Ralphie's a Teenager!

Ralphie is about 10 months old now.  Lately I've been beginning to see a slight behavior change which is concerning.  After some research I read in dog years, Ralphie is a teenager now (10-18 months old).  Ralphie isn't that small pudgy cute puppy anymore.  His soft puppy coat has turned into a shiny sleek coat.  His chub turned into muscle.  He's beginning to think for himself, unfortunately sometimes making wrong choices.  I guess this is where more training is involved, which means more patience on my part.

Ralphie has been a little naughty lately.  I've heard so many stories how puppies have destroyed briefcases, mattresses, pillows, rugs, woodwork, table legs, etc.  Not MY Ralphie!  MY Ralphie is a good boy, he is so well-behaved.  Well, well, well, maybe I talked to soon.  This week Ralphie decided to enjoy Erica's vertical blinds...yep chewed a good 12 inches of plastic.  He's never done that before!  He also decided to shred all stuffed toys to remove the squeakers.  He's been a little more difficult on walks, becoming more aggressive with those little lizards and squirrels.  Sometimes he likes to tease the little dogs at the dog park.  He doesn't see anything wrong with stealing the other dogs' toys at the park.  He wants to be outside ALL the time.  As a matter of fact, he's outside right now in the backyard tearing apart a palm tree! 

I figured I went through the teenage years before (including Erica & Rusty's) and  survived.  I remember those are the years you need to spend more time with them, but give them space as well.  So that's exactly what I'll be doing with Ralphie...spending even more time, challenge his brain with new tricks, maybe even teach him the frisbee, but give him some freedom, like enjoying and exploring the backyard.

Soon, Ralphie will be back to his normal self!

Evidence...the vertical blind...bad, bad boy... :(

Ralphie in action...trying to get that squeaker!!