doodle anxiety???

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

my doodle is 11 months old.. lately the weather has been VERY VERY windy and rainy...to the point where a walk wouldnt be enjoyable for either of us..last night i noticed midas was breathing very heavy and seemed like he didnt know what to do with himself... on the couch..off the couch...laying next to me.. getting up... then just standing there staring at me.. he ate and went to the bathroom fine.. and when we went to bed he had 3 bones we brought in our room with us.. and one was brand new and edible.. i woke up and found he chewed some molding in our room!! could he be a little anxious because he hasnt been walked for 2 days or so? he runs outside like mad.. he only chewed once before when we went on a 7 day vacation and my sister in law watched him.. i hope this isnt a new habit and that he was just anxious last night.. hubby is walking him now... but even a longgggg walk doesnt tire him out.. HELP

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think it is very possible that this was the result of "pent up energy" that can turn to frustration and destructive behavior in dogs.  I think some dogs get really bored.  Murphy is definitely like that.  We do use the treadmill for him to run off some of that energy when the weather is bad.  I also find that "mental challenges" tire him almost as much as a good walk.  Try working some challenging obedience in the house...that may help.

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

how do u get him to use the treadmill? id love too! lol.. im getting a new couch soon and im worried he will start chewing that now..  :(

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Start off by just putting him on a leash (with his flat collar) and having him stand on the treadmill for a minute.  Then give him a treat.  Do this several times over a few days (always leashed).  Then turn in on really slow and wrap the leash around the front.  During the first few times I put him between my legs (my legs were panted on the sides not moving).  That seems to give him confidence. Start with just about five minutes, and then continue to increase the time and speed.  You'll only need to be on with him the first couple of times.  Always treat when he comes off the treadmill.  I did a video of this a couple of years ago for DK.  Let me see if I can find it and post a link.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Here's the link to the discussion and the video.  Let me know if you try it and how it goes.  Good luck.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oops..

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/trainingmindsets/forum/topics/tre...

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

love the video!! how long will he go on for? does he tire out?? midas needs to run with an olympic runner in order to tire out! lol

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

He's been at it for a couple of years so not he's usually on for 45 minutes at a pretty brisk running speed with a small incline.  We did work up to that though.  I also start him slow and then increase speed and incline gradually....I always cool him down too at a slower speed.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Wow, I just went back and watched the video which was when he first started.  It looks so different now...he runs and doesn't need the leash anymore.  I should make an updated video to show the difference.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

The link did not show up-

I have been wanting to try this!  I will now! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Jane, isn't a puppy too young for the treadmill?  Don't they need to be careful of over exercising?

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree--his routine has been disrupted--my guys have all been pent up in the house with the bad weather too and they are feeling it--they aren't chewing but look mighty unhappy--sun is out today and they will be too!

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

same here sun is out...he will be going for a cousin play date! lol.. my sister has a standard poodle who loves Midas lol.. :)