I've been researching about stages dogs go through, but mainly I've only found info for baby pups. My dog just turned one, and I've noticed a couple new behaviors that make me wonder if they're linked to her age. Some examples: she barks at strange dogs (we're working on this), but she's always been solid around people. In the last week, however, she really surprised me with barking three different times at strangers approaching us. She seems a little timid about strange surroundings, like different surfaces, etc., but I can coach her through things. Today, for example, she didn't want to cross a metal covering on the ground. I threw a treat down and we walked across it together several times. This is a dog who got scolded for being reckless when taking an agility class not too long ago! Finally, we have a calm, established feeding routine where she sits, watches, and waits to eat until I say "ok." Just recently, she has stood by her bowl and waited to eat until I left the room. I thought the first time she just hadn't heard me. The second time this happened, I entered back in the room and slowly rubbed her back one or two times--no aggression at all, but still puzzling to me.

Might these new behaviors be age related? What's happening with one year old dogs, and what do I need to be doing with her during this time?

I'd get a vet checkup just to be safe.
Dogs (especially females) can undergo some weird personality changes as they reach sexual maturity.

Has she had her first heat yet? Hormones can make even the best of bitches a little quirky.

The barking doesn't concern me, but a new fear of strange surfaces does.
Suddenly losing confidence *can* be an age related phase, but she also could be experiencing some sort of physical discomfort that is making her anxious in new settings. I'd get a thorough vet check-up and have prelim hips and elbows. Just so you aren't losing sleep worrying about her, and a year is a good age to do so, anyway. Wait until 6 weeks after her heat.

Have you changed anything in your routine or training approach (have you recently introduced corrections, for example)?

Thanks--I didn't think about physical discomfort (but she's due for a vet visit, so I'll follow through on that advice). I thought not wanting to walk over the metal surface was due to the noise it made when I first crossed. That's why I was wondering if dogs ever go through adolescent fear periods. I haven't changed anything in her routine, although have thought about it; her trainer mentioned herding. The things I've noticed aren't major as her disposition/energy remain the same. I just want to make sure that I'm doing the right thing for her at this time. Since she's the first dog I've raised on my own, it's sometimes challenging to know which things I should be concerned about and which things aren't a big deal.

Good for you to keep working on her. I think many people make the mistake of not socializing through adolesence.

Many people I know think their job is done once the pup "looks" full grown.

No suprise that is also the time most are given up.

 Quote: Carolyn Pinkerto

Today, for example, she didn't want to cross a metal covering on the ground. I threw a treat down and we walked across it together several times. This is a dog who got scolded for being reckless when taking an agility class not too long ago!

First if she is just turning a year; limit jumps. And good observation on Alyssa's part to have her checked in case she may be uncomfortable.

Did someone other than you scold her at agility? And has this behavior surfaced since then? Even in the case if you scolded her; agility classes are loud! Tons of rattling, barking and banging, if you feel it was the sound the grate made when you walked over it...is it possible when she was corrected at agility she associated it with the noise? That is possibly a stretch but......maybe not. If that is the case you handled it perfectly by having her practice and making it a positive encounter.

There were definite changes in my dog at a year...basically he went selectively deaf, was put back on leash after having been trustworthy off leash and in general became an all around pain in the a#@......and I loved every minute of it !!

No time before or after that period was pack structure and leadership more important. I'm might be going out on a limb but I have a feeling that is true for most dogs. So make sure rules are clear, consistant and fair because if they are not she will know.....and the quirks that come with that knowledge are not fun to deal with.

Thanks for all the feedback. We actually both got scolded at agility--I was so focused on listening to what we were supposed to do that I didn't notice my little doggie trying to creep up the A-frame on her own. Just a verbal scolding for both of us. I tightened the leash after that, but I was secretly proud of her adventurous spirit!

She full of spunk, but I do agree it's a fun time. I can see those canine wheels turning as she figures things out. And the puppy things that she still does from time to time (her tail will still serve as enticing chase material!) is even sillier in a "grown-up" dog.