Dog's strange behaviour. Any ideas?

Question

My 12 year old golden retriever is acting strange lately, he keeps clawing at the cupboard under the stairs trying to open the door, he is constantly doing it all of a sudden.

I have had ALL the cupboard out in case there was any food in there or obvious things that would annoy him, but cant find anything! Ive even check for mice or evidence of mice but nothing, plus its all closed in and cant see them getting in there anyway. There isn't anything new in there, all that's in there is an ironing board, a gas meter, hoover and a tool box.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Answer 1

He's obviously trying to tell you something.

Open the cupboard door and keep a watch for what he is trying to get at.

You may have a gas leak, or they may be some wood-rot, or anything.

Empty the contents out and put the contents at different places around the main room.

See if your dog is interested in the ironing board or the toolbox, or something in the now-empty cupboard. Let your dog in there, and see what he's trying to get at.

Answer 2

I also have a golden retriever and he is never wrong. I often am not sure what he is trying to tell me but there is always a reason for his behaviour. I know this probably doesn't help you much but perhaps get your gas meter serviced or take everything out of your cupboard and leave it out for a while. See what your dog does then. This may give you a clue whether it's something in the cupboard or near the cupboard that has got his attention.

Also if in your tool box there is an electric or chargable item in there, it may be letting off a very high frequency that only your dog can hear. Let him have a sniff round and he will show you.

Hope this helps.

xx

Answer 3

I would open the cupboard up and let him go inside, watch and see what he wants from in there. If he wants nothing, then he's probably just developed an obsessive behavior. To wean him off of this behavior. Play with him and make him do tricks while you are right beside the door, this will allow him to focus his attention else where. If you do it enough, hopefully he will stop.

Answer 4

You may have a rat or mice nest under the floor or in a wall space you can't see, but the dog will hear them scratching or squeaking and it drives them mad to get at them. We've had the same problem. Try to be very still and quiet with the door open to see if you hear anything after 15 mins.

Answer 5

Gas meter? You may want to have that checked. He could smell something you can't. Our Carbon Monoxide levels were off the charts in my house, and my dogs were the ones who alerted me that something was wrong.

Answer 6

Many animals have ESP, especially canines. Golden Retrievers are especially tuned in to the other world. I expect your dog can sense something from beyond the veil in your cupboard under the stairs. Invite a medium around to make contact, and ask this wandering spirit why it is not at peace. The medium should be able to help ease its transition to the other side, saving you a fortune in having to revarnish the cupboard door every time your dog scratches at it.

Answer 7

Dementia?

Answer 8

I wouldn't assume it's nothing. Dogs can really be amazing and he could be sensing something is not right. I would look further into it. Trust him!

Answer 9

is say keith is right, next time he does it be with him and let him show you what he is getting at.