I have an 18 month black Lab dog. Recentley he has started to act quite uncharacteristicly. Whilst he is great on walks, loves playing and is fantastic round people, he has taken to hiding under the trees at the end of the garden shaking for no reason at all and refusing to come in. If he's in he will hide under the beds and refuse to talk to anyone.  He does this every evening. The Vet has told us it's nothing to worry about and he's just attention seeking, but it's heart breaking, I just want my dog back!
He's never been a typical Lab, not interested in his food, he will eat it but he takes his time, so encouraging him with tea isn't working.  If anyone has any ideas it would be really appreciated. 

The fact that the behaviour is only recent and your vet has already ruled out medical causes, could it be that you've had fireworks in the area recently?   The behaviour of hiding when in familiar places is typical behaviour of a dog associating a previous trauma within those environments.  Failing fireworks (although we've had them going off quite regularly for over a month already :rolleyes: ) thunderstorm, loud building works etc in the vicinity?

You could try using a DAP diffuser - available on-line or from your vet.  This is a plug in piece of equipment which emits a pheromone which has proven very successful to many - but not all - similarly distressed dogs.   It should be used in a confined area where your dog spends most of it's time and also where it sleeps.

If you use the search facility on the forum, you will see it has been discussed many times.

There are also several herbal and homeopathic remedies which may help - try googling Dorwest Herbs or Canine Natural Cures for best advice. 

As for when he is outside, perhaps over the next several weeks you should make a concerted effort to accompany him in the garden for toilet breaks - with a flexi lead on if necessary - to prevent his bolting into shrubbery becoming habit forming.

HTH, regards, Teri :) 

Thanks for this - I think i will revertr back to going up the garden with him, as we have quite a lot of land it could be that something has upset him in the garden, maybe he just needs some reassurance!

It sounds like maybe something traumatic has happened to him, maybe when he was out of your sight?  Is that possible?

I can't think of anything but it might be the case. I really like the idea of going with him in to the garden and reinforcing the safe fun environment.

Thanks for all your suggestions!

You say he does this every evening, but what is he like during the day?  Has anything changed at home recently?

He's fine during the day. Walks out no problem sleeps in his basket and is really friendly. My father has recently been diagnosed with cancer and has had a lot of Chemo and it seems to be him that worries the dog. I'm beginning to think he senses a change do you think this is possible?

It is very likley that your dog has noticed the difference in your father. Infact they are currently working with dogs that are trained to detect cancers as as they appear to be better than most human or machine based detection, especially for skin and bladder cancers.

If he feels up to it perhaps you could fix it so that your father does some of the 'special' things in your dogs life, in turn Im sure he will come to provide some of the extra cuddles that your father will need at theis time.