I haven't posted on the behavior board, but have a question that fits.

My 21 month old spayed female bullmastiff is now suddenly very concerned
about the zipper on her big pillow-bed. Just the pillow that is in the
living room inside, not the one on the porch.

I figure she may have stepped on it or something. Plus, it has a "tinkle"
or almost a "rattle" to it. I do not think she has run across a rattlesnake
in her runs through fields in the area. I am with her during these runs,
and have not seen her start or flinch. Must be one of those "common sense
dog things".

So, tonight she will not go anywhere near the bed. Since she is only
concerned about the inside bed, do I: A) just go ahead and get rid of the
cover B) secure it so it does not rattle, and give her time to decide that
the "thing" has gone away C) just let her deal with it.

I sat on the pillow trying to coax her and after she decided that I was not
taking her warning barks seriously, she laid on the other side of the room.
Whined a bit, and watched me the whole time.

Have checked inside - no fiddleback spiders, scorpions or tarantulas. She
is due for another growth spurt. As I understand it, the more "concerned"
behavior can be associated with increased hormone levels. She is not
generally afraid of anything. She can usually figure out how something
makes a sound. No other skittishness.

This is HER bed, and want her to feel comfortable in her space.

So, tonight she will not go anywhere near the bed. Since she is only
concerned about the inside bed, do I: A) just go ahead and get rid of the
cover B) secure it so it does not rattle, and give her time to decide that
the "thing" has gone away C) just let her deal with it.


I would do whatever I could to make her feel more comfortable with her bed.
Wouldn't make any sense to choose "C". Why would we want to make things
difficult for our dogs?