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13 contributions to The Virtual Dog Park
Separation crying and destruction
My doodle has the worst separation anxiety. What can we do for her? She’s hopelessly attached to my husband and cries constantly when he can’t be next to her. If we leave the house she has to go in her crate and she will use her long legs to grab something to rip up. We just dropped my husband off and she’s in the car crying nonstopā€¦šŸ˜©
Separation crying and destruction
Dogs favorite toy
There are so many toys out there for dogs, from chewie, to rope, to stuffys. I am curious, What's your dog's favorite toy? Please vote below for your dogs favorite toy.
Poll
5 members have voted
1 like • Nov 5
Especially the ones with squeakers 🤣
Weekend plans with the pup
What's everyone doing this weekend with their pup? We will go on a few short hikes at my cabin. She enjoys all the different 'smells" out in the woods, that are much different than the "suburbia" smells she gets everyday on our walks at home. I also have to mow at my cabin, but before that, I have to pick up all the loose sticks and branches, so Penny always likes to help with this task, although, once I have the sticks all stacked, some of them seem to disappear from the stack and start re-appearing in other places, like she is making her own stick pile! Tell us all what your plans are this weekend!
Weekend plans with the pup
1 like • Oct 3
Birdie needs a SHAVE! And we need a family hike to find signs of Autumn šŸ‚ šŸƒ šŸā€¦
Friday training post: Training your dog to 'stay'..
One of the most useful cues you can teach your pup is 'Stay'. It’s a lifesaver when guests come over, when the doorbell rings, or when you just need a peaceful moment to sip your coffee. The best part? You can build this skill in just a few minutes a day! My pup Penny is a rescue dog. We rescued her at 5 months old, and she is a little over 1 year old now, but we have a challenge with getting her to 'stay'. She will sit for a few moments, if treats are there most of the time, but to say the word 'stay', and then if I back up, she will not stay, she follows me as soon as I or my wife back up. Here is what we have started working with Penny on, to teach her to 'stay' and its a quick 5-Minute training, that we started using this week. 1. Start with a Sit – Get your dog comfortable sitting first. 2. Introduce the Cue – Say 'Stay', while holding your hand up like a stop sign āœ‹. 3. One Step Back – Take a single step away. If your dog holds the position, return quickly and reward immediately with praise or a treat. 4. Reset if Needed – If your dog breaks the stay, no worries—just calmly reset them in a sit and try again. 5. Build Slowly – Add distance (two steps, three steps) or time (3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds). 6. Keep It Positive – Always end on a win so your pup feels successful. Here is a couple of tips we are using. Penny is very high strung so it can be challenging. 1. Keep sessions to 5 minutes or less so your dog doesn’t get bored. 2. Use high-value rewards (tiny treats or even a favorite toy). 3. Practice in a quiet space first, then add distractions later (like practicing near the door or while you put on shoes). Its a work in progress, as she wants to play more than sit, but she is getting better at it. Just needs more practice time. If you are working on 'stay', Try this today and post a pic or short video of your dog practicing 'Stay'. Did they nail it right away or did they get a little wiggly? Both are worth celebrating here!
2 likes • Sep 26
Love this! I often pair ā€œStayā€ with ā€œDownā€ šŸ˜‰ And I taught Birdie how to balance a treat on her nose and ā€œStayā€ until I say ā€œGoā€ā€¦ she flips it up in the air and half the time it goes in her mouth. šŸ˜†
Dog thief skills
What’s the funniest thing your dog has stolen from the house? Mine has stolen a kitchen table napkin, a bath towel, and a bed throw pillow! Also pens off my desk, and the tv clicker! What has your pup stolen that is more unique than this. Post any incriminating photo's if you got them!
Dog thief skills
1 like • Sep 25
SOCKS 🧦 and my kids’ stuffed animals 🧸 every single day. Recently she snuck into the pantry and stole a buck antler, even though she already had two on her first-level bed.
1-10 of 13
Laura Villarreal
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38points to level up
@itslcvilla
šŸ‘©Helping parents choose education for their family and supporting rising leaders’ personal branding. ✨20+ years in marketing and communications.

Active 18m ago
Joined Jun 12, 2025
ENFP
Mother of Presidents, USA
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