Bit of a strange one - Tess usually hangs out with hubby and I in the living room (most often on the sofa) after the children have gone to bed. For about the past week she's chosen to lie on her mat in the kitchen or even in her crate in the utility room on her own. During the evening she might pop in briefly but is very keen to return to her solitude! To begin with I thought she was lying on her mat because it's next to the radiator - until I realised that the radiator in the kitchen isn't switched on! Does she just want some peace and quiet or could there be something else to this do you think?! She does come in to the living room and lie with us at other times and she's recently finished her first season.
Kitchen...as in closer to the source of food? Charlie will go lie under the kitchen table time to time, I suppose in the event anyone goes to the fridge, he is closer to the action. And after about 9.30pm, he takes himself off to a remote armchair, I've long thought because the noise of the TV disturbs him and he is snoozy. After 10pm, he just glares at us until we go to bed.
My first thought was that she might be hot and wanting a cooler area to be in. Don't know if that makes sense in the context of the ambient temp! The other possibility is that she's not feeling well or is in pain and it's a self-protective thing. But that's more a thing you see in an ache-y older dog, not a young lass. If she's normal, happy and lively at other times then I don't think this'd be the explanation. If her other behaviour is normal, I wouldn't worry Those who have kept entire bitches might be able to chew some light. It might be normal behaviour after a season.
Lol at chewing some light! She does love her food but I don't think that's anything to do with it, she's very chilled out and relaxed and I don't think it's on her mind. She gets fed in the utility room also. I don't think the temperature varies much between rooms, we don't have a fire or anything (though I'd love one!) and I've just realised that the kitchen radio is on so it's not even very peaceful out there! She is perfectly normal in her behaviour otherwise though. Odd!
Willow used to be quite cuddly in the evenings, but as she got closer to adulthood, she's happier on her bed (or, rather, choice of many beds) on the floor. As opposed to Shadow, who has to be draped over me at all times. They absolutely never cuddle up together to sleep. When I stroke Willow when she's asleep, she's always very warm. I think she just "runs hot" and doesn't want cuddles because of that. In the mornings, when I come into the living room, if she deigns to acknowledge me, it will be to slowly roll onto her back to have tummy rubs, and she will be baking hot, even when the room is cool. Maybe Tess is turning into a similar beast?
Shiloh is an older Lab, he has had many phases within which his bed of choice is one of 4 bedrooms. As he is 14 now, he will start on the floor but every morning he is spooning me, his momma. He is quite warm, and understandably a little smelly. But, I cuddle him, rub his tum, and just thank God for another day with my boy.
Midge has always taken herself off to bed when she's tired. I used to worry but its just what she like to do. she has her velvet cushion and lovey cozy quilted throw snuggles in and goes to sleep. She likes to be alone sometimes.
Onyx often takes himself off to his crate in the evening although we are all cuddled up in the living room. I think he just likes his bed. Maybe Tess feels the same. I used to worry. But as he is happy in himself i just let him get on with it.
Hmm, Tess has spent the entire day sleeping on the sofa in the living room. She did this yesterday too but took herself out in the evening. I think there's something in there spooking her out as I walked through the kitchen with a treat and she followed me as far as the threshold to the living room then stopped dead. The only thing I can think of that's different to the day time is the reflections in the window so tonight I'll put the blind down and see if it makes any difference.
