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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Something happening to my dog

14 replies

thaimoon · 02/01/2022 19:56

Just looking for some advice from experienced dog owners please.

I have a 3 year old dog who is usually mild mannered and playful.

More recently (last 6-12 months?) she has become less and less interested in other dogs, in fact it has been a long time really since I saw her play properly and have fun with another dog- she used to love it.

Additionally, she has begun barking more at other dogs who approach, especially when she is on the lead (I know this is not uncommon but she never used to do this).

What has prompted me to post though, is that in the last couple of weeks she has been really moody with me too. She is a family dog but if we are honest I've always been her favourite. She follows me around and chooses me to snuggle with usually. However recently she's been snappy and even a bit growly with me which is just so out of character!

The biggest change in her life has been the arrival of our dd who is now 17 months old and has been walking since 12 month incase that is useful information.

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice!

OP posts:
TragoCardboardCopper · 02/01/2022 20:00

Not a dog person, but could she be in pain?

Doesn't want to play with other dogs, doesn't want other dogs to come near when she can't get away, doesn't want to cuddle up to you.

Sounds like she doesn't want to be touched?

I'd be worried incase your DD inadvertently touches the bit that hurts, I'd get the vet to check her out I think.

Hellocatshome · 02/01/2022 20:25

I would get her checked by the vet for anything causing her pain.

Original poster
thaimoon · 02/01/2022 21:23

Ok thank you I will do that

OP posts:
fairylightsandwaxmelts · 02/01/2022 22:35

She definitely needs a vet check.

Has her routine and level of exercise changed since DD came along?

Original poster
thaimoon · 02/01/2022 22:52

Her routine is definitely different since dd came along. I've been around lots more so she sleeps less in the day and she goes out more often.

She used to go out with our dog walker 3x a week but now only goes once a week and that's just for socialising with other dogs as I can walk her each day.

But I have noticed she is less keen now to go with the dog walker and the walker says she doesn't often play anymore with the other dogs so been considering stopping that

OP posts:
fairylightsandwaxmelts · 02/01/2022 22:56

I wonder if she's a bit overwhelmed and just wants her own space. It's a big adjustment for dogs when they suddenly have to share you with a baby who takes up so much of your time and attention.

Definitely get a vet check first though to rule out any pain before you decide to stop the walker. It could be that she would actually benefit from more walks, not less. As a dog walker myself, I have to say that the dogs I only see on an ad-hoc basis never really settle into walks like my dailies or regular dogs do.

Janeandjohnny · 02/01/2022 23:03

Is she getting enough sleep daily?

boomboomshakalakalakaboom · 02/01/2022 23:04

What breed is she?

GeidiPrimes · 02/01/2022 23:16

Has she been neutered? (apologies if I missed mention of it) Hormones can affect a bitches behaviour quite dramatically.

Grumpyosaurus · 03/01/2022 07:44

Some of her behavioural changes (less interest in other dogs, more aloof) might just be because she has reached social maturity (I have seen this switch in my own dogs).

Her behaviour with you, though, is something different. I'm not a behaviourist, but she might benefit from one to one time with you, playing games or training.

Original poster
thaimoon · 03/01/2022 13:14

Thanks for all the responses.

She is a poodle. And yes she is neutered- though a bit later than planned due to covid so she had two seasons first.

It did occur to me that now she is mature she may just not be that bothered about playing, maybe she just isn't the sort- which is fine! As long as she is ok and happy.

I am going to make an appointment to get her checked over and I will update when I have.

It's also possible she does just need some space- I have possibly been over compensating for my guilt at her having to share us now and trying to involve her in everything- maybe the poor thing just wants some peace and quiet!

OP posts:
Lightningseed · 03/01/2022 13:36

Ah poor thing, sounds like pain.

Glad you've made an appointment x

Tinsellittis · 03/01/2022 15:59

Glad you’re taking her to a vet.
Is there any possibility she has been attacked by another dog when she has been out with the dog Walker? One of my spaniels changed after an American bulldog attacked him and became nervous of some other dogs and slightly reactive, whereas before this incident he treated every other dog as a long-lost friend.

Original poster
thaimoon · 03/01/2022 18:08

@Tinsellittis thanks for your reply
I guess that is a possibility- it has crossed my mind. I would like to think our walker would let us know but I guess we will never know for sure

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