Spoke too Soon, or a Case of The Anti-Dog Whisperer

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

So after all these raves I had as a bragging mother, Bosco went on a complete rampage last night! Not only did he tear through the living room (a no-no zone) but he grabbed a sock that he simply would not relinquish, managed to escape our attempts at capture by ignoring all commands AND...he pooped in the dining room.  In all his 4 weeks here, he's never done that.

But -- wondering what you dog owners and pet whisperers think of this: I had an acquaintance visiting for the night, a "mystic/healer", but one who readily admitted she does not like puppies or children!  Bosco had gone to greet her when she arrived, a gentle greeting - no jumping, no bad behavior of any kind but Terra's response was one of cold indifference at best.

Any thoughts on if that could have possibly triggered Bosco's out-of-character reaction?  Or am I just being a bit of a mystic myself in sensing that connection?

[shelly]

OK.... YES DEFINITELY! Dogs have a sixth sense... one time had a 'psychic' at my home and actually put a bock between herself and our dog years ago and said that dogs and 'psychics don't mix....
But... Bosco is now also probably entering that period of defiance as well.... it happens over night.. one night they go to sleep as an angel and wake up as the devil... such change also happens when the dreaded coat change begins... it's like over night! So my guess is you're in for MANY unexpected changes! Good luck and hang on... we're all here for you! LOL

[Adina P]

LOL...he's been fooling you all along! ;-)

Seriously, I think he just got comfy and had a burst of energy. Just like kids...once they have a glimpse of possibly having the ability to do something DIFFERENT (and possibly defiant) they give it a try! I think your friend's presence was a coincidence and had nothing to do with his behavior. After all I don't think Bosco thought his behavior was 'bad' or defiant...he just suddenly got some confidence to try a new performance for you =)

[Lori]

I'm ROTFL!! Bosco sounds like a Doodle through and through! I'm also inclined to agree that his behavior is merely coincidental and unrelated to your visitor. There have been days when I wondered if I would survive Leo's puppyhood punctuated by (short!) bursts of perfect behavior on his part. When people ask me what kind of dog he is I often joke that he is a terrorist and is wanted by Homeland Security. He will be a year old on Monday, and I'm finally seeing glimpses of how absolutely wonderful he is going to be once we get past puppyhood - and then I will probably miss these days. I'd say hang onto your hat. These guys never stop entertaining you and you will be constantly amazed by the various cycles they go through. First it will be one thing, like maybe the zoomies. That will start to subside somewhat only to be replaced by something else - counter surfing perhaps? And the coat change is pretty bad too - especially if it takes place in conjunction with a trip to a bad groomer! But so far we've all survived - thanks largely to Doodle Kisses and to Puppy Madness in particular! As I said, hang onto your hat! (If you don't who knows what Bosco will do with it!)

[karen & Tobey]

Hi from Manitoulin...I have a 15 week old Labradoodle Tobey...He can be very tiring but loveable at the same time..He has done the zoomies,starting to counter surf,and we also call him our hoover the way he goes around kitchen floor...but what is the coat change? right now he does not shed will this change his beard is growing abit and he is getting fluffier...

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

I'd like to find that out also....what's this about coat change?

[Jaime and Barley Barker]

I'm going through the same thing. Barley's behavior was nearly "perfect" until six months of age. Now he's gone beserk. I've started a list in my journal of things Barley has destroyed. However, I also think dogs have a sense about people. It's possible that your friend's contempt for Bosco upset him and he reacted. I think it might have been a combo of adolescent puppy hormones and Bosco feeling uncomfortable around your friend and acting out as a result.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Barley is going through adolescence. They are tough at that age.

[Jaime and Barley Barker]

So I'm learning! We are in basic obedience now in preparation for his CGC. He does pretty well during class now. At home is where the craziness begins! Some things he has improved on though, such as "stay" and going into his crate at night. I love him despite the destruction.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

What's CGC?
Right now, I'm thinking more along the lines of....PIA!!!

*said with a grin*

[Jaime and Barley Barker]

CGC is the Canine Good Citizen award/certificate given by the American Kennel Club. It's an obedience and behavioral test, Some things they test dogs on is the basic stay, come, etc. It also tests social environmental behaviors. For example, how will your dog behave if someone approaches you? Does your dog allow people to handle his ears, feet, etc.? How is he with basic grooming? That sort of thing. There's a couple in my class who are required by law to get the CGC for their pit bull puppy in order to get insurance for their in-home daycare center.

Um, Barley has his PIA too with special certifications in Chewing Underwear, Shredding Paper, and Intro to Chasing Chickens: How to Be Especially Annoying When Living on a Farm.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Hate to say it, but the "blasts" of energy will occur on and off for a while! Totally normal! Peri had one last night and she is 15 months old! She got a bath and went totally nuts, zoomies everywhere, barking, tossed her bro Taquito out of his bed, it was hilarious. They start to happen less frequently and I can honestly say, I like her crazy times now. THey crack me and husband up! Bosco will have more of these...but that could have been a 6th sense too :)

[Lin D & Yogi]

Maybe your Bosco sensed that the visitor did not like dogs. Or perhaps, your dog wanted all the attention, Maybe he isn't use to overnight visitors and wanted to get his feelings across. It is my opinion that dogs can sense good and bad people and situations. Maybe Bosco just didn't like this person or want a change in the pecking order of your people. I would think most mystics would like children or animals in that they are pure beings. I am sure as time goes on you will understand more about your dog and his behavior. However, my dog is 7 months old and at times I am still trying to figure him out. Also, maybe it is just coincidental.