Hi I have a Labrador pointer cross puppy, Robin, who will be 6 months old next week. He used to have a very manic time first thing in the morning, but is much calmer now, although not totally calm. Robin’s evening manic phase used to last only for about 10 or 20 minutes, but since last week this has become anything up to 2.5 hours. I try to take him onto the first field when I see him winding up to this phase so that he can do whatever he wishes. This helps, but doesn’t totally address the problem. I love watching his puppy zoomies around the house and garden, but he does other things which I’d rather he didn’t such as grabbing all and everything he can reach, dragging things into the garden, digging holes in the garden, ripping down climbing plants, trying to grab at clothing actually being worn. Many things have been removed to a spare room, but that can’t be done with every single thing. I try to move things out of reach and discourage him from putting paws up on tables and worktops. He doesn’t do all of those things every day, but they are regular occurrences. I’ve never had a puppy before and love him to bits, but do wonder when this period of Tasmanian devil behaviour may cease. He has enrichment activities provided every day and has been to Puppy School. He’s lucky that the house is adjacent to farmland, so his walks are off lead and there is much for him to stop and sniff at. He socialises with other dogs daily, sometimes two or three times a day. I lost my previous dog, Dylan, same breed, in January, but he was nearly 7 when he came home and was calm and relaxed. Someone thought it was at about 2 years old I could expect him to calm down. Any thoughts anyone. Thank you for reading this Jill
Hi there and welcome to the forum. Sounds as though you have your hands full. . Most dogs do mellow a lot towards the end of the second year and six months is a pretty boisterous age. We have an article dedicated to: Six Month Old Pups that you might enjoy And here's one on the issue of taking your stuff - which is very typical of 6 month old labs: How To Stop Your Dog Stealing Hope you find those helpful.
