Obedient at home, a little terror outside!

[Luna and Yen]

Hello,

My 16 week goldendoodle is mostly attentive and obedient in our home. But OMG, when we go out for a walk or play outside, it's like a totally different dog... she doesn't listen at all when I call her, she forgets all the commands and tricks I've taught her,  she keeps jumping on strangers, pulls on her leash, and everything is 3x worse when there are other dogs around!

We started puppy training classes yesterday, and even the trainer had a hard time getting her to focus, and finally gave up.

She has so much energy and I feel like she's constantly trying to defy me or be extra naughty just to get my attention. She is walked 2-3 times a day up to a total of 2 hours. I think she's getting enough exercise.

She can be a little angel inside the house, but outside it's like she's having a sensory overload and gets overly excited, and won't calm down.

I'm wondering if there are any tips or words of encouragement from the more experienced dog parents out there. I need all the help I can get!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

She is very young. The classes should help you learn how to re-direct her energy and attention. However, if the trainer actually "gave up", you might need to find a different class with a better trainer. 

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

That's exactly what I was thinking!  Great recommendation!

[Bill and Pepper]

Sounds pretty normal to me! ;^) My Pepper is now 8 mos., and we are still working on recall, etc. outside. With other dogs it's real hit or miss. We just continue to train indoors, I find that hand-feeding with recall training (calling his name to get his attention, followed by food) periodically is a big help. Socialization with LOTS of other dogs and people and children may also help with the hyperness; YMMV!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Also regarding recall, one cardinal rule is that you never give a command if you cannot enforce it. So when working on "come", you absolutely must have the puppy on a long leash. Every time she is allowed to ignore a command, it teaches her that obeying is optional, and that's a very tough mindset to change.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

There may or may not have been an incident involving Riley attempting to "greet" a fleeing UPS truck (he rudely delivered a package and did not stick around to say hello) and me chasing said UPS truck in my housecoat and my husband's boots... while I madly called Riley's name and used every word except "come". :p  It's really hard not to use it when you're in a panic!  I only used it when she was stopped and directly looking at me and it worked!  Sadly I did not have a really tasty treat with me but she got one when we got home.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Terrifying at the time I'm sure, but hilarious now!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Oh it was also incredibly embarrassing because we are in a new construction zone and there are about 3-4 crews of workers around all the time... I'm sure I was their entertainment for the day lol.  We live in a quiet area but all of the forklifts and trucks around had me very worried for her safety.

I also had to just hastily place my one month old son on the floor in the house before I went chasing Riley... when I got back he was just happily staring at the wall lol.  

I felt like a sitcom that day.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Since all turned out well, I can giggle out loud!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Me too, also glad I didn't hurt myself slipping on the icy street!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Just saw this on Facebook.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Love this!!!

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Hilarious!