her dog when he took off, and she was trying to get him back by any means possible. She had her friends searching along the interstate while her family searched all the local shelters. And as they did that she was posting in every lost & found group she could find. Unfortunately her story didn’t have a happy ending. Her dog was found deceased a few days later.

Are you happy you left that nasty comment now? Did that burn get her real good? You don’t know the whole story, and your nasty comments aren’t helping anyone. The only thing your comment proves is that you have nothing meaningful to do in your spare time.

I know it’s the internet, and it’s really easy to be a dick, but please stop shaming people who are asking for help. You might think you know it all, but you you certainly don’t know their whole story.

Be Nice to People Asking For Help (Or Don’t Say Anything)

People on lost & found pet groups are asking for help. They’re desperate to find their pet, so follow the golden rule of being a decent human being. Don’t comment if you don’t have anything nice to say. Don’t kick people when they’re already down.

I don’t know why these comments bother me so badly. I know it’s “just the internet” and they’re “just trolls.” But it hurts. I’ve lost my dog, and the hopelessness I felt was horrible. And I know if I’d received a bunch of nasty comments about how irresponsible I was I would have felt ten times worse — even if they’re from some random dickhead on the internet.

The post An Open Letter to Anyone Whose Shamed People in Lost & Found Pet Groups appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

Well for me it was Rant(ish): Don’t Tell Me I’m Doing Too Much With My IVDD Dog!

It brought up all the mixed feelings I have about receiving unsolicited advice, especially when it comes to medicating dogs with anxiety.

I’m not going to tell you whether or not you should use medication, and I’m not going to tell you what medication to use.

I’m just going to tell you from personal experience why I don’t judge others based on their decision to use anxiety medication for their dogs.

Severe Anxiety in Dogs Causes Suffering

My previous dog Carter suffered from severe anxiety, and unfortunately it was not something that was easy to manage.

When I made the choice to treat my dogs anxiety with medication it was not a decision I made quickly. We had tried behavioral modification methods, desensitization, thunder shirts, calming oils, soothing music & supplements. We tried “riding it out,” distraction techniques & just acting like it was no big deal. None of those methods stopped the shear panic & hysteria he experienced during fireworks.

We tried every combination of treatments but nothing worked. While we did see improvements during thunderstorms, fireworks remained a problem.

His anxiety during fireworks was not what anyone would consider normal. It was constant shaking, pacing, whining, drooling & scratching at the door to escape. We’d move to a quieter room yet the anxiety followed him everywhere. It’s heartbreaking to see your dog so out of control with fear, feeling completely helpless yourself because you can’t figure out how to make it stop.

That sort of anxiety is brutal, and I’d certainly classify it as causing pain & suffering.

Sometimes Medication is the Humane Option

Not all dogs suffer from severe anxiety, like many conditions it exists on a spectrum from mild to severe. But for the dogs that do suffer from it medication can be the most humane option.

Choosing to use medication for an anxious dog is not an easy decision, and it’s certainly not one I took lightly. When your dog is suffering you’ll be faced with difficult choices, and they’re yours alone to make.

I didn’t think of anxiety medication as a “quick fix,” and I didn’t have delusions that it was going to erase all of his anxieties. It’s purpose for us wasn’t to fix the anxiety & fear altogether, it was to help make it more manageable.

Some dogs don’t need medications, as much as they need consistent training and exercise, but for others the benefits of the appropriate medication are huge. Talk to a trainer and a vet to determine if medications are an option for your dog. – Medications For Fear & Anxiety, Fearfuldogs.com

Why I Don’t Judge Dog Owners Regarding Medication

After choosing to use medication to help treat his anxiety during fireworks I received some criticism & all kinds of unsolicited advice. Most of it made me feel ten times worse.

When you simply say “well I wouldn’t medicate my dog for that” it seems to imply that you assume we failed. That we haven’t tried to fix the problem hard enough, or that we’re just giving up. That we’re just reaching for medication because it’s “easy.”

When you tell me that your dog used to be fearful of storms but now they’re fine because you found some amazing oil I get it, I really do. You’re trying to be helpful by offering a suggestion, but sometimes that advice just makes us feel like our issues are somehow no big deal. I mean if it can be fixed with oil why the hell am I still having a problem?

I’m glad that worked for your dog, but that doesn’t mean it will work for my dog.

Giving advice isn’t a bad thing, but depending on the subject matter it can get pretty sensitive. When we’re taking about treatments for our pets things get pretty personal, and it’s easy to get offended by advice that seems so simple.

Whether you intend to or not that advice can make us feel like we just haven’t tried hard enough, that we’re making rash decisions, and that that we just haven’t been doing anything right.

I’m not saying that advice isn’t helpful, often it is. I’m just saying that if you’re going to be giving advice regarding medical treatments or anything deeply personal you might want to be careful about your phrasing.

There’s a big difference between saying “this works because my dog is fine” and “maybe this would work for your dog since it worked so well for us.”

Medication can improve your dog’s quality of life while training is taking place and can make that training work more quickly and effectively. – Myth: Anxiety Medication Should Only Be Used as a Last Resort, Paws Abilities Dog Training

If Your Dog Has Anxiety You Have my Sympathies

The 4th of July is a shitty day for pets, and it’s a stressful day for many of us pet owners because of all the chaos. It’s estimated that at least 40% of dogs experience noise anxiety, and for some that anxiety can be severe.

If your dog suffers from severe anxiety you have my sympathies. It’s a horrible condition to try to manage, and the judgments you’ll receive if you even mention medication will make you feel ten times worse.

And if someone tells you that there’s an easier way to treat your dogs anxiety don’t take it personally. Not everyone understands how severe anxiety can be. You know your dog best, and if you see them suffering you’re the one responsible for finding a way to ease that pain.

I don’t judge you for medicating your anxious dog. I’ve been there, I’ve seen the suffering. I’ve seen my own dog go through it, and I’ve seen other dogs break through windows because of it. It can be brutal.

Sometimes using anxiety medication is the most humane option available.

The post Why I Don’t Judge People For Medicating Dogs With Anxiety appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

Now don’t get me wrong, being prepared is much better than not, but there are a few items you can skip out on – at least for now. Here’s 3 items I wouldn’t buy for a new puppy.

Your Puppy Doesn’t Need a Fancy Bed Right Away

Puppies go through a teething phase just like babies. Pair that with the fact that they learn about the world around them by exploring with their mouth and you can see easily anything can become a chew toy to them. If you’ve ever had a puppy you know how frustrating it is to keep their attention on the “right” things to chew on.

Many dog beds have been ruined by puppies, two of which I can claim personally. If you’re crate training you understand how quickly things can turn ugly, at least for the sake of anything left alone with your pup in their crate.

I am not saying you shouldn’t crate train. When done properly it’s an excellent way to keep your puppy safe, out of trouble, and calm while you’re away.

The problem comes in when deciding what to leave in your pups crate while you’re away. Stuffed Kongs are great because they’re tough and keep your dog busy, but dog beds are just an easy target for chewing.

You’d think I would have learned my lesson the first time my dog Carter chewed up his bed over 10 years ago. But no, when I got Laika I decided to get her a brand new fancy bed.

Out of the 3 dogs I’ve had over the past 15 years 2 of them destroyed their dog bed when they were puppies. I know that’s far from scientific, but it’s a pretty good indication that I’m not the only one whose come home to a dog bed that suddenly looks like it exploded.

Now of course you’re going to want to keep your dog comfy with something nice to lay on, but you don’t have to buy an expensive dog bed for your puppy just yet. I’d wait until you’re confident that they can be left alone without participating in destructive chewing before shelling out big bucks on a nice dog bed.

Some cheaper alternatives to dog beds are blankets, towels, and cushions. If you’re crafty you can make this nifty DIY dog bed with about $26 worth of materials:

If your puppy has started chewing on their dog bed you can salvage it before it’s too late.

Companies like Molly Mutt sell bed covers (called duvets) that are easy to wash & come in a variety of patterns. They’re the reason I was able to keep using the “innards” of Laika’s expensive orthopedic dog bed after she’d destroyed the outside.

If your puppy has a bed be cautious before leaving them alone with it, at least until you’re confident they won’t treat it like a chew toy.

I’d Wait on Getting a Fancy Collar

I know it’s really tempting to buy a fancy collar for your sweet new puppy but remember – they’re going to grow out of it pretty quick.

While dog collars aren’t quite as expensive as dog beds a lot of them can get pretty pricey. For practicality I’d stick to a simple dog collar with adjustments that will provide your pup with some room to grow.

If you’ve never experienced how quickly puppies grow (especially large breeds) it’s astounding. That $30 collar you bought last week might not fit your pup in a few days.

From the age of 6 weeks onwards, a small breed pup may gain around 5oz per week, a large breed pup around 2.5lbs. – Understanding Puppy Weight Estimates

Large breed puppies grow fast, gaining an average of 2.5 lbs a week. My dog Laika outgrew 3 collars before she was a year old.

Pee Pads Just Add Time to Potty Training

I get the idea behind pee pads, but they tend to cause more harm than good, at least when it comes to potty training efficiently.

Instead of just teaching your dog to go to the bathroom outside you’re adding in another step. It’s still going to a challenge to teach your pup to move from the pee pads to the outdoors. Why not just cut out that unnecessary step?

Potty pads teach dogs to toilet on square, absorbent surfaces. This can cause dogs to make potty training “mistakes” on your rugs, bath mats, dog beds, or blankets – all of which resemble the substrate your dog has developed a preference for. – Houstraining Tips: Should You Use Potty Pads?

If you’re really dedicated to potty training and pay close attention for the first few days you can have a pup that’s house broken quickly. It’s a pain in the butt for sure, but it can be done much quicker without the addition of pee pads.

Puppy pads don’t make housebreaking quicker, they just add another step to potty training.

What Items Has Your Puppy Destroyed?

What items has your puppy chewed up? What sorts of things would you think twice about before buying for a puppy again? How many dog beds have your dogs chewed up? (I know I’m not the only one…)

The post 3 Things I Wouldn’t Buy For a New Puppy appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

My answer? Well certainly not a retractable one if you want something reliable. If you’re looking for a leash for your dog it’s hard to go wrong with a standard 6 foot one.

My Love/Hate Relationship With Retractable Leashes

A few weeks ago I spoke out against using retractable leashes for dog walks.

I still stand by that. Retractable leashes are bad for dog walks. They’re horrible when it comes to keeping control of your dog, and they can be pretty dangerous.

But I have to confess; I use a retractable leash at least 3 times a day.

Why I Love My Retractable Leash

I’ve never been a big fan of leaving my dogs unattended in the yard. I know many people rely on a fence or chain to keep their dog safe, but that’s not something I’m comfortable with.

So at least three times a day I accompany Laika out to the yard to do her business, and I use my retractable leash every single time. I still use a standard 6 foot leash when we go for walks, but the retractable one is used for all her yard business.

We live on 3 fenced in acres, but that fence is only 4 feet high. I could just let her go leash free but there’s never a shortage of deer, turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, moles, or cats running about. I learned pretty quickly that a 4 foot fence means nothing to a dog that’s chasing a squirrel.

And then of course there’s the times when she’s managed to catch those cute little baby bunnies & turkeys. She didn’t hurt them physically, though psychologically I’m not so sure. She just casually brought them back to me and handed them off when I told her to “drop it.”

Instead of watching my dog terrorize animals and flush out our backyard every day I opted for a retractable leash. Yes, her recall is pretty good, but it’s never going to be perfect; especially with all those pesky little squirrels are around.

And then there’s her legs. Due to arthritis one quick sprint can put her out of commission for the night. She certainly doesn’t hesitate to take off after deer, but it’s pretty sad having to watch your dog limp all night because of it.

So I use my retractable leash every day to cut down on all that chaos. I’ve had mornings where I was late for work because I decided to let her go leash free. On those fun mornings she opted to chase down those gang of turkeys, packs of deer, or evil squirrels rather than come back to me.

For me the leash is a matter of convenience. Sure I could use a long line, but my simple brain can’t get over the fact that I can just reel in a leash with the push of a button. Wheee, look at it go. For me that button is just as fun as having a lever to automatically wind up the cord on your vacuum. Wheee, look at it go.

That button works about 90% of the time. Retractable leashes, as I’ve come to find out, aren’t that reliable when it comes to working as intended.

I do this to keep the baby bunnies safe Laika…Even when they eat all my spinach, I’m doing this for them.

Why I Hate Retractable Leashes

Retractable leashes are far from perfect. I’ve had many instances where Laika’s took off while on it, and those sent me falling right to the ground.

And when she does manage to run off while on it she ends up getting stuck. That stupid leash gets stuck on nearly every branch, pricker bush or bramble it comes into contact with.

Did I mention that I’m on our 4th one? Yeah, turns out they’re pretty flimsy and have a tendency to snap.

They are unreliable, and when it comes to keeping control of your dog just forget about it. You’ll likely end up on the ground, burning your hand from trying to grip the cord, or holding onto that awkwardly large handle for dear life.

The Moral of the Story

When it comes to retractable leashes I really do have a love/hate relationship. One one hand I know they’re terribly unreliable, on the other hand I keep using mine every single day for the convenience.

When given choices we opt for convenience, even if we know there’s probably a better option.

I keep buying these stupid retractable leashes because for the most they make it easy for me to supervise when Laika’s gotta do her business.

Could I just get a long line instead? Of course. But then I wouldn’t get that fun wheeee moment as I watch my leash do that automatically. I’d have to manually reel it in, and in my simple mind that just sounds like a lot more work.

Perhaps it’s more to do with familiarity. For the most part the retractable leash keeps Laika & the baby animals safe, so it must be working…

Oh how our minds have a way of sticking with the status quo, regardless of outward signs that it might not be the best option.

Perhaps one day I’ll wise up and choose a leash that won’t snap, won’t drop me to my knees everytime my dog pulls, and won’t burn my hands as I try to grab onto it. Until then I suppose I’ll just keep on using my retractable leash, it’s what I’m familiar with after all…

Do You Use a Retractable Leash?

Do you have a retractable leash? Do you use it on walks or trips to the park? Do you find it convenient? Do you love the automatic reel in button as much as I do?

The post My Love/Hate Relationship With Retractable Leashes appeared first on Puppy Leaks.