Stark is extremely handler sensitive and can not take much pressure from me. I use the e-collar for corrections because that seems to be the only thing that doesn't make him shut down.
If I give a collar correction he will shut down completely. Avoidance (turning away from me, sniffing, staring out into space, avoiding eye contact), jumping up on me, etc..
If I am telling a story and I raise my voice in either frustration or excitement, he will do the jumping, licking the air or if I let him, my face. He will whine and try to get as close to me as possible (perches next to me, pushes his body into me, etc.).
Well, for the past few days I have been extremely anxious and upset. He has been restless, anxious, unable to settle (not like him). I thought it was something medical at first but when I calmed myself down... (I didn't show an known behaviours that would indicate I was upset to others) he totally relaxed.
I had a mini panic attack last night, was very anxious, upset and never really had gone through one before so it surprised me... I just laid in bed (it was after midnight) and did some deep breathing. Stark, who sleeps baby gated in my room and is always either on my bed with me or on the floor next to me.. went to the baby gate/doorway and sat pushed up as close as he could get to the gate to get away from me.
It was then that I realized that it was ME upsetting him... so, I went for a walk (with out dogs) and when I came back calmed and "normal" (LOL) again he was fine. He gave me a GOOD sniffing and then proceeded to jump on the bed with me like normal and sleep.
I couldn't believe that I had THAT much of an impact on his behaviour like that. He is fine this morning and wants to play and is acting normal.. and I feel a bit better so I wonder if that is playing into his mood as well..
Does anyone else have a dog that acts like this when they are upset?
It's wasn't the normal, "I am upset and my dog came over and sat by me type of thing" I was actually concerned for him and though I should rush him to the vet.. but realized it was me causing the behaviour.
If I give a collar correction he will shut down completely. Avoidance (turning away from me, sniffing, staring out into space, avoiding eye contact), jumping up on me, etc..
If I am telling a story and I raise my voice in either frustration or excitement, he will do the jumping, licking the air or if I let him, my face. He will whine and try to get as close to me as possible (perches next to me, pushes his body into me, etc.).
Well, for the past few days I have been extremely anxious and upset. He has been restless, anxious, unable to settle (not like him). I thought it was something medical at first but when I calmed myself down... (I didn't show an known behaviours that would indicate I was upset to others) he totally relaxed.
I had a mini panic attack last night, was very anxious, upset and never really had gone through one before so it surprised me... I just laid in bed (it was after midnight) and did some deep breathing. Stark, who sleeps baby gated in my room and is always either on my bed with me or on the floor next to me.. went to the baby gate/doorway and sat pushed up as close as he could get to the gate to get away from me.
It was then that I realized that it was ME upsetting him... so, I went for a walk (with out dogs) and when I came back calmed and "normal" (LOL) again he was fine. He gave me a GOOD sniffing and then proceeded to jump on the bed with me like normal and sleep.
I couldn't believe that I had THAT much of an impact on his behaviour like that. He is fine this morning and wants to play and is acting normal.. and I feel a bit better so I wonder if that is playing into his mood as well..
Does anyone else have a dog that acts like this when they are upset?
It's wasn't the normal, "I am upset and my dog came over and sat by me type of thing" I was actually concerned for him and though I should rush him to the vet.. but realized it was me causing the behaviour.