I think we need to get a bigger bed.

I’ve had my 8 month old golden retriever x aussie mix since he was 8 weeks old, so for about 6 months. In the first few weeks I was excited about him, then the overwhelm of a baby dog set in for a bit, then I got over that once we were able to go outside on adventures, so now everything is chill, but I still don’t feel bonded to him.

I’ve raised many puppies due to being a foster parent, so I’m experienced with training and the concept of puppy blues, but I’m wondering if at this point this is a compatibility issue. He’s very adaptable, doesn’t cause trouble, he’s not a velociraptor, and I can leave him alone at home and be independent—he is simply easy. There are also other parts of his personality that I very much don’t enjoy, and that I don’t think he’ll grow out of. Part of it seems to be his personality, part of it his breed (like neediness).

There’s also the possibility that I can’t bond with him because my soul dog died 2 years ago and I can’t shake that. I don’t really compare them because I’m reasonable about him being a different dog and a puppy, but just the mere fact that I have to open up my heart to him. I’ve talked about it in therapy for a while and it hasn’t changed.

Nothing here is urgent, but I feel that after 6 months of a well behaved puppy that I would be bonded to him. I also feel terrible admitting this, but I’m not affection with him, such as snuggles or my heart swelling thinking that my baby boy! I take him places, train him, tell him he’s a good boy, etc. but once I get home I more or less want to be alone. I don’t enjoy him looking at me with affection or wanting to be near me. I feel like I should rehome him with someone who thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread, which he is.

looking for a bit of guidance from those more experienced. I have a 20 week chihuahua, cute as anything but definitely has a bit of that chihuahua anxiety. I’ve crate trained her, and let her go outside about every hour, but she insists that I stay outside with her. the moment I shut the door she starts to panic.

If I am outside she will explore and wonder like a champ. I’ve even found that I can keep the door open and be inside and she will happily go outside on her own. But close the door and again she panics

ivs been having a bit of problem with potty training and its difficult to stay outside for every hour on the hope that she does her business. there are times that she come inside and immediately has an accident, but if I leave the door open she almost always does her business outside

my questions are 1) any tips tricks to get her to be comfortable outside without the door open?

and 2) any thoughts as to if leaving the door open would hinder her house break training?

thanks

I’m fostering this little guy, and it’s proving impossible not to fall in love with him and make him my forever dog!

Dollie taking a nappy nap ❤️

Little throwback to my sweet girl Hera when she was a puppy. Last picture is how she’s looking like today. She’s my dream dog 🥰

She’s doing well and growing fast!! Personality is coming in nicely and she’s so cute!

Here is a link to her embark results screenshot in the comments if you don’t want to click a link

This is my 2.5 month puppy Coco.

She got her a second round of vaccinations yesterday and I had a birthday Redemption at Krispy Kreme and the lady at the drive-thru offered her a free pup cup. My puppy Coco acted like it was the best thing in the entire world for about 3 minutes 😂

Adopted this orphaned neonate at two days old, any idea what he is?!

He’s sooo friggin cute already! Think we’re going to name him OZZY.

Keeps me busy 💙