Do dogs become stubborn seniors after a certain age like humans?
As of late I’ve been pondering that question.
Harley is two months into his ninth year on earth and he’s been “feeling himself” lately…
You would think he received his lifetime AARD (American Association of Retired Dogs) membership card in the mail giving him rights to do what he pleases – when he pleases #ohplease…
SHOWING THE SIGNS –
The signs were subtle in the beginning. So subtle – it took me a minute to realize what was happening.
I remember wanting to brush him one morning and I motioned for him to come to me. This “Dood” – gave me a look as if he wanted to bark –
No thanks, not interested in getting brushed today.
Homeboy actually remained on the couch glaring back at me…
Never would this have happened when he was younger. Harley loved to be obedient.
For a fleeting moment I had a flashback of myself speed walking to the couch and snatching him up – but then I remembered, he’s not one of my human children LOL he’s my Doodle Bug. #cantdothat
OPPOSITES ATTRACT –
Nowadays he seems determined to express himself like Frank Sinatra #myway. Doing the opposite of any command I give seems to make his day.
I say “come” – he stays in place.
If I tell him to “stay” – well you get it.
I know what you’re thinking: maybe at his age he can’t hear as well.
His hearing is fine!
I can peel plastic from a slice of cheese in the kitchen and he’ll fly down the stairs like that old cartoon character Underdog (minus the cape)!
His hearing is at pawfect pitch!
Annual physical results were outstanding, he’s healthy playful and full of energy…
He’s just determined to drive me to drink MORE by dancing to the beat of a different doodle drum!…
Anybody else’s Stubborn Senior Dog receive their AARD card?
T.G.I.M. Turn your dreams into goals ❤️
February 4, 2018
Me thinks it’s the poodle genes playing out here. Sam, at 12 give me more than a “yeah, no’ look. Frequently. #ohthatdog!
February 5, 2018
I think they’re all getting together to drive us nuts all at the same time!
February 5, 2018
The GBGV is stubborn from day one, but I have become more difficult every year. If I don’t feel like it, I simply won’t do it, and no one can make me. In certain areas, I’m much better than ever like walking nicely all the time on leash, but try to make me walk around the corner to the left when I want to go right…that is a tough job! I’m 11 1/2, so older than Harley.
February 5, 2018
Emma – you AND Harley have got to get together – you’re like two pups in a pod!
February 5, 2018
Oh, how well I know! And, it’s not just his Poodle genes. Callie was always a bit stubborn – even as a young puppy – and Shadow displays a stubborn streak now and then, too.
February 5, 2018
I don’t blame genes at all LOL I think he’s just that smart and knows how to push my buttons HA! I love him more for it though, genius dogs that’s what we’ve got 🙂
February 5, 2018
Well, both of our beagles were pretty much stubborn from day 1, so it’s hard to judge! I think our golden Sheba did start to get just a bit more independent and defiant as she got older (those are the only dogs we’ve had make it to their senior years). But I can’t really say as I blame them, I seem to get more and more stubborn the older I get ; refusing to do things I don’t really want to. 🙂
February 6, 2018
That’s exactly why I found it so interesting. Harley has started mimicking me LOL But I didn’t want to put it out there like that 🙂