8 month old mini-goldendoodle: Looking for Training Tips/Suggestions

[Amy & Edie]

Our mini-goldendoodle Lilo is about 8 months old  now# She did do puppy class, however, she still is a little ankle biter, barker, leash puller and nipper.  (sigh) it is a lot of work with a puppy, a four year old daughter, working full time and being a sole parent.

Lilo is a smart dog, that I can tell# She didn't  like the no pulling/head leash, bucked like crazy. I am thinking about buying  the easy walk harness type to hopefully end the pulling. For the  biting,anyone have success with the bitter apple spray? I tried a different  kind and after you sprayed it, if you breathe it or are near it, the taste will  be in your mouth ALL DAY long! Yuck

Lastly, has anyone tried the ultrasonic indoor bark  control device? I don't want to do the 'bark collar'

Whew...that was a lot...looking for what works for  you!

 

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

"One class is never enough for any dog."  Perfectly said Sandy!  Even taking the same class a second time (or third with Shaggy:O) is great, repeat work on things you've started but may not have mastered and a new set of dogs to socialize with.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

"You also need additional obedience classes for her. One class is never enough for any dog. Training is an ongoing process..." 

Exactly. Or to put it another way:

[Adina P]

Puppy Classes are more for 'getting out there' and an introduction to training and being around other dogs with your dog.  They are not much good for getting a handle on obedience or long term good behavior.  It's kind of like preschool -- it gives a child the 'idea' of school, but they aren't ready for the world based on preschool.  A lot more learning has to take place beyond that.  I don't envy your position as a single mom trying to train a puppy. But depending on how you structure your time you probably can still get some good training in.  If you can afford the money and time to attend continuing classes with your dog and then practice what you learn DAILY, that would be ideal.  Puppies (and adult dogs) need daily practice (as was mentioned above).  They have to do their daily repetitions and then they have to do those practice sessions with different types of real life distraction in order for those obedience commands to 'stick' and work in real life. 

For example, if you only practice at home while your daughter is sleeping...you can practice till you and your dog turn blue, but it won't mean a thing when your daughter wakes up.  Because if a dog only practices obedience when life is boring...that's the only time that dog will be obedient.  Just like if a basketball player only practiced playing when nobody else was on the court...they'd only be amazing when nobody else was on the court. 

You have to practice when it's boring.  At home.  In the yard.  On the sidewalk, in the park, by the pet store, in the pet store, and so on.  If you can get into another obedience class....go for it!

[Star and Goldie]

I love the preschool comparison! So very true!

[Star and Goldie]

Sounds like you've got your hands full! I, too, am a single parent (3 yr old and a doodle) so I can definitely relate. I am fortunate that I don't really have any behavioral issues Goldie other than the fact that she has a nasty poop eating habit but I suppose I'd take that over biting and barking. 

Are you in the puppy madness and training group? I think both of those groups may be a great start to target these specific issues- I think the training group is your best bet.

Sorry, I didn't really help much but just wanted to let ya know you'll get through it :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Lilo is now eight months old and starting to develop a real strong will of her own....this is when training is so critical.  You mention that she did "puppy class" but that's more about socialization than teaching them what you're expecting of them.  Lilo needs obedience training...either with a trainer or in a class...and she needs you to be working with her daily to show her what you are expecting.  You ask about the ultrasonic bark control device...how does that differ from the "bark collar"?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Something that will pay off in the long run is to be consistent on those items you are serious about.  Don't let her get away with any really important behavior (to you)  even one time.  And be consistent in your 'punishment' of those items.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Just echoing what other's have said, I remember at 8 months starting advanced obedience training with Peri. Then around 1.5 years, I started the canine good citizen advanced training.  Now, at 4 years, I really need to go back to basics some with her and stop the darn jumping on visitors!  My point is this: we must continually train - basically their whole lives :)

[Tammie Ciesielka]

While taking Roxy, our almost 7 month old Goldendoodle to training I expressed some of your concerns.  We have worked hard with her and have nipped most of the issues in the bud.  The trainer recommended the pinch collar, which helped tremendously.  1 strong pop with the pinch collar usually puts a bad behavior to rest.  We were still having the nipping issue in the house when Roxy would get excited.  Mostly when my boys and husband would come home from school / work.  The trainer recommended keeping the pinch collar on her at these times and keeping a shortened leash on her so we could easily give her a pop when the nipping starts.  So far, it's worked!  She is nipping much less and with 1 pop she is learning her lesson (for a few hours anyway) and believe me, we were at our whits end with it.  Good luck with Lilo.  I hope you find something that works for you two.