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What are we doing wrong?

642 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  ManderHenry
So… I mentioned a few weeks ago that Syd has showed a few signs of fear. Michael (my husband) has just started taking her to a leashed park. Of course people want to come up to meet her, but she hides behind Michael. If someone is running by she is startled. She has never done this with me in the past at pet stores or garden centers. She doesn’t do it in our neighborhood if either of us are walking her. I hope it’s not something we are doing. She has been such a happy go lucky little girl. She’ll be 11 months next week. She’s also pulling away and whining when I am combing her which she’s never done before. This along with the one night terror she had, has us concerned. It is so sudden. Really, the only thing different in her life is she is eating consistently(we got through a whole bag of food and onto the 2nd) And, she’s in a rebellious teenage phase. What can we do to turn this around?
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I was wondering if she still behaves normally in the neighborhood, garden centers and pet stores, or if her behavior has changed there also. When she pulls away while grooming is this with any particular area? Or just anywhere?
I was wondering if she still behaves normally in the neighborhood, garden centers and pet stores, or if her behavior has changed there also. When she pulls away while grooming is this with any particular area? Or just anywhere?
It does start as I reach her back. She doesn’t mind her face done. I was wondering if her shoulders or back is bothering her, but you wouldn’t know from her self thought acrobatics. I do know some dogs don’t show pain. I will have it checked out next week at the vet. (She’s getting spay) but I honestly think the brushing is part of her teen rebellion.
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It is not unusual for them to have a fearful period in late adolescence. Just support her through it. As far as her back is concerned, if you have ANY concerns there, have tpher checked out by Dr. Linda. My dogs are on an 8 week rotation with her. I just keep 2 appointments on the books and bring whoever needs it most. It used to ALWAYS be “Kodi and…” Now the others will all just rotate.
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It does start as I reach her back. She doesn’t mind her face done. I was wondering if her shoulders or back is bothering her, but you wouldn’t know from her self thought acrobatics. I do know some dogs don’t show pain. I will have it checked out next week at the vet. (She’s getting spay) but I honestly think the brushing is part of her teen rebellion.
Good you are getting it checked. Mia had a back issue many years ago. Later I realized there were several strange warning signs which i couldn't figure out. Also, one time I accidently combed through a mat I didn't know was there and it must have hurt a bit. For months afterwards, she was leary about me combing that spot!
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It is not unusual for them to have a fearful period in late adolescence. Just support her through it. As far as her back is concerned, if you have ANY concerns there, have tpher checked out by Dr. Linda. My dogs are on an 8 week rotation with her. I just keep 2 appointments on the books and bring whoever needs it most. It used to ALWAYS be “Kodi and…” Now the others will all just rotate.
Sigh…💔🐾 I can’t believe he’s gone.
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As krandal said, the fear isn't unusual at her age. Being a teen is tough! Enzo has been oscillating a bit between assuredness and hesitance/fear on things he's always been confident with since he turned about 9 months old. Sometimes the fear will come and go. He's getting a bit more stable now that he's just shy of 13 months but I expect he will have different phases as he ages into an adult. We both just gotta hang in there!
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Georgie is 11 months old now and is is now suddenly nervous of cars passing behind him -which he has never flinched at starting in November when we stared leash training him. I think it’s very common in this adolescent phase. I just try to be calm and supportive. I’ve also been embracing being an advocate for him as well - I think that’s important! So I wouldn’t be afraid to tell people to keep their distance in the park if it makes her uncomfortable right now.
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