Anxious Maltese - Any Advice?

[macca27975]

I have a 13 month old Maltese (missy) and she has just come into season, but on Thursday we took her to a dog groomer as she really needed a make over, then that afternoon we had friends come to visit and they brought their big dog (not sure of the bread) and now my poor little maltese is so very anxious. :eek:

We took her to the vet on Friday and they said that some dogs at a young age when they first come into season they get a little nervous and go off their food, but they couldn't find anything physically wrong with her, and my Missy is coming to the end of her season.

Missy is hiding away all the time, I have to bring the food and water to her so she will eat, when she is out side she hides away in her kennel and she sits and shakes all the time. She always wants to be near me and wont go to my husband.

She is acting very strange and I don't know what to do about it, I would really love my old Missy back, the dog that plays and has fun.

Could anyone please share some advice, :idea: we are a little worried that our fur baby is going mad :gloomy:

[shed]

How long has she been displaying this behaviour? Is it just for the past couple of days while she is on heat?

If so, then my advice would be to sit tight and wait and see what she does when the season passes.

Don't reinforce her behaviour by rewarding it. With dogs its best to ignore what you don't want and reward what you do want, so don't baby her too much and dont make a fuss when she is displaying the anxious behaviour i.e. no patting, soothing etc - (sounds mean but its the best thing). we don't want this to be the start of anxious behaviour being rewarded and reinforced and continuing after the trigger has passed.

Remind me again in a week or so if she is still being a bit funny.

DON'T reward this behaviour. Just have to add this bit again as it is vital in getting your old Missy back.

[macca27975]

I am so happy to say my little Maltese is almost back to her normal self. I think I was getting anxious with her. Poor puppy

Thnak you Shed your advice really helped and it was really hard not to baby her, but I was strong and she is doing so much better, thank you.

It is funny how we treat our puppy, she is like our baby and I think she know it too. I am so glad we got her and I don't know what I would do if anything serious ever happened to her.

Thanks again for everything. :hugs:

[shed]

oh good, and you're very welcome!