Annette: I'm sorry about your pup. It's always hard to see them go. I, too, think that this was probably his way of "sparing you." Also, he may have needed to do this by himself so he could be alone with the dog for the last time. I know that when I buried various dogs, I always wanted to be alone so that I could bawl my eyes out.
Beyond that, however, I agree with GEL that you probably have a communication problem. Only one cure for that. Communicate.
I, too, think that this was probably his way of "sparing you." Also, he may have needed to do this by himself so he could be alone with the dog for the last time. I know that when I buried various dogs, I always wanted to be alone so that I could bawl my eyes out.