Our 6 month golden retriever puppy went missing Saturday afternoon. Earlier this evening was the first time someone saw her and it was right where she ran away. I went there and sat looking down with lots of food around me. She came out for about 5 seconds and went back into the corn field she ran into. I saw her two more times pop her head out to look at me and haven’t seen her since. We have a food trail leading to a crate with a pressure plate and the “jackpot” of a meal waiting for her. There is also a camera watching.

I’m currently camped out in my car away from the crate, but still within visible range. I’m just so distraught that she was so close to me. She’s such a good girl but just so skittish. She was soaking wet because of the rain. I’m just really looking for assurances she will go into the trap because otherwise idk how else we will get her. We have done everything possible with posting her everywhere and notifying places. I’m not sure I can ever forgive myself if we can’t save her.

Edit: going dark for a bit to conserve my phone battery and try to get some sleep. We have a camera pointed at the trap crate that will notify me of movement. Will edit at some point in the morning, or if she is found. This post gained a lot of traction so I might post another if we get her safely.

Edit 2: no luck over night. Have seen her multiple times but she’s just too scared to push up to me. She was heading for the trap crate today when someone saw her and pulled in and scared her away. She’s clearly hungry so the crate has been moved very close to the corn. Hopefully today or this evening she will take the bait. I will not be giving up no matter what.

Edit 3: This will be my last edit on this post until she is found. I will also make a new post confirming we got her. I am getting a lot of DMs and messages telling me how horrible of an owner I must be for her to not want to come to me. Too many people chased her originally ( I didn’t lose her another family member did ), and now she is just scared of anyone. In fact I’m the only person she’s even gotten close to. You can check one of my last comments for details on what’s happened the last 24 hours. It’s been a steady stream of bad timing but I will not be giving up on her. I am spending the night again waiting for her to hopefully go into the crate trap. Thank you to all that have been supportive, and for all of your kinda words / advice.

Final edit: I FOUND HER SHES HOME SAFE!!!!

I have a German Shepherd who is currently 15 months old and has been settling outside of his crate regularly since 6 months old. If you own a GSD or a high energy dog, it might seem crazy that he even took a second to blink before 2 years old. But what I did differently this time was investing SO MUCH TIME into teaching him to relax and settle. And it has paid off! I wanted to share some tips and things I wish I’d known with my first puppy all those years ago.

1. Separate play and rest areas. I find the most effective way to do this is to do ALL play outside. Inside the house is for relaxation only. From when I brought my puppy home, any and all exciting toys stayed outside. Balls, tug toys, etc. Inside there was stuff to chew on like yak cheese and collagen sticks and that’s it. Take your puppy outside, have a blast and exercise, then come inside and RELAX. The fun is out there, the rest is in here. Even today, I got my pup up from a 3 hour crate nap while I finished dinner before taking him on a walk. He woke up with energy for sure, but he laid down and patiently hung out until I was done. Context is huge for dogs and if they contextualize play/high energy to one area and rest to another, it’ll make a big difference.
   
2. Teach a place behavior and use it often. For a while, I had a fairly set routine of play outside > come inside and practice place behavior. Make staying on place and relaxing a calm but rewarding activity. Sometimes I’d hand feed his entire breakfast just while he hung out on his bed. While I cook dinner, hang out on place. While I work, on place. Which leads me to my next point…
   
3. Supervised boredom. Meet your puppy’s physical and mental enrichment needs, then teach them to be bored. Sometimes I’d give my puppy something to chew on and keep occupied while he hung out on place. Other times I didn’t. You can also do tether training. Whatever you do, allow your puppy to NOT have entertainment. It’ll be hard at first! But teach them how to, and the value in, just existing.
   
4. Always follow up a high energy activity, like play or training, with a low energy activity like place behavior or settling with a chew. Teach your puppy the cycle of play > rest.

For many puppies, relaxing and settling doesn’t come naturally. Relaxing can be a learned skill. I think it’s commonly said that (and what I did in the past) that you just have to wait it out until the dog is an adult, or exercise them nonstop and then they’ll settle. While yes, age and exercise do play a big role, you can get there a lot faster by teaching them! Meet their basic needs, and teach them to relax.

We are getting ready to choose a puppy from a litter. Is there any inherent reason why one sex is easier than the other? We have heard some say their female dogs have been way easier than their male dogs - however, of our friend’s dogs, some of the craziest are females…

Hi! My 8-week old doesn't like any of the treats I bought for her. I've figured out what she does like banana (but hard to carry around), as well as string cheese (same problem). She's so-so about peanut butter and blueberries. I can do individuals training sessions with a stick of cheese, but I'm trying to find high values treats she actually values. Is it just a process of trial and error? She did really like some of the treats they gave her at the vet, but she was also so riled up and overstimulated by that experience, so I don't know if it was a fluke.

What do your pets like?

I’ve been reading and giving advice to people struggling with puppies for a few weeks now, I just wanted to say that my life has gotten so hard I freaking love it.

Our routine is so persistent I can’t find time to shower, my whole body has bite marks, my house is covered in fur and pee, I’m exhausted, my arms are hurting since he’s still in puppy jail and his poop stinks incredibly bad I cannot even begin to explain.
He’s 13weeks old and an absolute MENACE, to anyone thinking about getting a Dalmatian don’t do it if you wouldn’t own a Malinois.
Im 17 and can go out with friends significantly less.

Given everything I’ve said I LOVE my baby so much, he’s wild, I taught him so many tricks and I don’t remember what I did in my life 4 weeks ago before I had him. I just cannot wait to start going out and having the best adventures.

I hope everyone who’s struggling will pull through and wish everyone the best!

For me, it’s definitely place mats. The ones at the pet shop go up to 20€ whereas my supermarket offers place mats for 2€. They even look cuter.

Also the 1€ section in supermarkets often has great stainless steel (salad) bowls which make the perfect outdoor water bowl. They’re not fancy, but they do their job.

What accidental routine have you started with your puppy and not sure if you can break? Mine is carrying her to her crate at night and singing her a lullaby. 🤦‍♀️ I know, I know….

I have a 6 month old border collie, when I ask her if she needs to go toilet, she perks up and holds eye contact. I then let her outside. If she happens to need to go and I haven’t asked, there is no attempt to let me know in any way. She doesn’t always circle/sniff, sometimes she will be lying half asleep on the foot of my bed, and simply sit up and start peeing.

How old are puppies when they “tell you”? I ask her every hour/two hours, much more frequently than the length of time she can hold her bladder, so it isn’t as if she must be busting.

I praise and treat her heavily when she goes outside, and either redirect or ignore when she goes inside.

Aussie female 4.5 months, had since she was 9 weeks: I can't remember at what point we've gotten rid of the pen before: Or do people phase it out? She's about to be able to jump over her current pen, so I'm wondering if we should get a taller one, or just put up some baby gates and let her loose? Meaning constant supervision since she still very much in the "What's this?" phase. I mean, she IS an Aussie so she's going to organize things as she sees fit. I think puppies have gotten more energetic since the last time I did this...

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for all your answers - Clearly there's a wide range of options, depending on variables like dog breed and temperament, time availability to supervise, etc. We will probably just keep increasing her time outside her pen (I'm recently retired which makes this a lot easier). Once we get rid of the pen, we generally use a crate as as our dogs' safe space for many years, once they've more or less matured (door open).

It seems like everything I read here says not to leave an adult dog alone more than 8 hours. Does anyone really have a work day that doesn’t include commute time and at least 30 minute lunch on top of that 8 hours? Is every person who works out of the home hiring rover sitters for their dog’s entire life?

My work day ends up being close to 10 hours with commute, 3 days a week. I currently have a rover sitter come at lunch time for my 7 month large breed pup, but is it really impossible that he would be ok for 9something hours 3 times a week once he is older? I want to take the best care possible of him but shelling out $200 a month for Rover forever seems a bit daunting.

How do yall clean your dog before letting him back into the house? I use wet wipes and paw cleanser but it takes so long and not necessarily the cleanest, any advice? Are those electronic ones good? Also is there a better way to dry your dog after showering him, is those dryer boxes recommended? I see it around but dont really see people using it,i use hairdryer and it works just that it takes awhile to dry. Any better suggestions?

Bringing home a puppy in January. We have our pet store shopping list with the crate, bowls, food, etc., but I’m wondering what other changes you made around your house to puppy proof it or things you purchased. As an example, I’m thinking about getting a spot cleaner vacuum.

Appreciate your ideas!

ETA: we’re getting a lab, so expecting 70+ pounds fully grown, and we’re in the Northeast U.S. so we get all four seasons!

Curious to see what people say and the reasoning behind it.

Hi, I'm going to be getting my new puppy here in a few weeks and trying to figure out which pet insurance is best to deal with and actually pays you back. I've seen mixed reviews about Healthy Paws and Lemonade. I'd love to know which insurance you decided to go with. And if they've actually actually paid you the reimbursement.

Hi everyone,

Me and my girlfriend have taking care of a pup and it’s going great! I work night shift so typically she cares for her at night. In about two months however she needs to go on a family trip and the 3 days it will be just me and her. I don’t want to board her for this long just yet. She does very well in her crate and is potty trained.

What do you guys think? I have also though of paying a dog walker but my apartment has a keyless system so it may be complicated for them to get in

EDIT Thanks everyone for the comments! This was not my first email to the breeder. I’d already established connection and given her a TON of information about myself and the home the puppy would be coming to. I’d also asked if she had a puppy application for me to fill out, which she never sent. These were questions I sent after she reached out verifying pregnancy and saying she would be happy to answer any questions I had.

I recently reached out to a breeder I found on a US ethical breeder list. They have an upcoming litter.

I asked for photos and description of personalities of the sire and dam, information on their health clearances (hips, elbows, eyes, heart, and genetic testing) as well as their OFA registration numbers (and, of course, the cost of their puppies).

I also asked - 1. Are you a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America? 2. What (if any) early training do you start before the puppies go to their new homes? 3. How do you decide which puppies go to which home? 4. Do you provide a contract with puppy health verification and a return-to-breeder policy? 5. Do you offer ongoing support for puppy families if questions arise? 6. Lastly, if possible, I’d appreciate any references from previous puppy buyers.

—

I received this response from the owner, and am just wondering if I was inappropriate in asking these questions? From the (extensive) research I’ve done, I thought these were the questions to ask.

“After reading through your entire email I do not think I’m the breeder for you. I’ve been breeding and showing for almost 30 yrs snd I have never had anyone ask for all you are asking for. Any reputable breeder would not be breeding without health clearances and why does matter if I’m a member of any club which I am. FYI, if someone is going to provide references they’re only going to give you names of people that they know are happy.”

Curious what everyone else’s methods are when it comes to letting your pup wander free in your home? Mine is 7 months and I don’t keep him tethered to me via a leash anymore when he’s not in his crate but I do still close all the bedroom doors. When I leave the house he’s crated.

Hi everyone,

I'm about a month into my puppy ownership of a sweet 14 week old australian cattle dog. I've been prioritizing most, if not all, of my free time to making sure she's cared for. I work monday - thursday and every other friday 6a - 3:30p.

I have a puppy proofed room with like 50 toys and endless treats to keep her busy while I'm away at work, and hire someone every day im gone to come play with her for an hour midday. however,

i'm really starting to feel the effects of not taking care of myself. i'm tired. and am feeling gross.

I wake up at 4:15ish every day and try to tire her out, but doesn't like going on walks at ALL. so pre work routine mostly involves some light play for about an hr, and her following me around as I get ready. I feel such guilt going to work while she stays home and cries. So when I get home, we just play and I do my best to entertain her for the evening.

Since getting a puppy, I haven't worked out at all. I was training for a short triathlon, and really getting into a good routine with my fitness. it just makes me feel better physically and mentally. i figured we'd be able to get our daily exercise on walks together, but every time i try to take her on a walk ,she freezes and lays down. i'm working on it..

i live alone, so I'd feel even more guilt if I got home and left again. to those who dealt with something similar, how did you adapt? did you ever? any advice appreciated.

Like the title says we used our emergency recall today because my baby’s leash slipped out of my grip as I was tying her poop bag. I have a 21 week old Cavapoo that took off SO FAST after the leash dropped while out on our walk. There’s a dog that lives on the other side of the fence that was barking so I feel like that kind of attributed to her taking off the way she did. So anyways she took off in one direction, ran back in my direction, I tried to grab her, again she’s super fast. I immediately yelled out the emergency recall ( her name 3x fast, “ RUBY, RUBY, RUBY”) she stopped looked at me as I was running backwards and came straight to me!

When I tell you I’ve never been so terrified in my life, she even looked scared while running. I say all of this to say practice your recalls so your dog is locked in when you call them. This one in particular is different from our usual recall, “Ruby, come”!

Our breeder actually told us to practice the “PUPPY, PUPPY, PUPPY” ( insert your dogs name) 2x a week, while they are distracted doing something, using a high value treat they only get when practicing this. We use a piece of cheese. Every single time (from 10weeks old we’ve been practicing) she comes flying to wherever I am.

But if you don’t already have one, add an emergency recall into your rotation. You never know when you will need it.

Went to visit puppy, I pick him up Thursday, I bet I said No a billion times inside an hour. He is 9 weeks old and is SD Prospect. I need a different way to say No that is more positive…… suggestions???

I'm debating getting another dog but currently have a toddler. I don't know if this is the prime time or the worst possible time. I'd love to hear some input from people who balanced having both.

My family is looking to get a puppy! My one concern is how to keep their paws clean. I’m not a germ-o-phobe but the thought of taking the puppy on a walk, stepping in whatever is outdoors and coming back inside grosses me out!! What are some things you all have done to ensure clean paws

My girlfriend and I will be getting an 8 week old Golden retriever in Dec, share any tips or advice you have!

Recommended by our vet, we can't take our dog on walks or put her on the public ground until she is 17 weeks old, two weeks after her 3rd vaccination. She is currently 13 weeks old.

Yep. It happened to me. My wife and I went to adopt our golden retriever puppy yesterday. We swore up and down we were only adopting one. But things happened (mostly the look on my wife’s face) and we walked out with two brothers from the same litter.

Then someone mentioned sibling syndrome, and now I’m panicking. We’ve only had our puppies for a day so this is all still fresh and want to start training ASAP to avoid as many issues in the future. We have the space in our house to separate the dogs and I plan on starting to arrange separate crates this week for sleeping and eating arrangements.

Has anyone raised two brothers together and had positive outcomes? Everything I’ve read so far is telling me I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life and I should re-home one of the two. I try not to get wrapped up in the negativity and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this work. But I need some help/tip!