Restless, pacing and very busy doodle

[Karen C]

I have looked for previous discussions on this and can't find many that help. Eli is 11 months old and never seems to settle down. He is constantly pacing or trying to chew everything in site. I feel like at this age he should be able to roam free more than we can let him. He very rarely ever lays down unless he's in his crate. I have started tethering him most of the time I am moving about the house to keep him out of trouble. I've had dogs my entire 37 married years and never had one that won't lay down next to us and just be still for a bit. I feel frustrated my husband and I can't even watch a show in the evenings without him getting into things if he's not tethered. If he's tethered we aren't necessarily relaxing. He gets tons of exercise everyday as I don't work and walk/exercise him lots. He goes to doggy daycare two days a week. Even on those days when he should be worn out he's extremely busy. Suggestions as how to get him to relax with us? We so love our fur baby and want everyone to be happy and relaxed.

[Kamela & Beckett]

I second the thoughts that he is smart and looking for a job to do. Our Aussiedoodle is very energetic and busy. Every meal he is fed is given in a food puzzle (we have several we rotate). He has to do down, stay before he is released to eat. He must obey commands (touch, sit, shake, turn around, etc.) before he gets treats. Be sure you are tiring him mentally as well as physically. Going for rides in the car or walks in a novel neighborhood work for us. When Beckett went through a restless, wouldn't settle in the evenings period, we tethered him. We put his bed next to my husband's chair with a few toys and ignored him until he laid down. It took a while but he became resigned to the fact that the leash meant settle down whether he wanted to or not. (He gets a good walk every evening and now at 13 months chills with us in the living room while we watch tv most nights). I will say that this breed is smart and active and requires a lot of work. Good luck!

[Daniela Horth]

Hi Karen! I hope you find a way to settle your pup! I know at the end of the day it's to have everyone relax ☺️. I am a new dog owner of a 15 week old Aussiedoodle names Lucy. Although she has tons of energy, she is also very good at relaxing. I hope she stays that way. I see many people on these forums talk about giving dogs a "job". What exactly does that mean? Thank!! Take care and good luck!!