I put a lot of time in to training both Dakota and Neiko with varying degrees of success. They are both pretty good, polite dogs to be around but it seems I have forgotten how much work it was to get them where they are today. Getting Lily has brought all of those painful memories to come crashing back.
Today I've taken a real close look at why Lily acts the way she does, why Dakota is acting the way she is and what I'm doing and/or not doing to help the situation along. I went through my training links and found a really good article on teenage dogs which was a really good reminder.
- Lily is 9 months old - the time when most "pups" reach their peak hyperactivity. This is also the time when most dogs start to challenge their owners and see what they can get away with.
- Dakota is really annoyed with the teenager antics of this new dog. She's not used to the hyperactivity - even though Neiko is just as hyper. Neiko, however, knows the boundaries that both myself and Dakota laid down. Lily doesn't know those yet and so I am constantly fighting with her to get off furniture and such and Dakota is constantly correcting her for being obnoxious.
So, I need to get Lily on a leash at all times in the house and be very clear about what my expectations are. I don't want to put Dakota in the position to have to tell Lily she's being annoying. That is my job.
Starting tonight, I'm going to focus on getting through to her. I know she can be a great dog. I just need to show her how to do that. Thank God we have so many great articles and trainers on the internet.