Are these the "teen" years??

[Theresa & Duncan]

Hi Everyone! I posted this in the Puppy Madness Group a few weeks ago, but I wanted to post it in the Forum as well to get additional input from doodle owners who have survived this stage :)

It's hard to believe, but our Duncan Doodle is 7 months old. We have been through a ton of phases with this guy during his short life - some were obviously worse than others. We have overcome the puppy nipping, crating drama, potty training woes and more.

Now I come to you for advice on what I hope is "typical" doodle behavior for a doodle of this age. It seems as though Duncan had finally realized how big he is, because he is getting into EVERYTHING. He jumps up to steal from all surfaces (tables, counters, mantels, etc.) he makes a beeline for the trashcan whenever he enters a room so that he can pull paper products from them and zip through the house. He doesn't really "listen" to what he is told to do.

We did basic obedience with him when he was younger, and we have recently enrolled in an intermediate "adolescent" class. I am wondering though if others have gone through similar a experience and if it was more of an "age" thing, or some tips for handling these nutty behaviors?

[Theresa & Duncan]

Haha! Sure did. I guess no one uses that term anymore? I inherited too many terms from my mother! :)

[Jen Fischer]

Ha ha - I call it that, too. What else could it be called? 

[Mike Gruenke]

OMG, he looks and sounds a lot like my Bentley. Bentley is 1year and 8 months old and has not really settled down to a laid back dog, I doubt he ever will. He will still surf the countertops, grab things out of the trash and pretty much grab whatever suits his fancy at the time; BUT; when we tell him "NO" he stops. He does seem to always need to be reminded what he is not allowed to do. If we tell him to "Go lay down", he'll sigh and go lay down. Now Porsche is 8 months old and is somewhat actually starting to settle down. She's an F1b Goldendoodle. They both need alot of exercise and attention, the training is just an on going thing every day of thier lives. Even our 12 year old Collie Ishi isn't above doing some counter surfing if she thinks she can get away with it.

He's a great looking boy!

[Theresa & Duncan]

Thanks so much everyone! This has been more than helpful. I know we need to constantly work on his training, but it's comforting to know that age is playing a part. I think where we have been struggling the most is converting "training: into real life, but we are working at it. And all the comments about how handsome is making it hard to hide my 'proud momma' smile :)