Advice for the owner of an adolescent pup?

[ferky1]

Miles is 6 1/2 months old now and according to my research he is entering his adolescence, therefore he is more independent and assertive, and less likely to want to listen to mom and dad. IT HAS BEGUN!

I am finding myself having to repeat the easiest of commands because Miles decided that he didn't want to hear me the first time. He now loves to turn and walk away when he hears 'come' even though he knows exactly what he's supposed to do. He is putting things in his mouth that he knows he shouldn't, and unlike when he was a real young pup, he isn't trying to eat them. He does it because he isn't allowed and then puts up a fight when I forcefully take them away.

Sounds to me like he is a teenager and I don't like it one bit! Does anyone have any advice to get us through this life-stage? How long does this last? Anything to make it easier? Do I let him get away with 'small' indiscretions, or should I stay just as firm so he doesn't try to take advantage of my leniency? I just don't know how to handle his new-found lust for independence and I can tell that this is just the beginning of him acting up. My dad and I are friends now (I'm 28), but from age 12 until 19, we didn't agree on anything and frankly, we just didn't get along. I don't want my pup to see me as an enemy. What to do?

[midori115]

miles is about the same age as oscar -- and it's hard, but don't give him any slack. Commands cannot become optional. I have stepped up his obedience program .... not quite NILIF, but he works for most things .... down stay before meals, sit to have the ball thrown .... and I never give him a command I can't enforce. If I'm not in the position to make him do something if he hesitates, I don't ask him at all.

Oscar decided 'come' was optional before I got a handle on things. So, fine, now when I say 'front' he knows I'm not kidding and he better be sitting in front of me ASAP. It works better that way ... and there's no question that he still loves me -- when he does all these things correctly he gets showered with affection and treats .... it's a lot of work, but he will be a good dog if it kills me.

[courtnek]

well, bottom line, you have to MAKE him behave. You cant take no for an answer, even if it means getting him and putting him in place in front of you. If he shows resisitance, I have found that leashing them to your belt (and forcing them to follow you around) has a wonderful training effect.
They cant escape, and any command you give you can enforce. Lots of love and treats when they obey, and eventually they learn that obeying brings GOOD things, and disobeying gives nothing at all.

TYPICAL TEENAGER!! I have one of the human kind. Cant belt him to me,
although sometimes I would LOVE to belt him.....

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Aonir]

Don't get me started on my teenage life, lol. Once moved out, I changed into the exact person 'I' wanted me to be which is good.