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Dogs craziness

19 13:57:36

Question
Hi Dawn,  He has only been in the boat once.  Due to bad hips it is not easy for him to get in and out.  That one time was years ago and he was not overly excited about it, but not miserable either.

This is happening around the shore area.  As soon as he sees us take a ski from the landing area and bring it down to the lake he starts barking and getting worked up.

Andy
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Followup To

Question -
My Dog, Boston, is a 7 year old half Golden half Rottweiler.  His demeanor is great.  Kids crawl all over him and can even take things from him without him doing anything but licking them.

When we are at the lake he loves the water and everything about it, but once he see's us preparing to go water skiing, he goes crazy.  Barking, trying to pull the ski, or the rope away and standing between the boat and the skier.  I believe he is trying to protect us, but am not sure.  Any thoughts on keeping him calm and helping him understand that we will be OK?  

Thanks for your help.

Answer -
Hi Andy, Have you taken him on the boat before?  Has anything happened to him while he has been on the boat?  Is this happening when he is in the water, on shore or where?

Dawn

Answer
Hi Andy,  I think he is stressing over you leaving him.  As a dog ages, they stress easier over simple things like being left.  They tend to get anxiety and will act up which I think is what you are seeing.  Without actually seeing the situation in person, it is a lot harder to figure out, but by your description that is what it sounds like.  I would give him something like a pig's ear, rawhide or something else he likes right before you head out and see if that distracts him enough to relax and not stress out about the situation.  Hope this helps,

Dawn