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  1. #1
    House Broken mcstak's Avatar
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    6 months old and I just don't know who you are anymore???

    I know some labs have a tendency to become defiant around 6 months, but Chester is really testing us, much more so than our other lab ever did. It is as if he feels the need to bark at my daughters and myself if he does not get his way; or will refuse to go into his crate; or refuse to come when we call. It is as if we take two steps forward and 10 steps back.

    We continue to be firm with him, and train him on a daily basis, but somedays I ask him "who are you and what have you done with Chester?"

    Will we see an end to this anytime soon? If not, I will have to take up drinking
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    Chester : Born December 11, 2013



  2. #2
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    Take a deep breath! It is very common behavior and can be a very trying time. Many Labs end up in rescues or shelters at this age because of how common it is. Continue training and give time outs when necessary. If you are not in a formal class, sign up now! And remember, with patience, preserverance, love and some more patience, this will pass and the rewards are incredible. A glass of wine or cold beer helps too!
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    Tammy
    Maxx and Emma Jean

    Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.

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    mcstak (06-19-2014)

  4. #3
    House Broken mcstak's Avatar
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    Dear Max&Emma: Thank you for your encouraging post! The only that seems to calm him down these days is a pile of dirty laundry on the laundry room floor. You would think it was the best bed in the world!
    Hidden Content
    Chester : Born December 11, 2013



  5. #4
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Hang in here. Keep up the training and go NILF (nothing in life is free). I think it is because they are so darn smart, or smarta$$.

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    mcstak (06-19-2014)

  7. #5
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    Lol! Whatever works and as long as he isn't eating socks! They can be so funny and so bad in the span of 5 seconds, it can make your head spin. One other thing I didn't mention is increasing free play exercise. Their needs do increase as they age so you can also try some more exercise or even better, playdates to wear him out. Don't forget daily mental exercise, it is as important as physical exercise.
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    Tammy
    Maxx and Emma Jean

    Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.

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    mcstak (06-19-2014)

  9. #6
    Puppy DuryLane's Avatar
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    Oh, I remember those times! Trying your patience is an understatement, LOL. My dog didn't enter that stage until she reached about 10 months of age.

    Stick to your guns with his obedience and his manners -- always be sure to be consistent and follow-through with what you say. When you tell your dog to do something, make sure you follow through with your demand that he do what he is told .....because, every time you allow your dog to not do as you say, you are teaching him to NOT listen to you.

    It's frustrating at times, I know, but it is a stage he will go through and eventually outgrow, if you are consistent with his obedience. If you are inconsistent with your commands, then he will learn as fast as a speeding bullet that you don't mean what you say, therefore he doesn't have to listen to you and he will play by his own rules.

    I remember, it was not fun for me when I had to treat my dog like she was in "boot camp" and having to act like a drill sergeant with her, but it's what I had to do to get her to obey and not question my every command --- the good news is, with consistency and follow-through, she finally got it through her thick noggin that when she is told to do something, she doesn't have the option to think about it -- she must do it. I would get tired of having to be so strict with her at times, but I hung in there and when she was around 18 months, she started to turn around and accept my way of doing things. The stage was trying at times, no doubt about it, but again, it's just a stage, and he will outgrow it if you hang in and stick to making him obey the rules of your home.

    My dog is now 4 years old and is very obedient and willing to please. The sweet temperament that I fell in love with when I brought her home, is back to stay. It was work, keeping her on the straight and narrow at times, but it has paid off, and she is now a beautiful, loving, very obedient companion.

    Hang in there, practice patience..... stick with your obedience commands..... be consistent with what you say, and your darling doggie will return!

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    mcstak (06-19-2014)

  11. #7
    House Broken mcstak's Avatar
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    To Poptop: Maybe a smarta$$, or just a "pain in the a$$"...haven't figured it out, but I know he thinks he is can win (it won't happen as far as I am concerned).

    To DuryLane: I also feel I am very strict at times, but this worked well with our first lab and we had him for 14 years. I just hope this little guy will catch on soon.

    Not long ago I met a lab owner who told me that her lab (now 10 years old) was just perfect...As a puppy he never nipped...never jumped...never barked.
    He was perfect from day one. "Really???" was my first thought because I have known a few lab puppies and "perfect behaviour" isn't a word I would use to describe them Adorable yes...
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    Chester : Born December 11, 2013



  12. #8
    House Broken Maggie's Mom's Avatar
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    My darling little eight month old is in the same stage. I don't know how she does it, but she manages to be equal parts sweet/loving and a real little stinker. All you can do is be firm with the rules and keep up the training and exercise. I also make sure she gets to play with other puppies/ young adults most days a week, and I also make sure we take any opportunity to get her out into various socialization experiences (parades, fund raising walks, outdoor concerts, etc.) the more she does the more tired and reasonable she seems to be. Also, don't listen to people and their, "my puppy was perfect" stories, people just forget these early phases! Hang in there!

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    mcstak (06-20-2014)

  14. #9
    Senior Dog 4Thelove's Avatar
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    Yep, it can be trying at times-the effort is worth the rewards! They really do grow up fast

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    mcstak (06-20-2014)

  16. #10
    Senior Dog kelsyg's Avatar
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    I'll never forget what my girls' breeder told us "they get stupid at 6 months" !!!
    Persevere and Chester will be awesome!
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    Cornerstone's Lady Cassandra , CGC (Cassie)
    Cornerstone's Lady Rebecca, CGC (Reba)
    Born to love and be loved on July 31, 2010

    Hidden Content
    Hidden Content




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    mcstak (06-20-2014)

 



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