Having a lot of trouble with our Golden Doodle - need advice before having to take a difficult decision

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

• hello everyone, looking for help. We are thinking of giving away our 12 months Golden Doodle. We love her to death, but she is destroying the house, almost attacking the kids, she is a real handful. She did well in the training sessions, but in the house, it's crazy. Looking for advice before we have to take the decision to give her away.

we have tried everything.

Any advice?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Kim, training doesn't really happen in the training sessions; that's where you learn how to train your dog. The real actual training takes place every day when you work with your dog at home and in public places, day in and day out. Training doesn't get "done" and stay done, ever. It's something that is ongoing, for the life of the dog. Routine, structure, and consistency are key, everybody in the family must be on the same page, and the kids have to learn the rules, too. Lots of exercise is imperative. It sounds like your dog may not be getting enough structure or exercise. Young sporting breeds generally need more exercise than any other kind of dog. A tired doodle is a good doodle.

Do you spend time working on training commands every day, several times a day? 

Do you stick to a structured routine each day with meals, exercise, training, etc? Does your dog know what to expect and what is expected from her?

Does your dog have a chance to run off leash every day? 

You have to decide if you want to commit to putting in the time and effort to make your dog a dog your family can live with. Great dogs are made, not born.  It can definitely be done, but it takes a commitment to make the dog's training and exercise a priority on a daily basis, and to get everyone in the family on board with the program.

If you cannot make this commitment, please do not "give your dog away"!!! If you decide that your home is not the right place for her, first check your purchase agreement. Most reputable breeders ask that you notify them before rehoming the dog.

If your breeder cannot help you, please, please contact doodle rescue for help in rehoming. The most dangerous thing you can do is post her on Craig's List, FB, or other internet sites.  For her sake, please rehome her through a legitimate registered not-for-profit rescue organization like DRC or IDOG.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What kinds of things is she stealing? 

Please check the links I gave you below for the IDOG and DRC doodle rescue rehome programs. They are both registered 501c3 doodle rescue groups that have placed thousands of doodles in loving new homes for years, and they have the experience to match the dog to the right owners. Many DK members have adopted dogs from them and support their rescue efforts. 

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Karen, she was asking if DRC is also for people in Canada where she lives. I don't have the answers but I know you do.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

DRC can place dogs from Canada. The only issue would be finding a foster if she needs to be moved to foster care before she is adopted. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

IDOG Rehome Program

DRC Rehome Program

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

When my dog steals things: Shoes, Dish Towels, socks, I usually say DROP IT then LEAVE IT

There is never any punishment.  Always a COME,  DROP IT,  LEAVE IT

Have you tried those commands?  Does your dog know those?

You can find many videos on teaching Drop It Leave It on Youtube.com

These dogs,  both Golden and Poodle,  are retrievers. Always looking for something to have it their mouths.  They also are a working dog in the sporting breed.  Your dog needs a job, basically.  

My dog is initiating PLAY with me when he steals things.  He also wants to do what he was born to do... retrieve.   Of course, like you, it can be annoying, but always reward the Drop It / Leave it with another toy or a treat. 

Two walks a day will  not do anything for a very young dog.  Can you go out and throw a ball every time you see your dog getting playful.  Play ten minutes of Frisbee every few hours then bring your dog inside and provide plenty of toys. You will see a tremendous difference. 

Make him tired. Give him a job. Wear him out  :)  He will be much happier

[Kyoko]

So sorry to hear about your difficulties and discouragement... Please keep in mind that 12 months old is still a puppy....She s still learning and growing....

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I agree with everything said here.  Particularly the exercise portion.  A one year old puppy has loads of energy.  Is Daycare an option.  Many send their puppies to daycare for one or two days a week so they get rid of some of that energy.  The puppy really needs some outdoor, off leash running opportunities.  Additionally I would get some baby gates and gate off a small part of the house where she can still be with you but has less opportunity to get in trouble steeling things.  Keep that area pretty "steel free".  In other words anything that would interest her, keep it out of her reach for her safety.  Give her some good bones (nylabones or antlers or something) to chew on.  This will also give the kids a break as well.  Maybe you could also have a private trainer come to your home and work within the home with the entire family. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree as well.  I really think you need the right trainer to come to your home and work with you, and the dog needs more structure.  You need to control her every waking moment for now, showing what is expected...then correcting and rewarding to reinforce those expectations.  We don't have a fenced yard and I have one very high energy Doodle which is a challenge.  We use Daycare once or twice a week so he can run off some of that energy, and we find places for him to run and play ball (tennis courts work great off season because they are fenced).  For now, she should not be allowed to make decisions for herself....you tell her what to do every minute.  I would keep her tethered to you or gated in the room where you can supervise and prevent "mistakes".  Remember every time she "steals" and gets away with it that behavior is reinforced.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Kim, I'm sorry you're having such a challenge but agree with all the good advice here.  IMO 7 to 18 months can be a difficult and trying high energy adolescent period but it does end. Continual training, reinforcement, and LOTS of "free" exercise in a safe place, with and without other dogs will tire her out. If you have a fenced yard, play ball with her a couple times a day. Find a friend with a compatible dog and schedule a couple of play dates a week or try a doggy daycare.There's nothing that will expend all that excess doodle energy like playing with other dogs, in addition to your walks. Limit her space indoors to a steal-free zone until she begins to calm down.

You should try several short training sessions with her a day…in different room…different places.  Run through her basic commands, and work on "Leave it." Teach her "tricks."  All of this takes mental energy which also helps tire a dog.  Interactive toys are good too.

If you have made the decision to rehome her, please make sure she goes to a good dog savvy forever home --through the breeder or credible rescues here.  Otherwise, she's at high risk of ending up being passed from home to home and ending up in a kill shelter.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Just throwing this out there as one more idea--you have already gotten great ones--some dogs need a job as someone mentioned and I have seen great success with the doggie "backpacks" that the dog wears when on a walk or even at home--not sure what the dog psychology is, but it seems to have worked for some dogs.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Good point, Ginny.  We use a backpack with Murphy with water bottles to add weight.  He has to work a bit harder to carry it which helps to release some of his energy.  I mostly use this "trick" in the Summer when we take look walks in the woods.  This reminded me that we also use the treadmill, especially if the weather doesn't allow for the kind of exercise that Murphy needs.