Will I ever relax again??

[Sharae & Winston]

Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to relax again after getting this doodle monster. Yes, there are times when he is cute, and does the sweetest things, but these are far and few between when he's being a little terror and testing me and my sanity (what is that again?). Seems like all he consists of is nipping, biting, whining, chewing, pulling the leash, trying to eat any inanimate object he can find on the ground, jumping on strangers while completely ignoring me, and chewing everything he's not supposed-all while turning down all the expensive Nylabone chews or whatever else expensive toys I get him. Add in the fact I'm constantly trying to correct all of these things while watching him like a hawk for fear he will decide to squat in the house is making me nuts! I can't catch a break...

I know he is not going to be a perfectly mannered, well behaved adult dog that i can simply enjoy for a long time but I thought when we got him at, a little less than 3 months, things would at least start getting easier at this age (5 months).
So, to all you people with older puppies or experienced doodle owners... Is there any hope for me and my tyrant of a doodle?? Like I said, I know it will be along time before I can completely relax, but what age will things at least start to improve and get a little easier than they are now?

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Is your little "tyrant" in any kind of obedience training? Things should be a bit easier at 5 months then they were at 3 months...And they will be even more so at 8 months, etc. I have one of those lively puppies myself, and I do swear things are a bit better. For once, I don't have to watch for the "squat" in the house. However, having two doodles is straining at times as well, although the older one (3 years) is a piece of cake compared to the 8 month old devil. So in addition to obedience training, lots of excercise is needed. What I do the first thing in the morning is going to a nearby dog park. We stay for 30-40 minutes, then we go home and eat breakfast. The dogs then sleep since they are tired. By the time it's late afternoon and they become active again, off we go for a walk. I would love to catch a break as well, but even when my DH is at home, both doodles are just glued to me and I can't even take a shower without them being in the bathroom. I guess it comes with having dogs. The point is, yes, puppies are REALLY exhausting. It will be better, though. Just hang in there. Mission of each day: tire out the tyrant! :-)

[Sharae & Winston]

Yes- the tyrant actually graduated from puppy obedience class last weekend! He's starting advanced puppy classes soon. He's smart- very smart, but sometimes I think that's part of the problem. It's like he knows what I'm telling him he's supposed to do, but decides he wants to do the opposite. He has a defiant streak! I agree a big part is exercise- although he isn't crated for very long periods of time i think he needs to get a little more exercise daily. He gets taken on walks several times a day, but not a lot of rigorous play, which I know would help. The days he has puppy class are like a godsend! He is zonked the rest of the evening. That's when having another doodle would come in handy I guess. I've been wanting to try a dog park, I'm just really nervous about other aggressive dogs and/or me not being able to catch him! Lol

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

I have been going through the puppy stage with Baxter since June so I  know exactly where you are coming from.  This is the time to make new friends (or old) with people that have a dog for yours to play with.  Playtime with another dog is a lifesaver for me as far as getting Baxter tired enough to take a nap during the day.  But, unfortunately my dogs do not play well together so I try to schedule a playdate for Baxter with another neighborhood dog as much as possible. I am an experienced dog owner but sometimes I wonder what made me think I could handle a doodle puppy!  It will get better but for now patience is the key along with lots of exercise and training opportunities.

[Star and Goldie]

Oh my goodness this so sounds like me talking! The crazy exhausting puppy stage. I can't wait until we can look back and say "oh it wasn't that bad"...

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

LOL, and you know what's most fun? When you get a second doodle you will be praising your first one for being such a good puppy. I'm sure that I was pulling my hair out when Monty was little, but I just don't remember it anymore.

[Sarah and Willow]

I'm afraid I'll think that and want to get another puppy! Note to future self, adopt an older dog!

[Sharae & Winston]

Oh I know... I keep telling myself and my boyfriend that stage will be here someday. He doesn't believe me and sometimes I don't either lol... The only moment I get to myself these days is when I give him a bully stick!

[Sarah and Willow]

That pretty much described how I felt as a first time puppy owner. But my pup is now 5 months old and finally giving me a break now and then. I notice when the weather is bad and we can't go out and exercise, she is a maniac. But when we go out on our walks and she can run and play with our other dog she is sooo much better. A tired pup is a well behaved pup ;) This may not be the best advice, I am a newbie to owning dogs too, but you are not alone. When I told my family and friends that I was getting a puppy, everyone gave me advice about house training, which ended up being the easiest part of having a puppy. Hang in there!

[Julie and Charlie]

SOON!! 6 months is good, 8 months is better! Don't forget that it's OK to put your dog in his crate so that you both can take a break.

[Sharae & Winston]

Yea, sometimes I think that'd be better for both of us... Idk why I just feel so guilty about putting him in there when I'm home and I shouldn't! He's out far more than most dogs who's owners have to work. Grandma watches him when we aren't home and he's spoiled!

[Vivian & Mojo]

Hang in there, my puppy was a hell raiser and as much as I love him he mad me sad and angry. He did all the things your puppy is doing. He is 10 months old now and the last month has started calming down and life is more pleasant and easier.

1- I found that by staying calm I was able to get through to him more.

2- wear him out, walks, fetch ect.

3-when he is the crazy mode turn it into a training session (have treats)

4-Potty breaks every hour until trained.

5-Give him some time in the create to calm down, puppies get over wound up like toddler children and need help to relax and the create will help.

6-Stuff a kong with peanut-butter or cream cheese or plain yogurt mixed with a mashed banana and freeze, I doubt any dog could resist.

7- Train, train, train and be consistent with methods and words used. I found a clicker brought me better results.  Make him work for everything.

8-Develop a bond with your puppy. Its true you can catch more flies with honey. It does take time but keep positive because dogs can sense our emotions and will react to our energy.

Good luck and remember it will get easier.

[Sharae & Winston]

Thanks for all the advice! I will definitely hang in there and try some of the things you mentioned that I haven't been. I think a big part of it is staying calm... he can sense I'm a basket case! Lol. He's doing good with potty training, as long as I'm diligent about taking him out, which I have been. My main goal will be more exercise and frozen/filled kongs!