I am new to the labradoodle group and am a labradoodle wannabee. I am, however, owned by a 7 month old female clumber spaniel, Scout. Clumbers are notorious for counter surfing, cleptomania, and eating anything they can get into their mouths. (One famous and true story tells of a clumber who ate a jar of alfredo sauce, including the jar, which he had stolen from the kitchen counter; He was fine after a $2000.00 emergency vet bill!) I also belong to a clumber spaniel yahoo group where many of the members are very seasoned clumber owners and know alot about training. Recently, someone asked a similar question to yours, so I thought this answer might be of interest/help:
"Sounds as if he has you well trained to do exactly as he asks and nothing
more. This CAN be corrected but it will take you much time and concerted
effort. Start by just having the brush within eyesight while showering him
with petting and treats. Gradually move the brush closer and closer (still
the fuss and treats). Eventually hold the brush in one hand, then pet and
treat with the other. When this is successful, switch hands. Once he
tolerates the brush in your hand, begin touching him on the back with the
BACK of the brush (still treating and petting), graduate to using the front
of the brush on his back, one stroke - pets and treats. You can see how
this is going. He will determine the pace but I'd imagine it will take you
AT LEAST a month of daily effort to get near him with the brush in your
hand. If at any point he growls or threatens, immediately stop giving him
attention and go do something else - no scolding, no treats, no nothing -
just get up and walk away (this assumes that he loves your attention, of
course). Maybe only pet him when the brush is in your pocket. I don't know
how he got to this point - I know it didn't happen all of a sudden - and
it's always harder to UNDO and REDO than to stop it in the first place.
It's time for YOU to be in charge, and not him. Hope this helps."
And here are my 2 cents worth of advice:
When Jack is left alone I would limit his area with baby gates and/or a crate, and do not leave him access to anything he can destroy, even his bed. If he hasn't been crated before, you will need to get him used to that when you are there before leaving him unattended in it. I don't crate Scout, but I do make sure she has limited access when she is unsupervised.
When guests or anyone comes to the door, Jack should be put on his leash and made to sit before the door is opened. Tell whoever it is NOT to greet Jack at all, only greet you. Then, when Jack is sitting, the person greets him. If he gets up, they stop. He will eventually learn that he gets attention when he sits. When you are out with Jack and are around people or other dogs, the same thing applies. My trainer had us go to crowded places such as Starbucks, and sit there with our dogs on leash and make them sit as described above. She said they need to get used to the world going by and realize the world doesn't revolve around them. (Even though we know OUR world revolves around them!LOL!)
Digging is a challenge. With patience, this works, but takes a while and many holes will be dug during training: Each time Jack digs a hole, put his poop in it. He won't dig in the same spot if his poop is in it. He will dig elsewhere, but just keep putting the poop in the holes. Eventually he should get the message, but like I said, this one takes a while.
Excessive barking frequently indicates bordom if done when you are not there. You can try giving him his favorite toys and treats when you leave. Take them away from him the minute you return home so that he will begin to associate your leaving with something positive. He only gets these toys when you are not there. He doesn't get them any other time. (You will want to rotate the toys he gets so that he doesn't become bored.) You can also try leaving a radio or television on (with people talking) so he doesn't feel alone. And I would make sure he has had alot of exercise before you leave so that he is not full of energy.
Having had many dogs before, they all have their various favorite misbehaviors. The trick is to realize that what may not be a problem when they are a little fluff ball, is a problem when they become agigantic, strong, lumbering clown. So, one needs to start as early as possible with training. ALWAYS GENTLE but firm, and with lots of treats and praise and snuggles. NOT PUNISHMENT except for ignoring them or firm words or a swift tug on the leash. NO dragging or pulling on the leash and NEVER any physical punishment or yelling. You can teach an old dog new tricks, it just takes a bit longer and more patience.
Hope this is helpful,
Adrienne
Can anyone help out with these:
barking
digging
tearing up stuff when left alone, encluding his bedding
way too excited when guests come or when around another dog. Just
wants to inundate the other dog with play and can't seem to hear our
commands.
He won't let us groom him. Bathing is a nightmare, but cleaning his
funky ears is imppossible.
Maybe this is all normal doodle behavior but when I read about
people putting drops in dog's ears I think we might have an
especially active dog. He seems to be nearly frantic a lot.
Yahoo! Groups Links
- To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/labradoodles/
- To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
- Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
