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Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum

Reggie is 8 months now, and has turned into a real stinker. The first few months I had him he was pretty fantastic - an overall great pup, smart, obedient, friendly, easy! Super patient and wonderful with all of the little kids at my dance studio. Now it seems he is in some sort of testing phase mixed with the dreaded 2nd fear phase... Constant jumping on people, nipping, growling at thin air, barking like crazy at every other animal he sees. A few weeks a go he was bitten on the nose at the dog park by a pit bull - (first time ever at a dog park. The second time we tried I didn't let him go in because he was being so wild and barky at the dog already inside...so we are 0/2) and since then his reaction to other dogs has gradually gone from excited tail wagging, to excited barking, and now growling and aggressive barking/lunging on the leash even when the other dogs aren't even paying attention to him. I don't know if he's got PTSD or something, or is just suddenly scared of other dogs? He used to relax, lie down and chew a toy during non-structured time, but lately he is all over the place! In fact, I'm writing this from my iPad because he just jumped up on the coffee table and spilled a glass of water all over my laptop :/ zzzap. We sat on a patio with friends yesterday and in the 2 hours we we there (i took him for some walks during that time) he did not settle down one time! Then of course was exhausted and slept for 3 hours when we got home.

I tried to sign us up for obedience class, but was told he isn't a good fit if he gets that riled up around other dogs. So we have a private appointment tomorrow with a trainer and I'm hoping it helps us get back on track.

Did anyone else's doodle act out at this age? Or become irrationally fearful? Or ruin expensive electronics? Ugh. Any advice? I'm trying to remain calm and assertive, but am admittedly getting very frustrated.

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unwanted behavior - duh

Just wanted to update on our training - it was TERRIBLE. Our vet recommended a specific trainer, so we went for it... Turns out the trainer was operating that day out of a vet clinic, so there were howling/crying/barking dogs all over the place. For Reggie, who gets so excited around other dogs (I told her this when we scheduled the appointment - that it was the MAIN reason we were coming), it was just horrible. He could hear the other dogs, but not see them. He worked himself into by far the worst state I've ever seen him in. Barking/cried and ran around slamming into the doors inside and the fence outside for all but maybe 5 minutes of the 90mins we were there. It was like my sweet pup was gone, and psycho dog was there in his place! I was so overwhelmed and sad, it actually brought me to tears. The trainer seemed overwhelmed too- tried a couple of things that absolutely didn't work, then tried to talk to me about some strategies to work on at home, and her thoughts about what was happening, then said she thought I should medicate him :( I'm not trying to be naive about my puppy, but I think advising medication in his case, under those circumstances was a little ridiculous. 

In hindsight, I should have left immediately when I realized that the environment wasn't conducive to learning. And asked for my money back :( It was honestly one of the worst experiences I've ever had. And I feel so sad that I put Reggie through such stress!

I just watched an episode of dog whisperer when an Australian Shepherd acts the exact same way Reggie does when he sees other dogs. http://www.hulu.com/watch/110392#i0,p47,d0 I saw Cesar using a lot of strategies to help that pooch (none of which the trainer we saw told us about...) so I guess we'll keep working and keep looking for a trainer who is a good fit for us. 

Great advise, Nancy on working on socialization when I'm ONLY focusing on Reggie. Sometimes I do try to multi-task, and in the case of training, that's not a good idea. One thing I did learn from the trainer is that dogs don't generalize skills, so working with him in a variety of settings is important. 

Thanks for your encouragement and words of wisdom, everyone! 

Sorry this was suck a disaster.

Thanks! I know it was a typo - but "suck" really describes it! Ha!

Uh oh, yes a typo.

So sorry to hear that your training session was not a good experience.  It sounds like this trainer had no experience with high energy/over excited dogs because she was overwhelmed and her only solution was to medicate Reggie.  Do not give up on trying to find a good trainer.  A good trainer will be able to identify the underlying issues and prepare a game plan to get you to your "dream" dog or at least a much better behaved one.  I love the Dog Whisperer, he makes everything look so easy :))) 

In the meantime, try to learn all that you can via research:  here on DK, training videos, books, etc.  This will help you to ask the right questions when interviewing a potential trainer and it will also give you tips on how to DIY until you find a qualified person to handle the job.

You are on the right path.  Keep being a great mom to Reggie.

Thank you, Adrienne! You are so wise, you must have been through this before :) I'm learning tons on DK - are there any training vids or books you'd recommend besides Cesar? ;) He DOES make everything look so easy!

Yes, I went through this phase with my last dog.  Fortunately, our obedience trainer was able to work out the kinks with Max so I did not seek training materials for this issue...plus, there was no YouTube then.  I have searched you tube for videos on "clicker" training, etc.  There are many videos on prong collar training, however, I recommend working with a trainer to learn how to use it...if you even need it at all.  My breeder recommended The Puppy Primer, by Patricia McConnell and Living with Kids and Dogs, by Colleen Pelar.  I haven't read them so I can't honestly say if they are good training books or not.  The Training Group would probably have old discussions on good training videos, etc.  If not, this would be a great question to pose there. 

Oh dear!  I hope you can find the right trainer to help. Hang in there!  

Thank you!

I don't know Robin from Eve, but in searching archives of a training group I belong to I found a reference to some training seminar where this trainer was speaking and she is in your state:  http://www.thatsmydog.com/ -- Maybe it might help to call Robin and talk to her and see if there is someone she recommends near you (if she is not near you).

I also know of a trainer in Holmen that would be good, if I can get her contact info.  Is that near you at all?

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