I have a wonderful dog I love very much. Her background is she was a street dog or bush dog for 4-6 years, then she got picked up and sent to the pound, and I adopted her.
She has her quirks, like she's terrified of the wind and thunder storms and loud noises. But it's just her and I living together and I accommodate for her in every way I can think.
She has a big dog door she can go in and out of, since I got her 5 years ago. She has no issues with it.
10 months ago we moved interstate. I now live in a much colder climate, versus the hot climate where she's from.
The issue is that she's choosing to sit outside, in the dirt, under some trees in the back yard until it's bed time (when she comes to sleep either on my bed or next to my bed on her bed) – which is great during the day or on a clear evening. But she's also choosing to lay out there when it's 4 degrees Celsius and/or when it's pouring with rain.
I worry about her out there, freezing cold and soaking wet! When I call her, she doesn't come. When I put fresh or roast chicken under her nose, she doesn't come. The only thing I can do is put her lead on her and then she obediently (and reluctantly – head down and trembling) walks back into the house with me.
At first I thought it was because of the wind, and she felt safer outside where she was familiar with the noises versus inside where she may be able to hear windows rattling.
But now she's doing it when it's definitely not windy.
She also seems to be afraid of my kitchen. She hesitates coming up the stairs to the kitchen from outside, and she runs through it quickly to get to elsewhere in the house. I wonder if it's because a door has slammed once in the wind and it's spooked her?
I've taken her to the vet for a full checkup and bloods and they've said there's nothing wrong that they can see.
Why do you think this is? How can I give her her space, but also ensure she doesn't get sick? Any help would be appreciated!
submitted by /u/Acrobatic_Opinion575
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