[NAGDU] Dog maturity was:Hello

[Debby Phillips]

Hi Lisa, my first dog was three when I got her.  She was kind of 
crazy at first, too.  But I think (though I don't know this for 
sure) but I think that dogs have to test their boundaries when 
they first come into a new situation, whether they be guides or 
just your every day ordinary pet dog.  Growing up we had several 
pets.  I do remember them chewing things, and maybe getting into 
the garbage.  I remember my dad disciplined them like he did us, 
which always made me cringe.  I could hear them crying as they 
were being smacked.  I wanted to open my bedroom door and yell 
for them to come in and then gather them in my arms.  But I 
didn't dare do that.  Anyway, even older dogs have their silly 
moments.  Our nine year-old dog occasionally forgets himself and 
does something like get in the garbage which he hasn't done in a 
long time.  Of course, he knows better so usually a voice 
correction works fine with him.    Peace,    Debby