Hero, our beautiful boy is almost 13 months. It's been a right rollercoaster ride with him but it's been worth it. From the little furball that I held on one hand when I first went to view him, to the gorgeous 33 kilo lad he now is, we have faced all the ups and downs, the tears, the thinking something was wrong, that we had made a mistake getting him, that we didn't think we could handle any more of the issues. But let me tell you, with all the advice and help available, with consistent training, fun and exercise, by staying calm when things go pear shaped and most of all with a lot of hard work and time, things do improve. Hero is still young and this year hasn't been great. We started with the beginnings of teenage months, a 2nd fear period after being attacked by a couple of other dogs, which led to a recall gone totally to pot and a dog that would bolt as soon as let off lead. He went through a very mouthy stage which required Behaviourist help to work through. Jumping up people became a big deal, barking at the slightest noise and as for suddenly back to pulling on the leash when walking. Well the first 3 months of 2020 were, shall I say, a tad trying. I started retraining recall with Total Recall and we just got to the meeting other dogs and setting up controlled situations, when wham, along came Lockdown. Suddenly everything changed for Hero big time. Back came some behaviours along with anxieties and heel hugging. But I persevered, kept my daily diary, had lots of concerns but have continued training at home and out on our daily walk. He hasn't been able run truly free with all the safer areas locked up but by using his long line he has had a semblance of freedom. I've kept on top of the recall so that he doesn't lose where we were at but tried to turn it in to a real fun game. Have used lots of the Absolute Dogs Games which Hero really gets into, learned lots of new tricks, heel walking training, turned the garden into to part agility course, part obstacle course and his own pool area and we have a whale of a time running round and playing. Think sometimes the helicopters going over and the neighbours must think I'm a bit nuts running round in circles and jumping up and down singing and calling out commands. They might think lockdown has got to me but if it's kept my Hero exercised and content then makes me happy too. Definitely not been boring. We've had a few issues last couple of weeks....attention span of a gnat, not dropping ball or other toy on retrieves, high dosage of thieving, couple of holes chewed in the sofa, not listening....but have just turned back into silly mum mode and gone back to basics on these and now seem to have turned a corner again. So for all of you struggling, you are definitely not alone. Many forum members can read new posts and think, been there, done that got the t-shirt. I know it's hard when you feel you're under 'attack', that the problems are neverending, that you're never going to have that wonderful dog you dreamed of....but believe me, and as I have learned from others, it is quite normal to feel this at times. Just weigh the scales with all the things that do go right, with the fun times and with the beautiful cuddles with pup. They grow up so quick and what may seem an eternity of nothing going right is in reality just a pinch in the sands of time. Hero still has a long way to go, I know that, my big bundle of energy and character, and for sure we will take as many steps back as we do forward, but getting my head in the right space was the best possible thing I did and I now know the potential being shown by Hero to become the most wonderful dog I have ever had, has made everything more than worth it.
Seems like normal dog ownership to me. Keep it up, seems you are doing more than most. As you say it pays off at the end if you put in the effort. My lady is now 18 months and a bundle if joy although trying at times
Thank you for posting about the 'challenges' you've had (and continue to have) with your lovely boy. Our Misty is just coming up to 7 months old and there have been times when we have felt many of the emotions you mention and those raised in other posts. Yes having a lab puppy is exhausting, frustrating and can, at times, almost bring you to tears but then there is the other side when they sit in front of you staring into your eyes and not matter how mad they made you feel at moment ago, you melt in front of them. The times they play with a feather in the garden all afternoon even though you've spent a small fortune on 'puppy toys'. The times they fall asleep leaning against you on the sofa or on your feet. They joy they express when you come through the door even tough you've only been gone a few seconds. We have, no doubt, many more challenges in front of us with Misty, but with consistent, patient training we're sure she'll mature into the lab we know she can be. Can I also thank everyone on this forum for all the help and advice that's given over a huge variety of subjects. I know we, and no doubt many, many others, have found it invaluable. Thank you.
Thank you for posting. MY boy is almost 5 months and it’s been so hard through lockdown. No puppy classes. No family or friends to help. I’ve had a hard time. I also do the games from AD, so I’m hoping these help see us through the difficult months x
Just came across this and wanted to say thank you so much for posting this! Our puppy is almost 12 weeks and already both a joy and an absolute handful. There have been amazing days and days where I have wondered what I have gotten myself into and worried that we are creating a monster. Thank you for the reminder that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that perseverance and patience make a huge difference. I like the idea of keeping a daily journal of our successes and challenges. Thank you for the encouragement!
Hi, I am also thankful for this post as my puppy is about to turn 8 months old and until a couple of weeks ago I thought I was lucky with the teenage times not being too bad, oh how wrong I was! The main issue for me is that she has started jumping up and biting/nipping me again, which was painful enough when she was a few months old, but now she's grown more, well you should see the bruises on the top of my arms! There doesn't seem to be any trigger, sometimes I think it's cos she's over excited but the other day she was calmly sat in the living room then just started on me. I just keep telling myself I've been here before and I'll get through it again as she will grow out of it, but sometimes it is hard to remain calm whilst it's happening!
Hi, Thankyou too for all of you posting your experiences. I got our puppy in lockdown , so socialisation was infrequent and puppy train was online - not ideal ....he is now nearly 5 months old and I have not yet managed to let him off lead, he has started to jump up and nip again on occasions and always always jumps up at anyone walking past while on his lead and if anyone pops round. I have found a trainer who does 121 but has no spaces until September . Any advice would be so helpful ......and big thank you to mummyp85 for the reassurance that things will settle down !! he is such delightful pup most of the time !!!
