Edsel is 19 weeks today. I'm asking for help on whether some of his recent behavior changes are normal for his age. He's had so much going on lately and I just don't know if it may be from stress or if they are things that might turn into trouble. He seems very restless in the evenings, constantly wanting in and out, paces the house and barks at the door over and over. We are still doing exercise, walks, training and play but he seems to want constant attention and seems unable to amuse himself. He's not doing well with greeting people, he's jumping at me and was absolutely crazy at the vet and I just can't seem to get him to focus. I'm worried that I'm either over stimulating or not giving him enough to do. Aughhhh! Help!
Re: Is he normal? Yes - I think this is the older version of the puppy crazy crocodile 'wall of death' evening antics. When Tatze was that age I took her on a short walk at 8pm ish. That did the trick. She doesn't need it now, her last walk is 5pm, meal 7pm, then snooze land ahoy! (14 months)
Re: Is he normal? As mags said, I think this is just another phase he's going through. He may be unsettled by all the recent activity such as vet trips etc but it could be the onset of adolescence as he's almost 5 months now. I think he's either got an abundance of energy or he's over tired. Do you use a crate with him? Try putting him into his crate for an hour or so each evening. We did this with Penny and she was having evening naptime until she was about six months old. If he's not overtired and he's got too much energy you may want to think about upping his exercise - though I think he's been recently castrated hasn't he? In that case you will need to give him lots of mental stimulation like puzzle games and training sessions. I would say try nap time first for a couple of days and see how you get on. Also - don't give up with the training. Adolescence can be a challenging time for dog owners and it's more important now than ever to remain consistent with your training. Trust me, you will come through the other side with a wonderful dog if you can persevere now.
Re: Is he normal? It seems pretty typical to me, he is growing up, needs less sleep and so on. It isn't something they grow out of - they don't revert back to how they were. I'm hoping they grow up and start being less silly though! As I was typing this, I look down at my 16 month old boy.... image by julieandcharlie, on Flickr I'd say routine is good. Clear markers when it's playtime, rest time, garden time and so on. If he gets to mooch around the garden when he feels like it by barking at the door, he might think that's a good thing to keep doing. Go out of your way to reward him when he is quiet, make sure he gets a biscuit when he is doing nothing, and so on. It's a good time to start teaching settle on mat (although you can't expect too much at 5 months, I don't think). Best of luck with it!
Re: Is he normal? I agree with Lauren an adolescent pup tries to push the boundaries so just keep doing your training. Also it's been very warm recently which with my two means they are much more lively in the evening. When they would normally go to sleep they will mess about for about half an hour. : Oh Charlie you cheeky chap. ;D
Re: Is he normal? Holly was similar. Over time we got into a pattern of a short walk after our meal. About half an our later she would have a tooth cleaner. The wait for food kept her focussed on us for that half hour, and seemed to settle her in one place. After another half hour one of us will sit on the floor for a snuggle - no playing. We do this routine every evening and have a very calm dog by bedtime. I must admit that I find the snuggle quite relaxing too.
Re: Is he normal? Thanks all. Been on the road the past couple days. He seems to be a little better the past few days. I think he was having a tough time not getting his evening play in the creek behind our home due to his surgery. He is also teething like mad. We had a pretty good routine going but I think I needed to start challenging him more and increase his walks a bit. We're currently in Mississippi where we met up with OH and taking our RV on the road in the morning to the beach for a week. So hopefully lots of walks, new sights and smells to keep him busy! Lori
