11 months - do they push their luck around this age

[Roxibear]

Roxi just turned 11 months and seems to be pushing her luck just about everywhere. Training the other night was thoroughly shocking, she actually left the floor during heel work - something she hasn't done before. Is it just a phase round this age?

[spidey]

It's pretty normal for a dog to start checking the boundaries in that 1-2 year age range, not only are they maturing mentally and physically, but the hormones start percolating as well as they start hitting puberty (is she spayed?). I'd just keep up with the training, don't come down on her like a ton of bricks, but do make it clear what the rules are. There's also no harm and quite a few benefits to taking a couple of steps backwards and going over the areas you've already gone over (there's always room for improvement, even in the very basic skills, and I feel it's a better move to go back and reinforce things the dog's already been taught than to try and work on new or more challenging things when the dog's in a silly phase). Off-leash heeling can be pretty hard work, especially for a youngster.

I've been experiencing this on and off with my pup recently (he's 15 months), one week he's a lovely boy with reasonably good obedience for his age, the next he's completely silly and doesn't remember what "sit" means. I just stay consistent, and when he's having a particularly silly time, we go back a few steps and refresh our memories of the basics. Patience is a virtue, especially with young dogs! :)

[fifi]

All completely normal I'm afraid . Once they reach this stage sometimes its seems that literally overnight EVERYTHING that's been taught previously goes out the window as do manners. Just stick with it , keep the training going and she'll come out the other end of this phase just fine, it just takes time .

[Luvs]

Akasha and Keil both went thru a stage around 12 months old where they started testing their boundaries.

I totally agree with Spidey about possibly taking a step or two backwards and working from there. Be firm and consistant and you two will get thru this, even tho somedays it may seem like you won't
Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with an adolescent Rottweiler

[2rotties2luv]

Yes, this sort of behavior is very typical of an adolescent rottie. Be sure you continue with training, and don't let her blow you off. If you let her get away with ignoring you and misbehaving, it will just make things worse. Be firm, fair and consistant, and be sure to reward all desirable behavior with praise and treats. Sometimes we get so caught up in correcting at this age, that we forget that the rewards for correct behavior are just as important. This too shall pass!!

[Roxibear]

Thanks folks, its not all bad really, some of the stuff is quite funny i.e. she pulled a plant out of the pot and ran away with it. Still funny or not she can't get away with it. Back to basics.