By Guest
Date 23.03.05 14:34 UTC
Hi Im sure someone out there can give me advice on my adolescent 7month old Black Labrador, we have had her since she was 7 weeks old and has brought a lot of joy into our lives, but lately she is really naughty and a lot of hard work, we have had her at puppy classes since she was 10 weeks old and is well socialised and loves other dogs and adults/children alike (maybe a little to much), but when at home she barks at me when I sit next to my husband to watch tv, and if I sit at the table to eat she barks at me, she does bark at my husband sometimes but more with me, and she still play bites which I thought would be over by now. Overall we think she is going to be a good dog, but I only have experience with dogs over 6years of age and I am worried Im doing something wrong and bring my dog up where I cant take her anywhere, as outing at the moment to peoples houses need the strength of rugby team to get her in/out the car. At what age will she reach maturity and grow to be a good joyful dog to own? Any advice appreciated.
Karen
By digger
Date 23.03.05 15:06 UTC
She sounds like a typical teenage Lab - but Lab owners do say they NEVER reach 'maturity'........ The trick to preventing bad habits becoming permanent is to ignore them 100%, do NOT give the dog any reason to think they are being rewarded for that behaviour, don't even look at them while they are being 'bad' ;)