LegalEagle

So, yesterday we had to leave Laszlo alone for a few hours to run some errands. When I got back, I decided to play/train for 20 minutes or so before I had to leave again, to give the dog some stimulation and activity (and also because I like it). Well, after we did some body position changes, I decided to have him fetch for a while. It's fun, he gets treats and exercise, and effort on my part is minimal. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon, right? Wrong.

My dog. Would. Not. Fetch. Not only wouldn't he fetch, when I rolled the ball and said "Fetch!" he looked at me like I was speaking in Greek! Like he had never heard "fetch" before. This from a dog who likes fetching! We play fetch all the time, and have since he was 12 weeks old! And then, when he finally would run after a toy, he just ran off with it - which he hasn't done for months!

Is this what people are talking about when they talk about the trials of adolescence? (Laszlo is almost 11 months old.) Or is it unreasonable of me to expect him to remember a game that we haven't played for a few days?

It was so frustrating - the blank stare, cocked head, "what on earth are you talking about" expression. Aargh!

I did finally get him to fetch, by the way, by using the technique of slicing an inch-long cut into a tennis ball and dropping a treat inside. Doggy doesn't get the treat until he brings back the ball. But seriously? The fact that I had to do that to get Laszlo to bring a ball back from DOWN THE HALL is ridiculous. End rant.

Any advice? Words of wisdom?

BorderKelpie

Welcome to adolescent brattiness! lol

As long as he's not in pain or sick, then he's just being a brat. Is he otherwise acting normally?

At his age, he may just be being silly, he may be more distracted than usual. Just go about your normal routine, don't make a fuss about it, don't let him get away with stuff and he should mellow back out in time. At this age is also when my guys tend to go back on leash (if I've been doing off leash work with them - especially outside) as they are at the point of becoming more independant and this is not a time for him to test your control outdoors. Some dogs even forget some of their house training when puberty strikes. With supervision, that is also a passing phase.

Hang in there, it doesn't last long at all. (usually, hopfully lol)

LegalEagle

Thanks, BorderKelpie! Your words really, really help. Within the past 48 hours, Laszlo has: refused to fetch, had his first bladder accident in months, and, just this morning, decided his bed was the best chew toy ever! He pulled out about 1/4 of the stuffing before we realized what was happening. There was blue "snow" all over the place. It's nice to know that this alarmingly rapid decline in manners is probably not our fault.

Did you use a long line with your adolescent dogs outdoors? Did you buy one or improvise with a clothesline? We had enjoyed letting him run around off leash at the nearby state park, but it seems like that may not be the best idea at the moment...

Thanks again!

BorderKelpie

You could proably improvise with a lightweight rope or clothes lines. I use a long line for tracking and have several, so I can just grab one and go. I keep one in the truck, too. Just in case. Definatly keep him on a line for now. They really will test you, so stay on alert. THey are really good at catching their people unaware. lol

MaryLynn

Hey, I can understand your frustration! I think it's just adolescence goofiness.

Mine will fetch anything inside the house, when I take him outside or to a sports field, he will run up to the ball and tag it with his nose and then run all the way back to me. SIGH!

LEUllman

Hmm, is that your usual routine? Beau always knows when I'm attempting to distract him from something unpleasant, and Daddy leaving is about as unpleasant as it gets for my spoiled guy. Beau would definitely give me "the look" and balk at fetching in similar circumstances -- he recognizes something is not right, and just sits and stares as if to say, "Foolish human, I have read your mind, and I know you are up to no good!"

LegalEagle

You know, I actually don't know whether it is part of my routine. I wouldn't be surprised if my smart dog had picked up on that connection even though it hadn't occurred to me!

MollyMuiMa

ME Too! Molly is almost 10mths old and as sweet as can be.....but so an adolescent! Same thing with the blank look and 'what's in it for me?' attitude grrrrr! I find myself trying to bribe/convince her that I want is really FUN!!!!! & she looks at me like I've lost my mind! Then I remember that this too will pass.........I'll get my obedient kid back sooner or later!

lily cd re

As aptly pointed out by others here you have a bratty teenager on your hands. I would reiterate that you should make sure there is no medical issue. I would also suggest that unless he is going in the conformation ring and assuming that the answer to that is no that you think about whether it is time for him to be neutered (if not already done).

Be patient and consistent. He hasn't forgotten what he has learned. He is testing to see whether you really are the "boss." This will pass. In the meantime remember the crate is still your friend to cover the accidents and naughtiness.

__________________
Catherine
Lily AKC: CGC CD HIT CDX RN RA RE RAE NAJ; APDT: RL-1; CPE: CL1-R, CL1-H
Peeves AKC: CGC BN

LegalEagle

Several folks have recommended that, before diagnosing Laszlo with adolescent brattiness, we should make sure that there is no medical issue. Any advice on what medical issues we might think about?