Question: I have two toy poodles, ages 9 and 10 years old. They sleep on my bed. My husband is back home after four years and my 10-year-old dog is having problems, because she used to sleep on his side of the bed.
Last night, she was digging and scratching on my husband?s leg to make him move over. She?s also started eliminating in the house, and has never acted this way before. My husband is very gentle with her, never yells at her. The poodle has known him since she was 6 months old. How should I handle her? ? Denise
Answer: Imagine, you are 50 years old, and for 20 years someone has been out of your life. Now, suddenly without warning, they are back. Not only are they back in the house, but they are taking your spot in bed and taking up time with your most treasured person. Wouldn’t you be a little stressed?
Your dog is clearly very stressed by this change, however, she can adjust with simple management.
Remind her of her housetraining by taking her to her spot and rewarding her for eliminating there. Make sure that your husband does the rewarding things with her such as feeding, walking and playing to build a strong relationship with her.
Finally, teach both of your dogs to go to their dog beds on cue and to get off of the bed. Once you have done this, no longer allow them on the bed at night. At first, she might scratch on the side of your bed or bark. The best thing for you to do is to ignore her completely. If you ignore her, she will most likely adjust to sleeping in her own bed within three days and you all will get a good night’s sleep.

Dr. Radosta
Lisa Radosta DVM, Diplomate ACVB
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
PO Box 210636
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421-0636
561-795-9398
www.flvetbehavior.com Read more articles by Dr. Radosta |
Ask her a question Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2011/11/08/dog-having-problems-with-husband-back-in-owners-life/
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