At what age do dogs start to settle down?

Thanks to a friend from an online pet community who goes to training sessions with her Chi, I’ve managed to teach her the ‘sit’ command using treats. She understands perfectly well, but she’s very stubborn! What’s worrying me—even though the vet says it’s nothing—is that she often coughs when she wakes up. It looks like she’s about to choke, and then it settles down. It doesn’t happen when she’s excited at all. I’ve just been through it with a little dog that I looked after for five years for a heart condition; she coughed constantly and it was so stressful. Even though my little Tania’s heart is fine, it really stresses me out that she might have inherited this from her mum.

If I go to see a dog trainer or take her to puppy classes, will she stop jumping up on everyone? Will she manage to calm down and listen to the trainer? She’s going to be 5 months old.

My Chihuahua just can’t seem to settle whenever she’s around adults and other dogs, and it really wears her out. What should I do?

I’d definitely like him to stop being so destructive because I just don’t understand it – he’s so calm at home, but when we’re out and he sees other dogs, he goes absolutely bonkers.

ramses: Belle settled down at 18 months.

It all depends on their temperament and the breed!!! My girl is just over a year old and she’s still destroying the odd thing like my daughter's shoes or toys, even though she’s perfectly trained!