Hello all.
I have a wonderful lab mix, Smiley who is now14 years old. He has been doing something strange for the last 8 months or so. He is in a fenced area along with another dog, Mickey who has been with him for 13 years and is a year older. They are great friends. Of course, they each have a dog house. My lab, Smiley has been exiting his dog house, then sitting at Mickey's dog house then begins to bark relentlessly. It isn't constant, but instead a short "ruff ruff" until Mickey gives up his dog house so that Smiley can then get in there. He will do this at about 30 minute intervals. He does this moslty at night and my theory is that he is seeking Mickey's warmth... it drives me crazy, but most of all, I want it to stop b/c my poor Mickey is the one suffering. Smiley also does this in warmer weather, so I am not sure about that...Smiley also has begun barking at nothing--staring at nothing. Could he be going deaf?? Please help me.

My advice would be to take you dog to the vet. Behavioral changes, especially in older dogs are often the sign of a medical problem. Please take him to the vet... also are your dogs living outside in the winter? How cold does it get? Older dogs should not be kept outside as they are even more vulnerable to the weather!

well im sorry to say that i cant give any opinions on this, so the best thing that you can do is to go to the vet