Kingdom of Pets

Posted by Jan-Claxton
Oct 29, 2010

Hi

Spencer, our 2 yr old springer spaniel x pointer, has started bringing his duvet bed downstairs to lie on - some of the time. He also brings our gym towels in from the garage. I don't know whether this is just cute or if there is a behavioural issue. I would really appreciate your help and advice. He isn't possessive of the bed or towels.

Thanks

Posted by KOPCaroline
Nov 2, 2010

Hey Jan,

Is it a recent development, or has your springer always laid down on bedding of some sort? The room he brings it into, is it hardwood or drafty?

It might just be an affinity toward the fabric, especially his bed. He sees it as "his" property, and it smells like him, so he might just prefer laying on it.

It could also be that the room is uncomfortable to him, such as hardwood, which can cause pressure points over bones if theres no padding under the dog. Some animals, even with carpeting and beds and whatever, develop so called "substrate aversion/preference", where they just dont like the feel of something, or prefer the feel of something else. This could be the case with your dog.

If you don't like him dragging things around the house, uou could try getting a smaller, less flash bedding for the room and have your dog lay on that (give the down command on it til he gets used to it). Once it develops his smell he'll associate it with being "his place" and should use it.

Posted by Jan-Claxton
Nov 2, 2010

Hi, thanks for your reply. We have had Spencer since December last year but he has only recently started this - maybe in the last 2-3months. We got him from a dog rescue charity and prior to that he was in the pound having been picked up as a stray. He can show possessiveness but it is usually in relation to food, but that is improving. He shares toys with out other dog, Coco, and they share the bed. If its not a major problem I don't mind, its just that he never takes the duvet back upstairs! I don't think it is a comfort issue - the house is carpeted. We have recently been imposing more alpha dog "rules" e.g. making them wait before we go through the door etc and it may have been about the time he started with the duvet and towels. What do you think?

Thanks for your help
Jan

Posted by Kate-Jacobz
Nov 5, 2010

Hi Jan,

I do not believe it is connected to the new alpha dog rules you have been recently enforcing. I am more inclined to think it is related to comfort.

As KOPcaroline said, "Some animals, even with carpeting and beds and whatever, develop so called "substrate aversion/preference", where they just dont like the feel of something, or prefer the feel of something else. This could be the case with your dog."

I would invest in a bed which is large enough for both Spencer and Coco to share. Place favorite toys, one of his blankets and food treats in it. Play games with them to have them lay down and stay in it - much like crate games.

Wishing you happy times with Spencer and Coco.

Posted by Jan-Claxton
Nov 15, 2010

Hi Kate

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely give it a try. As long as its not a problem I can relax a bit.

Regards
Jan

Its my bed