Does he know where his hind paws are?
Does he occasionally misplace them?
Does he react more strongly to light touch than firm support?
Does one leg behave differently from the other?
Those details could become significant if neurologic involvement is suspected.
His Australian Shepherd Heritage Doesn't Explain the Behavior
It may be tempting to attribute intense reactions to breed temperament or intelligence.
But a breed label should not replace medical and behavioral assessment.
Dexter's response is highly specific.
Loose fabric contacts his hind legs.
He reacts.
That pattern deserves to be evaluated on its own terms.
Then Staff Notice That Dexter Still Wants Softness
When given a stable padded surface that does not bunch around his legs, Dexter uses it.
He lies down.
Stretches his front legs.
Eventually his eyes close.
That observation matters.
Dexter does not appear to be rejecting comfort.
He may be rejecting a particular sensation associated with loose material around his hindquarters.
One Night, His Blanket Starts Sliding Toward Him
Dexter is asleep.
One rear paw moves.
The blanket shifts.
Its edge touches his leg.
Dexter wakes immediately.
His head turns.
His mouth opens toward the fabric.
Then he stops.
He stands.
Steps over it.
Uses his nose to push part of the blanket away.
And lies down again.
The blanket stays inside the kennel.
That Is Progress Without Forcing Contact
Dexter still noticed the sensation.
He still wanted it removed.
But the reaction was smaller.
More controlled.
He did not have to send the entire blanket into the hallway to feel comfortable again.
Difficult Episodes Still Happen
A few nights later, Dexter wakes when fabric becomes tangled loosely around one hind paw.
This time his response is intense.
He jumps.
Grabs.
Pulls.
The blanket slides across the kennel.
Dexter drags it to the gate and forces it outside.
Then he retreats to the corner.
His chest rises and falls rapidly.
The old pattern is back.
But Now Staff Know What Comes Next
They wait.
Dexter's breathing slows.
He looks toward the gate.
He walks forward.