DOODLE TRAINER

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hi, I am both a professional trainer, and doodle owner. Let me know if you need help. Am happy to work with you. Our doodles are special. Valerie Appell, CPT
970.819.3001 / 805.210.1551

[Sue & Willy Babe]

Hi Valerie
I have a couple of questins Willson is 9 weeks old is it too early to start puppy classes
I use to be able to walk him in the morning just around the block now he balks at it won't budge just will sit But my daughter walked him later in the morning 9:00 am and he was fine I tried around 5:45 maybe he just is not a morning person???
Nipping on clothes as we are playing whats the best way to make him stop

[1mzns1erua5gt]

Wow, will I take you up on your offer! I have an almost 7 month old 60 lb Goldendoodle, Bella Daisy. She constantly mouths me! If I pet her, she puts my hand or arm in her mouth. Grooming is almost impossible she now is getting mats. She does not bite, just holds with slight pressure. I have tried the "ouch" followed with no attention, the holding of the nose, the bitter on my hands, and the squirt bottle. She thinks all are play!?! I think that it may be because I got her early only 5 1/2 weeks old, maybe she missed the pecking order thing from her mom and littermates. I think she thinks I am her littermate! She was very easy to housebreak, will sit on command, although she will not stay in sit on command. I live in a small town and when I got her, she was too young for the obedience classes that were going on then they stopped for the summer. Class starts in September so I hope we can get some help. She is very loving, she wants to be touching you all the time which I love but not the nipping and mouthing.

[jdlv25q841on]

I'll take advantage of your offer!! My 3 y/o 75 lb. labradoodle is just about the sweetest, most gentle dog I've ever had, but, recently, he surprised me with a very aggressive growl and teeth baring when I tried to take away a chew-bone (edible type). He has never shown any evidence of resource guarding..in fact I can stick my hand in his food bowl while he's eating or take away any other toy without problems. My 10 month-old grandchild can put his ear in her mouth and he just sits there without complaint, and he and I can wrestle non-stop without any aggressive action on his part. This time I was able to play "bait and switch" with his favorite snack..baby carrots...but I'm wondering why and what other methods are available to me should this occur again? Thanks.

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

OK but your going to be very busy! ;)
When Jordan was about 6m old she was "attacked" at the dog park. I have worked with 3 trainers on her dog fear aggression. They all seem to think it is not bad because it is not all big dogs, and she loves little dogs.Just dogs who sniff her and wont take her grumbles as stop. She never seeks out dogs if we are walking. But off leash she will be fine until a dog comes up to her. She has great off leash recall, and is fine to be on a leash with other dogs free roaming. I hate that she does it.
One even said I don't see the issue here, just don't take her to dog parks or around unstable dogs.(That was the last one who supposedly works miracles on fear aggression) I would love to take her to doodle romps. The others said to work on her training. Which we have and she is great. She has never bit, but it is worrisome to me.
I have thought about putting her in Doggie Daycare but I know she wont pass the test.
Any ideas? Do you know of any great trainers in the Western Washington area?
She will do this with me there or not, but I think she also does have an "She is mine issue with me."
Oh and If the dog who sniffs her backs off she will play them and has fun. She just has to do her "bitchy" thing first.
I am worried about time when she does this and the other dog wont back off and there is fight. It has not happen yet, I have not taken her to a dog park in over a year. She has only been around friends and family dogs.
Thank you for any help.

[Jim in New York]

Valarie- HAving trouble trainning the 18 month old Labradoodle we rescued from PAWS. He obeys some commands but for short time spands i.e. sit,saty. How can I get him to sit,stay and then come for longer periods. When he is outside and asked to come he gives the run around. Please help. Thanks. Jim

[Jerry Maurer]

Hi Valerie...
Our new puppy is 10 weeks old and is named Kali. Overnight, Kali does pee in her crate. The crate is a large crate, but I filled it with boxes, so the only thing in the crate is her pillow. In the morning I find the pillow is damp from her peeing. Is there a strategy you recommend or is Kali too young to grab this?

And, at 10 weeks, is Kali too young to train or should I start?

Thanks for your advice.
Jerry

[Doodle Kisses]

I'd like to remind everyone that this section of DK is for reviewing products or services...it is not for discussing training issues or getting training advice. It is also not for MARKETING ones own services...but this is an OLD post so I will just leave it as is. However, if you want to contact Valerie...please go to her page and ask her questions there.

Thank You!
Adina Pearson