Behavior Problem, Training Problem or Just a Bad Hair Day?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Tara and I have a morning ritual that we go through every day and have for more than a year now.  She and DH get up at least an hour before me. Later I come out, usually in my PJ's and Tara and I pile on the couch for a morning snuggle after she enthusiastically greets me.

One morning last week when she saw me coming down the hall from the bedroom she ran with her tail tucked. When I tried to approach her she ran to DH and hid between his legs like I was a stranger. I   then sat on the couch and encouraged her to join me. Eventually she got on the couch but stayed at the other end and wouldn't approach me. The remainder of the day she was fine and the next morning everything was back to normal.

Well, it happened again today. When I came out the the bedroom she ran to DH. When I got down to her level and tried to approach her she started lunging and barking at me. Then would run back to DH. It doesn't seem like an aggressive bark but I'm not sure. It was almost like she was yelling at me about something. This time I just left her and ignored her and didn't try to get her to come to me or snuggle. Within a few minutes she seemed fine with me.

I can't think of anything that has changed in my appearance or behavior that could upset her. Possibilities:

1.I'm waking up with really bad hair

2.DH is spending that hour in the morning training Tara to attack me.

3. She's ticked because she wanted to sleep in with me

 Possible clue:  Within the last couple of weeks we started allowing Tara to sleep with us on the bed which she has not done in our 4 years together.  Could this be a contributing factor in some way?

Have any of you experienced anything like this? What do you think is the best way for me to handle the situation if it happens again? I want my snuggle puppy back! Thank you!!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Awe, Ricki, you better get a lawyer, it looks like you are in trouble!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'll have to see if JD Esq. will take my case. He may be just a doodle criminal attorney and not be interested in a home wrecker case.  She has my DH under her evil spell!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD Esq. knows better than involve himself in Family Law; he does have to draw the line somewhere! He may know a rat member of the rodent family who might take the case, though. He believes you could have a case against Tara for alienation of affection.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Well, I did say "until death do we part" so maybe I will be able to use JD's services after all! LOL

[DJ & Chance]

LOL

[BG and Gavin]

Look at that pink sweater!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

The sweater was a Christmas present and I was trying to take a picture of her in it but it just turned into a love fest for those two! LOL!

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

We have not experienced quite the same type of conduct by Hurley.  But what we are experiencing is if DH comes in with a cap on or a jacket Hurley either barks or won't go up to him.   

Hurley has never done that to me but there have been other situations with others that Hurley sees often or knows well that he will suddenly act afraid of them or be very cautious around them or bark in a challenging protective way.

 I was wondering if it is something they go through around a year or even wondering if Hurley was out to late with his buddies the night before and just cannot see straight.  

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Diane, yes I believe there is a fear stage that dogs experience around a year old. Here is a link to a site that discusses it and some ways  to handle it.

htthttp://www.diamondsintheruff.com/developmentalstages.htmlp://

When Tara was younger and afraid of something different or new such as a cap I would set it on the ground and encourage but not force her to approach it. I would touch it myself and act very casual about it and almost have a good time with it. This seem to signal to her that the item was safe and helped her past the fear.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Do you have new pajamas? Could she be afraid of a colour? I know that sounds weird but sometimes I think Sophie might be scared of things that are bright orange. Are you wearing bright orange pajamas?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sherri, no I look terrible in orange! LOL!  No new pj's, nope. Well, I may have had my big bulky robe on which I just started putting on since the weather cooled off. It's kind of a burgundy color though but it might make me look different to her. I'll try it tomorrow with no robe and see what happens. 

[Donna K & Quincy]

You'd better not let Sophie see Laurie's swimsuit, it could put her over the edge. :>))