Advice on 'loner' dog problem please?

I would be grateful if anyone can tell me if my dog's behaviour is
normal or not. I have previously owned three other dogs and not
experienced this problem (if it is one) before.

We adopted Tod a Jack Russell cross nearly 2 years ago when he was 3
years old from British Hearing Dogs. He was a fully trained hearing
dog for the deaf. According to Hearing Dogs
(http://www.hearing-dogs.co.uk/history.php ) it is not unusual for some
dogs to decide to stop working, when this happens they are returned to
Hearing Dogs for re-homing. Tod is one such dog.

Tod is a perfect pet, hearing dog training is kind but tough and only a
chosen few with the right personality and ability are selected for
training. We inherited a very obedient, friendly, clever, playful and
sociable dog. His only problem is that he will not stay in the same
room as my husband and I.

Whenever my husband or I enters a room Tod will leave immediately and
find somewhere away from us to go. He has his own chair in the sitting
room and will sleep after a long walk yet if we enter the room he will
leave and go upstairs to the bedroom and stay until we leave the room.
When we go upstairs to bed he will leave and go downstairs. It's the
same in every room. I often work from home, Tod will be asleep or
resting in my study but leaves as soon as I sit down to work.

I am concerned that he never wants to 'sit' with us, it's as if he
feels he is 'not worthy' of our company. Although he has 2 or 3 walks
a day and plays with other dogs most days but spends the rest of the
time completely alone in a separate room. If we close doors to prevent
him from leaving he becomes distressed, barking and scratching to leave
the room.

I would be grateful for any advice on this rather unusal trait.
Sue

Les Hilliard...

Keep in mind that I'm not a trainer nor a dog expert although there are
many here that are. I'm just a dog lover but I couldn't help thinking as I
read this that a little more information would be helpful. Has this
behavior occurred the entire time you've had the dog? Do you do anything to
encourage him to stay in the room with you such as petting, praising,
playing (the 3 p's)? If he was a working dog perhaps you aren't providing
him with tasks that he's accustomed to? Have you had him to a vet to check
for any illness? He may just prefer to be alone. Although most dogs seem
to prefer their human's company and interaction, it's not unheard of. These
are just a few thought's that occurred to me. However if you provide more
specifics I'm sure some of our more experienced trainers and experts may be
able to provide some insights for you. Best of luck - - Les Hilliard