fox terrier behavior

Question
We have a smooth fox terrier, she is 4 years old. She has periods of being obsessed with a small stuffed toy, shakes and seems nervous (more than usual) and gets really clingy with us. She will wimper and carry the stuffed toy around and MUST sit right on top of us. What is going on with her? Is this a mothering instinct? She has never been bred. This has happened several times a year for the past 3 years...almost always happens in the winter but I don't think the shaking is from being cold. HELP! We want to help her but can't figure out what she needs! We have other animals and she is very loved and pampered, so she is not lonely!

Answer
Renee

I have seen lots of adult female dogs have some kind of burst of mothering instinct, but then seem confused by it.

My cairn used to carry her "baby" around and stash it in safe places (like in couch cushions)and my gordon setter does it periodically as well.  Both of them seemed quite anxious at the time - as if someone is out to take away their babies.  I was not surprised by the cairn doing it since she had lived in a puppymill for years before rescue, but my setter is a retired show dog who has never had puppies.

The shaking is probably nerves/anxiety, and I am certain she is well cared for.  Some dogs have more weird/neurotic behaviors in the winter because they get less time outside, stimulation and exercise.  I know my jack russell is much much more likely to get destructive in the winter unless we're attending classes of some kind to keep his mind busy.

I guess I'm trying to say that while it is something that bothers her a lot at the time, I doubt it's something to worry too much about.  If it increases, I would first see a vet and if that doesn't show anything, a behaviorist.

Good luck

-Beth