Typical puppy behaviors or specific BC behaviors?

[SaraC]

First off let me apologize for posting this question in the wrong forum. It should have gone under General Discussion.

 

During puppy class yesterday, I noticed during play time that Jake (now almost 5 months) didn't want to participate in what is his 'favorite part' of class. He just hung back with me, watching intently at the pups, then looking at me. I told him to go ahead, several times. He didn't budge. There are a few new dogs in the class. One is VERY SHY, Peep, 8 weeks. We spent a majority of the class trying to get this little guy to relax. The other two are approx 12 weeks and really didn't have a care in the world during play. The group is mixed nicely. Pups as young as 8 weeks up to 4+ months.

 

I am wondering if this is an adolecent behavior or something BC pups go through? Our trainer was intently trying to get Peep to join the group and even after class she has other classmates to contend with, so I wasn't able to ask the question as to why she thought Jake might have been hanging back. Any thoughts?

 

Thank you.

[Lewie'sMom]

Hi Sara,

 

Good for you for taking your pup to a puppy class. It gives him a chance to socialize, play, learn proper doggie manners and build confidence.

 

Let me preface this by saying, I'm not an expert on BC's. That being said, my thoughts on Jake balking at something he normally enjoys is normal BC weirdness. I've found with my boy when he balks at anything that's generally been routine is not to make a big deal out of it. I think it's just a phase and it can occur anytime with anything. Lewie is 16-months old and a couple months ago he all of a sudden decided he didn't like going down the linoleum-clad stairs. I thought his nails might be too long so I trimmed them but he still was very hesitant for several days. He'd been up and down those stairs a thousand times so his refusal was puzzling. I never forced him but I'd stand around the corner out of sight calling and cooing until he finally came down on his own. That went on for about four days but he got over it. There was also a time when he didn't want to get in the car which was totally odd. I've always taken him with me for car rides and it's always been enjoyable for him. He balked about getting in the car so I told him very matter-of-factly that he didn't have to go if he didn't want to. He could go back in the house. He looked at me for a second and jumped in the car. Goofball.

 

If Jake doesn't want to play at puppy class, I say don't force him. I've found that if I don't react negatively to his weirdness and insist that he do something, he'll come around eventually, usually sooner than later.

 

Good luck.

 

oh and ps, if you wanted to post some pics of Jake that would be wonderful

[SaraC]

Hi Sara,

 

Good for you for taking your pup to a puppy class. It gives him a chance to socialize, play, learn proper doggie manners and build confidence.

 

If Jake doesn’t want to play at puppy class, I say don’t force him. I’ve found that if I don’t react negatively to his weirdness and insist that he do something, he’ll come around eventually, usually sooner than later.

 

Good luck.

 

oh and ps, if you wanted to post some pics of Jake that would be wonderful

 

I am no expert on BC's! That's why I love this board! I totally love going to Puppy Class and so does Jake. I actually take him over to PetSmart as often as I can since we don't have alot of neighbors or friends in the area to come and get him socialized with other dogs and people. He is doing very well at sitting at the front door and waiting somewhat patiently for people to say hello. I would never force him to play. We had a great meet and brief play after class with a 10month old Belguim something. She was play skiddish herself, but after about 5 mintues of sniffing each other they had a nice romp at each other.

 

Now that he has had his rabies shots he is allowed to go to the local dog park. We are going to head over there today, well, that is when the snow stops and all the roads are cleared of the maniac drivers. I'm a northern gal and have found that some people in VA don't know how to drive in the slick stuff.

 

On the photo front. My camera died on Christmas Day! I had sent it out for repair, the company called and said it would be $500 to fix! Err, NOPE! My new camera is expected on Tuesday. I'll post some soon.

 

Thanks for reply. I've noticed Jake changing behaviors lately. He normally could careless where my daughter is but last night a roller blader went by the house which started, "HEY MOM" barks. I walked over and looked out and then looked at Jake and said, "No Big Deal, Bud, Thanks for letting me know. I gave him a pat and walked away. Well, all of a sudden he was scouting around the downstairs looking for ????. He came to me, DH, cat, but still wouldn't relax. It finally dawned on me what he was doing! I took him upstairs (which is gated off to him at this time) to show him where our daughter was (bathtub) and he immedately calmed down. Stupid human! . Each day is an adventure!