Is he a teenager or what...?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Grayson has been SO bad the past few weeks.  I hate to say he has been aggressive, but he has been nipping at the kids alot (mostly at their hair) and he has been really roughly playing around them.  Like, he'll get out a toy and just go nuts with it, drop on a chair one of the kids is on, and then bite at it.  Twice he has gotten one of the boys on the leg.  Everyday, for a week at least, he has had someone in tears--once even tears of frustration from me.  We have to be out of the house early two morning a week and when he came in he knew what was up and refused to let me catch him and lead him to his crate.  He was having a grand time running like a psycho through the house.  He is forever chewing what isn't his, stealing from the counters, and antagonizing our other dog and our two cats.  I am losing my marbles!!!  I am on my own with the kids and pets at least five days a week--sometimes for up to 10 days at a time (today is the tail-end of a ten day stint--hubby is home tomorrow, so alot of my frustration may just be exhaustion).

He was one in March. Is it a phase?  Also, the weather went from kinda good (and we could all be out everyday) to very yucky (so we've all been penned in the house alot or Grayson is out on his own).  So is it cabin fever?  I know the kids are having some behavior issues, I think due to the weather (or my state of mind, LOL).  What do you think?

Btw-he and the little guy below get along great, LOL.  But this is a RARE moment of calm at our house!

[Adina P]

Sounds like he just needs some obedience training -- to give you the tools and relationship by which you can give him things to do to behave.  What are your options for training at this point?  What is in the way that prevents you or hubby from getting him trained?  Time?  Sitter?  Money?  

[Adina P]

I agree with Jane and I can only imagine how limited your time is with all your boys.  Think about how much time you CAN devote to just Grayson on a daily basis and then come up with a plan for how to use that time for training. Is it 10 min of JUST Grayson time?  15?  30 min?  1 hr?  Whatever it is use that to really work him and, yes, definitely if you need help join the training group and post about where he's at in his obedience, what he knows, and how you teach/taught him things and what you do when he doesn't obey and maybe we can give you tips that might help.  And I also agree with Jane about incorporating bits of obedience through the day...WHEN you are able to follow through and make sure he DOES obey.  IF you're multitasking and dealing with a tantrum and trying to cook dinner all at once, that may be a good time to have Grayson crated or gated in a safe area so then he doesn't have a chance to be naughty.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

First of all, I really have to sympathize with you.  My daughter has four kids and a husband who travels all the time for his job.  She also has a Golden Retriever who is a year and a half, and quite the handful.  Her life is so hectic that she's found it very difficult to devote a lot of time to training and giving him the exercise he really needs.  He's smart, and when I'm there I can get him to behave pretty well, mostly by making him "earn" everything.  I think that's where I'd start.  If he knows the basic commands, requiring him to sit before he gets anything....food, water, attention will at least begin to give him the idea that he's not "running the show".  Beyond that I really don't think you'll see a lot of change without some basic obedience training.  Maybe those of us in the training group can help you with that if you can't participate in a class....please consider joining and starting a discussion.  I definitely think maturity helps, but not all on its own.

[Leslie J]

It really does get better!  I also have three boys (twins who are now 6 and a 13 year old, but were 4 and 10 when we got Cocoa) so I know how it can be!  Cocoa will be two in July and has calmed down quite a bit, but when my boys get active (especially when the 6 year old twins have friends over) Cocoa can get overstimulated.  If she does, I put her in her crate.  I have some treats that I only give her when she goes into her crate (something she loves) and she'll usually go in.  Sometimes she complains a bit, but she usually settles down in her crate after a few minutes.

 

I think that cabin fever is also a factor.  When my boys are acting up I get them outside and it really helps (we live in Los Angeles so the weather is pretty mild).  It will get easier as the weather improves.  But, don't be afraid to crate him if he's driving you all crazy... sometimes a little rest helps them calm down and behave :)

I'm sure that hidden in your naughty pup is a real sweetheart...

[Bonnie and Kona]

In addition to obedience training, it sounds very much like Grayson needs exercise that will tire him out. I have no idea how you can accomplish that with your family responsibilities and an absent husband. I think some people put their dogs in daycare for the exercise but a dog the size of Grayson may need running. I am so grateful that my husband is a runner and our dogs get their exercise almost daily. When he doesn't run we take them to the dog park to run in a fenced place with lots of dogs and balls. Is a dog park an option?

 

You deserve a huge reward managing all that you are!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm so sorry for you. I know that our pup improved dramatically with lots of exercise to get his energy and frustration levels down. We even have a 4 year old doodle to help exercise Owen but just playing with him has not been enough. He needs lots of exercise to settle.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I think if there is any way to get him more exercise, that would be the ticket.

Hate to say it, but they really are still wild until they are at least 2.  Peri just turned 2 in April and is showing signs of slowing down...finally :)  When she would get wild spurts, I would train her any way I could (does not have to be formal at all, just get him to sit-stay, come, follow you around house, etc...) or go for a long walk/fetch ball.  This ALWAYS did the trick.  Wearing out their mind and body is the key.  But I am speaking as a doodle owner with no human children (yet).  I have had WAY more time than you I am sure. 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

More exercise and attention! It's probably the weather-mine have spring fever big time. Chloe wants to get out and see her peeps! The weather keeps going back and forth here too. Training always helps you can check out some trainng books until you get to a class?? Good luck-Chloe went through this.