8-month-old cries at us!

[Lisa & Greg]

Hi all,

Many of you already know the struggles we've been having with our two golden doodles, Noodles and Bootes. One issue I don't think I've brought up yet is that Noodles cries at us regularly. She yelps and snaps her jaws at us as if she desperately wants something. When we try to do anything, she gets very agitated. We've tried everything -- playing with her, petting her, talking to her, etc. -- and all after we've done all the obvious i.e. taking her out to potty, exercised her, let her play outside, fed her etc.

It's so upsetting and also very annoying. She looks at us as if we should know what she wants. Sometimes she bites at us too -- not hard or to break the skin -- but it's still upsetting.

Her sister, Bootes, doesn't do this. I get the feeling Noodles wants to just be outside and away from us. We'd be happy to let her stay outside all day but that's not an option during freezing or wet weather.

I'm hoping this is another puppy issue that she'll outgrow.

Anyone else's puppy or dog do this?

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Hi Lisa, I just read your last post. Have you had a chance to find a better trainer? I feel like Noodles does not know what the rules and boundaries are and she needs to learn that (both of the doodles need to learn that).

I do believe separating the sisters and giving them proper obedience training is a must and is long overdue. I've got two boys that are related, but they are two years apart. We started their training as soon as they had all of their puppy shots at 4 months.

What you describing here and in your previous discussions sound exhausting and frustrating, and I'm sorry you have to go through this. I don't know where you live, but I would find a trainer ASAP. Also, as somebody else mentioned in your previous post, even though you training with the dogs is beneficial, I would not be against boarding Noodles (at least) somewhere where she can get decent training for a few weeks. If your husband works long hours, there is no way you can possibly manage training both girls yourself. Please keep us posted.

[Lisa & Greg]

I haven't thought about boarding for training. We live in Maryland - the Baltimore area. I'll look into it. Thanks.

We have a recommendation for another trainer from our vet. We figure we'll wait until the crazy cold weather lets up a bit before trying another trainer.

[Sally S Miles]

I do think she is trying to tell you something and separating the two dogs is inevitable, for daily training and individual attention.  Is she telling you she is miserable? Is she telling you that she wants to please you?   Jealousy - maybe she just naturally needs more attention - or perhaps several other things.

In your other post there are excellent suggestions.    I would start with separation and only one on one time for each. I would also change her name - they are so similar that as silly as it sounds, she is getting lost in the shuffle. She knows that you are frustrated with her, annoyed, whatever you call it.     I certainly do not mean to offend, but waiting until winter goes away to seek assistance is going to mean more frustration, more behavioral problems and escalation on some level.    The bottom line is what is best for the dog?

[Julie and Max]

I wouldn't wait to see a trainer. Also if you know she doesn't have to potty, I would ignore this behavior. When you try to figure out what she wants and pet her and play with her for doing it, you're actually reinforcing the behavior. Reward, play and pet for the calm behaviours that you want to see more often. 

[Robin and Libby Louise]

This sounds so frustrating Lisa.  I remember your original post and when I saw your update I was so hoping you were going to tell us everything worked out so well.  I'm sorry it has been so exhausting and frustrating - it can happen with only one pup so I can't imagine double the aggravation and frustration.  I don't really have anything to add to the great advice you have already gotten but would agree that waiting any longer for the new trainer is probably not the way to go.  Winter is awful (I'm in NJ so we have the same ice and snow and it sucks!), but you guys are going to have a nervous breakdown if you don't figure out a way to show your pups that you and your family are in charge!  I did like the suggestion to change Noodle's name - that seems easy enough!  I hope you find a way to get through this and wind up with 2 doodles that you can love and who love you right back!  Please keep us posted!

[Julie and Max]

I'm in Canada so it's very cold here, and around 2 feet of snow I think. I walk my guy everyday no matter what unless there is a frostbite advisory and that does help me a lot. I am actually enjoying the cold weather this year which I haven't in many years but it's all thanks to my puppy. I don't know how much you walk them, and I know it's much harder with two, but a tired puppy is a good puppy, and training will also tire them out. I was looking at your pictures and they are both such beautiful puppies I really hope you can get this worked out.