Comments on: Labradoodle temperament and personality http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/ Quality F1 and F1b Labradoodles Mon, 07 May 2012 04:20:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Tink http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-6364 Tink Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:40:51 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-6364 Hello, I'm so sorry your Max is giving you a challenge. In my experience, Labradoodles are so wickedly smart, that they truly need to be challenged intellectually and they absolutely need human companionship. How much of the time is Max left home alone? Does he have any toys that he has to work on to gain a treat such as a Kong? Is he or has he been in obedience or agility classes? A 15 minute trainng session each day with new tricks or puzzles brought in to make them think will often help keep a dogs mind busy with good things rather than naughty mischief. A couple of 20 minute play sessions such as frisbee or fetch with a ball or stick will help keep some energy burned off. Socializing with other dogs and people helps too. A bored dog is often going to find things to enetertain themselves that we humans won't appreciate, whereas a tired dog is a good dog. Until you're able to get Max back in line, you might consider crating him when unsupervised. My dogs choose to go into their crates for naps and such, so it's not as if they see them as a jail. They are a safe place to relax without getting in trouble. It's unlikely Max has no clue why he's been banished from the bedroom, so will act out worse because of it. I strongly recommend ceasar Milans books to learn to understand dog psychology. Once we learn to read their behavior it is much easier to be able to curb or redirect it. Good luck! Hello,
I’m so sorry your Max is giving you a challenge.
In my experience, Labradoodles are so wickedly smart, that they truly need to be challenged intellectually and they absolutely need human companionship.
How much of the time is Max left home alone? Does he have any toys that he has to work on to gain a treat such as a Kong? Is he or has he been in obedience or agility classes?

A 15 minute trainng session each day with new tricks or puzzles brought in to make them think will often help keep a dogs mind busy with good things rather than naughty mischief. A couple of 20 minute play sessions such as frisbee or fetch with a ball or stick will help keep some energy burned off. Socializing with other dogs and people helps too.

A bored dog is often going to find things to enetertain themselves that we humans won’t appreciate, whereas a tired dog is a good dog. Until you’re able to get Max back in line, you might consider crating him when unsupervised. My dogs choose to go into their crates for naps and such, so it’s not as if they see them as a jail. They are a safe place to relax without getting in trouble.

It’s unlikely Max has no clue why he’s been banished from the bedroom, so will act out worse because of it. I strongly recommend ceasar Milans books to learn to understand dog psychology. Once we learn to read their behavior it is much easier to be able to curb or redirect it.

Good luck!

]]> By: Annon http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-6362 Annon Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:16:12 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-6362 I am at my wits end with my beloved dog Max. 90% of the time he is an ideal dog and i love him dearly. However when I leave the house (even if its just for 2 minutes) he seeks to cause trouble by opening doors, rummaging through objects accidentally left on display on the kitchen counters and his favorite task, rummaging through bins (especially the bathroom bin which is filled with sanitary waste every few weeks). the last week he misbehaved 7 days in a row which is unlike him because he usually follows a cycle whereby he misbehaves, gets a row, he is welcomed back then we go back to our usual routine. it would usually take him 2 weeks before he was naughty again. He usually sleeps in my bedroom with me and my husband, however last night we were so angry at him we locked him out the porch to sleep (with access to food and water, and a comfy bed). We woke up this morning to a noise of him chewing, so we went downstairs to investigate and he was out of breath and he had chewed the door frame and the door and urinated. (He is very well toilet trained, the only time he ever has accidents is when he is being shouted at, which may appear as a sign of fear, but if you could see you him you'd see that his tail wags excitedly when you shout at him). we haven't found a discipline method that will alter his behavior, He knows that he shouldn't misbehave, but its almost as if he cant help himself. Please could you give me some advice because i hate staying mad at him and this week has been particularly tough because I have missed his kisses and cuddles dearly. At the present moment he is sitting in the garden in his naughty corner that he designated for himself. I am at my wits end with my beloved dog Max. 90% of the time he is an ideal dog and i love him dearly. However when I leave the house (even if its just for 2 minutes) he seeks to cause trouble by opening doors, rummaging through objects accidentally left on display on the kitchen counters and his favorite task, rummaging through bins (especially the bathroom bin which is filled with sanitary waste every few weeks). the last week he misbehaved 7 days in a row which is unlike him because he usually follows a cycle whereby he misbehaves, gets a row, he is welcomed back then we go back to our usual routine. it would usually take him 2 weeks before he was naughty again. He usually sleeps in my bedroom with me and my husband, however last night we were so angry at him we locked him out the porch to sleep (with access to food and water, and a comfy bed). We woke up this morning to a noise of him chewing, so we went downstairs to investigate and he was out of breath and he had chewed the door frame and the door and urinated. (He is very well toilet trained, the only time he ever has accidents is when he is being shouted at, which may appear as a sign of fear, but if you could see you him you’d see that his tail wags excitedly when you shout at him). we haven’t found a discipline method that will alter his behavior, He knows that he shouldn’t misbehave, but its almost as if he cant help himself. Please could you give me some advice because i hate staying mad at him and this week has been particularly tough because I have missed his kisses and cuddles dearly. At the present moment he is sitting in the garden in his naughty corner that he designated for himself.

]]> By: Caitlin http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-5854 Caitlin Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:12:48 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-5854 My Labradoodle is all of the above and more. She is very obedient and loves everyone so much, has no nasty in her, although she does bark when strangers come to the door or she thinks there is an animal outside. She is gentle and sweet yet when we play with her she goes crazy with happiness and energy. The mix of a poodle and a lab is a heart melting combination, Labradoodles are the best companions! My Labradoodle is all of the above and more. She is very obedient and loves everyone so much, has no nasty in her, although she does bark when strangers come to the door or she thinks there is an animal outside. She is gentle and sweet yet when we play with her she goes crazy with happiness and energy. The mix of a poodle and a lab is a heart melting combination, Labradoodles are the best companions!

]]> By: americam foxhound http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-2093 americam foxhound Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:32:00 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-2093 Hello, This is an excellent blog, but I was wondering how do i suscribe to the RSS feed? Hello, This is an excellent blog, but I was wondering how do i suscribe to the RSS feed?

]]> By: Brenda http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-1140 Brenda Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:20:21 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-1140 I have yet to hear of a Doodle that's aggressive.They can be watch dogs because they might bark when someone arrives, but guard dogs they're not. Since you're into obedience training, I'm sure you know that the smarter the dog, the more they need to be trained and worked with. This is generally a very smart hybrid, and if not taught right from wrong and given challenges to keep them on their toes, they will often find things to entertain themselves that are NOT to our liking. Both Poodles and Labs are retrievers and have been bred to work and run and swim and spend their days serving their master. They aren't dogs you can turn lose and ignore... or put on a chain and just feed daily. So my question would be how much attention does the dog get? Has it been trained for anything or just turned loose with the others to add to the pack? Where did they buy the doodle? Did they meet the parents to see that they were dogs with good temperaments and intelligence and social skills? Have they contacted their breeder to ask for advice? I always encourage my puppy buyers to call me first if ANY problem arises. That's just one sign of a responsible breeder. Before any of my pups leave here, they've been introduced to cats, people of all ages, other dogs and as many new experiences as possible. This helps to prevent future issues and to make the pups more easily trained by their new families. If you or the family who owns the dog would care to contact me, I'd be glad to try to help them correct the problems they're having. I don't care where it started, I never like to hear of a doodle in a bad situation even if it is their own behavior that's in question. Please let me know how/if I can help Sincerely, Tink The best way to contact me is by phone 715-538-4224 or at my personal email address which is tink@centurytel.net I have yet to hear of a Doodle that’s aggressive.They can be watch dogs because they might bark when someone arrives, but guard dogs they’re not.

Since you’re into obedience training, I’m sure you know that the smarter the dog, the more they need to be trained and worked with. This is generally a very smart hybrid, and if not taught right from wrong and given challenges to keep them on their toes, they will often find things to entertain themselves that are NOT to our liking.

Both Poodles and Labs are retrievers and have been bred to work and run and swim and spend their days serving their master. They aren’t dogs you can turn lose and ignore… or put on a chain and just feed daily. So my question would be how much attention does the dog get? Has it been trained for anything or just turned loose with the others to add to the pack?

Where did they buy the doodle? Did they meet the parents to see that they were dogs with good temperaments and intelligence and social skills? Have they contacted their breeder to ask for advice? I always encourage my puppy buyers to call me first if ANY problem arises. That’s just one sign of a responsible breeder.

Before any of my pups leave here, they’ve been introduced to cats, people of all ages, other dogs and as many new experiences as possible. This helps to prevent future issues and to make the pups more easily trained by their new families.

If you or the family who owns the dog would care to contact me, I’d be glad to try to help them correct the problems they’re having. I don’t care where it started, I never like to hear of a doodle in a bad situation even if it is their own behavior that’s in question.

Please let me know how/if I can help

Sincerely,
Tink

The best way to contact me is by phone 715-538-4224 or at my personal email address which is tink@centurytel.net

]]> By: John Lancaster http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-1138 John Lancaster Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:29:28 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-1138 My question is has anyone seen any bad tempermant problems with this mixed breed. MY sister -in-law has 3 labs and a labradoodle,they live on 10 ac.place.Last night the doodle attacked one of the goats,and probably tried to killed it if not seperated.And the children's cat's have been disappearing,I'm a experienced obedience handler but haven't had a chance to try this one yet.Has anyone else experieced and of these problems Thanks John L My question is has anyone seen any bad tempermant problems with this mixed breed. MY sister -in-law has 3 labs and a labradoodle,they live on 10 ac.place.Last night the doodle attacked one of the goats,and probably tried to killed it if not seperated.And the children’s cat’s have been disappearing,I’m a experienced obedience handler but haven’t had a chance to try this one yet.Has anyone else experieced and of these problems Thanks John L

]]> By: Brenda http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-1126 Brenda Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:06:49 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-1126 These dogs were originally bred to be therapy and service dogs, so you're definitely on the right track. As for exercise, there are of course some pups that need more exercise than others, and if you look for ones with Bench lab rather than field Lab in them you're mot apt to get a calmer less frantically energetic pup. Can you throw a ball or a frisbee? A dog can be taught to retrieve one and will often play long enough to wear themselves out. A treadmill can also work well if you can't take them for walks. Or a big open space where they can run and play. There are ways to work around it... we'd just have to figure out which ones would work best in your situation. Focussing on your abilities rather than any DISabilities. These dogs were originally bred to be therapy and service dogs, so you’re definitely on the right track.

As for exercise, there are of course some pups that need more exercise than others, and if you look for ones with Bench lab rather than field Lab in them you’re mot apt to get a calmer less frantically energetic pup.

Can you throw a ball or a frisbee? A dog can be taught to retrieve one and will often play long enough to wear themselves out. A treadmill can also work well if you can’t take them for walks. Or a big open space where they can run and play.

There are ways to work around it… we’d just have to figure out which ones would work best in your situation. Focussing on your abilities rather than any DISabilities.

]]> By: Stephanie http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-1125 Stephanie Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:22:20 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-1125 Tink, I'm looking for a therapy dog of sorts. It won't have the "professional training" as a certified dog would but I would train it to do certain things for me. As I read these posts, I see that it requires a lot of exercise. I can't run or anything with it, will that be a problem? I'm still looking forward to coming when you've got some pups. I've already picked a few names :) Tink,
I’m looking for a therapy dog of sorts. It won’t have the “professional training” as a certified dog would but I would train it to do certain things for me. As I read these posts, I see that it requires a lot of exercise. I can’t run or anything with it, will that be a problem? I’m still looking forward to coming when you’ve got some pups. I’ve already picked a few names :)

]]> By: Brenda http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-718 Brenda Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:27:28 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-718 Hi Jackie, that's a good question! I always take into consideration the energy level of the parents prior to breeding. Most people are not equipped to handle an extremely hyper dog if it's to be a pet. The hyper labs are field labs and are bred to be able to run in the out of doors for hurs at a time and that is what they live for. Breeding them even with a calmer dog is no guarantee that the pups will be any calmer. The way genetics work you can get pups that still pick up that hyper frantically energetic trait from the lab side and unless it's able to run and wear itself out the dog is as miserable as the person having to live with it. So my first point is, that when looking for a pup you MUST meet the parents and if they're not dogs you'd like to own and live with, then look elsewhere because the pups likely won't be either. Now that you already have a hyper pup and are most likely quite attached to it, you need to find ways to get them that exercise without driving yourself nuts in the process. One good way is to teach them to retrieve a ball, or frisbee and wear them that way. A tired pup is a happy pup and is apt to be much more well behaved. I shy away from hyper dogs, as I know I don't have the time to exercise them like they need. So I'm not the best source for ideas on this I'm afraid. Good luck! Tink Hi Jackie, that’s a good question!
I always take into consideration the energy level of the parents prior to breeding. Most people are not equipped to handle an extremely hyper dog if it’s to be a pet. The hyper labs are field labs and are bred to be able to run in the out of doors for hurs at a time and that is what they live for. Breeding them even with a calmer dog is no guarantee that the pups will be any calmer. The way genetics work you can get pups that still pick up that hyper frantically energetic trait from the lab side and unless it’s able to run and wear itself out the dog is as miserable as the person having to live with it.
So my first point is, that when looking for a pup you MUST meet the parents and if they’re not dogs you’d like to own and live with, then look elsewhere because the pups likely won’t be either.

Now that you already have a hyper pup and are most likely quite attached to it, you need to find ways to get them that exercise without driving yourself nuts in the process. One good way is to teach them to retrieve a ball, or frisbee and wear them that way. A tired pup is a happy pup and is apt to be much more well behaved.

I shy away from hyper dogs, as I know I don’t have the time to exercise them like they need. So I’m not the best source for ideas on this I’m afraid.

Good luck!
Tink

]]> By: Jackie http://tinkerdoodle.net/2007/10/12/labradoodle-temperament-and-personality/#comment-715 Jackie Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:19:27 +0000 http://tinkerdoodle.net/?p=75#comment-715 I am wondering, about how much exercise is enough for a hyper labradoodle puppy? We take hime for three or four 20 minute walks and it is still not enough. Any suggestions? I am wondering, about how much exercise is enough for a hyper labradoodle puppy? We take hime for three or four 20 minute walks and it is still not enough. Any suggestions?

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