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Expert: - 2/5/2010


Question
QUESTION: Hi, my dog, a staffordshire bull terrier about a year and a half old, will not stop pacing when he cannot sit next to me. If I sit somewhere like the kitchen table, he paces back and forth, stares at me and quietly whines. If I sit on the couch, he snuggles up next to me and falls asleep. I just want to know if this is a result of anxiety or if something is wrong. I've tried walking him when he does this, telling him to 'go lay down' or ignoring him but nothing seems to work.

ANSWER: Sounds like it could be a serious case of spoiled dog here. If this dog hasn't been through obedience school he is long overdue.
If this is new however, it could be that he is in pain and trying to let you know.
I would need more information than this.

My dog is 12 and when I come home from work she will do the same thing, but I give her some attention then she settles down.

If he isn't settling down then you should have the vet look him over to rule out any kind of physical issue.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is very possible he is seriously spoiled, its not new.... If so, how do I train him to calm down? I'm a college student and cant really afford obedience school. Are there any "home-school" options I can work with him to decrease his neediness?

Answer
There are a ton of sites online about obedience Devlin. Try Uncle Matty's site at
http://www.unclematty.com/training/allabout.php.

He is an awesome trainer. From his site you might find more links to help out. Consistency is a key here as is spending the time with the dog when you get home.
Find a way to keep him occupied while you are in school also. Fenced yards help. Not always an option, I know!

We always say that a trained dog is a happy dog.  Work with him and you will get results. Also if he isn't already, get him neutered. Neutered dogs do much, much better at home alone.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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