This could be quite long so bear with me. I have not taken the behaviourist route yet, but have tried to work out a few things on my own.

As you know over the last few weeks Ellie has backtracked, sidetracked, every way which, but forward. She is fine on her own, no separation anxiety. She is fine when being handled by amother person. She is superb with other dogs and people.  Except when I am around. She clings, she shys away from dogs and people.  She has not been to her classes for a couple of weeks now, as I needed to watch her behaviour without stressing her further.

My thoughts are now along the lines of...... She was hand reared along with litter mates, but litter mates went to new homes.  Ellie changed around the time of Ollie's homing. Could it be that she now sees me as her 'mother' rather than Emma, and now as a singleton she feels it her right that I should be her protector, but she does not see me as human. While she and Ollie were together she was very clingy to Emma.  I am just trying to fit all the peices of the jigsaw, and this is what I have come up with.  Your thoughts would be appreciated Lindsay, or anyone who has been reading about Ellie

Kay

Hi Kay

I wish i could think of something more, but to be honest i don't think i would really be helping matters because I can't see what's happening. I think you need someone who is there to see what is happening - you may well be on the right lines in your post but it could be so many things...for instance, if she changed around the time of Oscar's rehoming, it could have something to do with it, or could be co-incidence. I do see where you are coming from, totally :) If it does continue you could get her tested out by the vet, as there are a few medical things that could cause anxious behaviour (eg hypothyroid). I think it's always good to just rule out medical problems in case, then you can be fairly sure that it is indeed behavioural.

When you find out more, please do let us know though, won't you :)

So sorry not to be more help,

Lindsay
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