Hi ,
Have seen alot of mention about when dog goes through the adolesent and the terrible twos whats it all about ?

Serena

It can be a complete nightmare few months, when they seem to forget everything they've been taught, and turn into "Kevin the Teenager", with raging hormones (the males have testosterone levels of about 3 times adult levels). They do come out the other end, though, and when the dust has settled, they're your lovely dog again.

Have you got "The Perfect Puppy" yet? It explains it all very well.

Hi Jeangenie,
I didn't know 'teenage' dogs have three times the level of testosterone as male dogs. What age group is this usually at then? Be interested to know as we have a 'teenager' at the moment, who thinks he can lift his leg wherever (couch, table, wall!).
Hilda

Hi Hilda,
It depends slightly on the size of the breed (small dogs mature earlier than giant ones) but taking a labrador-sized dog as an average, from about 10 months through to about 18 months - all dogs vary though. It's soooo nice when you realise you've come through relatively unscathed! :)

Only about 6 months to go then! Our (medium size!) pup will be a year old soon! I was of course aware of the teenage phase, but didn't realise hormone levels were quite so high!
Hilda

I have sent you an article about coping with teenagers (of the canine variety) :D

I thought this was only in kiddies :(
O h**l - you mean i will have two teenage boys and a teenage Staffy in 18 months time ?????? :(
Lel

I'll reserve you a place in the Sanatorium, shall I Lel? :D :D

Can i book the wrmest comfiest strait jacket please ?
:D
Lel

And I know just the cell....the walls are sooo soft.... :D

JeanGenie
how much for next weekend then please ?
:D
Lel

Sometimes the terrible twos continue until around 13 years old! :d I HATE DOGS!

John ;)

John
could you just not have whispered that very quietly ? :)
13 years ??????
Lel

Lel, I spent the first 6 years of Beth's life wishing she would grow up and the next 7 hoping she never would. The second wish came true AND I'M SO GLAD THAT I SHOUT IT! Not only that but Anna's great grandfather was her sire so that should tell you what I thought of her :D

Best wishes, John

Sorry, Lel, but I'm not ready to leave it yet! It's my safe place, where the bad things can't get me and I can sit quietly and suck my thumb......

:D JeanGenie. Are there any more rooms available? I'd like to book a weeks stay please?

Will a week be enough?? ;)

Thankyou very much , much appreciated . Have lots to look forward too then . Do you think its wise to have a dog spayed before teenager yrs?

I'm probably being stupid here, but do you have a dog or a bitch? The usual advice is to have a bitch spayed 3 months after her first season, and a dog castrated at 9 or 10 months old. Always bearing in mind the possible side-effects of both operations.

The ones that I know that were neutered before puberty have not matured mentally, and are rather puppyish to old age. To me that is offputting, but others may enjoy this Peter Pan effect.

Hi (Barbara) Brainless, could you send me the article too. Sydney is even close to the terrible stage yet but Id like to be prepared.