Puppy Teething: Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde
So I was really beginning to think I had a problem: from the moment we arrived in FL (early Nov) Augie the Aussie pup (then 3 months old) was an often unpleasant fellow. His general attitude was sour...
Forum Discussion
Deb and Ed M wrote:
The reason we chose the breeder we got Augie from, is that she and her family spend a LOT of time doing psychological things with the puppies to make them calm, trusting, and unafraid, and I can certainly see that in Augie (I was SO grateful to see him run up to the TV and happily watch fireworks!) so I don't think he has fear issues?
Exercise? We are blessed to have a massive dog park nearby - today Augie played with a labradoodle a few months older than him; and yes, 10 minutes romping with a dog friend is a LOT more effective than Ed and I simply walking him.....LOL! So for everyone's sanity (especially our little 20-lb Ben the Aussiedoodle) - going to the park is a daily routine.
I've owned Aussies for 40-some years. I'm used to their quirks (and the challenge of staying one step ahead of them....LOL!) but had never encountered such a huge change in attitude over the course of just a few days.
Sounds like Pawz4me has seen this before so you must have it pegged.
I agree with you that choosing a good breeder is very important (Nature vs. Nurture).
If you feel like giving your pup a, slightly older, red-tri "girl friend", take a drive out to sunny (I hope) Southern Arizona. We plan to spend the winter circling the southern part of the state, camping, bird watching, hiking/backpacking, and packrafting.
