Help...My Puppy Has Changed

[Ali & Dexter]

My dog used to always lay next to us on the couch and be  very loving. He used to fall asleep when I did   on the couch and lay on top of me when he was a puppy. Now he is 7 months old and he doesn't want to be near us. He growls at us when we try to pick him up and put him on the couch, and he will run away any time we try to go near him. It is like all of a sudden he hates us.. All he wants to do is lay all alone on the other side of the room.

He also does not listen to us anymore. We did puppy training with him and he is SO smart, he learned everything. Now out of no where when we tell him to come, he doesn't come. When we tell him to leave it, he doesn't leave it... He unlearned all his training. 

Is this normal? Any advice??

[Carol and Banjo]

As a puppy Banjo was very independent.   He's never been a "lap dog" and has always preferred to be near us but not right next to or on us.   He is now 2 1/2 years and has become a little more "snuggley" but he'll never be a lap dog.   I think at 7 months most dogs go through a rebellious period and will test the waters.

It's important to remember that training is an on-going process that never really ends.   If Dexter is "acting out" it's time to go back to the basics and remind him who's boss.   I love the "Nothing In Life Is Free" philosophy.   Doggie has to "earn" all good things that comes his way.

I don't think Dexter "hates" you.   Maybe he just doesn't like being too close.  That's not a bad thing.....it's just his "thing".

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Where's that "Like" button? This is exactly right.

[Ali & Dexter]

He is defiantly testing us. Thanks for the advice :-)

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I need the "Like" button as well. Sometimes we forget that these little furry creatures are not stuffed toys, but living breathing animals. Especially with the mini and medium dogs, people try to pick them up way too much without giving any considerations to how the dog feels about it. Dex is definitely getting into the teenage years and needs more training, but you should also try and give him more space and not force your snuggles on him. Let him come to you for hugs. My Monty has never been a snuggler and a lap dog and I learned to accept that. He wants his belly rubbed the first thing in the morning so we hang out in the bed and I get my dose of puppy love then. And in the evening, while we watch TV and Monty feels like he wants to be close to us, he just comes and lays down right by the couch. I would love to have a dog that loves to snuggle, but I'm happy with what I get. We bond during our walks, play, and training. And that's the natural way for dogs. Get ready for a bumpy teenage times, LOL. Dex will test whatever he can, but it will all pass with you being consistent with the training. Dex is a cutie and he knows it. :-)

[Jennifer and Jack]

Monty likes to snuggle with me!!!!! Hehehehe

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Well, my darling, you are an exception. The little stinker has a soft spot for you. So jealous.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sounds like you've hit adolescence. Ongoing training and setting limits is a must. I'd go back for more training and Carol's suggestion about nothing in life is free is a good one. I wouldn't make him snuggle but no growling at owners allowed.

[Adina P]

I'm sure it feels like he's a different dood, doesn't it.  However, he's a teenager with growing independence and might enjoy some relaxing time alone.  Some dogs don't really enjoy being picked up all the time and sometimes if we treat them too much like fuzzy, cute teddy bears they may rebel against that.

As to training, puppy class isn't really true training.  Doodle pups are SMART, yes, so that means they learn what words mean and how to perform on command really quickly.  But training isn't just about teaching them that 'sit means put your butt on the ground.'  Training involves more advanced stuff and training your dog it HAS to listen to you even when it doesn't feel like obeying and it has to listen to you even when it is distracted by other things.  That kind of stuff you learn in classes beyond "puppy class".  So I recommend you enroll your dog in the next few levels of obedience to get him TRULY trained.  That will involve a lot of practice from you and practicing in different places besides your home. Another good thing about training is that it creates a very strong bond between you and the dog and helps him WANT to obey and be your friend and 'not hate' you.  Good luck!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Oh I remember this behavior, she was a little stinker. We did not allow that snotty attitude.We just continued with training. He will get through it and so will you.

I wouldn't force him to be up on the couch or anything that's probably just no longer comfortable for him...Daisy gets hot, maybe your little guy does too.

[Ali & Dexter]

Yeah, he must get hot not that he is not a small puppy anymore.

He also just started doggy day care and he comes home and he is exhausted and I guess just wants to hang out. I don't want to make excuses, because this behavior has been going on before doggy daycare and not acceptable not matter what, but I don't think it helps. 

I do agree, I am going to give him his space and see if he gets better. 

[Wynn, Fudge, and Willy]

Puppies do go through many different stages and yours has reached adolescence. Welcome to the world of a teenager!
He will see what he can get away with. He is going to test you. I agree with everyone else about more training. But, if he keeps this up, talk to your vet and make sure there isn't some underlying thing going on. He could feel bad or be in some pain. I don't want to alarm or worry you, but sometimes when a dog acts this way he may feel bad.
Good luck!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Cubbie went through that and i took his butt back to training classes and we worked through it.  The trainer we used when he was a puppy was all about treats and used a lot of treats for every single thing we did.  We found a trainer that used verbal praise and corrections instead of the treats and that really worked for us.  If Dexter is starting to growl at you, then you really want to find a good trainer to get the issue corrected before things escalate.