Hi Rhona ~ Don't fret..Your pup is not behaving any differently than any other pup her age. I don't remember where I read it, or what seminar I attended that we discussed this behavior, but it is NORMAL.
Dogs go through various critical periods and learning stages until they reach about 2yrs and then some, for some breeds. What you are describing sounds like perfectly on target and age appropriate behavior...behavior that really seems to rattle our brains and nerves! It seems all is going swell until that one morning you wake up and your sweet and obedient furball acts like she just ate stupid pills!!! Grrrrrr! Hang tough! It seems that between the ages of 9 -11 months, dogs reach this learning plateau and conveniently seem to selectively *forget* what was once rock solid. It only lasts a short time and then, they are back to where you left off. To me this stage is synonomous with preteens/teenagers. They are exercising some independence and really testing the waters and looking for any open window of opportunity to see what they can get away with. Now is the time to REALLY stick to your guns in training. Be consistant, more than ever. Be firm, more than ever. Don't let your pup get away with anything, no matter how cute she appears. If you ask her to sit for example, be sure she sits...even if it takes her an hour to comply. She must comply to your request or you can score one for her...you lose. And of course, be sure to reward her handsomely when she does comply to your requests. If you continue with diligent training (which IMO never stops) your *sugar bumps of a pup* will come around and show you just how much she really does know and never *really forgot* VBG! Helen Hollander, CPDT,CBC The Educated Pup, LLC Lawrence, NY APDT # 5888P x12//03 "Be mindful that happiness is not based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect. "
