Dear Dog Fanatic

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, Kirsten "K" Matthews (The Canine Detective) reads questions from the r/DogAdvice & r/AskReddit subreddits. Content Warnings: Senior Dog Medical Challenges, Euthanasia, and Palliative Care.ResourcesQuality of Life AssessmentBear’s Buddies Animal Foundation (Geriatric & Hospice Sanctuary)Donate Here:Fundraising CampaignMake a donation of $125 and receive a FREE virtual dog training consultation. Feel free to message me for more information!“Securing the Soil for the Souls We Save: A Permanent Home and a Peaceful Ending For the Animals Who Have Nowhere Else to Go”Submit Your Dog Question Here: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, Kirsten "K" Matthews (The Canine Detective) reads and responds to listener write-ins. She gives tips and tricks on how to care for a senior dog with medical challenges. She also explains some of the reasons why a dog may be excessively licking various surfaces. And finally, gives her take on why people choose the dog breeds that they do.Content Warnings: Senior Dog Medical Challenges.TakeawaysWith senior dogs, notice if your dog loses interest in activities; it might mean they need extra care.Excessive licking can be due to medical issues, the dog's diet, or boredom/anxiety/stress.Choose a dog breed that fits your lifestyle to avoid long-term frustration (on both ends).Listener Questions"Have you covered the topic of caring for a senior/elderly dog? I'm just trying to ensure a good quality of life for my elderly greyhound who is 11 years old.""My dog licks the floor like it's her JOB. Not one spot where something interesting was spilled, the whole thing like she's mopping the house. Anxiety? Something else?""What does someone’s breed preferences say about their personality or, the inverse - what sort of people tend to be best suited for different breed groups, and what they should stay away from?"Submit Your Dog Question Here: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, K (The Canine Detective) answers some listener write-ins. She gives expert advice on how to prevent your dog from eating poop, how to introduce an adult dog to a new puppy roommate, and how we often make mistakes when choosing a puppy. Content Warnings: Discussing Poop.TakeawaysBreaking habits requires addressing root causes, not just symptoms (and this applies to dogs too).Before we can change a dog's behaviour, we need to stop them from continuing to practice the habit.Introducing a puppy into a household with an adult dog requires both careful planning and ongoing management.The misconception that puppies "choose" their owners ignores the influence of genetics and early socialization.Listener Questions“Is there any holistic approach to dealing with coprophagia? Bull terrier eats poop emoji.”“What should I do to properly introduce my dog to a puppy? We lost our second dog last May and our girl is depressed so we’re becoming that stat - we are getting a dog for our dog, but I’m not confident in how I should introduce my 6 year old dog to her new puppy sister”Submit Your Dog Question Here: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, K (The Canine Detective) returns to the r/RPGHorrorStories subreddit to read stories primarily about dog grief in and out of game. A reminder to treat others at our tables kindly and let them have an animal companion if they want one! Content Warnings: Fictional Murder, Dog Death, Grief, and a brief mention of alcoholism.TakeawaysAlways have a session zero when playing TTRPGs (they aren't just for character creation)."Friends" who don't offer condolences when your dog dies are probably not folks you want to play with.DMs who actively try to kill off player character's pets are massive red flags and need to learn to use safety tools.Murder hobos are not fun to play with, but especially so when they kill puppies.Reddit Stories"You always pick a dog or wolf! Pick something different! ...why...why are you crying? Oh...oh no."How my old group handed my dog dying.DM was obsessed with killing my character's dogMurder Hobo Bard Kills Puppies

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, K (The Canine Detective) reads stories about folks having their dogs attend their own weddings. Should your pup be a special guest or a member of the bridal party on your big day? These stories are from the r/eloping and r/weddingplanning subreddits. Content Warnings: Family Drama.TakeawaysA professional dog wedding attendant or someone designated to watch your dog is a smart move if your dog is attending your wedding.Your dog can attend part of the wedding and not stay for the whole thing if you so choose. This is not an all or nothing scenario.Some dogs would prefer to not be involved in events with large, loud crowds. This includes weddings.If having your dog their would cause you anxiety, maybe leaving your pup at home is the wiser option. If you want your dog to be present at your marriage ceremony more than the humans in your life, consider eloping!Reddit StoriesDid you have your dog at your elopement?Including dogs in the elopement: yes or no?Tips and tricks to having your dog be a part of your ceremony, per request!!27 days away. Here are the dog favors! * Crowd is all seriously devoted dog lovers.Did you have your dog at your wedding? Would you do it again?

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, K reads questions from dog lovers who have or are planning to move overseas with their pups. These stories are from the r/expats, r/moving, r/pettravel, r/MovingtoAustralia, and r/DogAdvice subreddits. TakeawaysIf you wish to fly commercial, your two options are to have your dog in-cabin (if they are under 20 lbs) or in cargo (if they are over that).Other transatlantic transportation options include booking kennels on the Queen Mary 2 or using a canine private jet company.Some countries, like Australia and New Zealand have strict biosecurity laws which require dogs to be quarantined upon arrival.There are pet relocation services companies. It may be worth it to hire them to help you with all the paperwork or you may prefer to DIY the bookings yourself (destination permitting).Many brachycephalic dogs, like pugs and french bulldogs, cannot fly commercial.Reddit StoriesMoving overseas with medium/large dogMoving to New Zealand (from U.S.A.). Seeking advice on moving family dog.We just moved our dog from the U.S. to Europe without paying a $6,000 pet relocation company — sharing what we learnedRelocation of dog from UK to AustraliaFlying pug from U.S. to EU for permanent move

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, K (The Canine Detective) once again takes a look at some incompatible relationships (human to human as well as human to dog) and some rescue dog decompression pains. The most fun story is the one about the eyeless dog at the end of the episode. These stories are from the r/DogAdvice subreddit. Content Warnings: domestic abuse and dog bites.TakeawaysIf you love dogs, it is unwise to date someone who does not. This rarely ends well.An abundance of caution is always needed between dogs and kids.Some dogs take time to warm up to new people. And some does don't really like people, except their people.It is important to socialize your dog to prevent future anxieties and behavioural challenges.Teach blind dogs using touch training so that you can still communicate with them down the road once their hearing goes.Reddit StoriesMy boyfriend hates my dog. Is my dog that bad?Bitten by new rescue dog after she took food off the tableWhy does my dog who loved me and my partner right away hate everyone else?1 year ago I adopted my eyeless dog and it was the best decision I ever made. AMA!

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, we explore some dog poop drama. Who knew that potty business was so controversial? These stories are from the r/AITA subreddit. Content Warnings: angry neighbours, anti-dog people, and judgemental dog owners. And much talk of dog poop!TakeawaysDogs peeing on lawns is a hot topic. And some folks may prefer for your dog to pee on the sidewalk instead of their lawn?Pick up the dog poop in your yard before hosting a party.Please don't yell at or call the cops on your neighbours (ie. don't escalate) unnecessarily.If your neighbour has beef with you and your dog, it may be safer to just ignore them and walk away.If your dog is barking in your yard, the polite thing to do is to call them inside.Walking your dog is good for their mental health (and yours). And find a way to let them sniff!Reddit StoriesAITA if I drop off a note and baked goods to my neighbor who made me pick up somebody else’s dog poop?AITA for letting my dogs pee outside?AITA for chasing someone down to stop letting their dog use my yard as a bathroom?AITA for letting my dog poop in my front yard before I go to work?AITA Fuss About Dog Poop in the Yard

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, K (The Canine Detective) reads some wild dog confessions from Redditors. These stories are from the r/TrueOffMyChest subreddit. Possible trigger warning: talks of both medical and behavioural euthanasia.TakeawaysDogs are a lot of work! Be clear from the beginning who's responsible for the dog.Don't watch someone's dog if you don't want to.Please, no kidnapping dogs and leaving them in shelters. Also, you need to disclose bite histories where relevant.It's better to let a dog go too early, rather than too late.Reddit StoriesMy dog made me realize I can’t be a mom.I dropped my MILs dog off as a stray at a shelter. I don't feel bad.I wish my girlfriend’s dog diedmy family dog is ruining our familyI think my mom euthanised our dog before her time, but I’ll never tell her that.

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, K (The Canine Detective) reads thought-provoking questions from the r/AskReddit subreddit. Fans of the game "Will You Press The Button?" will enjoy this one!TakeawaysBigger dogs can cost more than little dogs... for many reasons.The grief one has when losing a dog is intense. Don't feel the need to get a new dog right away if you are not ready.The quality of life at the end of a dog's life is important to consider when making efforts to prolong it.There are many valid reasons to NOT want a dog. Even if you love dogs!Reddit StoriesHow expensive do you think it is to take care of Clifford, the big red dog?How difficult was it for you when your dog passed away? Did getting a puppy after really help the grieving process?Dog owners of Reddit: Would you cut of 5 years of your own life and give these to your dog? If so, why?People of Reddit, why do you NOT want to have a dog?

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, K (The Canine Detective) reads stories about dogs and fiancés from the r/relationship_advice subreddit. This could very well be a sequel to Episode 1: Dogs Revealing Relationship Incompatibilities.TakeawaysCouples should discuss the financial implications of having a dog before bringing one home.Be on the same page as your partner. What does having a dog mean to you? Not everyone views this responsibility the same way.Separation anxiety and canine behavioural issues can lead to significant stress and strain in relationships.Responsible rehoming is always an option! But make sure you work with a professional beforehand to explore your options.Also, consider hiring a canine matchmaker to ensure that you are choosing a dog who is compatible with you and your lifestyle.Reddit StoriesMy Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this?My fiancé is calling of the wedding if I don't get rid of my dogMy fiance (27M) basically chose our dog over me (27F). What a waste of 5 and a half years...I 21M and my fiancé 21F’s relationship is being ruined by our dogThinking about bringing home a dog? Checkout my Dog Matchmaking Consultation services! Whether you are considering adoption, buying from a breeder, or choosing between breeds, I’ll guide you through the decision so you can set your future dog (and your family) up for success.

In this episode, K shares her journey to opening up her own dog training practice and the factors that led her to decide to deliver all of her programming virtually. The Canine Detective had previously offered board & trains, group classes, in-house private lessons, as well as walk & trains. It also delves into the structure of her virtual training practice and the benefits it offers to clients.Takeaways About Training Dogs VirtuallyAllows for quicker, more sustainable training progress.Enables clients to ask questions between sessions.The Daily Method.More accountability for dog owners.More room for education for the dogs and the humans.Better able to accommodate multiple stakeholders (humans and dogs).Delivering step-by-step training recommendations.Timely feedback on homework exercises.Opportunities for daily Q&A via private chat.Easier to provide a record of past training sessions.Frodo's Story & Podcast GuestingShe Coaches Coaches - Life Coaching for Dog MomsDog Training Bytes - Episode 35: Kirsten Matthews (The Canine Detective)

In this episode, a virtual dog trainer shares some fun dog character Reddit stories from the r/RPGHorrorStories. Kirsten (The Canine Detective) is a big TTRPG nerd herself and gives her takes from both a player and dog lover's perspective.TakeawaysAll party members get attached to player character pets.If someone goes to unalive a dog in-game, just do yourself a favour and boot them immediately.Blink dogs vs mundane dogs (and how the mechanics don't make sense from a canine behaviour perspective).Every game should have a session zero!Let your players have canine companions; it's fun.Reddit StoriesThe Damned DogPlayer Distracted Entire Game with Dogs and Neighbors"Pacifist" character killed my characters dog!Player tried to hurt The DogMr. Sprinkles, the Dog who would become GodReferences & ShoutOutsLeather Dog Armour - Arcane Armory & RelicsRolling With Reddit - RPG Familiar

In this episode, Kirsten (The Canine Detective) reads dog-related stories from the r/bridezillas subreddit. Common themes include the importance of prioritizing pets and setting boundaries in relationships.TakeawaysCanine welfare is more important to some people than to others.If your friend is mad at you for potentially missing their wedding because your dog had a medical emergency, are they really your friend?Don't let people take advantage of you. This goes double for people who hate your dog.Bringing a fake service dog to a wedding is both unethical and ill-advised.Reddit StoriesIs it me? Or her? Or both?AITA for cancelling my brothers wedding?AITA for leaving the engagement dinner due to my fiance's obsession with the dog?AITA for not allowing my mom's "service dog" at my wedding?

This episode features dog-centric stories from the r/AmItheAsshole subreddit. Kirsten (The Canine Detective) explores the key underlying theme of dogs revealing (rather than causing) fundamental incompatibilities in longstanding relationships.TakeawaysPartners need to communicate before marriage or kids, whether or not they want dogs.The parent is the one who decides whether or not to get a dog, not the child.It's not enough to decide that you both want a dog, partners need to decide how they will raise that dog.Who keeps the dog in the event of a relationship breakdown? And does this inform who pays the dog's bills?The person who decides to get the dog is the person who is ultimately responsible for said dog.Reddit StoriesWIBTA for choosing my dogs over my kids?AITA for not getting another dog?AITA for refusing to have any pets inside our house due to my allergies and how I was raised?AITA for not wanting to split dog ownership costs and responsibility 50/50?AITA for telling my family that we have to get rid of the dog?