Losing a beloved dog or managing everyday challenges like stroller walks or excitement urination can be overwhelming. As dog lovers, we want to enjoy life with our pets without constant stress. In this Q&A episode of Who Let the Dogs Out, Corey and Sally from Wonder Dog share practical, compassionate advice for navigating these situations—based on real questions from dog owners like you.
If you’d rather hear this conversation unfold naturally, you can watch the full episode here.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Nipping at the Stroller?
One common frustration dog owners face is a dog that tries to bite or nip at the stroller while on walks. Corey explains that the first step is to teach the dog to walk politely without the stroller.
“Start with a loose-leash heel. Once your dog is walking nicely, gradually introduce the stroller,” Corey advises.
Dogs often nip at moving objects due to high prey drive or herding instincts, not necessarily reactivity. Herding breeds, in particular, may see a stroller as something to chase or “control.”
Key steps to manage nipping:
- Train a consistent heel and loose leash before adding the stroller.
- Use gentle corrections if your dog attempts to bite the wheels.
- Gradually integrate the stroller into walks while reinforcing calm behavior.
With patience and consistent training, most dogs learn to respect the stroller without frustration for the owner—or the dog.
What About Excitement Peeing? Is a Belly Band the Solution?
Another frequent question is how to handle a young dog that pees when guests arrive. Some suggest using a belly band—a wrap for male dogs that catches urine—but Corey and Sally provide a more holistic approach.
What a belly band does:
- Wraps around a male dog’s belly to catch urine.
- Can prevent accidents on furniture or carpets.
- Works best for older dogs with incontinence, not young dogs with excitement peeing.
Better strategies include:
- Take your dog outside before guests arrive for a potty break.
- Greet guests outdoors rather than in the house to reduce overexcitement.
- Maintain calm energy and avoid high stimulation when introducing guests.
Excitement urination is common in puppies and usually resolves around six to nine months of age. Using behavioral strategies rather than a belly band can teach the dog long-term control and confidence.
Coping With the Loss of a Fur Baby
Losing a dog is deeply personal and emotionally complex. Corey and Sally share heartfelt insights from their own experiences to guide dog owners through grief.
Tips for navigating pet loss:
- Talk about it: Share memories and feelings with supportive family or friends.
- Preserve memories: Keep photos or favorite toys; avoid rushing into a new dog immediately.
- Set clear lines for aging dogs: If you have an older pet, knowing your boundaries for intervention can ease decision-making.
- Spiritual or reflective practices: Corey finds comfort in prayer and believing that dogs continue in the afterlife.
- Support routines: Maintaining daily habits like exercise, meals, and self-care can provide stability during grief.
- Acknowledge your grief: Understand that sadness, anger, or disbelief are normal parts of the grieving process.
Sally emphasizes that there is no right or wrong way to grieve—what matters is finding comfort and healing in a way that feels personal and authentic.
As Paige wisely said, “Grief is love that has no place to go.” Recognizing that love and finding a way to honor it can be a source of solace.
Final Thoughts
Whether your dog nips at a stroller, struggles with excitement peeing, or you’re facing the heartache of losing a beloved companion, Wonder Dog emphasizes compassionate, effective strategies. Teaching calm behavior, creating thoughtful routines, and allowing space for grief can make all the difference.
If you’re curious what this could look like for your dog and your lifestyle, you can explore a transformation lesson with us here.
To learn more, watch the full episode here.