Buddy is about 13. He is a small terrier mix. He is full of pep when
he goes for his w-a-l-k-s and when his krunchies are waiting for him.
He likes to play as well with his bones and toys.

However...I notice that when he is ready to settle down into a comfy
spot on the couch or wherever, he simply does not want anyone to come
over and pet him or anything. He will growl a little bit as if to say,
"Leave me alone, man!" And sometimes when he is chewing his bone, he
stops suddenly and go over to his couch and lay down. I also notice
that if I try to snuggle up to him, he wants his own space and will go
somewhere else to relax. He does like pats on the head and stuff like
that, but when it comes to snuggling, he prefers his own space. He
doesn't like to lounge around in front of me, rather he likes to lay
down in back of me. I'm thinking maybe digestive sounds and heartbeat
on my part get on his nerves.

Whatever....
Thanks,
S

He's about 13. Has he been like this always? If this is a new
behavior, I'd guess that he's feeling aches and pains when settling down
to nap that he doesn't feel when he's stretching for a nice romp. He
may have enjoyed being cuddled in the past, but now you're hitting sore
spots that don't feel good being rubbed. The fact that he likes pats on
the head but not snuggles makes me think that all the more.


--Lia


Suzanne wrote:
Buddy is about 13. He is a small terrier mix. He is full of pep when
he goes for his w-a-l-k-s and when his krunchies are waiting for him.
He likes to play as well with his bones and toys.

However...I notice that when he is ready to settle down into a comfy
spot on the couch or wherever, he simply does not want anyone to come
over and pet him or anything. He will growl a little bit as if to say,
"Leave me alone, man!" And sometimes when he is chewing his bone, he
stops suddenly and go over to his couch and lay down. I also notice
that if I try to snuggle up to him, he wants his own space and will go
somewhere else to relax. He does like pats on the head and stuff like
that, but when it comes to snuggling, he prefers his own space. He
doesn't like to lounge around in front of me, rather he likes to lay
down in back of me. I'm thinking maybe digestive sounds and heartbeat
on my part get on his nerves.

X-NoArchive: yes
On Mon, 15 Nov 2004 17:13:12 GMT, Julia Altshuler
wrote:

He's about 13. Has he been like this always? If this is a new
behavior, I'd guess that he's feeling aches and pains when settling down
to nap that he doesn't feel when he's stretching for a nice romp. He
may have enjoyed being cuddled in the past, but now you're hitting sore
spots that don't feel good being rubbed. The fact that he likes pats on
the head but not snuggles makes me think that all the more.


No, he hasn't always been like this. Your idea seems pretty plausible.
I'm going to ask the doggie doctor if there is anything I can give him
to ease aches and pains - a little bit of aspirin or whatever I can
give him. I'm going to seek his advice immediately. I don't want my
dog to be in any pain.
Thanks for your thoughts,
S