New Behaviors

[goforette]

The last couple of days the girls have started some strange behavior that I'm not sure what to do with. Hollie has started crying and howling for no good reason when we try to put her to bed - she's never ever done that before - her and Brystal sleep together. We sleep on the 2nd floor - they sleep on the first in the kitchen (for potty purposes) - besides our bed is way too high for them or I'd have them with us in a second. - I couldn't seem to calm her down. Why all of a sudden is she crying - it's not a new routine for her - she's been fine sleeping w/Brystal for months without a single peep from either of them. And Brystal is now shying away from us when we go to love on her. She wants attention. But when we pick her up she refuses our kisses and turns her head away like I'll let you hold me, but I don't want to be kissed on. She doesn't get upset just turns her head like do you have to do this to me... Why are the girls acting out? Is this just like pre-teen where they quit talking - insecure - get weird and give you the silent treatment?

[kcsdogs]

Hey there sounds like you are entering some uncharted territory aye? How old are your girls now? It sounds like it could be the pre teen crazies, if it were me I would look around to see if there is anything down there that could be irritating them, certain noises (sometimes we can't hear) they could be lonely but it sounds like they should be pretty used to this routine. One time one of my foster dogs began howling like crazy after I had put him in his crate at night, he had never made a sound before so I went out to see what was bugging him and apparently I had the fan on to high for his comfort and he was telling me that he did not like sleeping in a wind tunnel! It could be anything so I would check the room out really well. Or it could be nothing and they just want what they can't have...... good luck!

[savannahsmom35]

Savannah went through stages where she was bratty and made me want to kill her. This included her taking a stand against sleep. I would say it is most likely a stage. Be ready! Savannah went through several!

[mrskti]

maybe the other pup is playing too rough at night in the crate. They should really have their own crates for sleeping, they need their own space. My trainer said that our dogs being litter mates needed to be seperated in their own space, they will get too dependant on each other. We started off with ellie and dori together, but now they've been in their own crates for a long time.....it works out good. YOu would have no way of knowing if they get into a tiff at night and be there to stop it. I've seen these two go at it, i wouldnt want that to happen if I wasnt around to stop it. Get them their own beds.

[goforette]

Well I think it turns out that my girls are expressing concern for us in different ways - I think we still have issues with our death threats/and or neighbors - and they're definately hearing things we couldn't. Last night we went down when Hollie was crying and barking and we seen a shadow pass by the front entry door and our porch sensor light come on (although it was so dark we couldn't see who). She's trying to tell us something. And maybe Brystal being as quite as she has been since day one - is also trying to display different behavior to tell us something isn't quite right -don't pay attention to me - pay attention to something else. I know they're so tiny and would make a poor guard dog - but I'm so appreciative that they are tuning into things we're not - they truly are looking out for us - I guess I need to listen to them more -

[toomanypaws]

Cairns may not be the best guard dog, but they get five stars for being high alert dogs. I'm sure your two hear noises that you can't hear. My Abbey has the best ears of my three and can hear everything that goes on in our neighborhood. The garbage truck can be 5 streets away, but Abbey hears it. She's yodeling for the mail truck when it's several houses away. I'm unaware about your issues you're having, I'll have to find that post. Please be careful! Maybe sit w/ Brystal and Hollie for a few minutes after you put them to bed and watch their body language. My oldest two, Kiara and Abbey sleep together at night and Hannah sleeps in my room. Kiara never has accepted Hannah sleeping w/ her. Abbey went through a spell where she got upset if I turned the dishwasher on at night, so I now turn it on in the morning. Kiara will cry if she hears thunder. We may not hear it yet, but Kiara can and she begs us for her crate. Cairns are extemely smart and will definitely tell us what they want. It's our job to understand them. Kiara prefers to be by herself during the day while Abbey and Hannah nap together. I had to laugh at Abbey one time. She was crying and I didn't know why. I finally figured out that she wanted the spot on the dog pillow that Hannah had. I scooted Hannah over to make room for Abbey and Abbey snuggled in. I usually just say "kiss kiss" and I'll get kisses from the girls. I too have had them turn their heads and noticed that they were listening for something. Maybe Brystal hears something too? Kiara is my least affectionate one. She will give kisses, but it's only on her terms.

[wags]

Goforette, Holly and Brystal may be trying to help. But, as dogs, they've got limits. Dogs can't go finding a safe place to live. You can. Maybe you should look into different housing.