Terrible Twos

[Spyglass Sally]

Buddy's still not 6 months old so I'm guessing he's not in the terrible twos yet, but lately it's seemed like it. He started Obedience Classes Saturday and is being a stubborn, difficult dog...except for when he's being a sweet adorable one. Our trainer said to expect some challenges this week as new roles and expectations are being laid out.

It got me wondering, when do boxers get the terrible twos and how long do they last? Anyone got someone in the middle of it now? Wondering if the behavior is similar to this transition time from being a puppy with little expectations beyond come or sit to a dog who's expected to heel, stay, etc.

[purplelori]

Well, Wally is about 6 1/2 months old now, and has developed some cognitive skill issues in just the last week or so. (Like, you say sit, and he just stares at you---or, if you force the issue, he will lay down instead.) He KNOWS what you want, he just CHOOSES not to do it. I was likening it to a rebellious teenager. Our trainer says he's just so smart, he needs to be challenged more--I think we are the ones being challenged! We're just trying to make the time to do it over and over until he gets it right--we don't leave until we leave the way WE want, which means you wait until we say ok, not until you can blast out the door. (Whoever said the training classes were for the dogs anyway!) I too would appreciate any input some of you might have to help us thru this period!

Lori & Wally

[Brian J. Sabel]

I'm just coming out of that period with my 10 month old. We took puppy kindergarten and she did really well. Her loose leash walking was great. Then, at about six months, she decided she was too cool for all of that! Now we're taking a Canine Good Citizenship skills class and it's a constant struggle. I, too, consulted my dog trainer and she pointed out that dogs naturally develop the cognitive ability to assert independence at about six months and that it's akin to teenage years. Her suggestion: consistency and patience. Basically, she is learning all kinds of stuff about how to be more independent - just not the things I'm trying to teach her! The key is to keep working on everything even more to prevent as much erosion as possible. It may seem like you're going nowhere. And, in fact, you're probably right! But try to keep them from going backward as much as possible.

[Ron]

i can hardly wait for this when i finally get my new guy

[daisy'smom]

Originally Posted by Magtie

i can hardly wait for this when i finally get my new guy

OK you have been hinting about a new pup. When is this going to happen????

[AussieGirl]

We are still going throught his period. I started using NILIF methods as well as her normal training and there has been an improvement. It's hard to believe she was the one that was soooo eager to please when she was a baby that she would do anything I asked of her instantly, now she kind of looks at me like she's thinking "do I REALLY want to do this?" also using higher value food rewards helps too. This too shall pass.