My Cavalier King Charles puppy, (4 months old) keeps shuffling across carpet and outside on grass, wiping his bottom. He was given worm tablets by vet about three weeks ago, I took him back to have his anal glands checked, The vet said it was just a habit and to ignore it.

I would be gatefull for any suggestions how I can discourage this practise.

Thanks Bill

Hi Bill,

If youyvet checked and his anal glands are fine it could also be an allergy.  An itchy rear end - dragging, excessive licking at the base of the tail and so on are common signs of an allergy.  Especially if he also tends to lick his paws I'd guess he's having a mild allergic reaction to something.  Food allergies are common, as are allergies to pollen, plants, household chemicals, etc.

Best way to stop it if it's only a habit is by a combination of distraction and reward for stopping the shuffling.  As soon as you see him shuffling immediately call him and give him a favourite toy or a small treat and a lot of praise.  You should get to the point where you can catch him before he even starts and distract him before his rear end makes contact with the floor.  :-)

Hi

My boy has constantly been scooting and I must say I have to stop myself from laughing at him because he sits down with his bum touching the floor so I know what he is going to do but quickly checks to see if I am looking if he thinks I am not looking he has a little scoot but if he sees I am looking he gets straight up without scooting.  He had his anus glands done last week and another worming tablet and he has gone to scoot already.  I am sure he is doing it for his pleasure..lol. 

Take care
Janet
xx

Have noticed that Thor doesn't have any more "bottom boogies" since we took up all the carpets and replaced with flagged floors

Either too cold for his bottie, or can't get the friction

Margot