Well. It was all going ok. Until today! Lily is 7 months old today and after work I took her out for a walk with on and off-lead areas and she had a trot round but stayed close by as usual (when there are no other dog friends to play with). We did see a dog we know and Lily went bananas like normal (on lead), I gave her some treats (as instructed in my training classes) while I spoke to her owner but Lily was obviously not happy with the arrangement and jumped up and bit my hand. It was a bit of a shock but I felt it was for attention. No blood or anything. We walked on and then turned to come back. Lily then did the biting of the lead thing she often does but then went into a sort of meltdown, leaping up and twisting around on the lead this way and that, biting me with her big teeth (not nipping) and generally being really horrid! She did a sort of big body twist 180 degrees and fell splat on her back into a big muddy puddle which seemed to stop her in her tracks. She was fine though. Is this what happens when they get older? She was doing so well, really lovely. I think I have to remember she is still a puppy, like a small child with an adult brain (as someone said), but I am finding this quite difficult after this evening's events. I am not keen on the nasty biting (not that anyone would be ); even though she doesn't actually draw blood, it is still a little sore. I am hoping this is just a phase but I can see why people find it difficult bringing up a lab! Any help or comments from (presently or previously) similarly disillusioned lab owners gratefully received :-\ Many thanks.
Re: Horrid! 7 month old blues... Harley went through a 'rebel' stage where she tested me on every walk......running off, jumping and biting at my hand for the ball etc.....at 11 months I can happily say that it rarely happens now keep strong.....they are still pups
Re: Horrid! 7 month old blues... If it helps......Molly sometimes goes nuts on the end of the lead. She throws herself around and it is all I can do to hold onto her. It is quite frightening as you are aware that your dog is totally out of your control. It doesn't last long but it is frightening while it does. I think it is declining now as she is 9 months. She also used to snap at the lead, but seems to have grown out of that (thank God) I think it is worse when she is tired, so I am careful where I walk her later in the day. Not only is it frightening to have this out of control dog, which you daren't let go of, prancing around you, but I feel a fool because I haven't got control. You are not alone.
Re: Horrid! 7 month old blues... Just wanted to add that she will definately grow out of it, might be awhile, but the biting will stop. Its hard though isnt it, I remember being stressed with Otis at that age, seems like you are doing the right things, training and bite inhibition, well done, Maggiex
Re: Horrid! 7 month old blues... Thank you all for your messages. I think I need to get a good night's sleep (Lily is also waking in the night again too!!) and just stick to a routine to get through this. I don't want to wish her puppydom away but I will not be sorry to see the back of this sort of behaviour I'm just glad she's "just going through a phase" as my mum would say. [quote author=Mollly link=topic=6896.msg93723#msg93723 date=1404764642] It is quite frightening as you are aware that your dog is totally out of your control. It doesn't last long but it is frightening while it does. I think it is worse when she is tired, so I am careful where I walk her later in the day. [/quote] Molly, you said what I am feeling and it is worth noting about being tired later in the day. I will have to keep an eye on this as I think there is something in that. I am glad I am not alone - this forum is a lifesaver!
Re: Horrid! 7 month old blues... I wonder could she be coming into season? Sounds a bit like crazy hormones ...
Re: Horrid! 7 month old blues... Tatze was nuts just before her season, she took it out on her friend, Zaba - we had to stop walking them together for a few weeks. She would back him into a corner and not let him out, then be generally grumpy and bullying with him. My friend (who has never had a dog before) said 'I'm sure it's PMT' - she was right! Now that she has been spayed Tatze is lovely with Zabs, bestest cuddly friends.
Re: Horrid! 7 month old blues... Oh wow - I didn't think of that, coming into season. When you think of it as being down to 'crazy hormones', it seems to fit! Sounds like I need to get with the programme and see what's in store... I thought I had a couple of months or thereabouts until that starts. Along with the whole crazy behaviour thing, Lily's sitting down a lot in odd places... I know that might sound strange but she usually sits in particular spots in the kitchen and lounge when I am doing certain jobs; otherwise she shadows me when I am moving around the house. Very lately she sometimes just stops walking and sits down unexpectedly, if that makes sense? She just stops. I thought it might be her glands or something so had them cleared when she went to the groomer's a few weeks ago (very little in there though, apparently), but she is still doing it. Hmmmmmm.... I will keep you informed of developments ???
