Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have searched the net for help with this problem but have found nothing. My schnauzer has suddenly rejected me and gives all adoration to our house guests who moved in two weeks ago. She used be at my feet constantly and was inconsolable if I went out without her. Now I don't get greeted when I come home and she no longer wants to even sit with me, preferring the laps of our house guests. My best friend has rejected me. Any ideas as to what is going on? I am torn apart by this.

What else can you tell us about your Schnauzer? How old is she? Was there any incident other than the guests arriving that may triggered the behavior change? What is the guests reaction to the dog, have they been feeding or treating her?
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I adopted her a year ago from the SPCA. She bonded to me immediately. We have another female mini that we rescued in 2004. Both dogs are best buddies to each other.

The guests love the dogs and invite them to sit with them. They do give them food despite our instructions to not feed them at the table or give them human food.

Otherwise, there has been nothing out of the ordinary. The visitors are leaving at the end of the month but I wonder if Carly will abandon me again when someone else comes to visit for awhile. Today she would rather lay on the floor than sit with me on the sofa (the guests are out right now). Our other mini greeted me as usual this morning and wanted lots of attention from me (she is closest with my husband). Carly couldn't care less today that I am even around.

Your dog will certainly love you once your house guests leave. Yet, your dog is not stupid and is going to try to get food from them at every opportunity. Ever seen the movie "As Good As It Gets"? The dog in that movie likes the nasty neighbor better because he feeds it bacon. Dogs are loyal to their owners, but their food instinct is huge. In my house where I have young kids who enjoy feeding the dogs at the table and i have a dog that has severe food allergies so feeding the wrong treats can be very dangerous. I have resorted to weighing out the dog's meals and approved treats. The kids know to take from the treat bin and give the dogs a treat when they feel like it. It's just easier than fighting it.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Thank you so much for all of your help. You have set my mind at ease. Our house guests have now left and hopefully things will return to normal in time. She still seems to be missing them, whining and wandering around the house looking for them. The members of this forum are great, coming to my aid. Many many thanks.

Oops, I forgot to mention that she is 3 years old.