my old jack has taken to climbing on everything, he seems to be trying to get to the highest point. it wouldnt be so much of a problem if he was not blind [he as been for 7 years and it does not bother him  in the least] it happens mostly when someone coughs or hiccups etc ihave tried reasurence , distraction etc, he also does this when we have visitors even people he has known all his life. he also likes to get in to tight places, corners behind things even on low window ledges. i thought he was going senile but he appears to know full well what he is doing and can get out of tight spots by himself very well any ideas anyone the vet does not think it is senility as hes is not confused and a few exercises she gave me to do he passed with flying colours

Hi Pru,

it sounds as though this is a nervous reaction :(  Has something happened recently which could have knocked his confidence a bit?  Perhaps he's associating particular noises, say particularly low velocity sounds such as coughing, with an unpleasant experience?  It might be worth thinking back on recent times to anything, however small, that may have unnerved him and what that trigger might have been.   You don't say how old he is - it may also be that his hearing is not quite as good as it once was and between that and his blindness the world is generally becoming a scary place for him, hence the seeking out tight places etc :(

Hopefully you can provide more info and someone else will be along soon with advice.  If it seems to be a nervous reaction, there are several homeopathic remedies which may help him relax a little.

Good luck, Teri :)

thanks teri, i forgot to  mention that he is almost 14, a diabetic for 7 years, a bit hard of hearing, and arthritic[ controled quite well with cartrophen] he has also just got or should i say getting over a nasty tummy bug that has taken almost a month to put right. saying all that he is a happy little chap who enjoys his walks however short, and although very fussy he enjoys his food, and also likes trips in the car and cuddles. i am not convinced that his behaviour is not age related saying that though he has always showed distress when someone hiccups.