My dog is starting to act like a dog

[marc]

well, she's starting to do dog things...like play a lot more...chew on her toys...get the zooms...

I dont think she trusts me totally yet..if that makes any sense.

She's still a nervous nellie..afraid of lots of stuff...i was going to change her name to Nellie b/c of that.

She's also still a ball of excitement/reaction..which with people we're working on quite well...and i'm starting to get dog play dates.(need a good calm dog to work with her, but i dont know any)

Anyone have any good linkage to what's going on with a dog at 8/9 monhts? Since i didnt have her from early on, i dont see her as a puppy

[wannabeowner]

Have you read or have access to a book called Puppy Preschool? Right now Andrew has my legs pinned, or I'd go grab my copy and send you the notes on what happens at 8/9months. I liked Puppy Preschool because it explains a lot about the puppy development rather than just how to start training your young puppy.

[marc]

I'll go check it out on Amazon..thanks for the recommendation.

[loverocksalot]

It is also different when A pup comes from shelter/rescue life at 8 months. For example I think Rocky was mouthy at that age something he should have been past. In other words they seem to go through stages at a later age. Like they are delayed.
I like Nellie for her. To me she is not a Jackie. All the Jackie's I know are wild.

[sugar]

I adopted my Chubs at 2 years old and he was super duper mouthy and ball/toy crazed like you would not believe!! But after lots of work and training he is coming around big time. If she is playing more and being more like a goofy dog then she is probably starting to really warm up to you (may not be in the full-on trust stage, you you are getting there it seems!)
I love hearing about dogs coming out of their shells