(Part 2) Top products from r/aww

I would start with finding some local basic obedience or puppy classes. These are a fantastic place to start for a new dog owner. PetSmart and Petco classes are ok, but honestly their trainers aren't terribly experienced and while you could get a gem, you could also get a trainer than knows nothing.

Instead, try to find a trainer that is positive reinforcement based (sometimes trainers will advertise as "positive based" or "least adversive" or many other things - basically, instead of always punishing the dog, they're rewarding the dog for doing good things which is a much better system of dog training) and take some classes from them.

From that, you can get into dog sport classes. I personally, because of my location, actually do a lot of dog training classes online. Particularly through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. They do have some disc dog classes occasionally, but also they have agility, nosework, obedience, and many other classes as well.

But certainly start with a basic obedience class as that will be a great foundation. If you need help with figuring out if a trainer might be good, try coming over to /r/dogs and asking there.

Oh, and if you're up for it, a fantastic book that I would recommend is "The Other End of the Leash" which is great in teaching people how dogs think and learn.

Things you need to know about your husky:

• They are extremely intelligent, but not necessarily obedient. They are independent in nature, and can often be motivated by treats--unless the alternative is something they desire more.
  
• They are escape artists. If left to their own devices outside, they will dig, climb, squeeze, and then they will run. And run, and run--it's ingrained in their nature, so this will be almost impossible to correct. You can prevent this by keeping them entertained, which will also keep them from being destructive (boredom motivates them to destroy and explore). Also, never let them outside of a fenced in area without a leash. It's possible to train them to come when you call most of the time, but should they see a squirrel, cat, deer, anything they want to chase, their training goes out the window. Don't let them outside within fenced in areas without supervision.
  
• They are high-maintenance dogs and need a lot of exercise. Right now, walks and games of tug-of-war will suffice. When he gets older (<1 year), runs. If you're out of shape, get a bike, and ride together using the walkydog leash. My husky -loves- to swim. We swim and kayak together every weekend during the summer. Get creative with your exercise--hike, swim, try different training courses--they love the mental exercise and breaking out of routine!
  
• Get a [furminator] (http://www.amazon.com/FURminator-Long-Hair-deShedding-Large/dp/B0040QQ07C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342588841&sr=8-2&keywords=furminator) meant for long-haired dogs. Seriously. This will be one of your best investments. Other great investments that I've made have been [the Ruffwear life jacket] (http://www.amazon.com/Ruffwear-Float-Jacket-Currant-Medium/dp/B005OTYEMW/ref=sr_1_34?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1342588905&sr=1-34&keywords=life+jackets+for+dogs), [Plato's Salmon Strips treats] (http://www.amazon.com/Plato-Dog-Treats-Salmon-16-Ounce/dp/B000NVBVIQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1342588957&sr=1-1&keywords=Salmon+strips) (there is nothing Keno won't do for one of these, but they smell horrible--still worth it), [the walk dog leash] (http://www.amazon.com/Petego-Walky-Hands-Free-Bicycle-Leash/dp/B003OYIAW4/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_1) for a bike, and [Kyjen's indestructible squeak toys] (http://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Gecko-4-Squeak-Blue/dp/B005CQARAA/ref=sr_1_25?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1342589219&sr=1-25&keywords=kyjen+dog+toys).
  
  Your puppy is disgustingly adorable. Seriously one of the cutest little holy terrors I've ever seen (and I say this fondly, because my adorable husky was a monster as a puppy). I hope you form a bond as strong as mine and Keno's, and that you enrich each other's lives!

I have the Pioneer Raindrop fountain (here) for $30 and I use these filters. I only need to replace the filter once every one to two months. Totally worth it because of how much the cats love it, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that it's helping them stay healthy.

Our first cat, Roger (whom I originally bought the fountain for), was terrified of it at first. A month went by before he finally had the courage to drink from it, and then he quickly adored it. Unfortunately he passed away, and we adopted two kittens. Simon and Chloe instantly loved it as soon as we brought them home. So there's a chance she may hate it at first, but running water is very natural and appealing to cats. I think she would grow to like a fountain very quickly. :)

I know warnings are like a broken record every time someone posts a picture of their new high maintenance breed puppy but here it goes anyways.

1. Aussies need a job. Get into some kind of sport. If you don't have time / money for special classes at least look into getting a Walky Dog to help burn of some energy. And don't forget to the Booties to protect the feetsies
   
   
2. Running / Walking will help burn energy but Aussies are smart. They need a lot of mental stimuli to keep them from getting bored and destroying your life.
   
   
3. Aussies tend to bond strongly to their own families and are generally wary of strangers. Proper socialization with other people and dogs is incredibly important.

That is a very nice fountain... Bonus that I think it's pretty ascetically pleasing for humans also. I plan on upgrading soon to a porcelain one... For now my two cats like this one as well...
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Pet-Stainless-Fountain-Raindrop/dp/B0037NKDSG/ref=zg_bs_2975263011_2

I’ve gotten pretty close.

Buy a hammock. Not a one of the rope ones, the fabric ones. Make sure it’s one that is big enough to wrap around you when you get in. Then, grab a soft blanket and get in. Would suggest using a second one on the bottom as well, or have one big enough to wrap around you as the bottom isn’t insulated well. You’ll also want a pillow for lounging in it. If have a small bean bag one I like, but have also grabbed a throw pillow off the couch and used that.

Bought this one almost a year ago. Got it for $65 and had it inside all winter. Honestly it’s just as comfortable as my bed and I slept in it frequently. My sister came over while I was away for a week to feed my cat. She would dismiss herself from school (senior in high school, at 18 you can dismiss yourself) and go take naps in it.

Poor pup! That breaks my heart. I'm glad he has good fur-parents. It sounds like he's a strong little dude.

This is what I had to eventually get for my yellow lab: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0045Y1JGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482119008&sr=8-1&keywords=pet+cones+for+dogs&pi=SX200_QL40

I assume yours is a two-loop step in harness like this one?

If so, you can attach a sturdy keyring or carabiner to where the front-most horizontal strap goes through the between-the-legs strap, so you can attach the leash to the dog's chest instead of the back.

It's NOT as good as a purpose made front-clip harness like OP's dog has, and there is a risk of the dog being able to escape the harness if they do a serious tuna fish maneuver (though I've had dogs escape from step-ins even when top clipped), but I've walked a few dogs ghetto-front-clipped with this step-in kind of harness and it's much better than back-clipping for leash pullers.

If you're worried about slipping out, you can attach the leash to the collar via a safety strap, and put a sturdy keyring around the two D rings at the clasp just in case.

EDIT: As a dog walker who's used a LOT of different harnesses on different dogs, this style of harness is by far my favourite. There are loads of different brands that make basically the same thing so shop around, but it's a really good design for medium to large breeds.

When you look into those soulful, confident, big brown eyes and wonder if the dog is smarter than most people, the answer is yes, trust it's judgment.
Don't let that dog baby sit ever.
https://www.amazon.com/Good-Dog-Carl-Classic-Board/dp/0689807481#reader_0689807481

> I respectfully disagree that hugging equates to slapping.

I never said that. This was just an example to show that you don't need a peer reviewed study for something to be understood. It could have been anything.

>They all reference a Dr. Stanley Coren, as does the article that you just posted, who is the author of the op-ed I was referencing.

Yes and the article I posted is written by an animal behaviorist who offers their own perspective. It isn't simply an article about the OpEd.

You are literally trying to discredit multiple experts on the matter with your personal experience with your dog. Dogs seeing hugs as a sign of dominance has been well established for decades. I learned about it in my college psych classes long before that article was published in 2016. Here's a 2002 book that references it.

http://www.amazon.com/ScoopFree-Self-Cleaning-Litter-Box/dp/B000ELUQQS

This is the one I have. I don't use their trays though, they cost too much. I got a Forever Tray off Amazon and use whatever brand of silica crystals I can get at Walmart. Overall it was a great purchase, we've had ours for almost 2 years and I love it. They say it's good for a month, but I try to check it every weekend to at least clear the poop container and stir the crystals.

I feel your pain. Nail trimming can be a total nightmare (for you and your dog). If you're using actual clippers, make sure they are very sharp (dull blades will squeeze the nail, causing a lot of pain and sometimes cracking the nail). Dremel trimmers are definitely something worth looking into too. But even with the best tools, it can be a huge chore. I had a dog who passed away a few months ago who would just lay there and let you trim his nails. Sometimes he'd actually fall asleep while you did it. He was a godsend.

Outside cats usually have a shorter lifespan. As for the box of poo thing, it's really not that bad. You can use a litter box like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/ScoopFree-Self-Cleaning-Litter-Box/dp/B000ELUQQS

The crystals are really good at concealing odor. Just need to put the box in a corner somewhere that you won't see, and if you throw in a little of this each time you replace the crystals box it'll make it even less likely that you'll be able to smell it. If all of that fails, you can always spray a little of this to make it go away in-between box changes.

But even with all that I can see how the litter box thing might be a deal breaker for some people. I had a friend who always had semi-indoor cats and that's worked out well for him. Basically the cats are always inside, then he lets them out to take care of their business from time to time. I don't really know how often he'd let them out, but he definitely didn't have a litter box and there were never any accidents. I imagine their life span would be about the same as an indoor only cat, but not really sure. Would depend on how often they'd remain outside once let out, environmental factors etc. Something to ask a vet.

3 years ago I got my husky, and suddenly theres husky puppies popping up all over the neighborhood. Please know what your getting into with a Husky. They need at least 1 hour of full mental and physical exercise each day... simply expecting them to be a house-dog is just cruel to this particular breed.

Me? I have him pull a 3 wheeled trike in winter, a bike in autumn/spring, walks in summer, all 45 minutes long. One hour dog-park visits on weekends. Daily combing, 30 minutes of toy play every day I get home from work. He's broke two of these (never buying them again) and we've resorted to having simple heavy duty industrial bungee cords and a heavy duty harness.

Even after 3 years I don't understand him. He doesn't care for fetch, or understand the point of tug-of-war, he just looks at you funny when you throw something. He's crazy smart (knows how to open kitchen drawers, twist the front door knob, and knows how to unlock the gate to get into the living room).

My dog was in a fire at 6 weeks old when his parents & 5 brothers/sisters died... and has had severe territorial aggression (disturbed while sleeping can result in a deep bite to your foot or arm) issues we've never been able to address (even with behavioralists and medication). He's a big fan routines though.. which is great because I suck at them so we help each other out.

All in all, a husky is a lot of work, it's a relationship built on respect rather than "I am the master, you are the pet." You get an amazing friend that is beyond just being a dog. Huskies are independent, have strong personalities, and can tell when your having a stressful day so they'll always be there for you when you need them.

Lots of exercise. Whether it's ball chasing or running alongside you while you run/bicycle/skateboard whatever. Exercise isn't the same as playing or just going for a walk.

I could also thoroughly recommend the book The Other End of the Leash. It's a fantastic resource.

There's a [book](http://www.GOA.com/ Kids - Goats of Anarchy: Polly and Her Duck Costume: + The true story of a little blind rescue goat https://www.amazon.com/dp/163322418X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RAIHAbXC9QTB6) about it. My kids love it. It started as a Halloween costume, but the goat was much calmer with it on.

Check out the book ["All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome" by Kathy Hoopman] (http://amzn.com/1843104814). I gave a copy to my daughter who cares for an autistic young adult and they both loved it.

My cats have this fountain. It's great! It bubbles at the top.

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Dog-Carl-Classic-Board/dp/0689807481

First thing I thought of when I saw this! It's the real life Carl from my favorite book as a child. :)

Edit: link. Not sure I linked that right...

Get an easy walk harness by premier. It will resolve that. My wife who barely tops 5' can walk ours with out problem.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PREMIER-Easy-Walk-Harness-LARGE/dp/B0009ZBKG4/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url/278-9582196-0140445

Eh, I have a pit bull that has done this a few times. It looks worse than it is. In my case, she tore up a pillow each time and some paper. $20-$50 worth of damage, tops. The stuffing and paper made it look like a disaster, but it wasn't bad at all.

Now she's crate trained (and she loves it).

Everyone I know who has a cat has a least 1 piece of furniture that is either ripped to shreds or has been clawed only a few times, but enough to be obvious. My best friend had a $1000 couch get fucked up the first few days he had his cat.

Maybe I don't know much about cats, but it seems easier to get a dog to chew on something non-destructive (treats, rubber toys, toys with treats inside, toys with squeakers inside, toys with plastic bottles inside) than it does to get a cat to claw on something non-destructive. My pits would rather rip the squeakers out of toys (which takes months with one of these) than chew on a pillow anyway.

Edit: Downvoted for pointing out that cats also destroy shit. Ok.

Yeah, I have the PetSafe with the two way splitter for two boys. Now I dont have to worry about day to day, or as much when we take off for a day or two (but we still have somebody come by) - PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Pet Feeder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VIXRB6O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_mgqvbpNB5gcLo
Plus, it has a battery backup for power outages.

moderately relevant - The Motivation Game

edit: Thanks to both /u/jagsnflpwns and /u/Meriog - link to the book by Allie Brosh called "Hyperbole and a Half"

I also have one I bought off Amazon and it is absolutely amazing.

A most perfect scene for Dancing With Cats Vol. 2

I made fun of my partner when she bought an automatic cat feeder, but that thing has been worth every cent. We always know they've had their food, and they don't wake us up in the morning wanting breakfast anymore!

Loose leash walking

No Pull harnesses are also a good tool to use while training.


Barking at strangers - she has a whole series of videos about barking at different stimuli you may want to check out too.

They don't always have them because it's like a close out site. But they usually have them for under $100. Amazon has them too

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004YJCP7O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1466433647&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=vivere+hammock&dpPl=1&dpID=411wF2HIBfL&ref=plSrch

I just googled “Ask not for whom the dog barks” and so many mats from different retailers came up. Looks like this one is the cheapest!

I don't know why you were downvoted for telling people to support the artist.

Here's the link to buy the book if anyone is interested.

We use easy walk harnesses, they hook in front. We don't get pulled around like a dogsled now.

We use this on our two Danes.. They dont seem to mind much, and its easy to take off a 1/8-1/4" without hitting the quick.. Stinks though..

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-7300-PT-4-8-Volt-Pet-Grooming/dp/B003TU0XG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395630407&sr=8-1&keywords=dremel+pet

You can buy weight activated heated cat beds or mats for $30-50 at Amazon. I got this one for my GF's cat. It warms up maybe 10-15 degrees but only when the cat lays on it.

> point me to some resources

• /r/Dogtraining
  
• Dog Behavior
  
• /r/Dogtraining/wiki/books
  
• /r/Dogtraining/wiki/index
  
• Dog Training Basics
  
  The Culture Clash and The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs (from the wiki/books link) would probably be really good choices if you're trying to learn how dogs "work", and the "Dog Behavior" link has a lot of information on specific problems.

PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box, Automatic with Disposable Tray, Purple https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ELUQQS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TY.2Ab7WPZ4R9

This one. We have two of em. One is 4 years old not a single problem.

And if you're like me, and wanted one of these for your own house, look no further

> I don't doubt your vets diagnosis, but don't the symptoms of being a cat sometimes align with autism?

Yes.

Try getting a horizontal scratching post such as http://www.amazon.com/The-Original-Scratch-Lounge-Scratcher/dp/B00115EY0U/ref=sr_1_6?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1381872548&sr=1-6&keywords=horizontal+scratching+post or http://www.amazon.com/PetFusion-Scratcher-Lounge-Walnut-Brown/dp/B004X6UEH6/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1381872578&sr=1-2&keywords=horizontal+scratching+post

Problem Solved

In fact, Dremel makes a tool just for pet nails.

Why Paint Cats: The Ethics of Feline Aesthetics

The follow-up to:

Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics

Why Paint Cats

Why Paint Cats: The Ethics of Feline Aesthetics https://www.amazon.com/dp/1580082718/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hUZTAbH7Y0CVM

For the future https://smile.amazon.com/KONG-Cloud-Collar-Collar-Large/dp/B0045Y1JGG?sa-no-redirect=1

Further reading:
Why Cats Paint

Once you've grasped that material I find:

Why Paint Cats?

to be the logical follow-up.

WalkyDog + a padded chest harness (for your dog's safety).

It will change your life

https://www.amazon.com/PetFusion-Scratcher-Cardboard-Construction-unverified/dp/B004X6UEH6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511465044&sr=8-3&keywords=cat+lounger+scratcher

It's THIS magical lounger.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PetFusion-Ultimate-Scratcher-Cardboard-Construction/dp/B004X6UEH6/

https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Cats-Creators-International-Seller/dp/1452128332

This reminded me of this book ...

And the author of said webcomic wrote a book by the same name

Your dad's rottie was Good Dog Carl!

I've got your back! here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/High-Cotton-Doormat-Whom-Barks/dp/B0018AIQ8Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.com/LeBistro-Portion-Control-Automatic-pounds/dp/B0016BVY2U/ref=sr_1_7?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1466208996&sr=1-7&keywords=cat+feeder

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000S9M2U4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417373669&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

This is the one I got, but there's a lot of different kinds.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000S9M2U4/ref=psdcmw_3024128011_t1_B0009YWJRE

My cat has 2 of these and is on them daily. OP's kitty needs one!

There's a kid's book about her
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/163322418X

Edit: apparently don't know how to link to stuff

This one.

https://www.amazon.com/Outward-Hound-32039-Squeaker-Squeak/dp/B001WAFT80

All cats are on the spectrum http://www.amazon.com/All-Cats-Have-Asperger-Syndrome/dp/1843104814/

https://www.amazon.com/All-Cats-Have-Asperger-Syndrome/dp/1843104814

I got this one a few months ago. It looks dope. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0037NKDSG?pc_redir=1412054906&robot_redir=1

Polly has her own book.

this petsafe is the ONLY automatic feeder worth a damn that a cat can't screw with. You get what you pay for

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Link: look no further

• UK: amazon.co.uk
  
• Canada: amazon.ca
  
  
  This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting).

I think we have your cat's twin. We went the auto-feeder route too.

We looked at that one but the reviews commented that cats were finding the feeder trip and getting food all the time. So we got one that prevents that. To say it prevents self-feeding is an understatement. Can't trip it manually and he even tried knocking it over and beating it (the lid locks).

If you have the cash I can't recommend this one enough.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VIXRB6O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

While its a cat thing, there's a book - Why Paint Cats (note the companion book Why Cats Paint).

There are a number of pictures out there on the web if you search for it. At times, I wonder how many of those owners ere murdered in their sleep.

I gave up on those feeders about 6 months ago. Had one that lasted for a while but had to build a contraption from stopping the cat getting into it. that one broke, got a new one that lasted a month max.

Ended up getting this feeder https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VIXRB6O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 a bit more expensive but the cats personality with it is 100% different because he can't sneak food from it.

Cones are horrible. Most dogs hate them, including my own. Get yourself the soft, pillowy kind.