11 year old Corgi wants to be left alone.

Question
Dear Jill,

Our 11 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi "Ringo" acts like he does not want to
be around us. In the past he never wanted to go outside and now he wants to
be outside all the time.  We thought it was pain related because of his hip
and lower back issues and took him off the Rimadyl medication and he is still
acting the same. He started acting this way a little before he started Rimadyl.  
(He was trained to stay downstairs as a puppy)  Frequently when we come
downstairs, or when we have guests over, he just bolts outside through the
doggie door and wants to be alone. He doesn't usually respond when we call
him now, in the past he was stubborn and did not respond sometimes but
now it is alot more. Our Corgi is happy to get walked and likes getting pet,
but this other side of him is very concerning.  Also the neighbor has a one
year old dog, in the beginning Ringo was fighting with the new dog through
the fence, but now he seems to have stopped. A few days ago Ringo just
started barking/howling outside for no reason at 3AM.   Do you know what
could be causing this and is this a senior behavior with older dogs?

Thank You.

Answer
you MUST reinstate the Rimadyl.  It's clear from your description that his problematic behavior began BEFORE he started the medication, and he needs it.  He may have developed a strong connection between interacting with humans and the resultant orthopedic pain, and this may explain his behavior.  Also, being outside IS NOT GOOD as damp, humid, cold and other such conditions will WORSEN his orthopedic pain.  You need to take this dog BACK to the veterinarian ASAP.  Your dog is in pain; he requires medical attention NOW.  Do NOT isolate him outdoors.  Put a long, lightweight nylon or cotton training leash on him and bring him INSIDE.  While he is wearing such a lead, he cannot "escape"; you can easily step on the handle.  Do not force him to interact with your visitors and/or yourselves; allow him to take this interaction at his own pace.  If the dog has acquired a fear response to human interaction due to orthopedic pain, it should self extinguish over time, given his age and former behavior.