Long suffering look

Freddie is just two now and he's not destructive indoors and apart from some hole digging is quite well behaved now. He goes running with my daughter three days a week and to daycare another day so really gets tired out those days. I walk him the other days. I don't know if this is anything to do with his age, sex or breed but he doesn't seem keen to please. He really has a mind of him own and when I want to call him in out of the garden or to come upstairs to sleep he isn't very keen to do what is asked of him. He will come if I go and get him and sometimes for treats but he has this long suffering expression of do I really have to. He is so different in nature to my other dogs.

Hiya theres a possibility he might be coming into the teenage phase has he always behaved like this or has his behaviour changed?

It's hard to say if he has always been like this as so much had happened. He is very laid back at home now. He loves to sunbake but I won't let him for long with the extreme UV. He still gets excited about walks, daycare and family when they first visit. But he is pretty laid back indoors now especially as it is just me here and the other dogs who are older, 6, 8 and 12.. My husband died beginning of September and my adult youngest child moved interstate in December for work. At night I leave the others downstairs and take him up with me because of a history of destructive behaviour if left downstairs. He is never keen to come. I probably could trust him there now but it feels safer having him in my room.

Do you call him just for things like this or for random no particular reason but have a treat while you're here thing too? If not, that's what I'd do to see if it helps. I'd also try leaving him downstairs if that what he'd like, and see how he goes. Maybe make sure there is nothing particularly precious, valuable or dangerous in reach just in case, but otherwise give him a chance to show where he wants to be.

It does sound like you've come a long way and that he's much more settled. These things can take time, especially with everything you've had to deal with.

That look is not uncommon in this house, my Flo often gives us the look of Really guys

Sounds like you've been through such a lot recently, totally understand why you would want to keep him close just in case but as suggested maybe worth trying him in the room by himself and see what happens