Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde

[Sandy]

Toby is a very good boy on his walks. Not much pulling, respectful, etc. Toby is a very good boy in the house - doesn't get out of hand too often, relaxes well. However - in the back yard it is a different story. Lately he's been jumping on me, mouthing my hands, etc. And this is a problem because the ground is very soggy and makes for muddy feet, and muddy paw prints on me. If I walk towards him when he's acting out - kind of to "claim my space" I suppose, he takes off running and has the zoomies around the yard numerous times. If I just ignore the jumping, he just keeps doing it - on my back if I turn away from him. If I have him sit, he obeys, and then jumps when I tell him he can get up. Oy - maybe this is his last fling at puppy misbehaviour? He's almost 16 months old.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Did this just start? It could be a reaction to the cooler weather. Timbow has a lot more energy now that it's cold outside. He hasn't had any behavior problems outside except for not wanting to drop his toy (he thinks it'd be more fun to have me run after him..I think not..) when we're playing and when we go inside he always gives me this look of..what are you going to do if I run around in circles a couple more times. Crazy dog!!!

[Sandy]

It definitely got worse with the cooler weather. He often comes to the door and won't even come in when I open the door - just sits there as if to say "You might as well come out, because I'm not coming in."

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

This is what Timbow does too. Or he'll look at me and then dart off again. He just loves the cold weather!!

[Stella]

Hartley does that too!! He comes and waits by the door, I open it and he just stands there - always a couple of inches out of reach!! He loves to be outside, even when it is bitterly cold.

[Debbie and Thomas]

I would guess that he feels outside is "his fun place" and he wants you to play. I think he is jumping and mouthing to get your attention and is trying to say "C'mon mom-lets run and play". I don't know about you, but there is no way I could keep up with our doodle in play. When my son's are home (they are in their early and mid twenties) they get him all riled up and this makes Thomas even more excited. Then they just STOP and get annoyed when Thomas still wants them to play. What to do????

[Sandy]

My boys both do that too. They think it's funny when Toby gets all ramped up, and then they think it's not so funny when he won't quit. Then it's Mom who has to step in and settle things down, when it really wasn't Toby's fault in the first place.

[Frannie & Callie]

Callie does this too...I call it "bump and run"...she'll let me get close then zoom off again. I agree with Judi...the colder weather just brings out an exuberant side in these doggies! (better than the lethargy of summer heat though!)