Won't follow the schedule

[shellyk]

We both work and with 3 dogs and 3 cats there is a schedule/routine for feeding, going outside, and daily exercise. Our male Newf McGee who is 3 years young doesn't want to follow the schedule. :beatdeadhorse: I put the beating a dead horse not as a joke but that is what it actually feels like to get him moving sometimes.

• First thing in the am he doesn't want to get up and go outside with the other 2 dogs to potty
• after coming back inside after potty he lays in front of the gate to our kitchen and won't move to let us in or out without us repeatedly asking or banging him with the gate (have to have the gate so he doesn't go after the cats)
• car trip for a walk in the park - afterwards he won't get out of the car - once out of the car he often lays down in the garage before the house and won't get up from there...
• last potty break at night before the doggie door is closed for the night he won't get up from the floor or off the couch where he is resting to go out

I have tried the lovey voice, the high excited wild gesticulating body language to get his attention, treats, and ignoring him. This didn't just happen overnight but it's getting progressively worse. Any suggestions?

 

[wrknnwf]

First thing I would rule out is any medical issues. Newfs are stoic so you don't always know if they are in pain. Could also be heart or thyroid or many other problems, so I would get a CBC, complete thyroid panel, and complete physical exam first.

 

[Angela]

Is he neutered?

 

[shellyk]

Yes, he is neutered. We rescued him at 17 months and unfortunately he had already been neutered. I will take him in for the blood work suggested. Thanks. He should probably have blood work anyway since he's been on apoquel for the last year.

 

[Angela]

Is he dominent? Have you tried taking him in and out on a leash so he has to go or come with you?

 

[kikjason]

My newf rococo is nearly 9..he sounds exactly the same..never wants to go at night..always lays behind doors and gates..he's been like it for years. I wouldn't worry about it..if I give him a bit of food he's up like lightning

 

[shellyk]

Is he dominent? Have you tried taking him in and out on a leash so he has to go or come with you?

If the leash comes out he thinks he's going for a walk. Maybe I should just take him for a walk first thing in the morning and see how he reacts to that...he will definitely potty!

 

[Angela]

Try that.

 

[shellyk]

We took McGee to the Vet and we're really glad that he didn't find any problem with his heart. He didn't feel any masses but did say that early stage cancers can cause unusual behavior. Then he got quite a growl out of him when he palpated his left elbow. So it might be that his behavior is from pain. He took blood. He prescribed an anti-inflammatory for the pain and wants us to watch his use of his left leg and if it doesn't improve then he will do an x-ray.

THANKS AGAIN everyone for their helpful suggestions.

 

[Bailey Boy]

Glad you found the reason for McGee being a little off, hoping his meds start working for him soon and he feels better.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

It sounds like you may have found the problem. Our Maggie was stubborn as could be, but definitely got more "lazy" and had the behavior you described. First we found out she had hypothyroid, so we corrected that and she was better for several years. Then when it happened again, we found out she was in pain from arthritis. Once we got her the correct meds (meloxicam) she was better again. Still had her moments, but much better.

 

[shellyk]

Got a call from the Vet that his blood work was normal... I am going to ask for a copy to see what they actually tested for. I asked for a thyroid panel but somehow I don't think we got one. I had the day off yesterday for Columbus Day and he and I spent some quality time on the couch together. I didn't get any response from his elbow or left leg anywhere! Either the anti-inflammatory really worked or that wasn't it. He woke up later with a major allergy type reaction and was practically eating his foot. I called the Vet and he asked about flea control and didn't think it was the inflammatory meds...it's always something with McGee.