Need HELP with our puppy and her behavior!

[Mary Minier]

We have a question about Goldendoodles' temperament and trainability, as well as the HOW of teaching her, guiding her to be more responsive to us and obedient.  Our Sunny is just 15 weeks old, so we understand she is a puppy with puppy energy and a short attention span.  However, she seems to "ignore" us, and has little interest in obeying when we just try to get her attention, come when called, or try to get her to stop doing something inappropriate.  Do doodle puppies (puppies in general...) "grow out of this", and reach a stage where they become eager to please, and eager to do things we command, listen better, etc? I wonder about maybe getting some professional help in training her, but want to try this on my own first. Any obedience training books you guys recommend?  My husband is also just interested in other people's experiences - is there an age that they become more able to guide/train in being obedient?

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Sounds like a call for leadership help! Check out doggy dan (www.theonlinedogtrainer.com) for online videos that explain and simplify humane ways to get your pup to look to you for direction. It really works. Simple things like controlling the food, ignoring after separations, controlling the walk, etc. - Also I'd suggest posting this in the training group here. If you start with gesture eating, I bet things will soon fall into place. And the help of a good trainer early on is something I found a really worthwhile investment. You will have her a long time, and there is lots to know... Best of luck! Keep us posted!!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Traing starts the day " the new kid" walks I to the house. But, keep in mind, this a baby and is limited in attention span, and puppy Terence's of playing, nipping, biting and scratching , as well as, selective hearing, are all normal. I posted to this the main forum, but just in case:
You would both benefit from a beginners puppy class . The pup will learn basic manners and you will learn how to train those manners and how to handle puppy behaviors. Books are great, but hands on expierence trumps books! Local dog clubs, Petco and Petsmart all offer affordable beginners classes. Money well spent!

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

How to behave so your dog behaves by Sophia Yin. Anything Ian Dunbar or Patricia mcConnell. And yes. Always go to a puppy kindergarten class and get some professional help!

[Minda and Callie]

I would take a puppy class. It made me work more with my dog and I really enjoyed the time with her.

Also wanted to tell you Minier is my maiden last name. I don't see that very often :)

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

Also, your name is Minda and people always want that to be my name. Haha!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

And, remember, doodles tend to be very smart.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

From my experience, very smart = a challenge. Yarrow was a real handful! She's a year old now and no sign of that cheeky little monster who loved to terrorize me. I still have the couple of pairs of sweats I basically lived in until she stopped nipping. They're full of holes and I can't believe this is the same girl. She's SO good and sweet and gentle. Patience and persistence pays off. Finding Doodlekisses and all the great support and advice while Yarrow was still very young saved my sanity and let me know that my extra challenging puppy was not abnormal for a doodle. They grow up wonderful!

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Yes and also good to provide her with the positive behavior that you WANT her to do (i.e. Sit/stay command, reward) after stopping a negative behavior (jumping on visitor). Be sure to redirect each time with replacement behavior so she gets clear message of what you do want. Keep us posted! :-)