First time dog owner - Help with 6 month old!

[Natasha]

Hi all,

Not sure if I'm posting correctly as new here but just wanted some ideas and advice for other doodle/dog owners.

We've had Pippa, our F1 goldendoodle since she was 8 weeks old and she is just a few days away from being 6 months now.

I'm finding that we're having some issues with Pip and just wanted to know what is normal and whether I'm just worrying or over thinking things?

Firstly I feel like I don't have the strong bond with her that I would have hoped for. I think I've read someone else's post on here where they have said something similar. I have been the one who has been raising her since she came home but I don't feel like Pip is overly cuddly at least with me, she doesn't ever jump in your lap etc. She enjoys being stroked for all of two minutes and then she wants to shoot off and do something else. She doesn't really get that excited around me, probably only in the morning when I get her up. I'm at home all the time at the moment as I'm retraining to start a new career so I wonder in part if it's just because she sees me all the time. I guess it's also just her personality? Although she has always seemed to follow my husband around a lot more and constantly wants love and attention from him, a lot of the time where she is falling at his feet for belly rubs etc. Another thing is that she gets very excited around guests, strangers and people in our family that she doesn't see all the time and really loves their attention.
She seems to be a lot more poodle like in looks and personality and I wondered whether that would make her a bit less affectionate than the Golden Retriever half of her but it seems like poodles are as equally affectionate?
One thing to note is that she will lick your hand a lot when she is tired.

Another problem she has is urinating when she is excited which is always when she is being greeted by my husband or others. She has only done it with me a couple of times. I have spoken to the vet about this and she said that it is just a sign of immaturity and that she will grow out of it as she gets her season as she advised us not to spay her.
Did anyone else have this? And if so how long did it take for your pup to grow out of it? I was sure that she might have grown out of it once she had more bladder control after 4 months but she hasn't.

It also seems that she has a very high prey drive, she will chase anything that moves, the most annoying thing being leaves that are moving in the wind because there's no escaping them! It was a nightmare last night to get her to focus on toileting because every time the wind would pick up, she would have her head and, looking around for leaves to chase. We also let her off lead last week and she was good for the most part but she was off when she saw a bird that was flying low. We did manage to call her back once the bird had landed in a tree but it still wasn't ideal.
I've read that they can grow out of the leaf chasing thing but I do think she has such a high prey drive that we might not be able to have her off lead for fear that she might run off or even into a road.
Does anyone else have experience with this?
Another problem is that this game of chase doesn't just end with those objects, she likes to play chase with other dogs too. Whenever she sees another dog on leash she will bark and try to swipe or jump on them to try and annoy them so they will chase her. It's almost like she doesn't care if she annoys them to the point where they're likely to get aggressive. It's almost like she ignores the warning signs other dogs give her and is just always in play mode.
Whenever we take her to my in-laws, who have a miniature schnauzer, she just wants to run around chasing her around the house with no signs of stopping. The schnauzer will growl and bark but she doesn't listen.

Lastly, she has begun resource guarding her chew treats. The point that I noticed that was really bad was when I gave her a lamb bone leftover from Christmas. I made her do about 5 tricks before she got the bone so that she was working for it and handed it over. When I attempted to stroke her she was growling. She stiffens up, stops chewing and her behaviour changes if you stroke her when she has a dental stick chew, pigs ears or raw hide chews. I have stopped giving her bones (that was just a one off anyway), raw hide and pigs ears. The strange thing is is that she doesn't get aggressive with her normal puppy food, you can hand feed her, stroke her etc. and she's fine. I think I may have a part in this as there were times when I would remove small pieces of raw hide from her mouth when she was younger to prevent her choking or it getting blocked so that may have caused this? I am trying to give her other treats while she is chewing her dental sticks to show that I'm not trying to take it away and it seems to be helping a little.

Any tips or info would be appreciated and thanks for reading.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

First of all a lot of these behaviors are just because she's a puppy.  Chasing moving leaves or other dogs is because she's a pup and really loves to play.  At this age they chase one another...it's a game.  I have a seven year old Doodle who can be all set to go potty but if the wind kicks up and leaves go "flying by" he will stop. Unless you feel there is a real danger, I'd let the in-law's dog help to train her...he is sending a message with the growl and bark.  I really think she'll catch on...she's just learning.  My Guinness also had the problem of peeing when excited....it stopped as he matured and now it never happens.  I'm glad that you stopped giving the bones...that cooked lamb bone could have made her really sick.  I would keep the real high value treats away for now and work with her...give the dental chew and "trade" it for another treat...then give it back.  She'll see that it's fine to give up his prize because there's always something better.  As for her not being cuddly with you, that may just be her personality and the fact that you're always with her may be a factor as well.  She's still so young, there's lots of time for your bond to grow.

[Natasha]

Thanks for your reply.

Since writing this I have really thought about things and I do feel better. I think you are right in terms of it mostly being puppy behaviour and I don't want to stop her being a puppy. I think sometimes I worry that some of the behaviours she won't grow out of and might continue into adulthood so it's confusing to know if you correct or just ignore.

I was working with her today, I gave her the dental sticks and sat with her while she was chewing and periodically gave her higher value treats from my hand and was also able to stroke without her stopping sometimes so that's positive. I'll just continue this every time she gets a chew.

With the leaf chasing thing, I understand that she is playful but it's like when she hones in on these moving objects it's like nothing else in the world matters and she can't be snapped out of that state even letting her know that you have treats etc. I do worry that it's a danger to a certain extent because I know she wouldn't hesitate to run into the road but I will just have to always have her on lead and wait to see if she improves.

I think like you said maybe it's just her personality with the affection side.

Thanks again for your reply, I hope the post didn't sound too much like a rant but I just wanted to know what was normal and what wasn't as this is our first puppy.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It didn't sound like a rant at all.  Puppies are so much like toddlers...some good days and some bad days (or weeks).  I would definitely keep her on a leash....it takes a lot of training for any of them to be trustworthy off lead.  I think the way you're working with her with the dental chews is excellent.  She'll be fine...just look for those moments of cuteness and try to stay focused on that.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It takes hundreds of hours of training to have a dog who is reliable off leash. I've yet to meet a 6 month old of any breed, let alone one with hunting dogs in its genes, who could be trusted outdoors off leash. And very few adults either, for that matter. 

I know that attitudes towards spay/neuter are different in Europe than they are here, but if you're going to have an intact dog, it's even more important that you not allow her to run loose. I would put all ideas of having her outdoors off leash out of your mind, at least until she is mature and you have put in a lot of work on training. Most of the dogs I've known (and there have been many) are always on a leash when outdoors in unfenced areas for their entire lives, and there is nothing wrong with that. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

I would not correct, just ignore and distract.  If she is doing something you don't want to continue, just give her something to do that you want to encourage.

[Valarie]

Natasha, as others have said most of these issues are just puppy stuff. I really recommend that it would be great for you and Pippa to invest in professional training. Training, done right, is what makes puppies safe, happy and fully able to be a member of the family. A well trained dog is able to participate with so much of your regular life because you can take them anywhere with little worry about their behaviors putting them or others at risk. If you can't afford professional training there's plenty of resources out there and some members here can give you great advice. But what I really wanted to respond to was your feeling that Pippa is not bonded to you. I totally understand that. Our first dog, Clay, came to us at 8 weeks old. Even though I was his primary care taker he adored my husband and could always be found at his side. He generally just tolerated my attentions politely and then would run quickly to my husband :). He would show some excitement at times when I would come home but as you said he was a lot more excited when others came to visit. It was hard for me but of course I still loved him. I told myself that it was because not only did I do the good stuff feeding, playing, giving treats, I also had to do the difficult stuff like clipping nails, giving meds, getting splinters out of his foot. But ultimately I believe it was just his personality. So I tried not to take it personally. He was a wonderful fun and happy dog and I enjoyed him so much. Your puppy is still so young much of his behavior now is just baby stuff. Hang in there. It is obvious from your message that you are trying to be a great and loving mama. That is the most important thing. Best of luck.

[Natasha]

Thanks for your reply.

I did wonder about maybe trying to get one to one training for her but that might be out of our price range. There was a group class that I found but circumstances with my husband changing jobs meant we couldn't attend. There is a possibility that we might be able to get around this though and I will be looking for a good puppy training group class in a different area.

Can I just ask, did things with you and Clay change or improve in your opinion? Or did you just have to come to terms with not having the same attention from him as your husband?

Thanks again for your in-put :)

[Valarie]

When we were training Clay and Sophie I read a lot of books and went online for info. There's so much free info out there. Not all of it good. But the group here can help you sort out what's best for your puppy. It takes time and consistency and of course love but when you're working and going to school it's tough. I used different training methods for Sophie because her temperament was so much different. She is a much more compliant dog where Clay was headstrong. As an example we used a little squirt gun with water to discourage Clay from jumping on people but all it took for Sophie was a couple of firm "aaa,aaa's".
I wish Clay would have gotten closer to me but no he really was always attached to his Daddy. It was enjoyable watching how much they loved each other. I loved him dearly too but he was always my husbands pup. That doesn't mean anything as far as you and Pippa (love that name, btw). Just love her and give her lots of attention, try not to worry and get thru the puppy stages. Hugs to you and Pippa.

[Valarie]

Wanted to add that I totally agree with Karen about dogs off leash. I feel Sophie is well trained and comes consistently in the unfenced part of our property and at my Moms house but I still have her on leash every other place we go like to car shows, parks, stores. It is always a balance of freedom and safety.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

If you can't do a class, have you thought about the Doggy Dan online training program.  I subscribed for several months and though it was a great program, especially for new puppy owners.  If you search on Doggy Dan here on DK you'll find the prior discussions.

[Natasha]

Thanks all for the in put.

I have re-started to build on recall with her by just calling her and asking her to come and rewarding. I know there is a long way to go in building up towards distractions etc. Etc. but have to start some where ;)

You guys are right about letting her loose if she will be unspayed, I guess I kind of over looked that part since she hasn't started her seasons yet.

I forgot to mention that the vet said not to spay her until after her first season to help her get over her urination problem but didn't say to never spay.

Valerie, thanks for your input regarding Pippa. I do understand, like you mentioned that every dog is different and the approach depends on the pup. Love the water gun idea! She is a monster for jumping up. Although today I told my husband to ignore her when he came in and there was a big improvement with jumping and he gave her attention when she was sitting and calm.

I think I just need to put a bit more time in with her with training.

Thanks again, things already seem more positive :)

[Jenny and Cooper]

Hi Natasha! You've already got a lot of good advices already from the experts here. I wanted to let you know that my Cooper (1yr old) used to chase leaves too! I was laughing when I read your post because it brought back memories from our walk. He would go crazy when the wind blows the leaves. He would pull the leash and start going after it. Sometimes it happens unexpectedly because I didn't notice the leaves! As far as getting excited when he sees me, I felt the same way and remember telling my husband that Cooper loves him more than me. Lol. Even until today, he gets SUPER excited when my husband comes home. With me, he is more excited to see me now when I get home than he did when he was younger. :)

It'll get better! :D