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!!

[Vivian & Mojo]

I think its always good to have the vet check out our doodles if we suspect something going on and your going anyway so perfect. I wish you DH and Tara all the best.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks Vivian. We did a little better this morning. I opened the BR door and let her in and she greeted me but acted a little uncertain. She then headed down the hall with her tail drooping, looking for DH. Then she came back to me but again she was a little uncertain. I'm hoping if we continue doing this in the mornings it will become "normal" for her and she can feel comfortable approaching me without DH's "ok".