Does anyone ever feel lazy??

[Debbie and Thomas]

My GD Thomas is 28 weeks old now. We are so diligent in walking him and making sure he has plently of excercise. He even goes for a "group dog run" for 1 1/2 hrs. to an off leash park where he can run and frolick with the 9 other dogs in the group. Today was his "day off". I let him out in the backyard at least 10 times before noon when I left the house. I did not return until 6:oo pm. I let him out in the backyard-I was just too tired to go for a walk tonight my head is aching and my husband is in Vegas for a convention. I gave Thomas his dinner. He ate it and I could tell we were in for a bad night. After a hour of him chewing up a toilet paper roll, a grocery bag, etc etc. he went into my bedroom and brought out several treasures-like my TV converter, a bra that I left on the dresser, a slipper etc etc. I finally made him a Kong (because I was frustrated and lazy) filled with treats. He left me alone for about 15 minutes-then back to being hyper. So I gave him a bully stick-he chewed that for awhile-then came into my office and decided to chew on a box I have with house plans in it. Blah Blah. Honestly, I feel so bad-no exercise today and I am paying for it. It is 10:42 pm here in Toronto and he has finally crashed on the floor beside me. He will be neutered next Friday-I think it will be very hard to keep him calm.

[Debbie and Thomas]

Thanks everyone, I was being a lazy mom last night and I paid for it. Today, Thomas went on his "dog run" with the nine other dogs-when I picked him up, I was talking to the walker in the parking lot of the park as I put Thomas back on his leash. He laid down on his side right in the dirt of the parking lot! He was exhausted. Tonight I was alone with him again, but he was like a different dog-obedient and I would not call him calm-more like playful. He played with his stuffed animals, ate, drank lots of water, slept for periods of time, and has now crashed beside me again. He had a happy day. Yesterday was my fault-I was tired and had no patience. He is a good boy!!!

[kbradshaw]

it's tough, especially in the rain or cold to keep the dog active. We have a female doodle that just turned 7 months, live in md, and are glad to have the warm weather upon us. If you are tired, some internal games like stay and come are relatively painless but gets the dogs bordem satisfied, both mentally and physically. Training does take it out of the owner though, but is a productive form of excercise besides throwing a ball around or letting them outside.

[Debra Ference-Luongo]

Edgar, now 5 months and quite energetic, recently started daycare. He plays all day long with 2 other puppies and when we pick him up, is utterly exhausted. He spends the evening cuddling and sleeping. Friday he stays home with me - he spent a very quiet morning, perhaps playing catch up? - and while more energetic in the afternoon, seemed mellower than usual. Time will tell if this is just an adjustment period or what will abide but so far, so good.

[Nina]

Hi Everyone, I read on one web site about stages of doggie development. Apparently from 7-10 months of age, the energy level of puppies can really change...INCREASE. I send Sadie to doggie daycare several days a week. She comes home and sleeps. Bully sticks and bones from the butcher are also helpful. Last night she chewed on a new bone for 3.5 hours and was totally happy. She fell asleep a little after she finished off the bone. I can't seem to get myself on a schedule like doggy park in the am, doggy park in the pm. Good thing for me she is not too high energy.

[Stella]

Dog park!!! We walk our doodles three times a day. I do the 6am and 6pm walks (before and after work) and my husband does lunchtime. By Friday evening I am exhausted and just can't face any more walks. So, my treat to myself is to go to the dogpark where he can run around to his hearts content and I can stand and watch!!

[Missi]

I always feel lazy! I just set up some kind of playdate with either my uncle's dogs or friends and she wears herself out! She's actually a pretty calm puppy and will spend the whole day sleeping with me! Of course, she's 19 weeks old, so the craziness might still be on the way.

[Paula]

I didn't hear about how wild and out of control LD's and GD's were til after I got mine. He was very calm and laid back little fellow He still is. Yet there are still some who warn; "Oh; just wait..it'll happen. It just hasn't happened yet." So I guess I'm more or less braced for it yet doubing it because he's 81/2 mos old and very gentle, easy going and obedient.

[Jeri]

They do get through this stage, but I can tell when I do not walk Sam. After neutering Sam, we just did the best we could, esp the first few days and than just let him be. He did just fine. Soon this will be a forgotten issue. Crates do help. I just commented the other day that I could see Sam was maturing. BUT when he gets a stuffed toy he still kills it. (takes out all the stuffing). I love the looks of your boy.

[Tricia, Shiloh, Fenway & Tessie]

Shiloh is a hyper spaz dog too....and we added a puppy, which escalated his hyperness tenfold....and amidst all of that, I took him to get neutered. I was worried about his being able to be calm and still, just like you. It worked out just fine...and it did not take ten days for him to feel better, he was himself in probably 5 days. And I was hoping the neuter would have a calming effect.....NOT! He is just as crazy as before.....but I wouldn't trade him for anything!

[Crazy Doodle Lady]

I feel your pain! I swear I spent all of last week picking up after Bear. He got into everything. He was such a good guy the week before and then presto, a week from HELL. He has so much energy that he needs to burn and I'm just done after a full day of work and a looooong walk. I don't know what I'm going to do when he gets home from the vet tonight. I don't see him being calm for a second let alone ten days. I feel bad keeping him in his crate for extended periods of time but don't have any other ideas.