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About Me:: Dog Behavior Specialist and Trainer in Denver Metro Area. Doodle Expert and Doodle lover!

What Type of Doodle(s) do you have? What are their names? Tell us about your doodle(s) or any other pets you have!: 3 Dogs:
Golden Retriever, Jazz, 8
Goldendoodle, Bula, 3
Maltese, Caesar, 4

Why did you choose a doodle rather than another breed or mix?: Looking for a Golden Retriever blend to add health and longevity a breed known for being prone to cancer

What are Your Favorite Things to Do With Your Doodles?: Watch her play
Witness her process information

Favorite Doodle Products?: Everlasting Treat Ball
Tricky Treat Ball
Raw large leg joint bone

Do you have a website of your own? If so, share it here:: http://goodfamilydog.com

At 12:08pm on March 27, 2009, Edith & "Lucy" said…: Hi Laura, I have a question. My 7 month old Lucy (F1b Goldendoodle) is a bit aggressive. Situation: Lucy has a chewy that she really likes, my 5 year old lays her hand just next to her and Lucy snaps at my daughter. She doesn't even attempt to take the chewy away. The dog does it a lot with my youngest daughter. My older daughter (9) gets play bitten sometimes. I have a parachute collar on her and I correct her when I see it but she does it over and over again. I can't stop it. We band her from the living room couch completely. I heard that will reinforce her dominance. When she doesn't get her way, like getting out of the car when she wants, she will growl. Do do have any tips for me how to stop this behavior.
Thanks, Edith

At 2:58pm on March 25, 2009, Linda and Murphy said…: Thanks, Laura.
I really, really don't want an aggressive dog, especiallly one the size of Murphy.
You are reinforcing what I already know...Murphy is not the problem.
He is this huge gentle (but clumsy!) giant that thinks everyone is his best friend or new playmate. I will keep him away from this dog.
Thanks, again.

At 2:16pm on March 25, 2009, Linda and Murphy said…: Hi Laura,
I have a question that I haven't seen addressed before. Murphy is huge but will not defend himself. I have a lady that I train with fairly regularly that has several dogs, one being a dog aggressive PWD (she has been asked not to take him to AKC events). Murphy just submits to this bully and I hate it.
He could just squash him with his paw and it would be over but he doesn't
I have had Murphy since he was 6 weeks old and there have been no events that I can pinpoint.
I do work with monkeys and I know that they are a matrilinial society and inherit the mother's status (even if separated from her at birth). I know you must defer to the dominant animal or you make it worse for the subordinate one.( sorry..rambling)
Appreciate any input.

At 1:43pm on January 8, 2009, Adina P said…: If you have time to give advice on separation anxiety: http://doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/2-year-old-goldendoodle-eating

At 8:00am on December 11, 2008, Adina P said…: No worries---the discussion topic got a lot of response as it was. I think you misread her feelings toward the new pup--she actually really likes it and that's why she did not want to trade for the "right" puppy. If you have time to go read the thread you'll see it's quite a sticky situation. Anyway I'm not going to post your response because although I have no problem with your training/behavior answer... The part about feeling "slighted" was not at all the case except to the extent that anyone would feel so---but she is enjoying the puppy quite a bit.

At 11:08am on December 10, 2008, Adina P said…: Thanks Laura...I know the trainers here don't always have time to look at latest discussions--there's another discussion about resource guarding between dogs you might have a look at if you have time.

At 9:48am on December 10, 2008, Adina P said…: Thought you might have some insight in this matter:

http://doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/alpha-puppy

At 8:30am on September 27, 2008, Laura Brody, CPDT said…: Please go to the APDT website: www.apdt.com and then to the Trainer Search page. You must open the link and then click on the "agree with the terms box" which is just a waiver of liability for the folks who might think the apdt is liable if they don't get what they want from a trainer referral ): Then you'll be able to put in your zipcode and find someone who is in your area. Find a trainer who is a CPDT (certified pet dog trainer). The difference between a trainer and a behaviorist is usually this: A trainer focuses on the symptom. A behaviorist works with you to change the CAUSE of the unwanted behavior. It's never only the dog who contributes to the situation. Without knowing it, we, as owners are usually somehow reinforcing behaviors that we say we are trying to change. Don't give up on positive techniques. And again, please email me so I can send you so much more info to go along with a new training plan. And get help from someone who can tell you what you are doing that isn't productive and can "tweak" your techniques.

At 10:07am on September 26, 2008, Adina P said…: All my dogs have been trained with what you could call 'old school' methods so I am VERY comfortable with the idea of corrections. However anger has no place in training---I do agree with that. A leash correction given in anger shouldn't be given.
I have also taught tricks and other things with clicker and treats and understand the clicker philosophy reasonably well. My intent is not to stifle discussion or prevent anyone from expressing their views or to push ONE way of training.... I believe there are multiple ways to achieve a training goal...some methods work better than others and some work better for different people. Each person has to choose what they can do confidently. And I want this site to allow any trainer to show off their knowledge/skills and share their philosophy. So it's perfectly fine to say "I believe THIS to be best/true/ideal because of X,Y,Z beliefs or facts" It's a fine line =) I don't want you to feel like you can't be honest about your beliefs...I know you'll be polite =)

At 8:43am on September 26, 2008, Adina P said…: Just tossing out an idea. I gave this idea to another trainer on this site as well (she has more of a Cesar Millan approach). One way to do a little education is to schedule a chat with site members. In other words pick a time you can be available in the next few weeks and write a discussion post in the forum announcing that on ___ day at ___ time you will be in the chat ready and willing to answer training questions. Ask for responses so you know you've got takers and then you can even add it as an event in the events section. If you choose to do this I ask that in the body of your discussion post/announcement you define your training philosophy and why you like it so people know what they can expect. You may talk up positive training, and mention reasons why you favor your training methods...but I prefer that other methods are not put down.