Hi is it normal to have a major backward step in training our pup has all of a sudden become a little sod again , we did have some problems with him early on trying to be dominant but he's been a little angel for over a month now. He's just gone 5 months is this significant?? its no where near as bad as he was its just it is a backward step when we thought we had really made progress. We've gone right back to basics just to try and get back on track with him but he's reluctant even on basic commands I suppose I just want some reasurance that its normal to have a few setbacks.

Thanks
Steve

He is entering the delightful adolescent stage :D After a few months of thinking what a perfect puppy you have , you are suddenly confronted with what we call a *Kevin* :D :D A teenager in other words

Make sure you are one step ahead of him at all times and he WILL eventually return to good behaviour :)

Melody :)

Thanks Melody (I think) we thought he was a bit young at five months we'd been lead to believe we had at least a couple of blissfull months to go before he turned into a KEVIN. I know this is probably a "piece of string question" but how long are we likely to have the pleasure of Kevins company?

Thanks
Steve

I think it must depend on the breed ...Hudson is a Malamute so BIG ..he got into Kevin mode at about 8 months and still has days like it now at 23 months :D The absolute WORST was when he was about 13 months old. :)

What breed / size dog do you have Steve?

Melody :)

Don't laugh!! but he's only a little whippet but he's being a horror at the moment, I think its because we went through a bad patch with him and saw him improve 100% that its just suprised us a bit.

Thanks
Steve

:) Maybe because he is small he will start puberty ..and (hopefully) finish it earlier than a Malamute ;)

Just keep on top of him and he WILL come out of it eventually :) I am pretty sure there are other whippet people on the board , maybe they will be able to help you out if they spot this topic?

Melody :)

My schips are small and tend to start about 5mth - 8mths with the bitches having their first season nearer 5mths.

I had a beautifully trained bitch who stood on the table beautifully until mid October when she had her first season at 5 1/2 mths, now she sits when trying to inspect her teeth, rolls over for a tummy rub when trying to feel her ribs and jumps up for a kiss when they get to her rearend! All new judges at ringcraft and beginners are now shown what happens between baby puppyhood and teenage puppyhood by looking at my 2 bitches. My 15 wker is fantastic and everyone asks why the younger one is so much better at it all? Hormones should not be allowed until you use them for breeding and should switch off again until the next time they're needed for breeding that way I won't get any whiter than I already am with my dogs lol.

I have a male who's 3 1/2 (on 2 tickets!) and still acting like a Kevin but then schipperkes tend to only grow out of that stage about a week before they hit 14 yrs!