Puppy School Is Very Boring Mommy!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Well we're back from Puppy Obedience. It was actually pretty funny. Murphy slept at my feet through most of it. In his class there are two boxers (litter mates), a Golden, a Shitzu, a German Shepherd, and some sort of Lab mix. These puppies were wild and crazy (barking, jumping, nipping and peeing - just the way puppies should act). Murphy was having nothing to do with all of this. At one point the instructor called him into the group, he went and played for a couple of minutes, and then back to sleep. When it was our turn to show what he can do he woke up and we did our sit and down. That must have been exhausting because then back to sleep. Remember he had us up at 4:00 this morning, so I think he was annoyed that he had to go to school and miss his afternoon nap. Of course, I'm wiped out too, but no nap for me. The trainer wanted to know if he was always so "low key" or if perhaps he might have some fear issues. Fear issues...cowboy Murphy...I really don't think so. I wonder what's up with this? Maybe he's a Doodle snob...he only wants to play with other Doodles? Who knows.

She did talk to me about how the dynamic will now change in the household and how it is really important now to show consistent leadership. I hadn't really thought of it, but she said often when a second dog is added they will "elect" a leader (among the two), which can diminish the leadership that has already been established. It does make some sense. I have been training them together, which she also said is not as effective. She said they each need their separate training time, and the other should not be there during those sessions. I have to figure out what to do with Guinness during the puppy's training. He never leaves Murphy's side right now.

After training we walked through the Pet Store. Everyone stopped to see Murphy. He loved it. It me months to be able to do this with Guinness without getting excited or jumping. Murph didn't even even try to jump..not once. After all that sleep during class, I would think he would have been nutty. They are all so interesting. I can't believe that Murphy will stay this calm...I can hope, but it just doesn't seem likely. It will be exciting to watch his personality continue to unfold.

Okay, now back in the car to go to Therapy Training. Of course, Murphy is again sound asleep at my feet. I just want to lie down there with him.

[Frannie & Callie]

I think that no one could be NEARLY as interesting for Murphy as his cool big brother!

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

I had the same experience. All the other puppies were crazy and there was another doodle. They barked and played while Finn sat beside me. When he had to do his stuff, he did it no problem. In his graduation picture, he is laying down taking it easy. Too funny.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I walk Hannah and Honey at different times, this way I get to work with Honey a little more and no interference and no bonding issues between them to interfere. Hannah gets her favorite treat while we are out, and Honey has her's when it's Hannah's turn. If the weather is bad, Hannah will go in my bedroom with the door closed and her treat, she actually loves her quiet time.

[Camilla and Darwin]

That is so funny. Darwin was one of the crazy jumping puppies the first few weeks class. He calmed down after a few times though. Perhaps Murphy will wake up after a few times? :-) I think it's great you have such a well behaved mellow doodle!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What did I tell you? Nerves of Steel! This reminds my of my favorite movie "The Right Stuff", where Dennis Quaid is sound asleep in the capsule just before lift-off and Mission Control has to wake him up for the countdown!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Charli was very shy in her Puppy classes - yes, Charli and both classes. She would not interact with the other puppies at all! The trainers kept trying to give me advice about socializing her more to get her past this 'shy' stage. I couldn't get them to understand that they only place she wouldn't play was in their class.
Maybe it's a good thing - less distractions when it is time to work. It worked for us, the only thing that would distract her was someone else getting a treat and that has never changed! Saying Charli is food motivated is putting it mildly!

[DeeDee and Sheila]

I think you are lucky you got a laid back pup to go w/ Murphy. Fear issues? Like you say, I think he was TIRED. Just think of this pup entering your busy household. He has a full time job just adjusting, which it sounds like he is doing beautifully. How cute. Like you say, YOU NEED THE NAP!! Things sound like they are going beautifully.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Well, if I were Murphy and I had "fear issues" I wouldn't be sleeping now would I. Seems to me he was pretty comfortable. Lucy and Sophie have never been really excited about mixing with other dogs. When we were in our early training classes, there was just the 2 of them in class along with the instructors GSD. The GSD put them in their place every time they tried to play! Sounds like Murphy is doing fine to me.