Re: New Wierd Behavior....

In Reply to: New Wierd Behavior....
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Lucy's Mommy
Posted on:  December 27, 2002 at 16:23:07

: Our sweet girl Lucy will be one year old on January 13th. We have had her since she was just 8 weeks old. She is a super girl, and we love her dearly!! Lately..she has started barking and nipping at our coats when someone leaves the house. Thing is...someone else is still at home. She does this to everyone. She just started doing this about a week ago. When we leave, (everyone) we put her in her crate, and she doesnt make a sound. We have a fenced in yard, and she goes out and plays all of the time. Is this wierd or what??? Thanks..

Response:

Dear Lucy's Mommy,

Since this is Lucy's first holiday season with your family, I suspect the change in routine/environment is responsible for her behavior. It is not weird for youngsters to "act up" when they are unsure about what's going on but that doesn't mean you should let her get away with it.

Correcting the behavior can make the situation worse so I suggest that you instead put her in her crate whenever ANYONE leaves the house. Both the crate itself and the routine of being crated will give her what she needs to feel secure. Five minutes or so after "anyone" has left, she can certainly be let out to enjoy the company of the folks still in the house. :-)