Are all these "bad puppy" stories a result of bad breeding or bad training?

[Julie B.]

I am new to doodlekisses and I have really enjoyed it so far but I am concerned about all of the recent postings about puppy biting and bad puppy behaviors. I already have one F1 labradoodle and she has been so great that I am getting another puppy in a couple of weeks. My new puppy will be coming from a different breeder and that is why I ask the question... I happen to believe that most bad puppy behavior is the result of the owners not the breeding but now I am questioning this. I have raised 6 golden retriever pups, 1 labradoodle and 1 goldendoodle pup and I have never had these biting and aggressive behaviors. I must admit that during various training classes (agility, obedience, Therapy Dogs) the trainers have commented that my labradoodle is so much calmer than other labradoodles they have tried to train. Is there something in the Labradoodle breed that can create "a monster"? What's your take on this?

[F, Calla & Luca]

And the experience of the owner! You know a lot more now!

[GBK]

ABSOLUTELY :)

[Julie B.]

Thought I'd give a good puppy report today... Sydney is learning to come to her name very quickly today. One day can make a big difference in a 7 week old puppy. Yesterday she didn't seem to get it, today I had her out in the backyard and let her wander a good 20 yards away and called her back. She responded every time for her moistened kibble! It also helps to do this when they are hungry! LOL I have also been rolling her over on her back when she is in my lap because she LOVES to have her tummy rubbed. I have to have a chew toy for her to mouth though because she really needs to be mouthing something when I do this. Then every once in awhile when the toy drops I keep rubbing her tummy waiting for her to try to mouth my hand and when she does I immediately say no bite, wait until she releases and then start rubbing her tummy again. It has been a great way to work on her no bite command and she gets a tummy rub as a reward! Love her to death! So far she's been a great little girl... (Granted we're only 6 days into it!)

[Nugget's Family]

We have a 3 year old ALD. We got her from a very well-respected breeder. We were able to meet other dogs that he had who were all very happy and energetic when we visited. That is what we have now....a very happy and energetic 3 year old. HOWEVER....the first year was trying. She did not destroy furniture, walls etc., but did destroy my daughter's pants. She would latch on to the hems every time she walked by. I had to replace at least 10 pairs of pants. Our dog did not bite, but we gave her LOTS of chewies and teething things. She liked to play more than cuddle then, but I don't think that's unusual....most puppies are that way, I think. We began working with a trainer at 14 weeks....did so for a year and still touch base with him for lessons now and then. She is now well-behaved and we are committed to her training. When someone new enters the house, she is VERY excited....she absolutely THRIVES on people attention. We always greet people at the front door with her on a leash. We stand on the leash while she is greeting them so that she doesn't jump. Our good friends and family members who know the deal come prepared with treats in their pockets for her so that if she greets them in a seated position, she gets a treat.

I think we tend to have higher expectations for this breed....with good cause, because they are a good breed. However, they are still dogs. They need to know what to do and what we expect them to do. Owners are responsible for that training. I think, in general, these are not dogs who do well on their own all day as some breeds do. They thrive on lots of human interaction and exercise.

I read your comment about trainers you have worked with commenting on the calmness of your doodle and how most doodles they know were not so calm. Not all trainers feel that way. Our trainer thinks that the ALDs are fantastic dogs and LOVES to train them because he feels that they are so smart. He has actually given us free sessions in some of his classes if we could bring our dog to use as the "example dog" (aka-teacher's pet! :-) )

I wish you lots of wonderful days in the new year with your "dood" and the new "dood" on the way!

[Julie B.]

Thanks! My new dood has been with me for a month now and she is turning out to be another wonderful dog! I am a stay at home mom so I am able to give her lots of time, plan my day around her schedule and spend lots of time on the floor playing. She has already learned not to bite our hands and she loves to cuddle and chew on her nylabones. She is easy to love! We start puppy kindergarten next week which should be fun. I'll have to leave my other doodle home which won't make her very happy...