Nervous Behavior?

[Camilla and Darwin]

So, as many of you know from my posts, Darwin is a care free, bumbling, confident pup. He literally barrels enthusiastically into new experiences. Well, recently he's been acting a bit nervously.

When I take his picture, we have a system that works for both of us. I'll plop him down in a sit or stay and he'll hold it for a few minutes, then he gets a treat. Then we repeat it. He used to be so good that I could hide his leash behind him (not holding it at all) and he wouldn't budge. He has had to do some brushing up on obedience since leaving the in-laws but he seems to be doing really great. He is flawless indoors, and really good on walks as well. 

Now I will take him outside and if we do something that isn't a walk (taking pictures, sitting on the grass, etc) he will get nervous and won't listen to anything. He will look around a lot, sniff everything, and won't hold a sit, AT ALL. I mean, he won't even go into a sit, and if he does he will hold it for maybe 1 second then pop right back up. When we walk he doesn't seem to have issues, just plods along. But if we stop anywhere just to hang out for a minute, he starts to do it. He also curls his tail under himself at times, which worries me. This isn't just at the new apartment (he's done it at both in-laws too), but I've mainly noticed it here. 

I know him well enough to know when he's acting strange, and the only time he used to do something like this is if he was nervous about something, or REALLY excited. I mean REALLY. Because it used to be that he would hold a sit in a dog park. I am confused as to why it's happening when it's quiet outside, with no people. And in multiple locations. Could he be stressed about the move and now is more nervous? What would cause a dog that is so good at holding a sit stay suddenly not be able to, WHATSOEVER. Why is he good at obedience on walks, or even out at places like a mall, but is so distracted if we are sitting down somewhere? 

Another thing, the other day he pushed past me at the door and chased after the UPS man, BARKING. He never barks. Maybe when he's really startled he will give out one bark then stop, but it's rare. This was continuous aggressive barking. He's never gone after people coming to the door before, he doesn't even jump up. 

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? 

[Sharon & Monty]

My first thought is that Darwin is still trying to find his confidence level in his new surroundings,.  he is an easy going fellow, but still.....thinking as a human, we all need time to feel connected to our space, our new people, our new location,  I think it will all come back.. Let him have additional time to ease into it all. It will be fine, in time.  hugs for Darwin

[F, Calla & Luca]

I really don't know but I think the new apartment, missing the big family unit he was with and things like that may be part of the problem. Keep training and give him time. It's a;; new to him. Maybe he's afraid you and DH will leave too.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with Sharon and F, he probably just needs time to adjust to being with "just" you and Jacob in the new place. Didn't you say that he had really become attached to your sister-in-law, too?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Everything is new to him.....new smells, noises, people.  I'm guessing he probably is a little nervous and excited.  Murph is like this (only way worse) when he goes anywhere different to stay.  He can visit, but if it involves sleeping there it's an issue.  We run into this when we go on our beach vacations.  I would not "cut him much slack".  Your expectations of his behavior should be consistent IMO.  That is what he knows, and that will give him comfort that he may be in a new place but you are acting exactly the same way towards him as always. 

[Heather & Brinkley]

Brinkley did this when we moved. While things got better over time, I'd say it was two months before he was totally comfortable and used to my husband being away and a new house.

[Sue Z. + Finley]

I think it is definately a confidence issue related to your move. We had the same issues with Finley after we moved (from Atlanta to Charlotte and into an apartment four four months until our house was ready). Finley really gained confidence as soon as I resumed dog training classes. We have been going to classes once a week for the last four months. I work daily on commands and I can see a definate improvement. It will take Darwin a little time to adjust but with time and patience he will return to his happy go lucky self. PS I had to place runners on the wood floors bc Finley was afraid of them in our new house even though we had wood floors in our other house. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm sorry for you and sweet Darwin. This must be so disconcerting. Hoping to hear that he has settled in soon. hugs to both of you.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

IMO it's the new move. Since this is the second move and this one is not family where he was getting lots and lots of attention he is just testing the grounds.

Give him a while, and I think it will be a long while. Our other dog took 2 months before he settled. He panted and paced and was not himself at all. I was so worried but little by little I did see improvements.

I think Darwin will be just fine.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Camilla, I have no idea. I know first hand what a heartache this can be. It may be the move, but certainly consult a vet when you have behavior changes this in characteristic. Trust your instincts when you know ' something's not quite right'
Here'a a big hug, Darwin.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with this. If the behavior continues or gets worse, you may want to have the vet do a thyroid panel, just to be sure.

But it's not at all unusual for dogs to have behavioral changes following big upheavals in their surroundings, their routine, or their "pack".

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Cooper is very easy going too, and never had a problem with moving (we moved every year) til our last move. It was into an apartment. I think it is very different to them than being in a house, with lots more noises and smells too. It took Cooper about a month to really settle and not bark at EVERY noise... she still barks more here than she ever has, but its more under control now. I think Darwin just needs some time to get used to things

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I too think it may have to do with the move, could something of someone/something have scared or startled him?