Big changes @ 26 weeks?

Kade · 10-25-2005, 05:09 PM

Okay, this is just an example of how paranoid I am. Since he hit about 16 weeks old, Winston has been, how to say this nicely, a spoiled brat in a lot of ways. At work, he nearly drove me to distraction with his demanding barking. He ate everything he could get during his walks (much to the chagrin of his digestive system). His diet changed abruptly when the trainer started (i.e., he stopped eating) and I always got the feeling it was a protest.

But now....

He's an angel! And I'm worried it's because he's sick or something, LOL. He's still alert at work, but he doesn't bark. Like, at all. Or unless he has to go outside and I'm not around. He scarfs his food. He obeys his commands about four times better than before.

Can it be? Is my little man growing up?

Did anyone else experience an abrupt behavior change at around 6 months? I remember that when he hit twelve weeks, he went through an almost overnight change -- could this be something similar?

Crossfire Bulldogs · 10-25-2005, 05:13 PM

It really is amazing sometimes when they hit that 6 month mark, almost like flipping a little light switch and I know at least with a few of mine it was almost like they suddenly grew a brain! lol

Kade · 10-25-2005, 05:19 PM

Yaaaaaaaaaay!

Thank you so much -- I love to know not only that I don't have to worry but that my life will continue to be easier... ahhh... *happy sigh*

(ETA: I wish I could find him a scarecrow outfit for Halloween!

)

Crossfire Bulldogs · 10-25-2005, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kade

Yaaaaaaaaaay!

Thank you so much -- I love to know not only that I don't have to worry but that my life will continue to be easier... ahhh... *happy sigh*

(ETA: I wish I could find him a scarecrow outfit for Halloween!

)

LOL a scarecrow would be adorable for him with that percious little face he has!

Jamilupine · 10-25-2005, 05:32 PM

Okay, this is not fair! Lucy is just now 6 months, and if anything she is MORE of a brat! For example, she was pretty much non-compliant throughout puppy class this week! and loose leash walking is something of a joke! (Although the trainer gave me some new pointers and its looking a little better...) She peed on my bed (which I'm now convinced was done on purpose...) and peed once in her crate for the first time since we got her! And right now she's being a menace to my poor cats and me! Such a pest! When will my dog grow a brain?!

Kade · 10-25-2005, 05:34 PM

Jami, maybe there are only so many puppy brains to go around... every time a bell rings, a puppy gets its brain.

Here's hoping Lucy's shows up any day now, LOL.

sharona1973 · 10-25-2005, 05:48 PM

Kade....

I'm glad to hear that Winston is doing so well! Hooray!!

I've been kind of wondering about that myself because Mocha has been acting a bit more grown up lately too. Now, I don't really know his true age since I adopted him 3rd hand but he is about 6-7 months and in the last 2 weeks he has really mellowed out....his potty training has been getting better (I actually left him out when I went to Kenpo Karate class last night and was gone 1 1/2 hours and he didn't do anything at home!) and the best thing is that he has been sleeping in!!!!!!!

This has been the greatest thing! Mocha sleeps on the bed and even though he does get up early, now when someone rustles in the bed, he just gets up, turns around and flops back down on the bed....or come up to the head of the bed and just lays down. I can now maybe get away with getting up closer to 7 a.m. on the weekends! Yay!!!!

flyndog · 10-25-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kade

...every time a bell rings, a puppy gets its brain.

...

You put a lot of thought and hard work into raising your puppy! I'm glad to hear it's paying off.

Kade · 10-25-2005, 06:38 PM

Aw, thanks!

You know, Jami, I was thinking that maybe what's happening is more breed instinct kicking in. And given the differences in the breeds, they could definitely be showing it in vastly different manners! Lucy may feel the call of the wild while Winston feels the call of the lap.

Jamilupine · 10-25-2005, 08:26 PM

Very good point Kade!

Adult beagles though, they tend to be so mellow! I'm waiting...I met this woman in petsmart with a beagle, and she said "you won't beleive how quickly they calm down as they get older!" I guess older isn't just 6 months!

No worries, I still love her to death and am very proud of the small steps she's made in obedience classes and in household manners. Some days are just more frustrating than others.

By the way, how rude of me, congratulations to Winston for growing up so well!

Tiffany0204 · 10-25-2005, 09:52 PM

It's so funny you said the thing about 12 weeks Kade, Gizmo turned 12 weeks today actually, and omg... he's like a little hellion! Wanting to bark at everything, biting everything... I was like "where's my sweet little angel that you were not even 2 weeks ago????"

You've given me hope

I'm so happy that Winston is turning into a proper little gentleman. You must be so proud!!!

TribalRats · 10-25-2005, 11:04 PM

Funny this was brought up tonight as not an hour ago I was telling Bonzai (my 14 week old rattie) that in about 3 more months she will be a GREAT dog! That seems to be when the light has turned on for my dogs, 6 months or so.

Kade · 10-25-2005, 11:47 PM

Thanks, Jami, Tiffany, and TR! Jami, you weren't rude at all!

I think a lot of sporting and hound breeds do take longer to mature than toys. Lucy is just getting everything out of her system so she can feel like you all earned her later mellowness.

Tiffany, there is hope... Puppyhood is so much work! I did love the wriggly puppy but I have always looked forward to having a stable, calm, somewhat adult dog. I remember asking here at GP how old Winston would be before the non-stop "working at having a good dog" went away, and someone said 7 months... now I'm on the home stretch, LOL.

I never knew this was a transitional age! I would love to hear more stories.

kazkirkpatrick · 10-26-2005, 06:50 AM

Maybe its because small dogs mature quicker, but LORDY that wasnt true for Rexie! She was just a sleepy growing baby until 5 months, then she woke up! The terror! She was basically a menace until about 18 months, and now she is toning it down a little

A LITTLE.

Cooper was always a mommas little angel

On that note, I think 6 months is the best age to get a dog, still a puppy with all those puppy antics,but house broken, listens and understands better and generally just a more well composed beast! Congrats on hitting the 6 month mark!

dedeeboru · 10-26-2005, 08:29 AM

Ah...I can't wait till my baby calms down, but since she takes after her daddy (a JRT) I'm thinking that'll be when shes 15 or so!
Ah well...being up 4am to 11pm lets me see more of the day.

10-25-2005, 05:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kade 9 months old?! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 903 Rep Power: 89	Big changes @ 26 weeks? Okay, this is just an example of how paranoid I am. Since he hit about 16 weeks old, Winston has been, how to say this nicely, a spoiled brat in a lot of ways. At work, he nearly drove me to distraction with his demanding barking. He ate everything he could get during his walks (much to the chagrin of his digestive system). His diet changed abruptly when the trainer started (i.e., he stopped eating) and I always got the feeling it was a protest. But now.... He's an angel! And I'm worried it's because he's sick or something, LOL. He's still alert at work, but he doesn't bark. Like, at all. Or unless he has to go outside and I'm not around. He scarfs his food. He obeys his commands about four times better than before. Can it be? Is my little man growing up? Did anyone else experience an abrupt behavior change at around 6 months? I remember that when he hit twelve weeks, he went through an almost overnight change -- could this be something similar?
	__________________ "You come home, the dog throws itself at you. 'Where have you been? You've been so long. I missed you, missed you, missed you. I love you, love you, love you. What's in the bag? Something for me? Oh, let me lick your ear. Oh, let me chew your gloves. You're home!''' -- Pam Brown All About Winston

10-25-2005, 05:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 285	It really is amazing sometimes when they hit that 6 month mark, almost like flipping a little light switch and I know at least with a few of mine it was almost like they suddenly grew a brain! lol
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

10-25-2005, 05:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Kade 9 months old?! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 903 Rep Power: 89	Yaaaaaaaaaay! Thank you so much -- I love to know not only that I don't have to worry but that my life will continue to be easier... ahhh... happy sigh (ETA: I wish I could find him a scarecrow outfit for Halloween! )
	__________________ "You come home, the dog throws itself at you. 'Where have you been? You've been so long. I missed you, missed you, missed you. I love you, love you, love you. What's in the bag? Something for me? Oh, let me lick your ear. Oh, let me chew your gloves. You're home!''' -- Pam Brown All About Winston

10-25-2005, 05:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jamilupine We Graduated! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 547 Rep Power: 72	Okay, this is not fair! Lucy is just now 6 months, and if anything she is MORE of a brat! For example, she was pretty much non-compliant throughout puppy class this week! and loose leash walking is something of a joke! (Although the trainer gave me some new pointers and its looking a little better...) She peed on my bed (which I'm now convinced was done on purpose...) and peed once in her crate for the first time since we got her! And right now she's being a menace to my poor cats and me! Such a pest! When will my dog grow a brain?!
	__________________ ~Jami

10-25-2005, 05:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
Kade 9 months old?! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 903 Rep Power: 89	Jami, maybe there are only so many puppy brains to go around... every time a bell rings, a puppy gets its brain. Here's hoping Lucy's shows up any day now, LOL.
	__________________ "You come home, the dog throws itself at you. 'Where have you been? You've been so long. I missed you, missed you, missed you. I love you, love you, love you. What's in the bag? Something for me? Oh, let me lick your ear. Oh, let me chew your gloves. You're home!''' -- Pam Brown All About Winston

10-25-2005, 05:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
sharona1973 Proud mom of Mishka&Mocha Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Shreveport, Louisiana Posts: 161 Rep Power: 66	Kade.... I'm glad to hear that Winston is doing so well! Hooray!! I've been kind of wondering about that myself because Mocha has been acting a bit more grown up lately too. Now, I don't really know his true age since I adopted him 3rd hand but he is about 6-7 months and in the last 2 weeks he has really mellowed out....his potty training has been getting better (I actually left him out when I went to Kenpo Karate class last night and was gone 1 1/2 hours and he didn't do anything at home!) and the best thing is that he has been sleeping in!!!!!!! This has been the greatest thing! Mocha sleeps on the bed and even though he does get up early, now when someone rustles in the bed, he just gets up, turns around and flops back down on the bed....or come up to the head of the bed and just lays down. I can now maybe get away with getting up closer to 7 a.m. on the weekends! Yay!!!!

10-25-2005, 06:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
Kade 9 months old?! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 903 Rep Power: 89	Aw, thanks! You know, Jami, I was thinking that maybe what's happening is more breed instinct kicking in. And given the differences in the breeds, they could definitely be showing it in vastly different manners! Lucy may feel the call of the wild while Winston feels the call of the lap.
	__________________ "You come home, the dog throws itself at you. 'Where have you been? You've been so long. I missed you, missed you, missed you. I love you, love you, love you. What's in the bag? Something for me? Oh, let me lick your ear. Oh, let me chew your gloves. You're home!''' -- Pam Brown All About Winston

10-25-2005, 08:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jamilupine We Graduated! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 547 Rep Power: 72	Very good point Kade! Adult beagles though, they tend to be so mellow! I'm waiting...I met this woman in petsmart with a beagle, and she said "you won't beleive how quickly they calm down as they get older!" I guess older isn't just 6 months! No worries, I still love her to death and am very proud of the small steps she's made in obedience classes and in household manners. Some days are just more frustrating than others. By the way, how rude of me, congratulations to Winston for growing up so well!
	__________________ ~Jami

10-25-2005, 09:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
Tiffany0204 Due in December! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Barrie, ON - Canada! Posts: 867 Rep Power: 89	It's so funny you said the thing about 12 weeks Kade, Gizmo turned 12 weeks today actually, and omg... he's like a little hellion! Wanting to bark at everything, biting everything... I was like "where's my sweet little angel that you were not even 2 weeks ago????" You've given me hope I'm so happy that Winston is turning into a proper little gentleman. You must be so proud!!!
	__________________

10-25-2005, 11:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
TribalRats Take Responsibility Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Valley, CA Posts: 3,327 Rep Power: 145	Funny this was brought up tonight as not an hour ago I was telling Bonzai (my 14 week old rattie) that in about 3 more months she will be a GREAT dog! That seems to be when the light has turned on for my dogs, 6 months or so.

10-25-2005, 11:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
Kade 9 months old?! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 903 Rep Power: 89	Thanks, Jami, Tiffany, and TR! Jami, you weren't rude at all! I think a lot of sporting and hound breeds do take longer to mature than toys. Lucy is just getting everything out of her system so she can feel like you all earned her later mellowness. Tiffany, there is hope... Puppyhood is so much work! I did love the wriggly puppy but I have always looked forward to having a stable, calm, somewhat adult dog. I remember asking here at GP how old Winston would be before the non-stop "working at having a good dog" went away, and someone said 7 months... now I'm on the home stretch, LOL. I never knew this was a transitional age! I would love to hear more stories.
	__________________ "You come home, the dog throws itself at you. 'Where have you been? You've been so long. I missed you, missed you, missed you. I love you, love you, love you. What's in the bag? Something for me? Oh, let me lick your ear. Oh, let me chew your gloves. You're home!''' -- Pam Brown All About Winston

10-26-2005, 06:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
kazkirkpatrick Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 464 Rep Power: 94	Maybe its because small dogs mature quicker, but LORDY that wasnt true for Rexie! She was just a sleepy growing baby until 5 months, then she woke up! The terror! She was basically a menace until about 18 months, and now she is toning it down a little A LITTLE. Cooper was always a mommas little angel On that note, I think 6 months is the best age to get a dog, still a puppy with all those puppy antics,but house broken, listens and understands better and generally just a more well composed beast! Congrats on hitting the 6 month mark!
	__________________

10-26-2005, 08:29 AM	#15 (permalink)
dedeeboru 2 Naughty Girls Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 91 Rep Power: 0	Ah...I can't wait till my baby calms down, but since she takes after her daddy (a JRT) I'm thinking that'll be when shes 15 or so! Ah well...being up 4am to 11pm lets me see more of the day.

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