@elbrant The only thing I wonder about spraying water to correct them is could it backfire come bath time? Zuzu had a dislike for water when we got her and it took a while to train her to like it. Some people on other pet forums use small air horns to stop their dogs from doing undesirable things like barking and jumping, but that doesn't sit well with me because it could possibly damage their hearing.

I have a stainless steel dog whistle that I use to break Zuzu's concentration and it always stops her dead in her tracks. Works anytime I want to distract her from doing something she shouldn't or get her attention. Not sure if it would work for the destructive action you described because the whistle stops them before they commit their crime - she doesn't mind the whistle noise, it just makes her cock her head with her ears perked up. I baby proofed my house when we got a puppy so she doesn’t get into much trouble or destroy stuff, so far that’s worked out well. Now that she’s a bit older I can leave some things within her reach and she doesn’t seem interested. Keeping fingers crossed.

@elbrant doodle BUG's diet looks good to me, I feed Zuzu the same foods. I go light with the brown rice and not every day. The only thing I add is 4 ounces of wild caught salmon 2 times a week and a few sardines a week for the omega. I also give her a hard-boiled egg a couple of times a week - she loves scrambled eggs too. It breaks up the monotony. Sometimes I boil her chicken, usually boneless thighs so I use that water as her stock. Bone broth is supposed to be excellent for humans and dogs, can get it salt-free and onion-free versions in cartons in most supermarkets. Other times I bake her chicken. She also gets pumpkin and loves butternut squash. She gets a tablespoon of plain yogurt a few times a week.

Pretty much the same for snacks too, peanut butter filled Kong and she loves "Get Naked No-Grain Chews" - they provide a little calcium too. She still gets a couple of broken up freeze-dried Primal Nuggets as a training reward. They contain real ground up bones - real bones were something her diet was lacking in. She gets one chewable multivitamin a day too, just to make sure I'm not missing anything - and a few times a week ground eggshell.

Sounds like so much work, but once I got it down to a science it's really quite easy. She pretty much eats what we eat so hers is cooked with ours. If I bake lasagna or something I always have a few big frozen chicken meatballs in the freezer for her. I add the veggies right into the ground chicken mix with an egg and bake them that way for her.

I'll never go back to kibble - and neither would she! Her coat is thick and shiny, eyes clear, and she smells so clean. She's doing great on it! No more checking for recalls, either :)

Pet parents are sharing their negative vaccine experiences on various pet forums, it's not just dogs. They range from mild to serious and they can happen within minutes or take years to show up in one degree or another. Have to factor in a pup's health and the possibility of a bad batch of vaccine too. Being we do have to vaccinate our pets all anyone can do is research online and decide whatever they believe is best. It’s the same with humans, I go to my doctor once a year for an annual checkup and CBC, I’m always recommended vaccines, I politely refuse them go home and research. My husband almost got talked into the shingles vaccine, thankfully he didn’t get it. Merck has since admitted it can cause eye problems and possibly shingles. The only thing anyone can do is be proactive today.

I hope you find another puppy packmom. I agree about not shipping. Opal didn’t get the chance to come home, but she will always be in your hearts.

@sass7656 Sorry to hear about your dog ending up with a lifelong autoimmune disease and after 6 years lost the battle. I hesitated to post this at such a sad time, but even though it’s not the norm, dogs are having a lot more negative reactions to vaccines than most people realize, it’s more the adjunctives/additives in the vaccines that cause problems. The lower the weight of the dog the worse they can react. Can search about this online and find lots of info on it. Will also find it to be as controversial as children's vaccines. This is why I chose a holistic vet - my girl received all her core vaccines mercury free and thimerosal free. She also did not receive any multiple vaccines, all were given individually. It was a decision I made after researching both sides. So sad to hear these stories.

@packmom Oh, I am so so sorry. I'm truly heartbroken for you.

@basenjifan Hi, separation anxiety is a tough one. I don’t leave my girl in a crate for more than 2 hours, but that is by my choice and not something she complains about. If we are going out for more than 2 hours I have her set up in a mudroom that has ceramic tile flooring and tile halfway up the walls. Not everyone has such an arrangement, but a small bathroom might also work. As long as he’s not a chewer who would chew up the cabinetry and shower curtains, etc.. Crazy as it may sound I always leave classical music cd's on for her playing softly - they really mellow her. Of course without access to any electrical wires. Baby lullaby cd's work well too.

@debradownsouth I deleted some of my responses because people like you are to be ignored. I thought it might also stop you from reading them over and responding to more. So, no matter how many more responses you post from here on, I will NOT be responding to you again, that way you can get that last word you need. I see right on the homepage another members frustration for you to stop responding on a different thread. Let’s see how long it takes for you to bully someone else again...sad.

@debradownsouth You’re still festering and posting to me on this thread? This thread was over, but you don’t seem to be able to let it go. I will call out a bully anytime I see one. For that is how we rid the world of them. Now I understand why most members of this group ignore you when you’re badgering other members. People like you are to be ignored.

My goodness, you're trying to explain an awful lot of your behaviors - I see that you are deleting and editing your posts like mad. You removed where you said you were going to report me to admin. You held no threat over me with that. This forum is your life, not mine. Continue with this and I WILL report you to the owners of this forum.

You’re complaining about going off topic? The first time I came to the defense of another member you accused the woman, who asked for help with a difficult dog, of child abuse and told her to euthanize her dog. Another poor victim of yours posted asking about riding a bike with his dog, he wound up having to defend the whole State of Israel due to your offensive behavior. You’re well-known on this forum for your going off topic to start a “Hot Topic.” Those are just two of many examples I could give and I haven’t gone through the entire forum. I usually see your problem posts listed right on the homepage.

If I do post on this forum in the future DO NOT respond to any of my posts. I’m not interested in anything you have to share. Nor do I want to be deluged with useless links that only support your closed minded views. If you could think for yourself you wouldn’t have to keep posting links.

I see you’re busy trying to mend broken relationships you made on this thread, it’s a hopeful sign. Sad that you’re not getting any responses though.

@debradownsouth I deleted my older posts to remove personal info, I deleted my more recent responses to let you save face.

I'm not responding anymore, what more is there to say anyway. All your reposting is proving who is obsessed.

@debradownsouth You're projecting again.

@debradownsouth Explain your problems above in this thread with two other members

@debradownsouth Reporting my post??? You were bullying MORE members and you posted your usual rant to me...lmao. I’m sticking up for members that you are bullying right on this thread above. Good luck with that.

Wow, you sound quite jealous. I would rather not continue with this, and I really can’t imagine why you would want to continue? I am forthright. I’m the kid who stuck up for the kids being bullied in school. Sometimes a person can only learn when they get a taste of their own medicine. I saw recent threads on this forum where you were bullying others and I restrained myself from getting involved, but it really gets my dander up to see people, who are asking for help, being bullied or censured. You are censuring others every time you respond to them in a condescending and bullying manner. Responding with criticism is stifling and discourages some people from posting again. Not allowing others to have their own opinions is a form of censuring. That’s the reason you’re having so many problems with so many people on this forum. A forum of this nature is supposed to be a peaceful place to share, learn and have fun, not a stressful place where members have to keep fending off a bully. Could this be why several members were trying to find a way to leave this group a month ago?

From here on maybe I’ll just give those members posts that you’re bullying a thumbs up click, so they know they have some support. As for when I post, please don’t respond to any of them, that should solve YOUR problem.

Go take a walk in nature, rub a dogs belly, feed a stray cat, count your blessings...it’s good for the heart.

@serenjane You're quite welcome. Our fur babies enjoy giving us a hard time - lol I wonder if you inserted the chew into a small meatball would she take it? If nothing works they do make liquid drops, but I've never used the liquids. The "VetriScience Composure Max" also comes in a liquid form on Amazon.There is another one I see mentioned on several dog forums called "K9 Calmer" (Amazon). I prefer the VetriScience, but both products contain L-Theanine, and Thiamine (B1). Might be easier to give a liquid added to a bit of applesauce or mixed with something Seeka really loves. My girl loves applesauce, peanut butter, plain yogurt, pureed pumpkin, sweet potato, and coconut oil, she would eat anything mixed with those. Happy to help, hope you find something that works for Seeka!

@serenjane Hi, Rescue Remedy is a well-trusted and safe therapy for birds, dogs, horses and humans. It's been around a long time. I have used Rescue Remedy for my dogs who get nervous during thunderstorms and it worked better for some than others, I have also used it for a cockatoo parrot I rescued 18 years ago. He's 22 today and still going strong. I would say it's safe, so why not try it? It doesn't work for all, but it does for many. Research essential oils such as lavender, valerian, and there are specific synergy blends made for calming dogs. * I only use essential oils as aromatherapy in a diffuser, not internally.

I'll suggest something I have used over the years for dogs, "VetriScience Composure" Chews - recommended by veterinarians, yet safe and natural. Another popular one is "Quiet Moments Soft Chews by NaturVet" - they can take the edge off a nervous dog, but again may not work for all. You can find several such calming chews on Amazon, look for ingredients such as Chamomile, Melatonin, L-tryptophan, Passion Flower. The ingredient I like most is L-Theanine. L-Theanine is an amino acid and safe for dogs, it's wonderfully calming for humans dealing with anxiety too. GoldVet Naturally Calm contains Suntheanine, which is a 100% pure type of L-theanine. You may have to try a few different blends and brands to see which one works best for your dog. Best of luck!!!

@rocky1 Hi Rocky1, sounds like you really love and care very well for your dogs. I agree with you 100% about trusting alternatives and natural medicine. I have doctors and nurses in the family, so I know about the mainstream medical profession, a bit too much actually. Our bodies and especially animals bodies are designed for natural healing, it just seems like common sense to try it first.

Your dog Rocky sounds amazing. You should be very proud!

@zande Thank you so much Sally, I was going back and forth for a while about the "keyhole" spay, wasn't sure whether to take the ovaries or the uterus. Decided with the help of our holistic vet. I want to make it easier for my girl with the keyhole. She will not tolerate wearing a cone/e-collar for long, I needed to find a way that the healing time is shorter with less need for pain meds, etc.. It's so helpful to hear from someone who had it done to their dog and was happy with the procedure. I'm still going to be a wreck that day!

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I give my dog a little plain yogurt a few times each week, it keeps any digestive and/or yeast issues away. I also feed a little pumpkin. Unsweetened pumpkin is great for dogs. Especially in cases of diarrhea or constipation, works fast for both. They usually love the taste too.

@debradownsouth said in Use of Rescue Remedy:>

WOW, I see you’ve had a few more “it’s not MY problem” threads. Priceless :) At some point you might want to reevaluate yourself. Couldn't hurt, no one's perfect.

<<< I'm soon to be 62, so I doubt by much. I feel 90 some days. >>>

Debra, you’re feeling like 90 some days is likely due to your rigid and naive trust in mainstream medicine. I’m 60 and feel like 35 most days, and I’m more for alternative modalities. I don’t take a single prescription drug, I’m constantly told I look half my age and the same goes for my husband, children, relatives and friends who share the same alternative beliefs. My animals are in optimal health and live long lives. We live our lives bravely by what we know works, not by naively trusting in the ever-changing research.

FTR, Bach’s Rescue Remedy is a life saver for many in both human and animal therapy. It is especially used in the avian community, myself along with tens of thousands of bird owners worldwide use it for their parrots - and that’s a bigger research study than most government studies of 200 or so participants. Does it work for all, of course not. Drugs don’t work for all, many even kill. Why not try something safer first? Hippocratic Oath: First, do no harm. Some of us are brave enough and confident enough to be our own scientists for the love of our animals and our humans. Such brave and devoted individuals should never be censored. Research isn’t written in stone; it changes constantly.

About that RLS (restless leg syndrome) of yours, research magnesium - both orally and in a topical oil – also weekly Epsom salt baths. Hope you find relief from it so maybe you won’t be so “cranky." If you do find your cure using magnesium....you’re welcome!

As a side note, my dog is scheduled for a laparoscopic spay very soon, before her second heat. She has adjusted wonderfully to her homemade organic diet, which seems to have calmed her nippy trait as well. It never ceases to amaze me how diet and herbs are nature’s best healers.