Do dogs ever grow up?

The spaniel mantra is ‘born half wild, die half trained’. Luckily, we’d been aware of it before we jumped onboard with the first of many of that ilk. Even the old cocker in her final months, ignored 15 years of training and started to chase rabbits!

This is so true, my Goldie goes into puppy mode as soon as she sees another dog and she's 9 this year.

The Labrador mantra, born half trained hasn’t been so with my giddy boy. My cocker spaniel might not be as good at obedience as that lab when taken to classes but she’s a doddle to walk - unlike mr distractability

Sadly they eventually grow old - but without growing up, the inner puppy is still there!
(For Labs, I used to reckon 5 was close to being “grown up” but I think that’s optimistic.)

You’re correct RosiesMaw

RosiesMaw

Sadly they eventually grow old - but without growing up, the inner puppy is still there!
(For Labs, I used to reckon 5 was close to being “grown up” but I think that’s optimistic.)

Absolutely. We've always had Labs and although they did 'grow up', even in their most senior years, you got the odd flash of that 'inner puppy' from time to time. Whatever kind of dog you have, cherish them - even in those naughty times - for they are with us for such a short time.

Does the evolution of the Golden Retriever apply to any dog?
Our Bull Dog is 5 and still most definitely a puppy 🐶

No dogs never grow up but who would want them to? They are bundles of fun and love life. We can learn a lot from dogs.

Mine are 10 and 9 and are just as active and mischievous as when they were puppies. I see them bounding around the garden with no sign of slowing down and it makes my heart smile

Greyhounds don’t necessarily get a lot of fun if they are bred for racing so the “inner puppy” isn’t always obvious- but when they do let their hair down they are big leggy kids!
Like here
www.google.com/gasearch?q=greyhound%20agility&tbm=&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:f2796ce9,vid:8fosVubEbuw,st:0

My son’s boxer dog is 8 years old and still acts like a puppy. Full of fun and adorable.

Our springer spaniel is eleven but still mad for balls of any size can still jump and catch them. He loves a game of hide and fetch but best of all loves a cuddle!

We’ve had two Cavalier King Charles dogs, in succession. They’re supposed to be the dog that stays the most puppy-like through their lives. I’d say that’s true! They were both ‘needy’ dogs, always wanting to be touching someone and also keen to play. They were super companions for our children.

If I ever had CKC again, which I won’t, I’d have two at once, I think. They seems much happier when they have their own company.

The day does come when puppy or kitten games are no longer attractive and when it does, the experienced dog or cat owner starts considering where a beloved pet is to be buried, and whether that last harrowing visit to the vet is at hand.

So do be careful what you wish for, dear pet-owners.

That said, my last ancient cat, who had patently been contemplating death's door-step for weeks, went out and caught me a blackbird one day, then lived on contentedly for another couple of months.

So do be careful what you wish for, dear pet-owners.
Never wishing a pet's life away, just wondering when we get some calm moments!