ODD BEHAVIOR (DOG)

Question
Hi, i have a 13 yr. old Springer Spaniel.Lately,he has begun following me room to room, up, down stairs as well.He has been trained since a pup to stay in our yard ( no fence), no problem.Now, i come home to find him going down the street or accross the street to neighbors house.For him, this is very odd. He's never been tied or fenced in.Any advice? thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Rob,

Older dogs can develop odd out of character behaviors, just like old people can. In dog's it's called "canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome", it is age related deterioration of cognitive abilities characterized by behavioral changes.

You should have your dog examined by your veterinarian, in the early stages of CDS there is medication which can help.

Because you can't "trust" your dog to stay in your own yard, you should not let him outside by himself any longer.

Best of luck,

Patti