My 6 mo old has suddenly become shy and untrusting of me - sometimes. We have been working hard at the obedience training since 8 weeks. We have had all the basics nailed. Suddenly last coupla weeks when I say come, he backs away like I'm going to do something terrible to him. He'll back up five paces before he sits. He will down and stay pretty much as usual, but wait at the door, dont jump on people and a few other commands seem to be regressing. Leave it is still good. When I went to put his leash on for our regular walk, he backed up like I was going to do something terrible. This dog has never been struck by anyone, not harmed in anyway. In fact, he is completely spoiled rotten (which is perhaps the problem!). Is this a typical doodle 'stage" and I just need to hang in there?
I remember in the class after Puppy Basic class - Samantha was just shy of 7 months old- asking the trainer why halfway through her 3rd class all of a sudden, she didn't remember what 'wait' meant. She was always so good with it that I just couldn't understand what I was doing wrong. She told me that about 7 months most puppies seem to forget what they learned. Just a stage. Thankfully it didn't last long but it was very frustrating (and embarrassing).
Don't change anything - just keep your training the same way you always did it. This rotten stage does not last long - hang in there!!!!