rosemary

Hi Rosemary -- not sure if you mean to be posting these questions in your blog or on the actual board? You will certainly have more people see the questions and get more replies I think if you post them to the board. But of course you can use your blog space for questions too if you prefer.

Just on your question -- dogs do these shake-puts as a way of relieving anxiety or relaxing. They will often shake out on a walk after meeting a dog or if they feel a bit nervous or anxious. I'd be wondering if you are noticing he does this at any particulr point or when something is going on around you that he is responding too. How is he being walked -- preferably on a harness and not pulled around by his neck, which might cause discomfort and cause these shake-outs? If there doesn;t seem to be any cause, has your vet carefully checked his body for any signs of pain or discomfort?

Without being there it is very hard to tell you what is going on and why. It could be nothing -- my dogs often will shake out after anything from being startled to seeing anther dog, to relieving themselves... -- there could be anything from a real problem to nothing to worry about.

Maybe one clue is that you say you find this 'frustrating' -- why? If there is nothing actually wrong, shaking out is not only normal but a good thing for dogs -- similar to how we might shake ourselves to relax or after finishing something challenging. It is very natural and normal dog behaviour but should not be happening a lot if there are uncomfortable things happening for him. Is he being scolded or told not to shake out? Is he possibly getting anxious because he is uncertain about how he is supposed to act on a walk? Are walks always relaxing for him and you or are they stressful, is he expected to be doing things, or could he be picking up on anything bothering you?

Thanks for your reply.... I walk Prince on a Harness (which i bought from Cavalier Site) and our walks are very relaxing..I have just started meeting someone with a dog and its a lovely sight to let him off the lead and play with this other dog....... I say 'frustrating because he stops in the middle of cross a road' and does his shake... Thats why I say frustrating.... I am aware that we could both get run over.... He stops dead in front of me ..... Anyway I hope it is not serious... As I mentioned I did ask vet and she said it could be anxiety ....I worry about little things after all of ruby's illness...... I thought I was posting my questions in the right place.... Ha Ha.... How do I post on the board.....Thanks x

Hi Rosemary,my cavaliers don't do that,but Prince could have flees from the air or it could be just itchy hair!