u/HighRiskInv143

Hey all,

Came across this subreddit and looking for options for a Maltese and Morkie regarding dog sports.

They’ve had some behavioral issues and they are in a training program that consults with a board certified veterinary behaviorist that includes at home training lessons. (Thank god for pet insurance paying the bill)

When the training is completed, Im looking for a safe sport for toy breeds that I can do with them once or twice a week to keep them learning and burning energy.

Im also curious if anyone has a personal review of the new ruffland mini kennels.

Any suggestions is kindly appreciated.

Typically I’m the one giving feedback on this sub but I figured it’s time I give my own personal experience.

I have Trupanion through Chewy, the complete plan which includes exam fees and advanced care treatments.

For those unfamiliar with, this plan is managed by Trupanion and administered by Chewy. It has an annual deductible instead of per condition which was cheaper than direct Trupanion for me. Downsides is its not available in California so should I ever move there, the insurance would be dropped. I have a backup plan should this happen.

Anywho, I have 2 small breeds enrolled for less than a year each, both 1 years old. $250/90%/Unlimited for $92 a month total for both.

I noticed behavioral issues a few months after I adopted my Maltese (he was adopted in December), growling and showing teeth at children, other dogs, etc. The bad behaviors also spread to my Morkie with regards to excessive barking, destructive chewing. My neighbors couldn’t even relax in their own backyard in peace.

I had originally planned to pay for a Board and Train program then do weekly lessons in home but I figured I’d see if Trupanion had any coverage for it. Turns out they do.

I was advised if it’s recommended by a vet, they will cover it so long as the person or place is licensed. No particular behaviorist licensing, vet, etc. is required so long as it’s done under supervision of a vet or recommended to solve the behavior. They will not cover basic training.

With a vet visit concerning the behaviors, I showed him the behaviors via photo, video and how they acted in person, my vet wrote in the notes a recommendation for a behavioral modification program we both agreed on that included at home lessons to address these issues. It is $4800 per dog.

I submitted 2 pre-approvals for each dog. 1 to make sure behavioral issues were covered, the second showing the invoice estimate. Both were approved within a week of submitting them.

I paid for my Maltese first and submitted the invoice, no issues, within 2 days my claim was approved and I received the money back.

After the first success, I submitted the payment and invoice of my Morkie. It was denied. Customer service was a bit confused why it was denied but we opened an appeal. Apparently the invoice screenshot I sent on my phone wasn’t clear enough. After taking a screenshot on my computer like I did for the other invoice, it was approved within 2 days.

A grand total of $9600 with $8640 reimbursed (I had already met my deductible as these 2 like to cause problems).