Questions/prep for in home Trainer visit tomorrow

What about it?

Hi all! First time dog owner here. I am meeting with a trainer tomorrow for an initial visit; I have a 6 year old Irish Setter I rescued and feel like we are at a standstill on learning good manners and veering into bad habits This trainer is recommended by my vet and seemed legit on the phone screen. No shock collar, no “alpha”, no negative reinforcement. Prices are reasonable I think: 2 hr initial visit +7 1 hr visits + unlimited phone availability for $995 after the 2hr visit. I just wanted to get some advice on what to expect and also any tips for effectively communicating with my trainer; do’s and don’ts? I learn a ton just reading this sub so Thanks!

HELP! NOTHING stops the barking!

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My 1.5 year old Shetland sheepdog (yes, I know their barky reputation!) will not stop barking. To clarify: this is mainly an issue inside the house with any noise or sight he hears. He has been fairly reactive in the past with anything moving and we’ve worked through so much of that. I’ve helped him not bark at things I can anticipate such as the vacuum, spray bottles, trash bags, etc. But when it’s something I can’t anticipate like neighbors, he loses his mind and I can’t do anything ahead of time. This is an issue because the new apartment complex we moved to has paper thin walls, and no AC so the windows have to be open, which amplifies the noises he can see and react to. I’m at my wits end! My neighbors have come to talk to me. I’ve tried interrupting and asking for a different behavior (though let me tell you he can continue barking in a down-stay), I’ve tried the “thank you” protocol, and I’ve tried having him on a leash and giving him a firm “no” and walking him a ways. He gets plenty of exercise including off-leash bikes in nature, sports classes, and training sessions. I don’t think it’s a mental stimulation thing because he can be in a dead sleep and just launch. Nothing has impacted it. Please help!

Normal behavior? Story in comments.

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My 7 month Ozzy has been more “excited” than usual lately and is licking himself quite often. He hasn’t humped anyone or any of his toys and really hasn’t expressed himself in any inappropriate manner except excessive licking. He is marking more often than usual outside, never in the house. Is this normal behavior for “dog puberty” or should this be corrected.

Scratch on dog - tips for healing

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My GSP pup got bit by a loose German Shepard on our morning walk. It didn’t bleed, he’s ok, but I’m worried it will scar. He’s beautiful no matter what but would like to prevent scarring if I can! Any tips or tricks to help a dog wound heal well?

haven’t seen any growth in my puppy since he turned 5 months

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My 5 month old scott american bulldog puppy barely grew ever since he turned 5 months, im worried he’ll never grow again.

Rescue is shrieking at neighbors in the hallway

What about it?

My gf and I adopted Lulu from a shelter back in April. We were told she was picked up by animal control off a very busy street and was in the shelter for roughly three weeks. We believe she's a red heeler mixed with pit. Probably just coming up on a year old. She gets startled very easy in the prescense of strangers/other dogs and doesn't bark, but shrieks loudly. She doesn't lunge, doesn't bite, just shrieks until we bring her far enough away from the person/dog. We've brought her to the vet twice since we've had her. First time she was the nicest girl and loved everyone. This past week, shrieked as soon as we brought her in the door. We got her into a room and she screamed every time the vet/tech tried to come in. Eventually the vet got her some Kong cheese in a can and she calmed down enough to scarf that down so her ears could be looked at. I'm lost on what to do for her. We try to have both of us on walks to make sure our apartment hallway is clear, but we live on the third floor with 11 other units. It's a little hard to always be the only one coming or going. She's already on Prozac & trazodone. I try to distract with treats that she loves but it doesn't always get her attention. We're hopefully moving into our own home this fall so she won't have to go through this much longer. But I don't want her fearing strange people and dogs forever. Tldr: Rescue shrieks at strangers when spooked, I'm not sure what to do for her.

Dog bug bites? (Story in comments)

I wish these idiots would stop going to the hospital for every minor boo-boo because they don’t trust modern medicine

Wager has apparently taken over Voronezh, I was speaking to a friend who lives there currently. Is there any more information out there?

How it's going in Moscow...

Extremely based