Hi all. It seems as though Sawyer has just hit the teenage stage (sigh). He is 6 almost 7 months old and is al of the sudden awful! I woke up one morning last week like i usually do. We used to trust him downstairs gated in the living room, but now its a no no. I came downstairs to my couch cushion chewed up all over the floor. It just got worse from there... mouthing and biting has started up again. I thought I was done with that 2 months ago. I am also noticing urine smells in the living room from him lifting his leg everywhere. HE almost refuses to chew and play with toys. Instead he wants to chew on little pieces he find on the floors, christmas decorations, etc. He also jumps on everyone who comes into the house. It's kind of cute and annoying at the same time. it's almost like he is hugging you. Sorry if im rambling, i just needed to vent. Now for the more annoying stuff, everytime im on the couch he will come up and almost push my laptop with his head and jump up on me with his 50 pound self. He now won't listen to me at all. I can only push him down when he jumps on people, he wont listen unless I bribe him with a treat. And he has also begun digging up my yard! I don't know what to do with him! Is this just a phase that will get better over time? because he didnt start any of this until last week. Thanks so much!

-Sawyers Dad

Is he getting lots of exercise to run off some of his energy? Dogs that aren't exercised enough will become bored and find other outlets for their energy, like ripping up the sofa.
Has he had obedience training.? If not, now is the time to start.
Do you have a crate that you could keep him in at night until he calms down a bit and you get him sorted out.

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[SIGPIC]

Hi,
Welcome to adolescence! You have a typical teenager who has gained enough confidence to explore his limits. Also, his adult teeth are settling in and chewing anything and everything feels soooooo good! Nugget was the calmest pup in his litter and when he hit that stage no towel was safe, people became chew toys, and anyone coming to our house was greeted by a heat-seeking missile.

Jessie's girl has some great advice. Your teenager needs to know that it's not cute to destroy things and that his human pack members don't want to be clobbered. When he misbehaves he has to hear "no" and then be given a time out away from you. He'll soon learn that if he wants to be part of the family he has to abide by the family rules. A crate or x-pen is going to be immensely helpful.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. With training and guidance he'll eventually return to being a loving friend instead of a fiend. Patience and hard work will pay off.

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I've heard with teenaged pups that you sometimes have to go back to square one with training. Re-teach your pup where it is okay to use the bathroom, what is okay to chew on, and how to be a polite greeter . I'd recommend that he be in a crate if you aren't supervising him so he doesn't hurt himself or ruin any of your other belongings! Sorry you are going through this.

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--Briana--