~biting, nipping, growling & lunging

[Sharee & "Hope" Peterson]

Hope is an adorable Golden Doodle (lil devil in a cute costume).  She is 3mos old (07.18.2011) and, out of control.  I have cried myself to sleep trying to figure out what to do with her. 

I have read everything I possibly can-her biting is leaving my arms looking like shrapnel hit coupled with bruising everywhere - my clothes are ripped, torn & bloodied from her actions.  But after reading the blog all you wonderful Doodle owners have posted I know I am not alone!  So tomorrow Obedience Trainer I seek-ANY suggestions near Gresham, OR?

Thank you all for your awesomeness-puppy kisses!

Sharee Lee Peterson & Hope

[Sharee & "Hope" Peterson]

Hope spent 5wks @Northfleet Dog Obedience @their facility.  She does not nip & bite and, came back so much better.

If anyone in this area wants an awesome trainer (2nd generation she is) Cheryl Mulick is the best.  I was able to visit Hope twice a week without interferring with her training which was awesome.

Hope is 9mos old now 55+#s and still a bit of an "IMP" but all is turning out well.  I love her so much and she has been so awesome with my healing process. Just have to remind my self to be the alpha and that she is a 4-legged furry!

Doodle Hugs, Sharee & Hope

[Christine & Camus]

Nancy hit the nail on the head - Maturity + training.  Friends of mine have a puppy (not a doodle) who exhibited similar behavior.  They soon realized that training was a must.  They found out their adorable puppy, aptly named Harley, was an Alpha boy.  Harley has calmed down considerably and learned a lot and so have they.  The trainer gave them a few points to start with - always be calm, consistent and patient, and never yell.  They also used supervised play groups, which really helped.    

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

You might be best looking at attending a puppy pre school. If you find a good one they let the puppy's play together where the learn puppy etiquette, how not to bite hard. etc. Also the can help you to become the dominate, head of the family. I went for 4 weeks with my pup and I've learnt so much, our class was run by a dog behaviorist, my children were taught to stand and turn there back and ignore our puppy when she jumped and nipped at them also to all the other puppies attending.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

If she is 3 months, and you didnt get her home til she was at least 8 weeks (the minimum recommended age) then you have only had her for about 4 weeks. Some pups take this amount of time to settle into a new home and new routines. Make sure that you do have a set routine, when she bites, pull away and say OWWWW, or make a little crying doggy sound. Give her something appropriate to chew. She will be teething and so in pain. Get either a special teething toy or get a rope toy or a rag, soak it in water, and put it in the freezer for a while. This will help sooth her gums. Also try frozen carrots, bananas, icecubes etc.

If she was less than 8 weeks when you got her, then she most likely hasnt learnt bite inhibition from Mommy dog, and you will have a harder time to stop her, but it can be done.

Remember, you are probably overly tired too (puppies are totally exhausting) and so it all feels so much worse. Make sure you are giving Hope time out in a crate, expen, separate room, or wherever she will settle and nap - a tired puppy is a naughty puppy

I wish you success with a trainer, soon you will be looking back at this with a smile (ok maybe a grimace!)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I'm sure everything wil lbe fine. she is just being a puppy. Mine did the same, we've all been there. Make sure you are not encouraging it. The best thing to do is ignore her and don't engage when she is jumping. She will learn that she can't get your attention that way. Good luck with the training!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

At least you named her an inspiring name! Good luck with the training and get some good chew toys to put in her mouth when she bites you. She's adorable!

[Sharee & "Hope" Peterson]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful input. I am looking for a Training Group and, chatting with two trainers today-I will keep everyone posted.

[Pat and Traveler]

Hi, Sharee!  Trav and I are in Portland, so just down the road from you.  So sorry to hear you're having these probs, and wish I could give you the name of a good trainer--but I'd see if Adina's trainer could help if I were you.  Good luck--and stay in touch!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I really think finding a good trainer is your answer.  Good luck and please keep us posted.  Have you joined the Training Group yet?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Adina refers to Rosco as a shark at that age and look how wonderfully he has turned out to be. Of course, she spent hours training him.  Maturity + training