So clover has just got back from her trial run with Barking Mad.. and it went very well. She ate, settled down and didn't miss me. That's all very good

But when I go away with her she doesn't eat and frets a lot. So why is she so different when she goes away without me to when she goes away with me? Is it me? am I such a crap owner

I'm sorry I have no idea...but we have already established that you are far from a crap owner .

All I can think of is that maybe you get stressed about going away and transfer it to Clover? Also, considering her dislike of the train (even though you have done so well with that recently) maybe that affects her?

Hopefully someone with some good ideas will be along soon. x.

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my old black labrador used to do something similar.....

when i went anywhere with him he refused to eat from his own bowl unless someone else gave him his meal.
my trainer (?) at the time thought it was because he associated being fed by me in his own kitchen (????)))
not so sure i agree with that theory but it was most confusing...
i could be stood right next to him while the other person fed him....but he would refuse the food if i tried to give him it.

it is possible that your dog picks up on your anxiety whilst travelling but as long as someone gets food into him....i wouldnt worry tooo much.....

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All posts are my personal opinions based on the knowledge and experience I have and should not be associated with any organisations I may be a member of



ZACK (1993-2007)
forever in sunshine

Although talking about reactivity this from Greta Kaplin puts forward some ideas to explain why our dogs seem worse with us than with others: Why Is My Dog Worse With Me?

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Anne, owned by Rufus & Tripod

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"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts." - John Steinbeck

"If you don't want your dog to bite you, don't be an a**hole to him." ~ Dr. Ian Dunbar

Thanks. I talked to a friend tonight who works with dogs for a living and knows both clover and I

The food issue she said clover is playing me. Just leave food down for 15mins , take it up. She willl eventually get the idea (read that on here too )

Traveling she does think clover is picking up on my anxiety, so we are both almost winding each other up. She said keep preserving with journeys

She also said I fuss clover too much, and need to distance myself a little. she said clover is basically controlling me. She does very much pick up on my mood

wow! some of that is so clover and I.. thanks

It's plausible you do seem to be fairly anxious and worried. Rather than "controlling you" I wonder if it's the nurturing attention you give.

An example. Out walking my BC, meet a number of others, some owned by ladies who worry about their dogs getting muddy. Mine just gets muddy and then swims in lake, and looks clean (so ppl say).

Guess who's dog's bolt off and find the stinkiest mud at every opportunity?

Now the owners get upset and wound up and say "bathtime tonight" and I just wonder why they don't wash them off in the bowl near the tap if the lake's not chlorinated enough.

With intelligent dogs, the drama probably makes the mud seem more important and there's the fuss and special care.

Anyway, being a bit less uptight often the dog sorts things out like food, when you're not paying attention.