I've had a female Jack Russel for about 10 years. I raised her from birth, and she was always incredibly close to me. She's always been a little haughty and doesn't love snuggling or too much petting, but she's always been happy and pleasant, even adoring, since she was little. My partner moved in with me when she was about 5, and she warmed to him immediately, and became his little shadow. All was alright, until about two years ago. Her behaviour has been getting progressively worse with me.
We have two other dogs, and I treat her the same I as I do them (the difference is that they ask for more physical attention); in fact, they get scolded far more often as they're quite naughty.
The behavioural changes were small at first. When I called her or asked her to follow a command, she would often look to my partner or not want to listen to me, and when I went to pet her (just a small pat on the head, which she previously enjoyed), she would get anxious and move away. For example, I would be sitting on the couch and would say hello to her (no pets), and she would simply get up and move to the other side or even leave the room. It was quite heart-breaking for me, but I assumed she had just bonded with my partner more. I had two other dogs that loved being around me, so I tried not to worry and to be patient with her.
Over time her behaviour has worsened. I will get into bed at night and she will leave to sleep downstairs unless my partner is home. She'll leave the couch if I sit down. She ignore commands. This evening, it is freezing cold outside and my partner is away. I got into bed, trying to be quiet and not acknowledge her so she didn't get spooked. Her reaction was to sprint downstairs and outside. I called her, but eventually had to go fetch her as it's cold enough she could get hurt. I put her in a bed on the floor, and she was shaking for a while and finally calmed down enough to sleep. My other dogs seemed not too fussed during all this.
I try to watch my tone and behaviour, so my frustration doesn't show, but it's getting harder when nothing seems to be working. I've tired ignoring her, rewarding good behaviour, and even getting my partner to help. Nothing works.
She also gets horrible separation anxiety. Despite her feelings towards me, she's fine if I'm home but howls and barks continously when left alone. Also getting worse despite training.
Has anyone had anything similar or can maybe see something I'm missing? I'm at my wits end and starting to resent this little girl I've raised from birth. I used to joke, but am seriously worried now, that it may even be something like dementia.
submitted by /u/Lucky_Ad3610
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