Did I speak too soon? Barking and biting and humping OH MY!

[Elizabeth & Cooper]

So, overall, Cooper's doing great in many areas. But, I fear that in the last couple of days we've entered a bit of a brat phase. It started with him discovering his voice more (something I thought I had addressed when he first came home). I think the park may have had something to do with it as he began barking to try to initiate play with other dogs. This then came home with us and he's now barking a lot in the evening (which, of course, is right when I'm trying to relax and right when I DON'T want him p****** off the neighbours! I've been doing my best to not give him attention when he does this but I'm at a bit of a loss as it seems that hes' getting more and more confident with his voice and I'm getting more and more worried that things like working from home will become impossible (I guess I shouldn't worry until that happens, if it happens). Last night, he also started humping my leg when we were on the ground playing. Come on Cooper!! First you're stealing my underwear.... you don't want to cuddle... and you just want to hump my leg! Typical male. All jokes aside, I was a bit alarmed that it was happening at his age but I'm guessing that perhaps both the barking and the humping could be linked to dominance. The first time it happened I was in complete shock but then I quickly pushed him off.

 

Is this normal? Is this just him testing me now that he's more comfortable at home? Any tips for either the humping and the barking would be most appreciated. Yesterday was one of those 'two step forward, one back' days.

 

Elizabeth, Cooper, and my poor violated leg.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

no advice...but I loved the " First you're stealing my underwear.... you don't want to cuddle... and you just want to hump my leg! Typical male" statement.

[Elizabeth & Cooper]

I know, right? It's hilarious but also the story of my life haha.

[Karen & Zoe]

Hi Elizabeth,

I have a female goldendoodle who is almost 5 months old.  She started barking when I first brought her home, really loud, sharp, ear-splitting barks.  She is starting to learn "Quiet"! but she loves to run out into the yard barking all the way.  It is as if she has discovered that this really loud, cool sounding noise is coming from her, and then she looks around to see if she is attracting any attention!  When she starts barking, I will go and stand with her or next to her, and keep I keep repeating "Quiet" until she calms down.  When she is quiet and calm, I will give her a treat.  It is taking some time, but I also notice on the days she and I walk/jog for a mile or so first thing in the am, she doesn't bark as much. 

The undie thing is a puppy thing I think...I have found several missing panties and bra's in the yard....love those things! 

And yes, the humping is a sign of dominance, both in males and females (according to vet and dog trainer).

Don't give up!  :)

[Bonnie and Kona]

You made me smile even in your distress. We used a squirt bottle with plain water in it to deter the barking. Owen would bark for attention, we would squirt him in the face with water saying, "No! Quiet". Hope this helps you. I have not suggestions about the humping other than saying, "No" and pushing him off.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Bexter was humping like a madman when he was about 10 weeks old (I can't remember exactly when...) and I was very annoyed & worried.  Now, he is about 4 1/2 months old & hasn't humped quite some time.  We didn't do anything magical - we just said NO and moved.  I think most of them go through all these phases.

 

It seems there is a pattern with these doodles (or any dogs probably)...When we first get them (around 8 weeks) they mostly sleep, are very cuddly & totally wonderful (with the exception of potty training & getting them crate trained).  We get all excited thinking they will be perfect.  Then, BOOM!  Puppihood hits with a vengeance!  I am hoping that things that Bexter is doing (chewing on things & barking) is just being a puppy.  I know we should train them, but also I guess we should expect it to be challenging in certain areas.  It will be fine, I'm sure.  Your dog is still wonderful, just going through a phase.  Good luck!

[Melody & Bruin]

Going through all of the above!  Bruin humped everyone in the house the first day we brought him home (and is still doing so daily).  We just get up and walk way after a firm "uh uh".  He also humps a big rubber ball in the backyard - yuck - good thing we have a fence!   I think he just happy and excited because it is only during playtime.