Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. We have a 7.5 month old Beagle/Basset. She is very smart and has passed puppy training classes with flying colors and is part way through intermediate classes. Ever since we got her at 3 months old she has slept in a crate in the kitchen at night. During the day when we aren't home she is in a pen in the kitchen with her bed, water and a puppy pee pad. She has never had many problems with these arrangements. If she really has to go outside at night she crys and we take her straight outside and straight back to bed.
This all changed 4 nights ago. She was falling asleep on the couch so we took her outside and put her to bed. She woke up a few hours later so we took her outside and then she would not calm down and go back to bed. Every time we left the kitchen she would cry and scratch at the crate. We try to ignore her but we share that wall with our neighbors. So I slept in the kitchen chair that night. The next night she would not even go to bed, would not calm down unless one of us was right there, so her and I slept in the spare room, her in the crate and me on the spare bed, with my head right beside her. She was up a few times in the night. Then the same last night, would not calm down to go to sleep. We were so tired that we just put her crate in our bedroom and she went right to sleep and in fact slept in longer then she ever has. We really didn't want to let her sleep in our room, as we often watch tv before bed and didn't want her trying to sleep when we weren't. We don't allow her in our room unless in her crate, she gets into everything in there!! Does anyone have any ideas as to why she has this sudden change in behavior? She has also stopped eating her food this last week unless we put a bit of the cats food in hers or put it in the treat ball. Its very strange. Any ideas would be greatly welcomed!

She needs to be seen by your veterinarian.
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

A bladder infection can cause the behavior changes you are seeing you are seeing. A few other medical things can also be going on. A trip to the vet is definately in order.

If it's not medical, then, it's a part of dog puberty and she's testing things with you. you need to be consistent. Stick to the rules and try not to cave in.

Still, overnight changes like that tend ot be stimulated by something medical and then become habit so the vet check is you best thing right now. Good luck and keep us posted.
-----
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

Dogs are miserable when they're alone. She needs to be with you, so why not let her sleep in your bedroom in her crate. She will be much more content.
staffordmom