Doodle Energy

[Amy]

Hi all! I have a question about your doodles energy level. Urban is 5 months old and has plenty of energy when we take him for a walk or when playing fetch outside. The thing is, we have to engage him in any type of play, he rarely initiates play and sometimes we even have to force him into getting up and going a lot. If he is not getting full attention or has something to chew on (any only then if it is something edible) he will lay and sleep and could be for an hour or two at a time if I am in the same room. Any thoughts on this, do we just have a lazyboy or should I be concerned?
The other worry I have is that we are borrowing a crate from a friend that is very rusty, could that be a problem?

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

If there is any sign that Urban is chewing on the rust, I think I would replace the crate with one of your own. My now 14 month old had oodles of doodle energy and still does. My 8 month old doodle spends more time "resting". That said both dogs often sleep 2-4 hours when they are near me. This is a good thing, because it means you can both relax. Generally you can expect a little more puppy type behavior ( getting into things, zooming around the house for no reason, and just general awakeness) to set in somewhere between 5 and 8 months. Remember, Urban's energy is going into growing right now. As his growth slows his "playfulness" will increase. Count your blessings, a mellow puppy is a lot easier to keep track of.

[Adina P]

My Rosco is a pretty lazy dog. Even of the younger puppy he would grow tired of chasing Thule quite quickly and instead crouch down like a tiger and await for her to walk by and then pounce. He preferred to sleep a lot during the day with bursts of energy in the morning and evening.

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

Our doodles have bursts of energy, but then will totally pass out for hours. They do nothing all day when we're at work...then are crazy running and playing for 1-2 hrs and then pass out again for most of the night. However ours are 2.5 yrs old...Dex had more energy when he was a puppy, but all dogs are different.

I would replace the crate...I'd be concerned he is licking the rust.

[Deena Womack]

Our doodle doesn't play much but loves to sleep. We laugh because she comes downstairs with us in the morning after sleeping all night, she eats and finds a place to sleep. How exhausting it must be to walk downstairs and eat kibbles!! Though I think she is finding her inner dog as just this morning she came downstairs with me, sniffed everything in the family room (even the Christmas tree, which she has had absolutely no interest in) ran back upstairs back down again and ran around the family room. It is the most energy I have seen in her since we brought her home. It was exciting and mesmerizing at the same time.

[Amy]

That is nice to hear! thanks!

[Mary Beahm]

my new adopted doodle which I have had for two months now, seems worn out after a 20 minute walk and will sleep after a good breakfast as if it was bedtime.  She is two yrs old and has energy off/on during the day but seems to get tired easily.

[Nanette de la Torre]

Oh I wish I had this problem!

[Amy]

Sorry :)

[Amy]

Thanks everyone for your comments...I am working on getting a new crate, hoping that freecycle comes through! I feel a lot better after hearing all of the comments!