Is my dog lashing out?

Question

We just recently had to put my other dog to sleep a week and a half ago and him and my other dog that we still have were really close. Well now my dog is lashing out he's been pooping in the living room while we are sleeping. We take him outside right before we go to bed so it's not like he doesn't have a chance to go to the bathroom. He knows he does wrong because he'll hide underneath the bed right when we wake up he goes running. It's really making me mad. What can I do about this? We don't feed him after 9:00 PM. And dont take him out til about 11:30 after that. To give it time for it to digest. Is he lashing out because his little buddy is gone?

Obviously I had considered that if i said is that the reason. Right?!

Also we are not getting any more animals til we move to a bigger place. I am pregnant so we are waiting til the child gets a little bit older as well so we don't have to much of a responsibilty.

Rochelle yes I can get mad at him he is only 11 mths old at 11 mths old I doubt that dogs will lose there sense to hold it.

again Rochelle we are not getting any more animals because I AM PREGNANT!!!

Answer 1

I think that is exactly what he is doing. He is grieving and you may want to get him a friend so that he is not so lonely. You can hardly get mad at him, because you know that he is feeling sad and he is trying to tell you the only way he knows how. So maybe take him to a pet shop and see which other dog he finds as a good friend and get it for him. That may help him heal. Animals have deep emotions. We had ducks and a wild animal killed one of the ducks one night and the mate sat in our house looking out the window crying like a little baby for over a week. It was so sad!!!! But I did not know that ducks could make a crying noise that sounded like a small baby. This duck was grieving.

Answer 2

Dogs live in the moment. They do not grieve, they do not mourn, and they do not feel guilt. Dogs only look guilty to us because they react to our anger when they have done what we consider to be wrong.
Out of sight out of mind. It is not missing your other dog. that is what we feel not what they feel. Again - a human emotion we try to put on them. The only reason they have problems during trauma is because we wallow and do not move on. Pity is a human emotion - dogs don't get it.
Your dog is picking up on the sad,negative energy in your house. He does know that your behaviour is different and therefore it is affecting his environment and also his reaction. How has your routine changed? Are you readying the nursery? Not walking him?? Perhaps you should consider making the area he sleeps in much smaller. If this has only just started - he will try harder to control his habit if he has to sleep where he does his business. Our Rotti started doing this a few years ago for no reason I could think of and we confined him to a small mud room to start, then to the kitchen and finally back to the run of the house because it stopped entirely and has not happened since. Who knows why - you are just going to have to be patient and do whatever it takes to help your dog through this bump.
If this your first child - this will be a good opportunity for you to learn the much needed quality of PATIENCE that is required in unlimited amounts when you have children.
Good luck.

Answer 3

*Do not humanize your dog. A dog is a dog. Humans are the only animals that hold grudges, or lash out.
he is having a behavior issue, and insecurities about the change in his environment. He may also be picking up your energy, and your feelings of loss and sadness.

*feed your dog earlier, set an early schedule. Dogs generally should be fed around 5-6 pm, and then take him for a longer walk, about an hour or so after. then again at your normal time.
As dogs age, they can lose control of their bowels and bladders. In the manner, like everyone who gets older, you can't get mad at him.
If this continues, put down training pads, or place him in a room that is comfortable, and familiar for him.
walk him more frequently during the day, at least 45 min to an hour and after his evening meals. This may help him to solve this problem.

You may also consider taking a refresher's course in obedience, to help him, and you. I would consider a new companion to give him company, and adjust to being alone. Dogs are social, pack animals. It is not normal for them to be alone. Although you are his pack, you are not always with him.
do not take this act personally, or as a way to make you angry. he is a dog.

check out Cesar Milan's website and watch the national geographic channel and catch his tv show. He has a lot of hints, and you can email him questions. He is a professional, and someone who can really help you. he has helped me to understand my dogs a lot better.

Answer 4

Dogs are social animals and can form strong bonds with other dogs or even other animal species. Your dog has lost a companion. He's definitely not happy about this. Be firm with him about not pooing in the house, but give him lots of attention and love. You might, say in about a month or so, consider getting a new doggie playmate for him.

Answer 5

He definitely is trying to tell you something.
Has it been just since the other dog's passing that he's been "misbehaving"???
If so, too much of a coincident,.. he is missing him and must be depressed and not understanding the void.
Perhaps, you'll have to confine him to a large kennel or bathroom for now, till things settle.

Answer 6

He probably hides because he knows he's going to get scolded. You should never reprimand a dog for bad behavior unless you catch him in the act.

Give him some time to get back into his normal routine and try to deal with the inconvenience. If it persists for more than a couple weeks, begin crate training him.

Answer 7

Have you ever concidered that he is afraid & alone - his best pal has mysteriously disappereard fromhis life - the only one who could really relate / communicate to him in his language - wouldn't you be afraid confused & scraed out of your mind - no wonder whyhe is pooping & hiding under the bed etc

try to calm him down - get him safe doggie friends to spend some time with - play etc - hes lost alone & scared ...
spend more time with him - maybe get him aother doggie family member - (first try the dog frinends though )

Answer 8

he is not "lashing out" but he may be upset about the loss of his companion. Maybe try crating him at nite, or confine him to a bathroom or in the kitchen, or take him into the bedroom with you at nite.

Answer 9

Dogs don't lash out, and dogs don't run in fear after they poop in the house.. don't hide under the bed unless they have been punished harshly. Crate train and quit pretending he is human.