QUESTION

Ever since he stayed over night at the vets for a op on his leg my dog wakes up in the early hours barking or coming upstairs. Up until a year ago he slept in the kitchen since he was a puppy, but for some reason we now let hims sleep in the hall ( I recall we had problems with him staying in his bed when we went upto bed). He either barks or comes upstairs.

David

ANSWER

Dear David,
Given the age of the dog I would think you are dealing with more an age related problem where the dogs body clock is not functioning as well as it should do. The stay overnight at the vets and the anaesthetic coul well be the key to causing the upset. I would be looking at things that will potentially make the dog more aware of his environment to start with. Look at B/d from hills or vivitonin or possibly consider use of a DAP diffuser or spray to try to make the dog more relaxed.

The other thing you need to do is learn to ignore the dog when he wakes up as any response you make is positive encouragement for the behaviour to continue. Often we find that dogs that have been in for surgery get a lot more attention than normal when they get home and as a result develop tendencies towards eperation anxieties. Fitting a baby gate or having him sleep in the kitchen again may work but will often create more change and make the problem worse so I would look at this last.

Is he getting you up for the purpose of letting him out to the toilet. If he is then he may be doing what you are requiring of him so the behaviour coul dbe normal. If he is wanting to go out and not able to hold himself properly overnight then I would look at getting a urine sample looked at and also look at measuring how much he is drinking as well.

Paul Wilson