Aging

[Suzanne & Jack]

At what age did your doodle start to settle down? My Jack is almost 3 and it seems like he has become a total slug. We recently adopted a 1 year old min. schnauzer that is full of energy. I can't tell whether he is disgusted with this youngster or truly lacking energy.

[Sandy]

Oh mercy - please tell me it happens before they turn 3!!! The last couple of days Toby has been a BUNDLE of energy. Thank goodness our yard is fenced - I know when he's about to break out, and I take him out and say "GO!". He takes off running at high speeds, and does the zoomies around the yard, behind the shed, onto the deck....over and over and over. He's just over 1.....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I always heard that some of the large breeds like Labrador retrievers and GSD's "grow up" at three. It has been true of quite a few dogs I've known. The smaller breeds seem to settle down earlier.

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

Dexter really calmed down around 2.5-3 yrs old. Kirby has always been the same since we got him (at 1 yr old)...he has a few strong bursts of energy a day, but otherwise likes to rest.

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

OH!!! I can't wait. Our doodle has lot's of energy........10 months...Sorry it just seems he will never settle down.

[Elizabeth]

Sophie will be 3 this month. She still has a lot of energy, but we got her when she was just over 2 years old, so I am not sure how energetic she was. I was told by her old owner she distroyed a couch as a puppy! So, considering that I suppose she is doing amazingly fantastic because she never chews or has so much energy that she is distructive. The last time she acted really lethargic, I got worried and brought her to the vet- turned out she had Lymes. (Yes I had her on frontline, she was treated and is fine now) I hope noone takes this the wrong way (because I certainly don't want my girl to be sick) but it was SOOOO nice in a way to have her be Lazy! That NEVER happens so it was kind of refreshing. So, hopefully some time soon she will settle down (without being sick lol...) Is there such a thing as a lazy doodle that was born that way?.. All doodles I have met are a bundle of energy all the time- they get wore out for about 15 minutes and are right back at it. lol.. How I hope that "settle down" thing isn't a fairytale..

[Beverly Wright]

Our Millie is 1 1/2 and she is already beginning to settle down. What helps is walking her every day. We try and walk at least 4 times a week for about 2 miles or so. She loves the exercise and then for the rest of the day is pooped!