u/No_Zookeepergame5726

After long discussion with my parents on my dog’s needs and advocating for her, I got us all on the same page for the majority. They’ll be helpful with me in terms of coordinating around not leaving my dog alone, and also with even contributing to doggy daycare since we just got her 2 months ago (rehomed her). However, with the training and pouring money into that, I know it’ll be on me, and I’ve accepted that that’s okay.

So now that I have help with making sure she isn’t alone, where do I even start with training?

I just feel lost. Can I try and do this alone, or hire a trainer?

My vet denied her meds, and I am considering going to get a second opinion but I want to start training again (I did before but stopped) and see how far I can get progression wise.

She doesn’t like her crate. I see people say crate train first. She isn’t destructive so it’s not a necessity in my opinion, she does better free roaming.

Do I need to pay money for these training packages like Naismith?

I’d just love a starting point and how to buildup from there.

I’m finishing my bachelors in psych, I wanted to pursue social work but changed my mind for various reasons.
I’ve been a subpara since 2023 for context. Now, I’m considering what to do next and I think I’m gonna go with pursuing a masters in ENL, preferably through Touro University. Just debating if I wanna apply for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.

What I need help with is not knowing career wise if I should become a permanent para while completing my masters or sub teach.

I want a stable paycheck so I’m leaning more towards para because at least I’ll get paid more with my bachelors.

I don’t want the stress of sub teaching in different schools, I struggle with anxiety and as a subpara have cancelled assignments due to feeling overwhelmed.

So I guess I just want advice from others what’d they do if they were in my position.

The other case scenario I’m considering is staying a subpara and getting a second job.

I think I’d get a second job regardless, but if I remained a sub I’d get like a customer service job. Meanwhile if I was permanent it’d be more freelance like doordash to make extra money.

I’ve asked something like this before and got some pushback, but this is purely for practical travel reasons.

My dog is 15-17lbs, poodle mix

I live in NYC, where dogs have to be in a carrier on the subway. Ideally, I’d like something where my dog isn’t completely confined and can have her head out.

I also want to eventually fly with her, and plan to take road trips where having a carrier would be useful for transitions (like checking into hotels).

I’m not sure what makes the most sense financially. Should I just invest in one airline-approved carrier now and use it for everything? Or get something more casual like a tote/backpack for everyday use, and buy a flight-approved carrier later?

Curious what others do, since these can get expensive.

Parents and I rehomed a poodle cocker-spaniel mix, she’s a sweetheart. 1 year old. Previous owners did not tell us she had separation anxiety, did not even mention it.

We come to find out ourselves. She will howl and cry relentlessly for hours and jump on furniture.

We have rearranged our lives for her completely. We really can’t go anywhere as a family now unless she comes.

She came with a crate but she genuinely hates it, she tries to escape it and we got scared that she’ll reach a point of injury so we don’t put her in it anymore.

I read medication could help but our vet denied her because of her age, that she is too young. Has this been the case for other people? He recommended I try calming supplements like CBD- I guess I can give it a try?
Has anyone else? Has it worked despite not being medicated?

I have done training sessions with her but I’ll be frank- it isn’t realistic for us to do it as intensely as I’ve been told to do. Max hours she’s been alone is like 3.

Just don’t know what to do, kinda feel at a loss that the vet denied her for medication.