I don't know what to do !

[snoggleberry]

This is my first post so hello to everyone

I have a 2 year old cross (Cassie) which I have had since February of this year. We got her from a rescue centre and for the first six months she was almost perfect. For the past three months though she has started to become a little terror. She has gone from a calm and happy dog to a whiney horror. Fouling over the house, constant whining when left alone and ignoring commands. This literally started overnight and I have no idea why. She has been spayed but after her behaviour had already changed.

Can someone please give my any ideas as to what is up with my little pooch ? Has any one else had a similar experience.

Thanks for any suggestions in advance

[Alysser]

I can't think of anything. What breed is she? Has she been stressed? Somethign scary may have happened to her! I dunno.

[Jessika]

Have you taken her to a basic obedience class??

It just sounds to me that she's become familiar and comfortable in her new house and is starting to show her true colors.

On a side note though, has she been to the vet recently?? Oftentimes when cats and dogs' behavior change dramatically it can be because something is wrong with them, or they are sick. They can't come up to us and say, "Hey, I think I have an ear infection, take me to the vet and get it checked out??" so they get our attention in other ways.

[Glacier]

It just sounds to me that she's become familiar and comfortable in her new house and is starting to show her true colors.
.

That's what I was thinking--the honeymoon is over! Happens all the time around here after a dog has been here about six months. They will be well behaved little angels until they are truly comfortable and feel safe, then everything goes nutty! We've seen an amazing array of behaviors--Pacer took to stealing food off the stove, right from the pan; Mac chewed everything he could reach and liked to sleep on the roof of our car; Chum challenged my hubby as alpha; Franklin forgot he was housetrained; Antare started fights; The list goes on and on!

A basic obedience class would probably be a good idea, even if you've taken one before. A refresher never hurts. For the housetraining issue, go back to treating her like a young puppy. Take her out frequently, praise her for going outside, don't give her the opportunity to make a mess in the house.

Dogs need clear, consistent boundaries. Keep setting them and don't change them. She'll catch on again. She's testing her limits; you need to show her where those limits are. Don't punish her if you don't catch her in the act. Any punishment must be immediate. It's more effective, IMO, to reward her when she does the right thing--even if it was purely an accident. If she does something you like, whether you asked or not, reward the bejeezzus out of her---treats, praises, attention, a favorite game, whatever she likes best! Ignore the rotten behaviors, especially things like whining, and they will eventually extinguish themselves.

Good luck.

[poofy]

Welcome to PT, I hope you find help..Good LUCK..

[pnance]

I agree with everyone that she's probably becoming more familiar and comfortable so now she feels she can see what she can get away with. Bear was the same way, quiet, well behaved practically hid in a corner and never went on the furniture for about the first 3 month. Now he's stubborn, listens when he wants to and I can't pry him off the couch. Glacier and Jessika are right, try going back to the basics including potty training and a basic obedience class. Make correction immediately for bad behavior and praise and treat when she does something you like.

[clarebear]

I was thinking the same thing!.

When they get to know you, they kind of test you to see what they can get away with!

[dab_20]

That's what I was thinking--the honeymoon is over! Happens all the time around here after a dog has been here about six months. They will be well behaved little angels until they are truly comfortable and feel safe, then everything goes nutty! We've seen an amazing array of behaviors--Pacer took to stealing food off the stove, right from the pan; Mac chewed everything he could reach and liked to sleep on the roof of our car; Chum challenged my hubby as alpha; Franklin forgot he was housetrained; Antare started fights; The list goes on and on!

A basic obedience class would probably be a good idea, even if you've taken one before. A refresher never hurts. For the housetraining issue, go back to treating her like a young puppy. Take her out frequently, praise her for going outside, don't give her the opportunity to make a mess in the house.

Dogs need clear, consistent boundaries. Keep setting them and don't change them. She'll catch on again. She's testing her limits; you need to show her where those limits are. Don't punish her if you don't catch her in the act. Any punishment must be immediate. It's more effective, IMO, to reward her when she does the right thing--even if it was purely an accident. If she does something you like, whether you asked or not, reward the bejeezzus out of her---treats, praises, attention, a favorite game, whatever she likes best! Ignore the rotten behaviors, especially things like whining, and they will eventually extinguish themselves.

Very well put.

[Sampson-my guardian angel]

well, i might be wrong but i was thinking something like seperation anxiaty. Alex howls when he is ready to wake up. or when we leave the house. hope something can help you. NOTHING helps Alex. Not even his fav. toy. srry.