Teenager behaviour

[rhylmarova]

Just wanted to see if someone could share some wisdom on how to handle teenager. Lion has been very good at classes and overall obedience, even though he is a tough one and requires constant reminder on where he stands.

About ten days ago I think we hit the teenage period. He is an absolute bratt. Totally embarrassed (sp?) me in the classes on Thursday (little bugger!)...like if I never tought him to even sit down. Of course, with our trainer he is like a gold!

Anyone can share a bit of know-how? He is 9.5months old.

sorry..letting steam out.

[dogsbydoug]

Up the ante for him, at home and in class, and everywhere in between - make him work for everything - petting, food, walks, out the door to toilet, etc. Let him know his antics won't be tolerated.

If he acts up in class, remove him for a short while - take him out for a quick breath of fresh air (for you!) and a pee break (for him, although not required that he pee!). Then, back into class for both of you and back to work...sometimes a shortbreak is all that is needed, especially for a young dog.

Your trainer will almost always have more confidence in his handling skills, therefore the dog will react differently when handled by him versus you.

Take a deep breath, this too, shall pass...eventually

[rhylmarova]

Thanks...deep breath is what I need, you're spot on. But I shall not be defeated! :=)))

[2rotties2luv]

Be firm, fair and most of all consistant. Be patient and be sure to follow through and require compliance with all commands. If you let him get away without following a command just once, it will make things a lot harder because he'll keep trying to get away with not doing what you asked.

Above all, don't give up - stick with the obedience classes until he is well past this stage. Don't worry if you repeat the classes over and over. The point is not necessarily to learn new things, the point is to establish a solid foundation with complete control. You will eventually gain this by staying in the obedience classes. He will eventually learn that he has to listen and obey no matter what.

Oh yes, and lots of deep breaths, and count to ten. And a nice glass of wine after OB class helps, too.

[rhylmarova]

I have ordered a full bottle after the last one!

We are going to the same class for second time now. The trainer is now more of a friend really, which is great as she is always there to advise as needed. She did say pretty clearly that he is a hard dog but funnily enough, that is why I want to stick with him. He is smart and you can see what he thinks, if you, guys know what I mean.

He does not ignore my command. But I ask him to sit to distract him from barking eg. and he will sit..but two seconds later, he barks again...(latest example, barking at all new dogs in the new class)

The only think I am unsure...he gets a lot of exposure to our trainer, which functions as the major distraction for me when I am working him. Any thoughts on limiting this exposure and get him to focus on me solely while we're in this period?

Also, I have removed any 'extras' he had, like living room access and office access when I am working. Just to enforce, who decides.

Breath in, breath out...:-)

[groupieindenial]

Don't let him get away with ANYTHING!! Keep 2 steps ahead (not literally), but anticipate what he may do. Its all about butting heads right now, and don't let him fool you, you ARE the smarter one.