Re: Depression

In Reply to: Depression
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Kevin Steimle
Posted on:  July 26, 2002 at 18:21:56

: My Jack Russell is 4 years old and ever since our baby daughter has learned to walk and is more active around the house, he has started to camp out under our bed our the guest room bed and under furniture, basically anywhere to get out of sight and he won't come when called anymore and basically doesn't want to go outside. Does he have depression? or is this kind of activity common? And is there anything we can do about it? We went to the vet and he didn't have any medical problems.

Response:

Dear Kevin,

There are any number of reasons why your terrier is acting/reacting like this. Based on the information you've provided, I offer the following ideas:

(1) He is "out of sight" because he feels uncomfortable around your toddler. His distress may be based on fear -- "what" is this little person running around the house?

(2) A dog who stops coming when called does so when obeying the command means it will be punished; isolation from family members is a form of punishment. The same theory applies for his not wanting to "go outside."

If you have kept your terrier away from your from child, I suggest that you slowly introduce them to each other and carefully monitor the situation. Both your toddler and your terrier will follow your lead so try to be calm and relaxed during their interactions. Since you are their "teacher," you should regard unacceptable behavior as an "oops" on your part, not theirs. :-)