Too old for this!

[Peggy Joan]

I have been lurking for months and love this site!  I am hoping for some encouragement--we have a 5 month old F1b Goldendoodle named Elsa (yes, we have granddaughters) who has short golden brown hair, a long face, and long legs.  I am not sure if she will doodle out, but I am thinking not.

We adore her, but her energy is endless!  She will graduate tonight from puppy school. However, she bites her leash, bites us, but at the same time can be angelic. We are retired, and sometimes I think "what have we done?  We are too old for this!".  We have a senior dog whom we must separate from Elsa to protect her (the senior dog), so we have baby gates everywhere. When does this puppy craziness begin to lessen?  I am in this for the long haul--Elsa is precious, but some days.........  Oh, I do take her walking (if that's what you want to call it) several times a day.

Blessings to all,

Peggy

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

P.S.  I have researched mucho training...trainers...you name it, I read it!...I wish I would have had Doggie Dan's information many moons ago because Skadi, like your puppy was "wild" and I didn't listen when the trainers told me she wanted to be in charge...Unfortunately, I was ignorant, and afterall, Skadi was sooooooo cute!  .Skadi is now 4 years old, and such a love but I am "still" learning from Doggie Dan.  

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I think Finn began to settle between a year and 18 months. Take heart.  All the work you do now will lay a strong foundation.  My doodle absolutely had to have off leash free playtime a couple times a week so I arranged playdates.  Interactive toys in the house helped too -- plus small daily training sessions and walks.  It's not only the energy level but keeping their little minds busy. Look at it this way -- when you're exhausted -- Elsa's keeping you young :)  

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

PS When you are able to begin to share Elsa at hospice, the joy and gratitude you'll feel for your doodle will be indescribable. Hang in there:)

[Peggy Joan]

What great advice!  I take Elsa on walks but she bites the leash and thrashes around like a crazy girl.  Having said that, she is calmer after our 'walk'. 

I really like the idea that training is also exercise-will keep on keepin' on!

[Christy&Riley]

We got our first puppy last year. After a few months, we said there is no way we can have kids. Just taking care of a dog is exhausting enough! There were MANY times I wondered if we would keep her because it was so frustrating and exhausting. Then around 9 months we started seeing major positive changes in her behavior. By a year she was SOOOO much easier to deal with. Now at almost 15 months, she is awesome. Still has some stubborn streaks but overall a wonderful doodle. I can definitely see a correlation between exercise and good behavior. When everyone told me it would get better I really doubted it. Now I see they were right. Hang in there! You will see the light at the end of the tunnel soon!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

That is so funny.....I think a puppy is very good training ground for young couples thinking of having a baby. It sure gives one an idea of what having a not her life depending on you is about. The one big difference, of course, is that you can crate or leave your puppy home alone. Lol

[Christy&Riley]

My Dad always said kids are easier because you can take them with you. I thought dogs would be easier because you could always crate or kennel. :-)

[Peggy Joan]

Thanks again for all the encouragement! I am hopeful, and intend to hang in there. It does remind me of when we had babies. Omg, I never thought I would be in that position again! Today has been a better day, and Elsa is calmer and doing her training better. I can't imagine my life without her.