My Dogs Are Mad At Me!

[dolphin]

I started a job on Wednesday. My dogs are inside/outside dogs meaning, they hang around inside the house pretty much all day and then they sleep out in the garage at night. Well, actually I think they stay up all night and that's why they sleep during the day in the house, lol.

The trouble is....now my old man little dog (14) nearly knocks me over trying to get in the door beside or in front of me like he is getting in come heck or high water! He's nearly tripped me 3 times today! I've let him in several times today but when I let him out "to go" and don't let him right back in, he is having a FIT!

The worst is....my other dog (1 1/2 yrs. old) was in the house tonight after dinner(we always put them outside when it's dinner time). I went to the bathroom (they never come into the bathroom) and he was in the hall by the bathroom door and he "MARKED" the wall and floor by the door! Grrrrrrrrrrr!!!! I used the vinegar and hot water cleanup but I know it's going to stink cause it's not just pee it's his "scent". Have you ever heard of a dog doing such a thing in the house around a human?

Neither one of the dogs has ever acted like this so I know it must be because I am leaveing them outside all day during the week now. Can you think of anything I could do to make them a little happier? They no longer get to eat and drink in the house either because I put their food out in the garage so they will have it all day. Also, no need to put out toys for them as the old dog doesn't play anymore and the younger dog just plays catch with dh. When I am home they actually just lay around and sleep in the air conditioned house all day. It's not that hot outside anymore so it's not like I'm torturing them! Sheesh!

My happy dogs have become monsters!

[Lori Biever-Launder]

Is your younger dog neutered? If not, there may be a bitch in season in the neighborhood and he's marking his territory. If so, it may be that your dogs are indeed peeved about the change in their routine. Can you afford to have a teenager come to walk or play with them each day? They may very well love to have some more exercise and be tired and happy pups when you get home. Good luck!

[Englishlady]

Any major change in routine is not a happy one for most dogs, the are very much creatures of habit.

They are feeling abandoned.

Get hold of a book by Jan Fennell called "The Dog Listener: How to Communicate with your Dog for willing co-operation"

You can get it on Amazon $11.53 or used from $7.96 or even try the library.

We read this book, in fact I have read it a couple of times, this Woman is a genius

Our dog Suzy was a rescue dog and has had unspeakable things happen to her in the past, she had passive agressive issues and we were her third home!

Having read the book we knew "What she was thinking" so we could respond in an appropriate manner, we have the best Dog in the world now and we all understand each other perfectly

When you read this book you will recognise so much about doggie ways that you previously wondered about

I think it's that good it should be compulsory for all dog owners to read this book ( or any of her books)

If I had still got the copy I would have been happy togive it to you , but we passed it on to other doggie lovers who were having problems, they no longer have problems

Good luck!
Karen

[dolphin]

Thanks Lori and Karen. I will try both of your ideas.