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Canine Behavior/My dog is sleeping in odd places.

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Expert: - 10/16/2008


Question
I'm not entirely sure if this would qualify as a behavior problem, but it's definitely a change in my dog's behavior.  

My dog is 11 years.  His name is Jack.  He used to sleep on the couch, or in my room on the floor, but for the last three days, he's been sleeping on the bottom shelf of a book case that I use in the bathroom to put sheets and towels on.  He's pulled all the sheets off onto the floor and is sleeping on the bare wood.  

I'm worried.  I don't know why, but when I first discovered he was doing this, I got scared that he might be dying or something, I don't know.  What do you think might be going on with him?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
I don't blame you, and I commend you, for worrying about this behavior.  I would, also.  It might be that Jack has discovered a new and interesting cubby for himself; it might be that Jack is responding to some stimulus (aural, visual, etc.) with this behavior; he could be suffering from a cognitive dysfunction due to age or the result of a neurological event.  I think your best course of action is to have Jack evaluated by a veterinarian immediately; full blood chemistry, neurological evaluation, abdominal palpation, etc., the works.  Meanwhile, observe Jack closely for other signs.  Is he urinating normally, defecating normally, eating well, drinking normally, responding normally in every other way all day and all night?  These are things your veterinarian should want to know.  Even normal test results don't guaranty anything, unfortunately, but it's best to make the first appointment you can with your vet.  Please repost with results, both of his examination and your observations of Jack's overall behavior.

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Jill Connor, Ph.D.

Expertise

I have spent my entire professional life rehabilitating the behavior of the domestic dog and I can answer any question regarding any behavior problem in any breed dog. If you are a caring, committed owner and need advice, I'm here for you. THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES for serious behavioral issues; not only is it unprofessional to offer same, it is also unethical. IF I ASK YOU SUBSEQUENT QUESTIONS, I NEED YOU TO INTERACT WITH ME. More information equals more credible answers and a more successful outcome. If you want ANSWERS THAT WORK, participate in any way I request. I'm quite committed to working on this site for YOUR benefit and the benefit of YOUR DOG. Help me in any way you can.

Experience

30 years of solving serious behavior problems in domestic dogs; expert in dog to human aggression; Internet columnist for ThePetChannel.com for 5 years; former radio talk show host, WHPC.FM, Garden City, NY "Bite Back" (1995 through 2000). List owner, international animal behavior experts, K9Shrinks@egroups.com. Seminar leader: "Operant Conditioning and Learning"; "Aggression in The Domestic Dog"; "Solving Problem Behaviors" -- conducted for various training facilities on Long Island from 1993 through 2000. Former clinical director of "Behavioral Abnormalities" in conjunction with Mark Beckerman, DVM, Hempstead, New York.

Organizations
Member, APDT (UK); Psychologists in Ethical Treatment with Animals

Publications
Harcourt Brace Learning Direct: "The Business of Dog Training" "The Fail Safe Dog: Brain Training, not Pain Training"

Education/Credentials
Ph.D., UC Berkeley

Past/Present Clients
Board of Directors: Northeast Dog Rescue Connection; The Dog Project; Sav-A-Dog Foundation; etc. Pro Bono counselor: Little Shelter Humane Society My practice is presently limited to forensics. I diagnose cause of dog bite, based upon testimony before the Court, for attorneys and insurance companies litigating dog bites, including fatal injuries. I also do pro bono work for bona fide rescue organizations, humane societies, et al, regarding such analysis in an effort to obtain release for dogs being held for death in municipal shelters in the US.

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