Older puppy calming down!

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

Our Zeke is almost 10 months old and has noticibly calmed down in the last couple of weeks. He is much more obedient and seems to be coming out of the " you're not the boss of me " stage. Although still very playful, he is able to calm down when needed. I can't tell you how welcome this change is as I was feeling like the mother of a very naughty teenager who needed to be grounded for the rest of his life! I wanted to share this with those of you who are going through the same stage, it does get better. We also have Lily who is 8 1/2 months and is beginning this stage. Hang in there, they become the wonderful, well behaved, obedience trained dogs we hoped for!

[Sandy]

Thank you, Thank you! Toby is 5 1/2 months, and at times I wonder what on earth I've done, getting a puppy. He's just so exuberant and bouncy. We work on obedience every day, but he's still a baby. I'm really looking forward to the time when he is more able to calm down - especially when people come over who DON'T appreciate being pounced on. :)

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Thanks Susan. I needed to hear that too. Lucca is 4 1/2 months and I know he has a looooong way to go but he will get there.

[bonnie Sullivan]

Thanks for sharing this. Louie is 8 months old now (in 2 days) and there is a hint of him calming down. He still chases our cat though- so hopefully the calming stage will work with the cat chasing too! That is our biggest frustration with him.

[z06558zx020a]

Wow I wish that was me. Cassie just turned 10 mon. and is worse than ever with listening to me. Not all the time but a good part of it. She is testing me more and more everyday. Sometimes I will tell her something and she does it instantly and other times I will have to beg her to do it. As far as training goes I know you're not supposed to repeat anything more than once. I'll be at my wits end but then she comes over with a big kiss, and if it wasn't that she was the cutest,smartest most adorable and best puppy (I could be prejudice) I could get really angry.

[Marion]

Thank you for giving me hope.
I don't know who is worse, my 4 year old or my puppy!!!!!!
My dog is driving me insane,if he is outside, he just keeps barking,if people come over he acts like a maniac,really crazy .
Can't wait for warmer weather,going on long walks.

[Sandy]

Don't wait for warmer weather - bundle up and go! It's the only thing that keeps me, and Toby, sane. It was a wind chill of -20C here today, and I took him on three walks. My husband took him on one. I have to wear long johns and an undershirt, along with all the regular winter wear, but it's worth it. :)

[Jackie]

Yeah, Beckett is almost 10 months old too. I've noticed he has calmed down somewhat. He still has his moments but he's much calmer now. Hang in there, to everyone that thinks their pup is never going to mellow out. They do !!

[Sandy]

Waiting, waiting..... :) Toby isn't neutered yet, so that may help too. The vet wants to wait until 8 months since he only has one testicle down, and the other may drop by then. But if, as the vet says, he gets obnoxious, we'll do it earlier.

[elyse]

Thanks Susan, gives me hope, although Harley is only 3 1/2 months and we have a way to go !!!!