Adolescent attitude?

[MaWilliams3]

Bruiser had his first birthday this week. Hard to believe, not so long ago we had this brand new baby that we love; and in the same breath were terrified of. He's a handsome young man now, but with that came a change in 'tude.
Bruse has always been a loving little guy. Happy, bouncy, and super sweet. Never a big talker either. He's always been rambunctious and energetic.
In the past few weeks, he gone from demure to demanding. From quiet to the insistent barker. Energetic to ADHD. Suddenly he has no interest in obeying any commands, blatantly ignoring me when I call him to come. I've never had to put him on a leash to walk. He has always obeyed on his walks. He knows not to go in the road. And out of the blue he's like an unruly teenager. I'm leashing him for walks, and he's actually trying to get in the road. He jumps his xpen fence now as well. He's always been able to but never has. I don't have a fenced yard. We live in a rural area and there's plenty of roaming room. So I can't even let him out to sun like he enjoys unless I'm going to be right there. I don't get it. Nothing's different in his health or diet.
I'm so confused, is this going to be his new norm?

[Kat549]

Likely your Yorkie is passing through a phase similar to teenage years in kids! I am sure it will pass; however in the interim I would definitely not allow him to get the upper hand and ensure he knows he can't push the boundaries and get away with it. He's just testing you right now and being defiant - it can be a tough time but you'll both get through it - continue to work hard and steadily on his obedience training and focus exercises which are very important during this phase and make sure that when you issue a command to him he carries through - don't get frustrated and allow him to ignore your commands - hang in there!

[yavenay]

I would be scared to walk my yorkie off leash. All it would take is for her to see a bird or a squirrel or even another dog and she takes off chasing after them. Even if she didn't chase them, I would be nervous to walk her off leash.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Kat549

Likely your Yorkie is passing through a phase similar to teenage years in kids! I am sure it will pass; however in the interim I would definitely not allow him to get the upper hand and ensure he knows he can't push the boundaries and get away with it. He's just testing you right now and being defiant - it can be a tough time but you'll both get through it - continue to work hard and steadily on his obedience training and focus exercises which are very important during this phase and make sure that when you issue a command to him he carries through - don't get frustrated and allow him to ignore your commands - hang in there!

heartedly concur. I am going through the teens with my big lass. At the beach yesterday it took us about 20 minutes to heel.walk to the waters edge as she all of a sudden did not want to listen to the heel command. So they get stubborn - you get persistently determined. No obedience - no treats food toys or swimming.

[MaWilliams3]

Originally Posted by yavenay

I would be scared to walk my yorkie off leash. All it would take is for her to see a bird or a squirrel or even another dog and she takes off chasing after them. Even if she didn't chase them, I would be nervous to walk her off leash.

We live in an area where there is very limited traffic. A lot of wildlife and some people. He is leash trained, and has always been good to go on a leash is we are going into the city, which he does often. You can hear the random vehicle headed your direction miles before. At which point I call him to me, and pick him up. It's perfectly safe. But we are leaving this area. Downsizing. 4/5 kids are moved out, so we have no need for this huge house, and I would like to live closer to town. In which case, he will be on a leash for all exercise.

[MaWilliams3]

Originally Posted by Kat549

Likely your Yorkie is passing through a phase similar to teenage years in kids! I am sure it will pass; however in the interim I would definitely not allow him to get the upper hand and ensure he knows he can't push the boundaries and get away with it. He's just testing you right now and being defiant - it can be a tough time but you'll both get through it - continue to work hard and steadily on his obedience training and focus exercises which are very important during this phase and make sure that when you issue a command to him he carries through - don't get frustrated and allow him to ignore your commands - hang in there!

Thanks for the info! How long does it last?!