Leaf Protection

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

So yesterday we had a torrential downpour accompanied with lots of wind.  Leaves blue of the vines and one landed on the patio about 5 feet from the slider.  It was about about 3 inches long and wide.  We hear Hurley at the slider looking outside growling. I  mean a really serious growl.  It was still light out and the rain had stopped.  Not knowing what Hurley was protecting us from I opened the slider, looked out and told Hurley there is nothing there.  Then I noticed he was staring at the leaf as if it was the most dangerious thing he could imagine and we needed needed serious protection.  I led him outside to the leaf all the time telling him it was okay.  He cautiously moved toward the leaf and it took him a couple of minutes to decide there no longer was a threat.

He seems to be getting afraid of anything different or out of place.  Is this normal for a 9 month old puppy?

[Corey Melillo]

I recently just posted an article on puppy madness and training on this subject, they said it is normal to start the fears again at that age. I posted the article last week, if you go thru them you should find it. Good luck, glad you are all ok and that it didn't hit the house!

[Corey Melillo]

He you go I found it...................
Pups grow so quickly during this period you may notice changes every single day. Not only may your pup test and challenge you, this is the time frame puppies also figure out where they stand with other pets in the group. Some squabbling and play fighting is expected. It’s a dog rule that older animals teach the pup limits, which is normal and usually sounds more scary than it is.

In fact, an un-neutered male puppy's testosterone level increases at around 4 to 5 months of age. This is one way adult dogs recognize that even big puppies are still babies and they they must be taught proper dog etiquette.

Puppies can also sometimes experience another fear phase during this period. It may last up to a month, and their maybe more than one especially in large breed dogs. This is normal and nothing to worry about. It tends to correspond with growth spurts, and you may notice some “flaky” behavior or unwarranted aggression, become protective of toys or territory. Just ensure you don’t reward the fearful behavior with more attention, and know how to talk to puppies and not use baby talk. It’s best to ignore the fear rather than risk rewarding it. Build confidence through training and the pup should transition out of it with no further problems.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

I remember. Thank you for the reminder. I just didn't think it would get so extreme. Duh!

[Lindsey & Cocoa]

Cocoa has always been like this.  If we move anything in her yard she will freak out about it.  If a storm comes and blows anything new in she freaks out...or eats it just depends on her mood that day I guess.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

That is too funny, but I saw this first hand with Cassie all the time. She would sneak up on anything new stretched way out and tentively sniffing until she decided it was ok.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

I am amazed at these doodles.  Hurley has only been to Brian Head one other time.  When we pulled up at the garage I got Hurley out for a potty run.  I left him off leash and he went right to the correct stairs and then to the correct condo.  These doodles are smart.