HELP!!! What to do when a puppy is being bad?!

[Samantha & Charlie]

Tonight has made me lose it to the point I'm crying. Charlie (4.5 months) has been acting up like crazy today.

 

It all started with Charlie's training class. We had to cut it short because he was not listening and did not want to do any of the commands.

 

Tonight, I took him out for his nightly walk and it was a disaster as usual. He does not listen during the walk and I thought if I got him a gentle leader, it would help. Wrong. He always tries to walk extremely fast to the point its not even enjoyable to walk him. All he does is choke himself basically. This has been going on for a few weeks.

 

When we get inside, he pees 3 times within a 15 minute span. He NEVER has accidents anymore, and if he does, it's like once a week. He didn't even alert me that he needed to go. He just went in the same spot for each of those 3 times.

 

Then he just starts acting BAD. He got crazy hyper and started running around the house super fast. I don't know where he got all this energy because he has been super tired all day since after his training class. However, he walks completely normal at training but is horrible when we walk around our community.

 

Is there anyway to discipline him? He needs to know this behavior is not acceptable. My husband thought we could get him a different crate (other than where he sleeps) to put him in when he acts up.

 

I hope this post doesn't trigger negative responses. I'm just at my wits end. Usually I can handle him but he has been super bad tonight. I'm not getting rid of him so please don't throw that out. I just have no idea to punish him correctly, or if that's even an option.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I don't think the zoomies is the same thing as being naughty. We let the dogs have their zoomies. 

I think the biggest thing you can do at this point is exercise, exercise, exercise! A tired puppy is a good puppy. ;o) Of course training is essential but you gotta wear him out! Does he know how to fetch? It's a great way for him to run full speed without you running yourself ragged. 

I really hope tomorrow is a better day and gives you a bit of perspective. We've been there! 

[Mindy Rapp]

My puppy has started doing this too.  I try to redirect her attention but it honestly seems like she wants to get in trouble.  She will walk into the kitchen and just start trying to get things off the counter, chase the cat, jump and run all over the house and I try to calm her down, but sometimes I just go to bed when the behavior starts and put her in her crate and she settles down.  My daughter gets extra wild when she's really tired, so I think this is what Doodle is doing as well.  It can definitely wear you out.  Last night I put her outside for a little bit when she was acting crazy. 

[Tammy and Violet]

Oh Samantha... hang in there .. I too, thought I was the ONLY one going through this !! This group helped me a lot.... doodle therapy for the human  !!

I thought ...what did I do ?? Violet is one now and it is sooooooooooooooooooooo much better... Oh she has her moments still ... nothing like it was ... .keep us posted .....today is a new day.....yeah  a uti can come on fast... I know from experience for myself ... perhaps get that cheked too as some suggest...

[Miss Ellie]

Samantha, you are not alone.  We have all had those crazy puppy moments that have bewildered us.  Hang in there girl...it really does get better.  Just keep telling yourself, he will outgrow this...it just takes patience, time and consistency.  Your continued training will be worth it's weight in gold if you just give it some time.  Sending doodle hugs.

[Murph and Me]

I found that you have to empty their batteries on the walks. Murph gets a good hour if not more when I take him out. He's just turning one and has calmed down from a level9 to a level5 most of the time. And I recommend a pinch collar. It may seem a bit much but it certainly helped Murphy's pulling on a walk. I know it's not a popular option but it does not bother the dog at all but it gets his attention with just a tug. And trust me when he sees a skwurl he does not care what collar he has on its skwurl time as he knows and pulls like crazy, but we are working on it. Hang in there it gets better

[Jaime + Oliver]

You are not alone!  Oliver is 4.5 months now too and has his naughty time EVERY.  SINGLE.  DAY.  There are times when I want to pull my hair out, then I take a few deep breathes, remind myself he's a baby and it's my job to teach him how to behave.  He'll jump, hump, nip, and it isn't tied to the zoomies (those are their own separate thing).  We've gotten to the point where we've identified it happening when he's overtired.  Our puppy class said a good way to settle them is to build a "time out" place, say a bathroom, or an ex-pen where they can't see you.  We haven't done that much, and instead we've focused on redirecting.  When he's jumping we ask for a sit/stay.  It takes REALLY good treats to get him to listen when he's being crazy, so up the ante (boiled chicken chunks work wonders).

We also have pulling issues on the walks, and the only way we've been able to start correcting it is by changing directions every time he pulls.  Just know you're not alone & I feel your pain!

[Bonnie and Kona]

These are wonderful suggestions, Jaime!
One key thing to understand when you have a pup is that walking the dog isn't about getting somewhere; its about training your puppy to walk on a leash. If you have to stop and change directions 20 times you may not travel far, but all that training will pay off.

[Anita - Thunder, Noodle, Sparky]

This is the gentle leader I was talking to you about. They may "buck" and have a temper tantrum at first - but it is AMAZING! I walk all three of my doodles (including a bucking puppy) and a bichone in one hand most of the time.  They go where their nose goes, and their nose is very sensitive so it is just one little tug and they are under control. I highly recommend you getting this for your shoulder's sake, your dog's neck, your sanity, and your overall walking happiness. They come with directions (ha, I finally read with the fourth dog) and they suggest having them wear it when they eat so they relate it to happy things :)  Good luck - you got this! Caring is the important thing and wanting the best for the crazy puppy is admirable! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9052&...

[Samantha & Charlie]

You guys are so wonderful with your positive comments! I thought for sure I would be getting people saying I should have never gotten a puppy. I have had that remark before and hated it. Just because we owners get frustrated doesn't mean we can't handle a puppy.

I haven't really been able to observe him too much today. He was at daycare all day since I had several doctor appointments. He has been tired ever since getting home and has just wanted to sleep. No accidents either in the house :)

I think today was a much needed breather for me and it was great for him so he could release his energy.

[Bonnie and Kona]

So happy both of you had a good day. Thank goodness for tired puppies!!!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Amazing what a short break will do for us all! Love the "tired" puppies! ;)

[Annie Hugie]

Thank you for all the great comments that reassure us new puppy owners that many of the puppy antics are temporary.

I am a newbe myself and not sure if this will help, but to help with potty training we covered all the carpets Marley was allowed on with plastic.  Its the kind of plastic they put in new homes to protect the carpet. This has helped a ton!

Good luck with your cute puppy :)