Why's My Old Dog Turned Into A Nervous Wreck ?

[V8RX7]

Basically we have the following dogs all bhes, from puppies, they all live in the house and run around our field

A - Collie Cross now 9

B - Rottweiler Cross now 4

C - Small Fluffy Thing now 5 months

A isn't overly keen on B - B is a big soft lump and doesn't understand why A doesn't like her however B does use her size to take things off A

We then introduced C into the mix, as my daughter (10) wanted a fluffy thing to sit on her lap, unfortunately C is a bit of a swamp rat - always in the pond.

C - loves everything but frustrates the other 2 as she won't be deterred - she will act submissive for a second if they growl but then carries on regardless

A cannot stand C, won't go near her, won't stay in the same room, acts very aggressively and whilst C acts submissively she still follows her until we intervene

This has been going on for 3 months but the last few days A follows me around like a lost sheep, won't sleep by the front door and follows me up to my bedroom and sleeps outside.

Today she's sat in the rain, then come in and sat under my desk (never usually does either)

Obviously she isn't happy about C but this is a dramatic change in her behaviour

Suggestions ?
(My daughter isn't getting rid of the swamp rat)

[PositronicRay]

I suggest a behaviourist before things get out of hand.

[anonymous-user]

If it's a sudden change to A then get her checked out by a vet, she could be ill.

[garythesign]

PositronicRay said:

I suggest a behaviourist before things get out of hand.

I am no expert, but this would be my advice.

Good luck

[PositronicRay]

keirik said:

If it's a sudden change to A then get her checked out by a vet, she could be ill.

https://www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk/behaviour/my-dog-has-a-behavioural-problem/

[Jasandjules]

Guess would be C is harassing. However check health first.

[moorx]

garythesign said:

PositronicRay said:

I suggest a behaviourist before things get out of hand.

I am no expert, but this would be my advice.

Good luck

Me too. The behaviour between A and C sounds very similar to two female dogs I once owned, and it did not end well.

(No deaths, but I think it might well have come to that if I had not rehomed one).

There's a saying about dogs that 'males fight for breeding rights, females fight for breathing rights'.

And yes, I know it is possible for females to exist in harmony - I've had two others at the same time with no issues, but would have to think seriously about having two females together again.

[Boosted LS1]

Jasandjules said:

Guess would be C is harassing. However check health first.

Yes that's my guess. A is old and wants a quiet life. C is a puppy and wants lots of play, fun and excitement. I agree with health check option to.

[V8RX7]

In fairness never thought about her being ill - none of them have ever been ill.

C is separated from A 95% of the time - mostly because A lives by the front door and C (also known a widdles) is kept in the kitchen with a moppable floor !