Milestones and behavior

[jamiehalverson]

So we adopted Yogi last March, just over 6 months ago, and he's two this month, October.

I've noticed a couple things... his activity level has skyrocketed in the last month or so. He was a super mellow couch potato who didn't even always want to go for walks and I struggled with trying to increase his drive, motivation, interest etc. He is now playing fetch, getting the zoomies, playing with toys in the house and even giving us the "bored dog" look and looking for something to do.

He has also developed some selective hearing... such as "oh, I didn't hear you say sit" and also at times acting like he's never been on a leash, or forgetting I'm on the other end of it...

I'm thinking the activity is due to his acclimation in our home, but the new bit of stubbornness is age related. And also, he's pretty much learned with which of us he can get away with what... Of course, I'm just sticking with our obedience work, just finished level 3 two weeks ago and we train pretty much every day. I'm going to hold off on another obedience class right away and do nose work instead; he needs something else, it's been back to back obedience classes for 6 months. Then maybe switch it up and do rally-o.

Anyway, is this a similar time line for those with experience in rescuing? It's been so long, I don't quite remember...

One other thing; someone recently mentioned to me that Pits tend to develop dog aggression at about 2 years old if they are going to at all. I thought it was between about a year and a year and half and that by 2 you were pretty much "out of the woods" so to speak. Thoughts?

[jamiehalverson]

Well, I guess a bit of quick research answered that question; from 9 mos to 2 years is the "window" of developing dog aggression so to speak, but the advice I've read is that owners of pits should "always" assume that their dog will fight and be prepared. That's not very encouraging, I'm not an owner with blinders on so to speak, but I just can't see it in Yogi. I would NOT be prepared, even if my intent is otherwise.

[maryellen]

The honeymoon period can take any amount of time depending on the dog to show its true colors.
As far as dog aggression/dog selective , it depends on the dog. My dog was fine until he turned 6 years old, he was great with all dogs until then- after he turned 6 he was done liking all dogs and became dog selective .... So its a crapshoot on when lol

[maryellen]

As far as know your breed/ be prepared- it boils down to owner smarts... If you have a breed that has in its genetics dog agression dont go to the dog park... Dont let your dog run the streets .... Teach your dog manners and how to behave in public. Dont set your dog/my breed up to fail by being an idiot owner.. Common sense prevails for those that have it...

[maryellen]

I know my male is DS - so no new dog friends and no one is allowed to visit with a strange dog that he doesn't get along with: we don't go to the dog park and he isn't loose running the neighborhood . Know your dogs limitations

[michele5611]

Maryellen said a lot of what I was going to say. The honeymoon phase is def. over and now you are getting a better picture of Yogi.

Dog aggression levels can change over time and what you see now might not be what you see a month down the road or years down the road. Pit bulls run the gamut of being dog aggressive, dog selective or dog tolerant. They do have a propensity for DA but it can certainly be managed.

Harley was flat out dog aggressive for most of her life. However, the last few years of her life she was not as overtly DA but that still not translate into going to dog parks or off leash with any animal.

It really is all about what is acceptable risk to you.

Sounds like Yogi is overall a good boy and I think it is awesome all the training, obedience etc you are doing with him. If down the road he is not as dog friendly as he used to be you can manage it!

[jamiehalverson]

He is a good boy - I've never had a better dog... We don't do dog parks and I wouldn't with any breed, and he's never outside of our fenced yard without a leash and does not get to meet strange dogs. He's got a couple of dogs (family or friend's dogs) that he plays with. That being said, I guess I should clarify; dog tolerance and dog selectiveness are two things I can completely deal with. The thought of him becoming a snarling beast on the end of a leash with a desire to kill everything is something else - this is the picture that plays in my mind when I think "dog aggressive".

I'm sure the chances of that are quite slim... at two years old he is very friendly and playful with other dogs, while still respecting their boundaries. He is not a dominant dog, but is confident and very well behaved. We walk/train every day, at the park, the strip mall by my house, petco, coffee shops etc. as well as the classes we have taken. He's earned his CGC and TDI certifications, I'm not worried per se, I had just thought that IF it was going to happen, it would have by now. Another day, another lesson learned!

I'm new to this breed and you hear so many things, just sorting out fact from fiction and half truths :)I had Rottweilers prior to Yogi, so one thing I'm NOT new to is hearing a bunch of nonsense!

[michele5611]

Sounds like you have everything under control and Yogi sounds like an awesome not to mention handsome boy

If he does become more dog selective as time goes on no big deal you can handle it!