Getting more mellow with age?
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WE had a sheepie growing up, and my mom has told me that at around 3 years old they start to calm down. My Max just turned 3 and miller will be 3 around Oct, but they haven't calmed down yet , still waiting.  |
| Two things that may be going on... Yes, they certainly start to calm down somewhere between 2 and 3, and also witht he heat you must be having they tend to slow down as well.
I'll betchya the first time you have a little cool snap this Fall they'll be a bit more lively.. (or if you shave them!  ) |
| Well, they still bolt and run like there's no tomorrow every time I open the door and let them out to the park, they come back and drink 10000 gazillion gallons of water and lay back.... Heat affects them and makes them less active, specially when it's 100F outside. Luckily they have a pet door to the backyard now so they can get inside and chill out on the floor where the cold air from the vent hits them. (BTW, we shaved them on April and they really appreciate it!)
What I've noticed is more of a new improved personality... Now with 25% less crazyness! Maybe it's just that they are maturing, I dunno. With the baby having less demanding dogs is a blessing anyway  It's just that we've noted things like Lennon not getting crazy when I get home, instead of his usual jumping. he approaches me for petting and then lays on the floor to get a belly rub. He's an extremely dominant alpha guy, so I'm really surprised that he changed from his "It's all about me!!!" attituted to a more manageable personality. Sofa also is less clingy and more independent, but she still loves to hang around to see what you're doing.
Anyway... I'd love to think they calmed down because they have a baby sister and they have to be extra-careful when they are around her. They love to sniff her when I'm feeding her, they lick her head once or twice and then go back to their business. Lennon protects her baby carriage and does not let visitors near it when Marielena is in there, and Sofa is the official baby guardian. Every time we place her in her crib sofa keeps guard and looks for me or Danita if she starts crying or gets fuzzy.  Gotta love these guys! |
| OMG YES! Mine turned 4 and now I'm lucky he gets out of bed with me in the morning.
He used to bound down the stairs with me, pee, run around, wait for my coffee because he gets cookies while I drink my coffee. Run around, play some more, wait for me to leave (he gets a pile of cookies when I walk out the door) and then go play some more after I leave. This usually involved checking out the counter to see if I left anything out. Now he tries to convince me to stay in bed a little longer, finally drags his butt out of bed, pees, stays up long enough to get the cookies and back to bed he goes. No goodbyes, see you later, adios, nothing. Just a bunch of zzzz's. |
| My girls definitely have mellowed as they get older. Dancer is going on 3 and is so mellow now she is getting fat. LOL |
| Jasper isn't even 2 yet, and he has calmed down A LOT! I'm blaming it on the heat right now though. We'll see how he does come winter. I'm enjoying the calmness for now though. |
| Saulmr,
That is so sweet how Lennon and Sofa are with the baby. I can't wait till our dogs calm down enough for us to have a baby around. |
| Saul, it definitely sounds like you have a couple of "nanny" dogs! It's nice to know that they are settling down and stepping up to play the older sibling roles.
My experience with sheepdogs is that they don't calm down until about age 6!  |
| Yes, they calm down, but still can "get silly" at a moment's notice. How wonderfull they are true Nanny dogs. They have a job, guarding your wife and daughter.......you, well, they'll have to think about that.
Once the heat abates, their activity will increase. If not, get them up and moving. The more active they are, the better for their health.....just like people. Also remember when they are around 5 or so, arthritis may be starting. If you aren't giving glucosamine supplements, consider starting. susan |
| My two are deffo couch potatoes until right after dinner and then they know we go out to play. Max is 7 and Stella is 8. My Stella is really slowing down.....I've noticed her taking longer to get up when she is laying down and all of a sudden she just "looks" older. ....but she is still as sweet as ever......my sugar pop.
Max still acts like a rambunctious boy. |
| Chauncey is 10 months old and I'm starting to see a big change. I do have to admit it is mainly because I've changed. He was a "difficult" little one and after a nasty bite to my hand about 2 mos. ago, I decided he was a dog, not my baby. Time for tough love. Mom became the leader of the pack. Watching Cesar on Dog Whisper became manditory, in fact I TIVO. I also read this site daily. The amout of resources here is unbelievable! I've received such good advice. The change was actually pretty dramatic, my husband actually asked "what did you do to Chaunce" after only a week or so.
We had a trip to PetSmart this morning for a trim, and a really pleasant time shopping, he had such good manners. We ran into our next door neighbor who couldn't believe the change. Needless to say, he got a toy for his good behavior. He has even become so much more affectionate, so much so, I won't admit he ate the remote last night....oh well, one thing at a time. |
| I just looked at the pictures of Chancey he is so adorable. No I couldn't see him when he hid behind the pillows. lol. Aren't they funny. My Aussie used to hide under my glass top table and think I couldn't see her. lol.
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your pictures. Your boy is gorgious. |
| Violet, thanks, we love him so much. As I've said we've had trying times, but we also had them with our 28 year old son. With those you love you seek the help you need and go from there. Didn't he look like the demon dog in the pillow picture, OMG those eyes in that pic.....LOL. I'd like to post an avitar but I just can't figure out the instructions. Kathy |
| That pic of him behind the pillow is hilarious |
| Awesome pic! I cant' see you, so you can't see me either.... Sofa does the exact same thing, but your pic is really funny! |
| Willow, I owe you a thanks. Your pic's on paw clipping gave me the courage to try....Thanks, Kathy |
| Oh yes he does. lol (I am sorry I misspelled his name) |
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