Dog's unusual behavior?

Question

We have a 9 year old German Shepherd/Husky mix who had been obedience trained when we adopted her at 5 years old. She's a very sweet natured dog and has always adhered to the things she was taught, one of which was to never sleep on the bed. She knows this, and has even crawled onto our bed with a couple of times when she was terrified of the beeping smoke detectors (she's lovable, not a watchdog LOL). But several times when we all went out for the evening, I've found very obvious evidence that she'd not only been on the bed, but all over it (she sheds a lot this time of year, the hair she leaves behind is VERY obvious). She's never done this before, and we've lived in the same house for going on 4 years now. Just out of curiosity, what could be causing this unusual behavior?

thank you!!

Answer 1

It's likely just her age.. Dogs get to a certain age, they are getting older, and they decide that rules that once applied, no longer apply to them. They come a little slower when you call them, they'll take a little longer to sit, they'll do things that were once off limits as tho they are allowed to now because they are getting old.

Answer 2

Two very important factors here- Pit Bulls are dogs, and dogs form packs with those they are with most often, and Pit Bulls are terriers - they will hunt small prey. Before anyone starts railing at me, consider that this could happen with two Scotties, Cairns, or Yorkshires - they are all the same. The difference is, your dogs are bigger, and bred for power - not aggression. Lots of dogs will go after small animals, and one of your dogs actually had to do that for food. So there is experience there, as well. That is not aggression - it prey drive. Big difference. If your dogs have not been aggressive towards humans, then you shouldn't have to worry about adults - but some dogs don't know the difference between a human child and a small animal - they make funny noises and move differently than adults. And to them, small animals are edible. You should keep that in mind. For the moment, I think you have cause to be worried, simply because the neighbor's dog is able to get into yours. While that does not make you at fault, it won't help with PR. You have a Catch-22, in that you don't want to get the eye of the animal control officer. Your dogs are NOT in the wrong legally, but functionally, it's a bad thing waiting to happen. If the neighbor's dog can actually scale the fence, and is not being taken care of well anyway (in that it is loose), you might find an opportunity sometimes when the dog is NOT on its own property to take it to a no-kill shelter where perhaps it will find a better life. But that is a temporary fix. You have started to recognize the risk involved in having this kind of dog - they need to be kept extremely carefully when they have the recipe for getting into trouble - they can be wonderful loving dogs as long as they don't chase things. But a powerful dog that has learned to hunt small, and now perhaps larger, prey is a liability in every way to define the term. It ain't the meat, it's the motion, as they say. You may want to think about turning them over to a refuge, if you can find room, where they can live out their lives without endangering anyone. Sadly, this is the fallout from abuse - it's not your failure, and it's not your fault. You are smart to think about the possibilities. The truly responsible and respected Pit Bull rescues have recognized this - sometimes, animals are animals, and we are all a product of our beginnings. We am what we am. Good luck.

Answer 3

Your dog is not stupid. She knows when there is nobody to tell her to get off the bed. You can put aluminum foil to cover the bed. You can get a motion detect, battery operated pet deflector (silent to humans noise maker). You could get a couple of cheep blankets or sheets to cover the bed when you're not home and let her sleep on the bed. Even though my dog has very short hair, she sheds more than all 3 of my cats. All 4 animals share the bed with me. I do a lot of laundry, and no outfit is complete without the required pet hair. Sigh.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, this can be a common sign of a dog aging. They might not be able to cope as well when left alone - or the bed might just be the most comfortable spot!!!

Answer 5

Most dogs are pack animals , When the pack leaves,(YOU) One is left behind to guard the din. That guard feels safest in ,or on your bed. ITS lonely, But lord help the person that tries to invade its territory while the masters are gone. LOVE THAT BABY!!. lol

Answer 6

do you leave her inside the house whilst you go out? it might be because there's something different in her surroundings in the house or maybe its because she's trying to get close to your scent because she's missing you.

really have no idea but the best solution would be to just close your door so your dog cant get into your room and onto your bed =P

Answer 7

I'm not an animal psychologist, but it sounds like she's getting close to ya'lls scent. Maybe she just misses you all.
Call your local pet store. They sell a spray that you can spray on furniture that will deter your dog from jumpin on it.
good luck

Answer 8

Maybe she's missing you while you are gone and she picks up your smell from the bed linens. If you don't want her on your bed, shut the bedroom door before you leave.

Answer 9

Your smell.(scent) If you lie on the couch the dog will smell that and want to be there. She is either lonely or feels concern when you are out.

Answer 10

I believe is has something to so with separation anxiety. She just does not want to be without you and your scent is giving her comfort. ☺