The Toddler Years

[Mai Tai]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone else had this problem?  Now that Mai Tai is 7 months old, he is starting to display some new and annoying behaviors.  He barks at me as if he is trying to tell me what to do, and he nips at my pants while we are out walking.  I heard that dogs hit a toddler or even adolescent period where they try to take control.  I am working with him and correcting him, but just curious to see if this has happened to anyone else.  He has been very well behaved, other than some teething early on, until now.  Suggestions, advice, funny stories anyone?

[Ladywrite]

Now that you mention it I had the same problem with Christie.  I really didn't pay much attention to it except for the frayed hems of my jeans,    I would just tell her "no" and eventually she outgrew it.  Although she still does insist that I pay attention to her.  As usual it's all about her!!!!

[Ann]

Hey, their going through the terrible 4's Ha Ha .

Yes I had the same thing happen to me. Toby would every now and then just look at me and bark if I wasn't paying attention to him. He would also come up and push me and then run off. I just corrected him when needed and he settled down. He has acctually gone through this stage a couple of times. So be prepared.

I don't know about you but it is hard not to laugh at them when they are being cheeky.

[Mai Tai]

I agree.  I try to be firm, but I just want to laugh.  He thinks he can boss me around, then when I correct him, he covers his nose and eyes with his paws.  Too cute.

[tons_911]

exactly same here...

Jolie just hit 8months and the past month or so she has been trying to take control. Growling began and when she wants attention you will know, also she started nipping toes again, randomly LOL...

[tons_911]

As well my breeder did warn me that they do rebel a few times before the age of one.

[Mai Tai]

The growling has started here too.  Also, the other night when it was dark, I was walking Mai Tai when my husband pulled up in the car. He got out and came toward us, and Mai Tai just flipped out.  He growled and barked and jumped up to nip my husband's hand.  My husband was talking so I can't imagine Mai Tai did not recognize him.  Also, he should know his smell by now, but he just flipped.  What is that about?  As soon as my husband started talking to him and petted him, he calmed down.  Weird.  Is it possible he did not know who he was for a minute??

[Ann]

Hi Karen,

I beleive he was startled by your husband. When you think about it he was not in his home enviornment and your husband stop and got out of the car and it was at night. So I think fear took over his other senses and he reacted to protect. He also might have been angry at your husband for scaring him. Ha Ha who nows what is going on in their little heads.
Thats my thoughts anyway! 

[Mai Tai]

I think he was trying to protect me too.  As soon as he saw the car pull up, he was very alert, as if anticipating trouble.  He is such a character.  He thinks he is a very big dog.  Thanks for your input.  Hope Toby is well.