Adolescence is here!

[Holly Doodle]

Holly is 8 1/2 months, and I think we've officially reached it, here's how I know:

1. Not coming, sitting, or staying when told
2. Barking while in her kennel
3. Not going potty when let outside, instead she likes to eat grass, snow, sticks, roll and jump around etc.
4. Being very bossy with toys, demanding to play by forcing them in your face/lap
5. Way more frequent zoomies accompanied by loud barking and growling
6. Challenging us when we tell her to kennel
7. Whining for no apparent reason while in her kennel

On a positive note we know what a good dog she can be. She hasn't had any major behavior issues since around 5 months. Thanks to everyone here on DK we also know a lot of good strategies to use to deal with these behaviors. I also should consider she's been sick with inflamed bowels and an infected dewclaw, she's on different antibiotics for both. Either way, it has begun and I feel like we're living with a defiant teenager!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

We went thru that this summer and I was beginning to think I'd never get control of him. But at 13 months he is a changed and very well behaved dog. I have had to be very consistant with training tho and lots of exercise.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Timbow is a little over a year and some days he still tests me! I do remember that stage though. There were days that I had to pick him up, carry him downstairs and put him in his crate just so I wasn't late for work. Not fun with a 65# dood. The majority of that goes away pretty quick though and like the others say, be very consistent with training. :-)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

We are in same stage - Peri is getting a little better at 10 months now. But she is still a nut and the zoomies are usually a daily occurance.

[Holly Doodle]

That's too funny, Holly has also been trying to get her own "chocolate truffles." They do the funniest things! I bet her antibiotics have affected her too, it's probably a lot for her system to handle. I hope this passes quickly, we have decided to enroll in another obedience class just to reinforce what she already knows :). Thanks guys!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

I think Cooper is going through it too!

Add to the list - eating cat litter and "Chocolate Truffles" which she hasnt done since she was a wee pup

[Nugget's Family]

Sounds like she might indeed be going through adolescence....if she is, if she's like our dog she'll get over it soon. It's not too bad, but you do have to be consistent with training. Nugget tried to get away with some pretty unbelievable stuff at that age! But, Holly might be a bit off right now because of her meds, too. Nugget was on antibiotics last summer, and we noticed a bit of a personality change. Good luck!!