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

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Merrie,

Where did you get your doodle? Is he from a shelter or rescue group? Did they have any background information on him? Can you reach out to them for any support or resources?  

How long have you had him, and what health issues are you dealing with? All of these things play a role.

As you probably know, dogs don't naturally understand commands; they have to be taught everything. He may just need some time to adjust and learn to trust you. He needs to learn what to expect as well as what is expected of him. All of this takes time, patience, and training.Training will also help you develop a bond with your dog so that you can communicate with him.

 

[Merrie Lynn & Buddy]

We rescued him from a place in Ohio.  There is no humane society in the area and this lady takes in animals and tries to find homes for them.  She has dogs, cats and horses etc.  On the drive home we noticed there was some blood and discharge on the blanket he was sitting on.  We saw his testicle was open and oozing.  He had been "fixed" two days prior and was glued shut with no e collar.  We got him to our vet first thing the following morning and he had to be put under to clean out infection and sewed up.  He had three kinds of worms and was covered in fleas and very underweight.  He was put on 6 different medications and has gained weight and looks healthy now.  He was originally owned by a woman who lost her "heart" dog and didn't want this one anymore and so she gave him to the "rescue" to find a home for him.  He is 2 years old and very loving but...  Right now we are trying to get his bowels in order as he has extremely loose ones.  He is going in for yet another blood test tomorrow and hopefully we can get on top of this.  The rescue lady said she would pay all expenses but wants the dog back and I said no way.  He is very wild and we have two chinese cresteds which is hard on them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.  I did teach him to sit but it is for seconds only

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's a disgrace that this woman calls herself a rescue. No dog should be adopted out in that condition. Thank goodness you got him out of there. It sounds like he has been horrbily neglected all of his life.

As the others have mentioned, he needs training. He is basically a puppy in an adult body. I would start researching trainers in your area who have experience (and have gotten results) with adult rescue dogs.

[Adina P]

Hi Merrie,

 

What is your doodle's name and how long have you had him?  You mentioned that he doesn't understand any commands, has he had any formal training?  I think your best bet is to find a good obedience class near you and attend with him so you can learn how to train him.  No dog understands commands and if he came from a neglected home or was a stray probably nobody bothered to teach him.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I read your profile and see that you have had him a month--so you are really just getting started--it will be quite a bit longer before you establish trust and can start training seriously. There are good training groups here onDK--do some reading of past discussions to get some help. As Karen said--have patience--he is an adorable doodle, but is starting from square 1.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

 

Hi Merrie Lynn, stick with it because it will eventually get better though I understand that you are probably a bit frustrated right now.  I would definitely recommend finding a good trainer as soon as possible.  Having a good relationship with your trainer is priceless.  We can go and discuss any issue that comes up with our trainer and he has helped us through a LOT!!!

I would also try to use any opportunity to teach Buddy basic commands.  Before you give him his bowl at mealtime, use a handful of kibble to teach him how to sit.  If he his motivated by attention, make him do a sit before you pet him.  Since he wants your attention, he will probably be more than willing to focus on you for some basic training.  You don't have to spend hours on end training him, just do it for 10 minutes or so several times throughout the day and he will start making progress. 

Good luck and keep us posted!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree with all the others. You have been every kind and loving to take care of this guy and now you need to be patient and persistent.

[Merrie Lynn & Buddy]

Thank you, we certainly will try as this guy deserves it

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Did you also say you were having trouble with loose stools.  We noticed that our two rescues both had loose stools for quite a while.  The one that had worms, kennel cough, infections from his neutering - he had them the longest and I think much of it was from all the medical stuff done.  I also think the stress itself causes this.  We feed our dogs grain-free kibble which, for us makes for firmer, less frequent bowel movements.  It has also been recommended that you give the dog plain, not flavored, yogurt or canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) as a 'topper' to the kibble to promote good bacteria in the bowels - this is like us taking Tums when we have an upset stomach.  I suggest you join the nutrition group, the puppy group (because he is like a big puppy), the training group and ask for more specific help.  I agree with the others that you need to begin training right away, but the method and the trainer you use does matter a lot because you are working with a dog who has had a lifetime behind him of not having a clue that humans matter. What I mean by that is don't just go down to PetSmart and sign up for any class, take the time to actually interview trainers or visit group classes in your area to find one that you think would work in your situation. 

I also want to stress that you need to love, love, love this guy.  Everything you do right now is bonding, He needs to feel wanted and safe.  You also need to establish your rules as best you can  like sitting while you put his food dish down. - it is only for seconds but he will learn that really quickly because he won't get the food until you 'release' him to it.

I appreciate that you rescued a dog in dire need of love and training.  We will give you all the support you need to become a successful rescue owner with a happy tale to tell.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Merrie, first of all I think it's amazing of you to have rescued this poor guy.  Could you please describe a little more about what he's actually doing that makes him hard to handle?  I agree with others that you will need either an obedience class or a few sessions with a trainer, but if we know a little more about his behavioral issues we might be able to help out with suggestions in the meantime.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

You have been so kind to take this all on from this "RESCUE" poor doggie.

I would also find a class once he is all healthy and work with him daily he will come around. Doodles are very smart and loving dogs. I wish you all the luck in the world, please don't give up on him you've done so much already.

[Merrie Lynn & Buddy]

Thanks so much for your input.  When I say he is wild, I mean he is wild!  I know he is still a puppy inside but wow!  He doesn't listen at all and he just runa aND CHARGES INTO THINGS.  i AM GOING TO TRY THE "SIT" COMAND BEFORE FEEDING HIM or giving him a treat.  I guess that is as good a place to start as any.  Today we go for yet another blood test.  I think this one is to see if he is low on protien.  He is SO loving but just a goofball.  The problem here is that my husband is disabled and I am working for insurance so money is tight or we would seek out a trainer.