Is she reacting to my illness or is something else going on?

[SuziHeaton]

Hello!

Okay, Sadie Mae is 14 months old. She is no longer in a crate and has not been for several months. She does stay in the kitchen when we are out or if she needs some alone time (i.e. calming down, taking a nap, etc.). Otherwise, she's very well behaved and house broken and has free reign of the house (well, most of it--she's not allowed in the kids' bedrooms or our bathrooms).

Anyway, 12 days ago I had emergency surgery. It was a major operation, and I'm now on disability for at least 7 weeks.

Ever since I came home from the hospital Sadie has been acting differently. She has snapped at me and the children and even snarled at me once when I tried to help her (she crawled under my bed like she always does, but was crying like she was stuck--when I tried to help her she snarled at me and snapped at me).

In addition to the snapping she's been peeing and pooping all over the house. She was house trained in 3 days as a pup so again this is very new behavior.

What should I do? I have no idea if this is a medical issue or a psychological one. When I was in the hospital she was well cared for--my father took her out several times a day and my husband was home with her in the evenings as he always is. The only difference now is that I'm home with her during the day when she's typically alone in the kitchen. I've been taking her outside for plenty of exercise, so she's had the opportunity to burn some energy and do her business, which is another reason why I'm completely bewildered.

I'm open to any suggestions you may have. Thanks!

[debbiej]

I don't have much experience with this kind of thing, but what comes to mind is a physical problem. could she have gotten into something or hurt herself while you were gone? Perhaps she senses something about your illness that upsets her, or maybe you have a "new" smell? (hospital, medication?)

hope you are feeling better.

[SuziHeaton]

I don't want to creep anybody out, but maybe if I explain what I had done it will help?

Well, I guess if this upsets people this post will be removed. I had a pregnancy that was life threatening, and as a result, I had an emergency hysterectomy. So, I'm definitely "different" now. Would a dog sense such a thing?

Please know I apologize if this is TMI, but maybe it will help some experienced owners/trainers to know this?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by debbiej

I don't have much experience with this kind of thing, but what comes to mind is a physical problem. could she have gotten into something or hurt herself while you were gone? Perhaps she senses something about your illness that upsets her, or maybe you have a "new" smell? (hospital, medication?)

hope you are feeling better.

[flyballmom]

Originally Posted by SuziHeaton

I'm definitely "different" now. Would a dog sense such a thing?

Yes. You smell funny, you act funny, you move funny, not to mention the fact you suddenly disappeared which probably totally upset her applecart. That said, the behaviors she's showing aren't acceptable. If she's peeing and pooping in the house, back in the crate she goes. If she's crawling under the bed and not coming out, keep a leash on her. Make her routine as normal as possible, and don't "make" over her. She's also becoming a teenager, and may need a bit of NILIF.

As long as she's eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally and not acting as tho she's in pain, I wouldn't worry about it being a physical cause, but a vet check is always good for peace of mind.

[JemarsSerena]

My last Rott Isabelle could definitely tell when there were changes in the medical condition of anyone in the family. Through two pregnancies she would follow her around the house being much more protective than usual. I'm of the belief they can tell. That being said, I agree that her behavior is unacceptable! Return to the crate sounds like a great idea.

[SuziHeaton]

Originally Posted by flyballmom

She's also becoming a teenager, and may need a bit of NILIF.

Please don't laugh--what does NILIF mean???

[flyballmom]

Originally Posted by SuziHeaton

Please don't laugh--what does NILIF mean???

Sorry...no laughing! Nothing In Life Is Free. Do a search here and you'll get all kinds of info. Basically it means the dog sits for it's bowl, downs for a scratch, loses privileges like getting on the bed, etc etc.

[SuziHeaton]

Oh!!! This makes perfect sense!

You know, I was clicker training before I got sick--I wonder if I got back into that if we'd be in better shape here. While I can't hold her leash, etc., I can hold a treat bag and a clicker! Do you think that would help?

Thanks!

[debbiej]

that the dog earns every single thing it gets. That it is almost ignored, not given "undeserved" attention, or treated as a vip. (vid?)

another idea is that dogs are secure knowing their place in the pack. could be your illness has upset her security in your leadership.

hormones affect emotions too, and I'm sure she senses that.

So like Beth said, make her behave, and she will feel better knowing she must.

I'm sorry you had to have this happen, and I hope you are feeling well very soon.

[winniecnm]

My aunt's cat did the same thing after she came home from the hospital.

He was mad that she left and pooped and peed all over the house and did very , very naughty things.

Wether the dog is acting out of a sense in you "differentness" or because you were absent is hard to say but the solution would be the same - NILIF (as already mentioned) and some training.

You have also got to get healed from ordeal too! I am so sorry to hear the circumstances of your hospital visit- not an easy thing physically or emotionally either.

Do you have help around the house? BTW - Please don't go crawling under the bed anymore you are going to give me a heart attack! That is a MAJOR surgery and gal you don't want to know what it is to rip up your stomach by trying to do too much too soon. (take it from me - I have had 2 c/s and the first I tried to do too much after )

[StephanieandToby]

Do you think she "senses your weakness" and is trying to re-establish her place on the Totem Pole? You are sick (recovering) so now she has to take over...that sort of idea....(???)

That wouldn't explain the soiling of the house, though ... unless she is marking?

[SuziHeaton]

OMG guys I'm trying not to cry.

I am awake now because she just crawled under my bed and got stuck (again) and this time she peed.

I did not move her myself--my stomach is sore from dealing with her all day. I called my DH and he came in and got her out and cleaned the floor. Thankfully, I have wood floors, so it's easy to clean, but still, I'm in pain, exhausted, and at my wit's end.

I just don't understand this hiding under the bed thing. I'm honestly so run down I feel like crying. I'm definitely calling the vet first thing in the morning--even if she can only give me a hug!!!

[dmoniz]

It might be a good idea to keep her out of your bedroom for awhile. You don't need to deal with that right now. Also, reinstate the crate for a few days or weeks, until she is back to normal.

[winniecnm]

Get that crate back out and get some rest for yourself! Right now she is probably either scared or sensing you are weak and testing her limits. Either way I would crate her up and put an end to her nonesense, then get a little rest for yourself and figure out where to go from here.

I have had streaks where illness or injury/surgery has made it so the dogs have had to spend extended times in crates or "out of my way" to prevent mass mayhem and so long as she is safe and you and your kids stay safe from her obstanate behavior that is what is important now. In a few weeks you will feel much better and then tackle the big issues.

I would also (if you have not already) talk to the OB and see about a back/tummy support, you might even be able to find one online. They can work wonders after recovering from an abdominal surgery. Make sure that if you bend, do it at the knees if possible and try not to get on your hands and knees at all. And make sure you do not slouch when you walk because it just makes the pain all the more worse. Sorry there is the nurse streak in me again

Good luck and hang in there!

[anni's.mom]

if she were my dog i'd have her at the vet's office NOW. (i'm still hypersensitive to the sound of a dog crying -- anni went down so suddenly and crying from another room was the first odd thing i noticed in her.)

hoping all this turns out well for you,

lori