How much good, hard exercise does this dog get?

How much training practice do you do with him?

Is he enrolled in a puppy obedience class?

During the day, periodically, do you run through the skills he's learned? Like, sit, come, down, stay, shake, wait.

Dogs need training and high energy, intelligent dogs need lots of training...lots of mental stimulation...interesting things to do, as well as a way to burn off that pent up energy.

Bored dogs are usually the ones that are out of control and destructive, as you're describing. As the pup learns skills and is reinforced for them, those things can replace the obnoxious behavior. Keep things inaccessible to him that you don't want him getting into as best you can. You don't want him to keep practicing that behavior. Just before he's going to do something you don't like, intercept and ask for a sit or some other thing he's learning so he CAN be rewarded. The more reinforcement he gets, the more those good behaviors will take over. Fill his mind up with constructive things to do. Set him up for success. Set the environment up and give him a spring board of a set of obedience tricks so he can learn HOW TO learn.

He's also a very young puppy. Puppies this age of many breeds can be difficult. I recommend you get yourself a behaviorist or good progressive (Positive reinforcerment) type trainer to help you out. I'd do a few private lessons...get him started and then get into a class with no more than 6 dogs in it. Make sure you find a reputable trainer who uses gentle, humane methods based on the science of learning behavior, no harsh treatment.

He can be turned around. But a high energy, highly intelligent dog will take some extra work. If you put in the work, I think you'll wind up with a very nice dog. He is perhaps higher energy than you bargained for.

I hope you get some help and things turn around for you.

 

Hi there,

I'm not an expert by any means but thought I would weigh in here because I have a 4 almost 5 month old SPOO. Juneau can be a bit mischievous - and I relate on the stealing shoes. Your post made me wonder what type of exercise you poodle is getting. I'm very consistent - we talk a long (read 1 hour) walk in the morning where we work on sitting, down, waiting, leave-it... You get my point. I do have a dog sitter pop in twice during the day while I'm at work, and then at night we try to do a little more training (mental stimulation) and go do something fun like the dog park where he can burn off some physical energy.

I don't know if that is "right" or not - but he seems content most of the time and not too naughty....

 

Sounds like you have a puppy that needs lots of physical and mental exercise. Not to just tire his body but to challenge his mind. Taking clothes, chewing things he shouldn't is definitely a sign of boredom. Some dogs must be challenged more than others. He also needs to learn his boundaries.

Suggest this pup be enrolled is some positive training classes that both he and his humans would enjoy. It takes a human and a dog to make playing with toys fun in a puppy's mind

 

I agree with the above advice - he needs mental exercise and physical exercise - lots of it. It sounds like he's entering the teen-age phase a little early! I used to have boxers, and they're very similar. You love them, but perhaps don't like them during this time.

The only thing I can add is to maybe keep him on a leash tethered to you in the house to keep track of him when you literally can't keep your eyes on him when you're busy (on the computer, cooking dinner, cleaning, etc.). I'd crate him when you have to take a shower, are eating dinner, or can't tether him to you, like you do at night.

Clear your counters and keep doors to bedrooms/bathrooms closed. Right now, he doesn't deserve free reign of the house. He should only be loose in the room where you can keep your eyes on him. baby gate the kitchen, if you can.

 

In addition to what everyone else has said, it sounds like he has way too much free time when he is not being watched. I have a puppy, we are crate training....she's into a routine and seems to get destructive when she is tired. Just like a child.

 

That is an undertrained, under exercised puppy if I've ever heard one. All puppies, no matter the breed or what the adult temperament will come out to be, are crazy and high energy. It's just a part of owning and raising a pup. And any bored dog, regardless of age or breed or temperament, can and will become destructive.

I'd enroll him and yourself in a positive based training class, as well as doing extensive training at home.

In addition to that, exercise is your friend. Fetch, tug, walks, swimming, ect. A tired dog is a happy dog is a good dog.

Highly active, highly intelligent dogs are the most challenging, but also the most rewarding. I have two working bred, high energy breeds (ages 3.5 and 6months) that are the love of my life, and are perfectly behaved because they are trained and exercised on a daily basis.

 

Thanks for the help

I am about to decide we bought the wrong breed, or got a stinker! We are not novice dog owners, have had a dog all of our married lives (49 yrs), and have NEVER expereienced anything like this. I disagree with the statement "All puppies, no matter what the adult temperament will come out to be, are crazy and high energy." As stated above, we have never had a puppy anything like this. Of course, all puppies are playful and full of energy, but this is excessive beyond my imagination. Our dogs have always had "hands on training" by my husband and myself, and we have been fortunate to have had wonderful, well behaved companion dogs, a Poodle, three Golden Retrievers & a Border Collie. My daughter says, "in her next life, she wants to come back as one of our dogs. I am home all day with this puppy and have tried to keep him in the kennel as little as possible, but guess that will be changing. I have been keeping him tethered to the leg of the kitchen table next to me, where I have my morning coffee and read the news, but thought it was time to give him some freedom, wrong decision. One person suggested baby gating the kitchen. That was the first thing we did when we brought him home, he plowed right through it, knocking it down.
Our home sits on a 1-1/2 acre lot, full of trees, birds and squirrels where he can run to his hearts content, but doesn't want to be out by himself, goes crazy jumping at door and barking. I will not just ignore him as we have just had our house painted and would like to have it looking nice for a while. I was taking him for a walk each day, until the Texas heat/humidity got to be a bit much for me, so that's on hold until Fall.
Our daughter bought a Standard Poodle, from the same breeder, a month or so before we bought this one. Her dog is lovely, affectionate and mild mannered, and they spend far less time with him than we do with ours. Her dogs behavior was one of the influencing factors for our going to look at this puppy, different littler than my daughter's dog. It truly is the dog's disposition, which just may be too much for me to handle. Considering our age, this will probably be the last dog we will have, thus even greater disappointment. We will continue to enjoy our amazing Golden for however long we will be fortunate enough to have him, and perhaps return this pup to breeder or another owner if things don't improve a lot, and quickly.
Thanks to everyone for your advice and expereinced opinions, I appreciate you all! There have been no suggestions that we haven't tried except for a trainer, and I'm not sure that's the answer for us. I think we may have just gotten the wrong dog for our family.?

 

I am about to decide we bought the wrong breed, or got a stinker! We are not novice dog owners, have had a dog all of our married lives (49 yrs), and have NEVER expereienced anything like this. I disagree with the statement "All puppies, no matter what the adult temperament will come out to be, are crazy and high energy." As stated above, we have never had a puppy anything like this. Of course, all puppies are playful and full of energy, but this is excessive beyond my imagination. Our dogs have always had "hands on training" by my husband and myself, and we have been fortunate to have had wonderful, well behaved companion dogs, a Poodle, three Golden Retrievers & a Border Collie. My daughter says, "in her next life, she wants to come back as one of our dogs. I am home all day with this puppy and have tried to keep him in the kennel as little as possible, but guess that will be changing. I have been keeping him tethered to the leg of the kitchen table next to me, where I have my morning coffee and read the news, but thought it was time to give him some freedom, wrong decision. One person suggested baby gating the kitchen. That was the first thing we did when we brought him home, he plowed right through it, knocking it down.
Our home sits on a 1-1/2 acre lot, full of trees, birds and squirrels where he can run to his hearts content, but doesn't want to be out by himself, goes crazy jumping at door and barking. I will not just ignore him as we have just had our house painted and would like to have it looking nice for a while. I was taking him for a walk each day, until the Texas heat/humidity got to be a bit much for me, so that's on hold until Fall.
Our daughter bought a Standard Poodle, from the same breeder, a month or so before we bought this one. Her dog is lovely, affectionate and mild mannered, and they spend far less time with him than we do with ours. Her dogs behavior was one of the influencing factors for our going to look at this puppy, different littler than my daughter's dog. It truly is the dog's disposition, which just may be too much for me to handle. Considering our age, this will probably be the last dog we will have, thus even greater disappointment. We will continue to enjoy our amazing Golden for however long we will be fortunate enough to have him, and perhaps return this pup to breeder or another owner if things don't improve a lot, and quickly.
Thanks to everyone for your advice and expereinced opinions, I appreciate you all! There have been no suggestions that we haven't tried except for a trainer, and I'm not sure that's the answer for us. I think we may have just gotten the wrong dog for our family.��

Please return the dog to the breeder or give him to poodle rescue.

If you feel you have tried all the suggestions given on this thread and it has had no effect (exercise, obedience training, vet advice, etc), then this dog is truly not right for you. Perhaps you could have handled an active toy or minipoodle, but an energetic standard is probably just not the right dog for you, as you have stated several times. Your dog is not a stinker. He is just more than you can handle. Let someone else deal with him.

Your daughter got a more laid back dog than you did. That can happen with ANY breed. Sorry the breeder didn't catch this before he sold you the dog.

 

there are several owners at pf who have rehomed their dogs or returned them to the breeder in exchange for a dog with a different temperament. probably the sooner you make that decision the better for you and the dog. no shame attached, by the way. it's good to give both yourself and the dog a chance early on.

 

Poodles are very people oriented dogs - if you expect him to go out and exercise himself, it is not going to work. You should return him to the breeder, and possibly consider a toy sized dog that you can give sufficient exercise indoors.


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I think that the time has come to talk to the breeder about returning him, or to a good poodle rescue about rehomng. He sounds like a dog that would shine in the right home, but is a very poor mix with your needs and expectations. There is no shame in doing what is best for all f you, and finding him the home that is perfect for his needs.

On the other hand, I think we all tend to forget just what hard work puppies can be, especially after years of living with a sensible adult dog. I know there are several PF members who always adopt young adults, having decided that the puppy shenanigans are simply not for them!

 

He sounds like my kind of dog, which is a lot of dog for most folks. I wonder if the breeder could exchange him for a more laid back pup.

I wish you all the best with whatever you decide.

May I ask, please? Where did you get him? (I'm in Texas, too and he sounds like FUN!)

 

I feel for you, I understand it is hard and not fun. You don't have to do it... talk to the breeder, maybe they would exchange him for another pup. He is young and would easily go right into another home. This may very well be too much dog for you. The breeder might even have a retired breeding dog, that is what I got and love her to pieces ! I knew I did not want a puppy, no question for me, adults are the way to go.

If you want to keep him, he is going to have to be worked with more. He needs walks everyday. I get up at 6:00 to walk my adults 4 miles every morning. He needs his mind worked too. Take some classes, teach him tricks. He needs more than you may be willing to give him.

 

I live in GA - oppressive summer heat/humidity is part of the deal here, too. I've started taking my little dogs for their walks much earlier; in fact, I need to get off my rear and get going this morning - it's almost too late now! If you're not willing to walk your pup, I'd recommend returning him to the breeder. Perhaps a smaller dog with fewer exercise needs may be more appropriate for you. That's one reason I don't have boxers anymore, even though they're my heart breed - they started wearing me out - lol!

 

he sounds delightful! He is the type of dog that wants a job. Get him into some obedience, rally and agility classes (after age 1). Take him for a walk, take him hiking, teach him to run beside a bike (but not too much at first since he's still a puppy). Teach him fetch, play the recall game. He needs a job, this one is a thinker, and not a sit around looking pretty puppy.

I also agree there's no shame in returning him to the breeder if he's not a good fit. Better you find a more suitable dog (perhaps an older dog) that fits your lifestyle (because you sound quite busy with your kids, too).

He sounds just like my Echo, who, at age 4, has turned into a couch potato, but will turn into an awesome working dog when the time is right (class, practice, etc). It takes time but they do eventually chill out a bit.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Some dogs are like that, I have one too . If u do decide to keep him, obedience lessons are the key ( lots of them , different types like basic obedience, agility etc) but also just so u know, they do settle down a lot by 3 years old. But if u don't have a bond, u don't want to hate waking up every day because of the dog. There are people who would love to have a dog like him! But don't beat yourself up, some are just extra demanding and energetic.


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Our youngest dog is a similar high energy dog and when we first got her I told my husband that she was too much for us, that we made a mistake, and that we should return her to the breeder. She was terrorizing our 2 older dogs and was so fast I could not stop.her from biting or jumping on them. I had a talk with the breeder who gave me some ideas. I ended up tethering her to me while inside, teaching her the down stay while other 2 dogs went outside to do their business in peace. My husband walked her more, we took her to obedience class, and at about a year she started becoming a more disciplined dog. She still needed to be watched, but it was manageable. She is 3 years now, still high energy, but I know how to wear she out now ( run with bike, catch the frizbee, etc). Yes, I thought we made a mistake but now I am glad we kept her. She is very sweet, just high energy.

 

I agree with you that some puppies are more laid back than others...they're not all wild and crazy. My Lab was calm and quiet even as a puppy but she still got into mischief, like chewing things up. My Chihuahuas were quite mellow. My Doberman, as a puppy makes the description of your puppy sound like you've got a sloth. lol. Here's the thing though...Crazy dogs can be a lot of fun IF you channel that energy into something constructive and really get involved. My Dobe turned out to be the coolest dog. He learned things quickly and did everything with great gusto but in a controlled fashion. His recalls were immediate and terribly enthusiastic. His sits were precise and speedy. Everything he did was done with great joy and he WANTED to learn. I think Poodles with lots of energy are a bit like Dobermans and that may be part of why I chose the Poodle breed. I didn't want to deal with the larger size or the dog aggression tendencies or the really bad health issues that are in Dobermans' lines anymore but otherwise LOVE the breed.

So, I got toy Poodles...two puppies at the same time (don't recommend) lol. And one is very laid back and calm, a cuddler. And the other is a crazy lunatic. But he's mellowing out at about a year old and his shenanigans are becoming less and less destructive and more channeled in MY kind of direction. But I've been adamant about not using any harshness with him because I don't want to dampen that spirit and great gusto he has. I want his puppiness to always be a part of him...just want things directed in a constructive way.

I highly recommend reading this article. It is such a meaningful thing to me and has made a huge difference in how I go about things.

How to Train a "Crazy" Dog! | Karen Pryor Clicker Training

Use the dog's own motivation. With an average dog, you have to take time to find what motivates that dog—a special toy, a preferred treat? Crazy dogs are motivated by everything!

 

I am experiencing similar behaviour with my 4 month old spoo, but he is very affectionate and over excitable. His behaviour is similar to that of my mini when she was the same age but the sheer difference in power and size makes him harder work. He barked constantly when we brought him home. Attending weekly training classes and practicing what I learned at home has solved the barking as for the rest I am sure he will grow out of it. A couple of times I have thought I can't do this any more but speaking to my trainer who gives me suggestions has helped me cope. It's not my pups fault that I don't always understand his needs, which can at times be more demanding than my mini. I love them both more than words can say. I hope you to can find a way to enjoy your pup.

 

My intention is not to pick a fight but I'm seeing some ownership issues in addition to what you call behavioral issues.

My simple math (49 years marriage and 13 year old golden) tells me your in your 70s and haven't had puppy experience in 12+ years) you are not physically or intellectually ready for a Spoo puppy there I said it.

A Spoo makes a Golden look like a simpleton (I've had both I can make that comment) and I'm sorry but I've not meet a 70 year old who can keep up with a large active dog like a Spoo. Hell I'm close to your same situation my first puppy in 13 years and I'm even an experienced Spoo owner but I'm 50 and my puppy is running me ragged.

Based on all that I wouldn't feel any shame if I were you that you couldn't handle this. Just do it soon so he has time to turn the bad habits around. Additionally do send him to a rescue!!! If the breeder was reputable in the first place they should want him back, if they don't I'll take him. Last but not least don't trade him in for a different model that's not the problem I don't think your age and lifestyle is conducive to a Spoo puppy

So go ahead a flame if you must but I'll stick to my observation.

 

not trying to flame you, but the op did point out that her daughter has a spoo from the same breeder with a completely different temperament. i have also read posts by a number of pf members who returned/exchanged their pups for dogs more suitable in temperament to their lifestyles - and they aren't all older owners or inexperienced, either. i think maybe it's a simple case of the wrong fit, and perhaps the op did not make clear what she was looking for and/or the breeder assumed that experienced dog owners could handle a somewhat boisterous pup and would not mind having to do so. (and, by the way, i reject the contention that this pup is like all spoo pups. i assume he's not really unusual, but there's enough evidence of variation in temperament on this forum that people advise newcomers that health and temperament are the two biggest issues in selecting a dog and to be very clear to the breeder about what one is looking for.)

the best outcome for the op and the dog is to move on: a different dog more suited in temperament for the op and a different household for the pup. imo there's no blame, shame or failure to pass around here. the point is to move to a desirable solution for the op and the pup.

 

Honestly, what you have described sounds like a typical standard poodle puppy whose got too much freedom and not enough clear boundaries.

 

WOW, yeah we had a cairn terrier like this once (Dog was crazy, we would take him outside walk him for over and hour come inside and he'd pee EVERYWHERE. oh and did i mention he was a runner and a bitter too, god that dog was crazy. Rehomed to a retired trainer) all i could recommend would be exercise, exercise, EXERCISE!! Run hime like 4hrs a day! he will be too tired to be naughty!

 

I think that there is a huge difference in the energy levels of different spoos. I have known extremely active, even hyperactive spoos, and I have known very calm spoos.

The OP's situation reminds me of someone who got a spoo puppy many years ago and it was just not working out. The dog was driving them crazy. Fortunately, I ran into a nice and very active man who had just lost a spoo. To make a long story short, the hyperactive poodle was placed with this man. It took about a month for everyone to get to know each other and make sure that this was what was best for the dog, best for the first family, and best for the new owner. It turned out to be just perfect for all concerned. The new owner had another dog who became a nice playmate for the hyperactive poodle, and the new owner gave his dogs two long walks a day plus a couple of short ones. The long walks included running off lead through fields and streams, and chasing ground hogs, squirrels and/ or balls. With about 2 1/2 hours of vigorous exercise a day, this is a fabulous dog. But without it, he was impossible. The first family was just not equipped to give their dog 2 1/2 hours of vigorous exercise per day. I am still in touch with the new owner and he adores his poodle. The dog is over 10 years old and still hyperactive.

In contrast, my poodles are all relatively calm. Even the younger ones (a puppy and his 3 year old mom) do just fine with a pretty modest amount of exercise. They love to go on their walks and/or trips to the dog park. But if they miss their walks due to bad weather or busy schedule or illness or whatever, they are just fine with bathroom breaks in the back yard.

No one should have to live with a dog that they don't want. This is especially true of a young poodle because it is so easy to find a good home for a young poodle, even a very active one. I definitely agree that rehoming can be a very good solution.

 

Given the complaints I made about Griffin, I thought it only fair to brag about his main accomplishments, of which there are two, besides being house trained. Before I put his bowl of food down (he knows I have it), I ask him to sit and wait, then I place the food on the floor in front of him, again telling him to wait. He will sit, looking at me until I say "OK," and I will usually wait 30 - 45 seconds.
He does the same when it's time to let him out of his crate. I tell him to sit & stay (he's so anxious to get out, it's hard for him), then I open the gate, telling him to wait. Again, he watches my face until I say "OK."
Can anyone help me upload a photo from my i-Pad? When I click the icon it asks for a url where my photo is. All my pics are on my i-Pad, or computer, but no url.

 

use the paperclip icon. hopefully it will allow you to browse items on your "desktop" to upload. see below (i hope).

we would love to see a photo of your boy. especially want to see the devilish twinkle in his eye!

 

Griffin

I guess I'm not doing the photo correctly, but thank you for the tip, peerhaps I can figure it out at another time.[/I]
Looks like the photo transferred, but going the wrong way. I'll have to think about that, see if I can figure it out.
Thanks