I pick up my 1st Doodle Today!

[Kari & Swayze]

I found this site when researching labradoodles. I have been looking for a dog for 2 years but just havnt found the right combination of personality, allergies, size, etc. Sunday I met a beautiful 2 year old boy named Mazy. We fell in love with him! His fun, playful nature but ability to listen impressed us greatly!

Friday morning I go pick him up and we get to start spending the day playing and learning to leave the cat alone. I am a little worried about him being too hyper but assume that its going to die down as he gets over the "newness" of everything.

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on bonding/training your new dog so everyone is happy and feels loved. Share your story of how you met your Doodle!

(I'll make sure to post lots of pictures soon!)
Thanks!

[Kari & Swayze]

I like the idea about the food. I'll start doing that right away!

[Kari & Swayze]

Sorry about the delay!

I didn't get as many pictures as I had hoped but here are a few.

Before the groomer:

Mazy spent most of the time at our house just walking around smelling things. After we let the cat out, he just sits and stares at her. She seems ok but is scared to walk around like normal. She will get over it but he just STARES and dosnt want to leave her alone. lol

Mazy was raised for his first 2 years with a single mom and 2 boys who are now 10 and 8. He knows sit and shake but is mainly treat motivated. I already got him to improve on "Down" and I'm trying to use "Leave it" and sometimes he listens, sometimes he dosn't. We are trying our best to stay consistent and have already made a general plan.

As for being hyper, we had a friend visiting and when that friend stood around instead of sitting, he kept trying to "dance" or jump up against our friend. Stop, Down, etc didn't work so I crated him for a few minutes until he calmed and could come be social again. I have a feeling that just over the next few days we will all get into a routine and learn the rules. I feel like he dosnt have something to exert energy on, even though there is a bone and a squeeky ball. It might be as simple as a chewy stick/pig ear.

We are also talking about changing his name because Mazy is a girls name! And I hate it! =D I like Marty.

Thank you for all your input, I'm glad that I am on the right path. It's just worry some when he paces or stares at the cat for unlimited lengths of time.

Thank you all and more pics tomorrow I hope!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

It will take some time for him to settle in so it's hard to determine how hyper or energetic he will be over time.

He's new to the cat's "territory" and doesn't really understand it's his territory too now, or how he fits into the picture.  Working with a good trainer will be fun and help you build your plan.  

A couple things I used for the cat stare down:  I would break the stare by establishing my space between Finn and the cat and then turn his mind to a short training session away from the cat with treats.  Often I would put him on his place ( a mat in the kitchen) and into a down stay. My trainer also recommended tethering him to me for 15 minutes to 30 minutes a day. That way, he had to follow me around while I went about things in the house, ignoring the 2 resident cats.  It worked very well. I wouldn't try this though until he's had some time to adjust and you're working on your training plan.

Today, Finn will still sometimes try to stare down one cat or the other.  He'll even hide behind a door or a wall waiting for a cat to walk by (not realizing that the cat is "all-knowing") but they all get along well. Sometimes I'll even find them asleep together...something unthinkable at one time.

 Finnegan is very energetic/enthusiastic when people come to visit.  He's the original "poster child" for the "zoomies."  THAT, we're still working on :)  But when we're at home alone together, or we're visiting, he's a "chill pill."

Mazy/Marty is adorable and he's one lucky guy to have found you.  Good luck with him.  

[Vivian & Mojo]

It sounds like your doodle Mazy/Marty needs to settle in, no need to be nervous it all sounds normal for a re-homed dog, plus dogs can feel our energy and our fears can make them fearful. You're are on the right track with training and making a plan. With the cat he needs to be monitored for the time being. Have you been walking him and having him get enough exercise?  Walks help him to see that your pack leader as well as tired him out. Chewing will help him relax once he has had enough exercise. Brushing and massage will help calm also and help you bond with him.  Good luck and enjoy your new dog he is adorable.