It's going to be a long night for us

I mentioned before that we began letting Brody sleep in our bed with us. It has been about 3 weeks or so now. We have come to realize this was a mistake. I am not getting any sleep at night. Dori has been pushed out of the place she has slept for 3 years... It just isn't working.

We are going shopping tonight and will hopefully get a bed for Brody. He is in his crate all day, so I would prefer he not be stuck in it at night. I thought a nice doggy bed would be good. I want to put it next to our bed and get him used to sleeping in it. I have a feeling he is not going to be very happy. He is too small to jump in our bed on his own, but he sure tries. If we ignore him he will keep trying and trying to jump up.

Brody is very much attached to me. When I am home he is constantly at my feet. If I go to the bathroom and close the door he cries until I come out. If I leave to go to the store he sits and waits at the door until I walk back in, even though my fiance is home. I even have to stand near his dish to get him to eat because otherwise he won't leave my side to eat.

Any ideas on how I can make this transition go smoothly?

He's starting to think he's alpha dog, Tanya, and this needs to be corrected sooner rather than later! His attachment to you is more than just a need to be near you, it's a proclamation that you're his property and his to look after, and that he is going to protect you at all costs. This attitude needs to be turned around, and if you can change this part, then the transition from him sleeping on your bed to his bed will be much smoother. His sleeping on your bed with you has only reinforced his belief that he is top dog in your particular household pack, and putting him in a bed of his own is a very good idea.

There are lots of things you can do to remedy this situation - if you would like to pm me I'd be more than happy to advise you

Oh boy, I thought we had gotten over that.... Back to square one I am going to send you a pm

Not to step on any toes here, Sarah.. I believe you are going through a dog training course and are probably well versed in dog behavior..
However, without evaluating a dog in person, would you agree that its hard to diagnose a behavioural issue?
For example, some of Brody's behaviour could be displays of dominance or they could be the result of separation anxiety. This is simply what I thought when I read Tanya's post, especially as Brody's reaction is different to her husband.
Also, with Brody's background, this fits. You are his world and without you in his line of sight, he may go into panic mode.
Just another opinion to consider... I don't know if Brody is well enough to yet enroll in an obedience course, Tanya where you can have his behaviour evaluated. But I suggest having someone do it in person at your home if he can't attend classes??? I am unsure if you have done this or not..

Its very hard for anyone to 100% accurately pinpoint a dog's signals without seeing the behaviour cues and body language in person.

Another issue is that with a dog, a misdiagnosis and subsequent treatment can actually work against you. Ie, A submissive dog corrected for dominance behaviours can become more neurotic and worsen the existing issues.

I have enclosed a link in case you would like to peruse all avenues:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/ou...n_anxiety.html

And again, Tanya..I so appreciate that you are doing all you can for Brody's sake..and to Sarah for helping out..

Originally Posted by Loveysmummy

Just another opinion to consider... I don't know if Brody is well enough to yet enroll in an obedience course, Tanya where you can have his behaviour evaluated. But I suggest having someone do it in person at your home if he can't attend classes??? I am unsure if you have done this or not..

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Have to jump in here. I agree that this could either be dominance or separation anxiety. My first dog was horribly abused when we found her abandoned on the side of a road. She was so bad that she would squat and pee out of fear if you reached your hand out to pet her. We took her to obedience training and as luck had it, our trainer wasn't just your typical trainer. She spent the time to understand what was triggering Ellie Mae's behavior and worked with us one on one to lay out a plan that was unique to her. Taking her thru that training was the best thing we did for all of us. She was a complete basket case when we started. Was still the worst behaved dog when she graduated, but won the award for most improved dog anyway.

Interview the trainer and make sure that they will work one on one with you and not just a group setting (as most trainers will do).

I agree that Brody absolutely needs obedience training. I appreciate all of the advice you guys have given me. I know that you guys, as amazing as you are, aren't able to read 100% into what is going on because you haven't met my Brody-dog
He can't be obedience trained right now because he isn't well from the heartworms. He is being treated monthly for it but it won't be until June that he gets his big treatment that will kill them completely. Then it takes another 8 weeks for them to leave his system. He gets very sick each month when he gets his pill. It takes about a week for him to get over it. I gave it to him Wednesday and yesterday, for example, he wasn't able to keep any food down. I have discussed this with my vet and he doesn't feel I should be taking Brody for daily walks, much less putting him under stress of obedience classes. I really wish I could, but I can't jeapordize his health.

The transition from our bed to his own bed went well. I have a bed for him right next to my side of the bed. Brody sleeps there just fine, and stays put all night. In the mornings I let him up in my bed for a good morning snuggle and he has adjusted just fine

Heartworms can be nasty, hugs to Brody and best wishes until June when he gets his big treatment. Glad to hear he enjoys his comfy bed right beside yours.