help1

[Merrie Lynn & Buddy]

WE RESCUED a labradoodle and just got him back to health.  He is VERY wild (2 years old) and doesn't seem to understand any comands (no).  He is very love starved for human s and is really a dear but.... hard to handle

[Becka]

In my area there are free and very inexpensive classes offered through several animal shelters. You may want to see if there's something like that where you live.

[Merrie Lynn & Buddy]

Thanks I will look into that

[BG and Gavin]

So glad you posted in a discussion Merrie Lynn.  Boy did you come to the right place.  I think I would treat him like a brand new puppy.  I would tether him to me during the day to promote bonding and let him know what to expect (when you move, he moves).  Carry treats in your pocket and the second he does something right (like sit by you side or lie down or make eye contact with you) give him a treat.  This type of training can be taxing of course, but it will wear him out and thus lower his energy a bit.  I would also crate him frequently so you can have your own time and he can have time to chill out.  Keep us updated so we can respond to specific challenges as they emerge.  Thank you so much for rescuing this beautiful boy, 

[Leslie J]

Buddy is so handsome and has such a sweet face- it seems he is full of love but doesn't know how to express it!  I'm sure that it isn't easy right now, but I'm sure that it will get better with training and a stable environment.  Thank you for giving him the home and family he deserves.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

wow, you are a wonderful person to help this special dog. I know you will find lots of information and support to help you through this. I bet Buddy has loads of potential, and with a little hard work he's going to be the best companion. I hope you joing the puppy group, the food group, the health group and the training group and then you will have so much information you won't know where to store it all :) I can't wait to hear more about Buddy. He is beautiful! You are an angel for saving him!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi Merrie,

Welcome to DK. Please get to a trainer asap!   You will be surprise how fast you progress.  Do you mind mentioning WHERE in Ohio  this all took place>?

I'm from Ohio and would love some information.  At least the location

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Merrie, Do you have a place where you can take him to just run the socks off him? Does he fetch at all?  If he does, throwing a ball for him to chase might be really helpful.   Also, if money is tight, I know the grain-free kibbles are more pricey so you might not want to use them, but you want to make sure you get him a good quality food (it will be cost effective because you actually use less per feeding) that has plenty of protein.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good idea, Nancy. A tired doodle is a good doodle!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Good idea, Nancy.  He really does need a good run.   My Spud is very active and we were him out in 15 minute intervals ( especially when he was a puppy)   It works.  THEN train him to sit, etc.  No training until exercise is done. Even now, Spud is almost 3, and he is worked out before we can get his full attention.

We are all here for you, Merrie.   We have raised A LOT of pets, have helped a lot of owners, and have been helped by a lot of members,  here on Doodle Kisses.   Stay with us.