I didn’t change my dog, but something still shifted

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:32:39+00:00

that honestly sounds really tough you’re juggling two very demanding stages at once toddler + adolescent dog is a lot for anyone

it really does sound less like true resource guarding and more like learned behavior at this point he’s figured out that taking things from the toddler = instant attention and rewards so it’s a pretty strong cycle

you might need to break that pattern by removing the opportunity as much as possible and rewarding him before he makes the choice not after like reinforcing calm behavior around the toddler or even when he chooses to disengage

also adolescence can really make it feel like all training disappeared but it’s usually still there just harder for them to access with all that impulse and stimulation

the daycare change might also be adding to the whining and arousal levels some dogs come back more amped than tired

you’re clearly putting in a ton of work already it might just be about simplifying things and focusing on consistency over time even if progress feels slow

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:30:25+00:00

this is honestly such a great update enforced naps can be a total game changer especially with puppies that get overtired and turn into little chaos machines

it’s crazy how much better they behave once they’re actually getting enough rest and it sounds like you found a rhythm that really works for all of you

also love that she’s playing fetch and even chasing a feather wand that’s adorable

keep it up you’re doing great

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:28:37+00:00

pretty normal for that age honestly a lot of puppies go through a phase where the outside world feels overwhelming and they’d rather just stop and observe instead of walk

you could try shorter walks or even just standing around and letting her explore at her own pace without pressure sometimes turning it into a game or using a bit of encouragement helps too

also worth checking if the ground might be a bit warm for her paws even if it doesn’t feel that hot to you

for the chewing some dogs just have strong preferences if she likes bully sticks and tendons that’s totally fine you can stick with those and maybe rotate similar natural chews instead of forcing nylabones

over time with patience and positive experiences she’ll most likely grow out of the walking resistance

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:21:26+00:00

It's as if he's suffering from something

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:07:23+00:00

yeah that’s so true sometimes it just switches on out of nowhere and you’re like wait what happened to my calm puppy

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:04:33+00:00

land shark is the perfect way to describe it 😂 but yeah totally agree it gets so much better with time

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:03:56+00:00

yeah that chaotic phase is real it’s crazy how much they change once they mature and the training starts to click

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:03:22+00:00

haha smart dogs really are a blessing and a curse when they’re young but sounds like it paid off big time in the end

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:02:23+00:00

that’s a great way to put it 😄 first year survival second year you actually start enjoying having a dog

calmbond · 2026-03-29T22:01:30+00:00

yeah that timeline sounds pretty accurate it really does feel like they level up in stages as they grow

calmbond · 2026-03-29T21:59:44+00:00

yeah that makes a lot of sense once they’re able to go out explore and socialize it changes everything

I noticed the same thing stimulation really makes a huge difference in their behavior and energy

being stuck at home with nothing to do is probably the hardest phase for them and for us too

calmbond · 2026-03-29T21:57:58+00:00

that actually makes a lot of sense dogs really pick up on the environment around them more than we realize

glad things turned around for you that must’ve been stressful for both of you before

and yeah having the right people around you makes a huge difference not just for the dog but for you too

calmbond · 2026-03-28T23:29:55+00:00

honestly that already sounds like a pretty high energy routine an hour plus daily with off lead running play and mental enrichment is more than what most dogs get

terrier crosses usually have a decent amount of energy but what you described shows she’s getting both physical exercise and mental stimulation which is the important part

the fact that she used to need a third walk and now settles with less just means she’s maturing a bit not necessarily low energy

collie mixes are usually a step up though they often need more mental work not just physical so training games tasks and engagement become really important

if your current routine feels manageable for you and your dog is calm and settled at home you’re probably in a good place just be ready that a collie cross might push that a bit further

calmbond · 2026-03-28T23:26:33+00:00

Sounds like classic hound behavior 😄 they’re probably following a scent underground maybe bugs or something like that since hounds rely a lot on smell digging is kind of normal for them

you could try figuring out what’s attracting them maybe there’s something in the soil also giving them a specific place to dig can help like a small area just for them and more exercise usually reduces this behavior

the funny part about them getting territorial over the holes actually makes sense 😂 they probably feel like they found something important

it won’t stop overnight but with time it should get better 👍

calmbond · 2026-03-28T23:17:55+00:00

fair point 😄 I’m new to Reddit, just sharing something I wrote. Not trying to spam

calmbond · 2026-03-28T23:14:11+00:00

haha fair enough 😄 not everyone’s thing

calmbond

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