HELP!! Totally strang behavior...!?

[YellerPup]

My 2 y/o yellow lab named Abby has been acting totally strange. On new years eve Abby and Buddy got in a growling - hackles raised fight, but not attacking. I wasn't there but my mom was. Then later it happened again but Abby backed down. Before this Taylor was the leader then Abby then Buddy but it seems Abby is now at the bottom of the totem-pole. That night when my mom went in her bedroom she couldn't find Abby. Usually all three dogs sleep on my dads side of the bed ( but 80% of the time abby sleeps in my room) and there is 3 dog beds over there. Well my mom went into her walk in closet and Abby was in there. Buddy was where he always sleeps. That night Abby slept on my moms side of the bed. Yesterday she wouldn't go in the same room as buddy but the would stand next to each other out side. Last night we were all in the family room including Buddy but not Abby. I went into the kitchen and she was laying below the glass sliding door that leads outside. So I opened the door to see if she needed to go out and relieve herself. She didn't. I went out to the barn and when I got home she was laying back under the glass door. My grandma ended up sleeping over becuase we had terrible fog and my mum was worried she wouldn't be able to see... She slept in my bed since our guest room is being re- painted. This left me sleeping on the floor in the family room. I brought Abby's bed down so she could sleep in her bed and I put it right next to my sleeping bag. While I was brushing my teeth and stuff my mom was petting her and such when I came back and went over to her and said " Abby whats wrong" and she acted like she didn't hear me. So my mum thinks she might be going deaf but she responded to her name this morning and stuff. last night she wouldn't sleep in her bed, she went over and slept next to a window.

What could be causing this and why does she like sleeping by windows??

[Dax]

First thing is to have her checked by a vet. I hate to sound like a broken record (ok maybe i just hating typing the same thing) but any sudden unexplained change in behaviour warrants a trip to the vets. It could be pain or illness that is affecting her.

Rule out all physical causes then look at the behavioral aspects.

[weimlover0816]

I agree with Dax, at least call the vet.
Something in the behavioral area, though..... I can't remember the ages of your other dogs or how long you have had them, but they could be reestablishing the "pack order" or making the order "final". Sounds like Abby was ousted a little bit.... she could be "sulking" or whatnot. The fact that they act differently towards eachother inside versus outside is something curious that suggests the "pack" thing to me. But, first things first, call the vet.

[erdog3]

Spayed, unspayed, neutured, unneutered, all makes a big difference too.
Age of maturity kicking in. Sleeping by the window maybe a sign of wanting to go outside but just too frightened. Have you tried going out with her, see if she will then.

After a vet check I would look at food times, etc. It could have started over something as simple as food, dogs are all territorial, and every pack has to have a leader. If one was top dog and the other is maturing, the top dog will be loath to give up its spot.

[YellerPup]

All our dogs anre spayed/ nuetered. She goes outside and has relieved herself sense.
She had her yearly check up right befoer x-mas and was fine. She seemed a bit better this afternoon but acted more needy towards being with me ( does that make sense).
Abby is 2 y/o - female
Buddy (the one she had the fights with) is 3 - he is a male
Taylor is 4 - leader and female
We got taylor and abby as pups but adopted buddy in 2002- april. He was abused by college kids.

[YellerPup]

Anybody??????

[Leslie]

Well, this anybody thinks you should follow the above advise and at least talk with your vet about Abby's behaviour. Even if she checked out ok during her yearly check up. The vet can't look for something that doesn't show itself. It may be showing itself now in terms of behaviour.

Their ages of 2,3,and 4 could be playing a part but I'd check with the vet before assuming that. Good luck!

[erdog3]

Well short of it being physical, a lot of males and females have s*****. Mine do occasionally, it could have made Abby just a little wary for a few days. That would explain why she wanted to be near you, just getting a little security, as you are the Alpha, she trusts you.
It could have started over anything, but mostly it is caused by jealousy.
Abby or Buddy could have been the instigator. I would watch them closely, especially at tea time or play time and see if you notice any unusual grizzling or grumbling from one of them.
Sorry I didn't get straight back to you. Let us know what you think after this.

[YellerPup]

Thanx - she seems fine now. Her and Buddy used to be good pals but she just kind of stays away from him now.

[Leslie]

Glad to hear things have worked themselves out.