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Well done on putting lots of thought into your decision. If it helps you - I sometimes think that life would be a lot easier without a dog. So many things have to be given up or managed to accommodate a dog's needs. We rarely go anywhere for the day because of the worry of leaving the dog alone...

I wouldn't think that you need a second opinion. The fact that it burst means it is nothing sinister. Just follow the vet's advice and, if anything changes, go back for their opinion. You can always ask for a different vet at the practice. Most practices have junior and senior vets. The...

You are very lucky to get a rescue dog when you work such long hours. Try not to let your dog get over bonded to you. This causes them to get upset when separated from you. It is very difficult with rescues because they worry that they are going to lose you all the time! Don't let the dog...

Just to say that several of my dogs have had hydrotherapy and it has had an amazing effect upon them. All were referred after injury but some dogs there had joint problems and arthritis. Everyone I have spoken to has agreed how much the treatment has helped. The centre I attend has a water...

Sorry to hear of your terrible experience. The man was totally out of order! Try not to worry too much if a dog approaches your dog. I think you may be making your dog more scared of other dogs by keep getting hold of him/her when dogs approach. Mostly dogs will sort themselves out and if your...

Firstly I would try to get a calmer breed than a Springer Spaniel. Perhaps a Labrador? Greyhounds and lurchers are also calmer as are hounds like beagles. All breeds, other than some toy breeds, would need a good amount of exercise. Next I would consider crate training your dog from the start...

Any dog can be trained to tolerate cats. it does take time and a lot of patience in some cases though!. He may well have lived with a cat before. If so he will know all about their sharp claws!

Tiny baby steps of just tossing the tuggy a few inches away for her to get and then play an exciting game when she picks it up. Then toss it another inch away and play again when she picks it up. Only do this for short periods as they easily get bored with constant repetition. Don't try to add...

It is a behaviourist you need not a dog trainer. The car issue is a behavioural one. It needs diagnosing as to whether it is caused by excitement or by anxiety. Pepper needs to learn to settle in the car not how to walk well on the lead or sit etc. Look for a behaviourist from either COAPE or APBC.

I would give Ozzy the space to enjoy his bone. The puppy needs to learn that certain things are off limits. Just as you are, hopefully, teaching the puppy some manners so was Ozzy.

I would enrol in a good training class run by a member of the APDT. Their motto is "Kind, Fair and Effective". Well worth the effort.

Good post from LauraMc. Distance helps enormously when trying to socialise a dog. The dog needs to be far enough away from the scary stimulus for the dog to be able to relax. Anxious dogs cannot learn. If another dog is too close then your dog will be anxious and so unable to learn anything at...

Is he entire? If he is then he may be scent marking indoors to make himself feel comfortable. If not he could be very anxious about his new environment. Try to stay out until he has to empty himself. If you can confine him to a small area where he would have to live with his wee and poo, if he...

Small children are like aliens to dogs that have not been brought up with them. Imagine how you would feel if you saw a green alien walking down the street. You would keep your head down and avoid eye contact etc. it is going to take a lot of persuading for your dog to come to terms with living...

It may be a bit of separation distress? Is he over bonded to you and missing you when you go out? If this is the case you would be best to get a proper behaviour consultation from a member of the APBC or COAPE. In the meantime prevention is the best way forward. Crate training takes time and...

You may never know. Cross breeds can favour one parent over the other. See if the rescue centre saw the mother or had good evidence that the mother was a Pomeranian. Whatever she is she is gorgeous!

Well said. Reward the right behaviour. Ignore the wrong behaviour. Takes time and patience but is the most effective way in the end.

Her father could be any breed. All, I think, you can do is wait and hope that you never get challenged about her breeding. Just tell them what you were told when you bought her. Make sure you socialise her really well with lots of different people and other kinds of dogs so that trouble in the...

Dogs pick up on mood etc. Was she bred by a man? That would make her more comfortable around men (I am assuming your partner is male?) If you are stressed, or anxious or unwell in any way a dog can sense it and avoid contact. Sometimes it is a memory of being trodden on or something like that...

I agree that you have done nothing wrong except be a little naïve. Perhaps a written agreement would have been a good idea?