My toy poodle is bored!
October 28, 2011 1:48 PM Subscribe
My toy poodle is bored and he bugs us all day. What should we do?
We got an awesome little toy poodle in February. His first birthday will be November 13th. We really like him and he's well behaved and pretty well trained in general. My wife and I work from home pretty often so we figured we were the perfect family to get a dog.
But the problem that we didn't predict is that during the day when the kids are at school and my wife and I are working he gets BORED. He taps our legs constantly, drops toys at our feet, barks at us. I can't overemphasize how persistant he is and how difficult he makes it for us to get anything done.
Then he's fine and happy once the kids come home and we're done working.
He is "crate trained" so our approach recently has been to just put him in his crate when we have work to get done. But we start to feel guilty after about two hours of that (even though he seems to be fine in there).
Neither of us want a second dog, but we will get one as a last resort.
I'm hoping that someone out there in internet land can help us out. Is there a solution to this problem that doesn't include a second dog?
Thanks
We got an awesome little toy poodle in February. His first birthday will be November 13th. We really like him and he's well behaved and pretty well trained in general. My wife and I work from home pretty often so we figured we were the perfect family to get a dog.
But the problem that we didn't predict is that during the day when the kids are at school and my wife and I are working he gets BORED. He taps our legs constantly, drops toys at our feet, barks at us. I can't overemphasize how persistant he is and how difficult he makes it for us to get anything done.
Then he's fine and happy once the kids come home and we're done working.
He is "crate trained" so our approach recently has been to just put him in his crate when we have work to get done. But we start to feel guilty after about two hours of that (even though he seems to be fine in there).
Neither of us want a second dog, but we will get one as a last resort.
I'm hoping that someone out there in internet land can help us out. Is there a solution to this problem that doesn't include a second dog?
Thanks
Also, how much exercise is he getting during the day? Do you take him on nice, long walks to tire him out?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:51 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:51 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Have you tried puzzle treats and chewies that last a really long time? You could also try some of the cat toys that are out there. The one that has a little ball in a round tube springs to mind.
posted by TooFewShoes at 1:52 PM on October 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by TooFewShoes at 1:52 PM on October 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
Do you walk the dog in the morning? You don't mention that he gets any exercise other than playing with the kids later in the day. He needs to a good, fast, long walk to tire him out in the morning so that he'll get tired enough to nap during the day while you're working.
Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk.
posted by HeyAllie at 1:52 PM on October 28, 2011 [7 favorites]
Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk.
posted by HeyAllie at 1:52 PM on October 28, 2011 [7 favorites]
A Kong will keep him occupied for a while. Try to get the biggest size treats you can in there to give him a really tough time to get them out. Our dog will go at that thing for hours.
Training (not just playing) will tire a dog out pretty fast. A good training session can really poop a dog out.
Also, how long are his walks? Make them longer.
posted by griphus at 1:56 PM on October 28, 2011
Training (not just playing) will tire a dog out pretty fast. A good training session can really poop a dog out.
Also, how long are his walks? Make them longer.
posted by griphus at 1:56 PM on October 28, 2011
Oh yes, Kongs are excellent! You might consider the KONG Extreme if your dog is a crazy strong chewer- my chihuahua could bite pieces out of the red ones.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:58 PM on October 28, 2011
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:58 PM on October 28, 2011
Also, assuming for a second that he gets enough exercise to begin with, if the little guy discovers that his begging works, he will keep doing it.
I think some people tell you that you have to initialise any sort of games, and store the toys away outside of that. That may be very hard (and not fun) to be consistent with. But when you want him to stop, stow away the toys and ignore him. Looking at the ceiling, or just very obviously in another direction when he barks will send a strong signal.
The best way I've seen it done is by another dog when you're walking. It's amazing how 'rude' adult dogs can be to young puppies. That's probably what we as human owners should do as well.
posted by Harry at 2:03 PM on October 28, 2011
I think some people tell you that you have to initialise any sort of games, and store the toys away outside of that. That may be very hard (and not fun) to be consistent with. But when you want him to stop, stow away the toys and ignore him. Looking at the ceiling, or just very obviously in another direction when he barks will send a strong signal.
The best way I've seen it done is by another dog when you're walking. It's amazing how 'rude' adult dogs can be to young puppies. That's probably what we as human owners should do as well.
posted by Harry at 2:03 PM on October 28, 2011
Thirding Kong. Try putting peanut butter in it and freezing it, too. In addition, you might consider a dog walker. This can be a pro dog walker, or perhaps a retired person in your neighbourhood would be interested in taking the dog out for some exercise at noon 5 days a week?
posted by DarlingBri at 2:04 PM on October 28, 2011
posted by DarlingBri at 2:04 PM on October 28, 2011
As the most famous dog whisperer as well as others here will attest, it is all about the walk and not just the exercise. The walk itself servers a far greater purpose than just exercise in that it conditions your dog to understand three important things.
1) The walk is the time for exercise and to have fun with the humans.
2) The walk is the time to emphasize that you are the alpha in the relationship. This is the part Cesar always has to drill into the owners - your dog wants you to be the alpha!
3) The walk gets the dog hungry and thirsty so he/she understands that you are the food provider and good behavior results in food and water.
posted by MinneapolisMike at 2:22 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
1) The walk is the time for exercise and to have fun with the humans.
2) The walk is the time to emphasize that you are the alpha in the relationship. This is the part Cesar always has to drill into the owners - your dog wants you to be the alpha!
3) The walk gets the dog hungry and thirsty so he/she understands that you are the food provider and good behavior results in food and water.
posted by MinneapolisMike at 2:22 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
If he's fine in the crate, why do you feel guilty? The crate can be a perfectly cromulent signal of "quiet time," and as long as he's not chillin' in there for longer than he can hold his bladder/go without water, he should be fine.
In the spirit of "treat your home office like an office," if I worked from home I would develop a "going to work" ritual. Dog gets a nice brisk walk. Dog gets fed. Dog goes to his Work Zone for 4 hours (or however long you need to work uninterrupted) (for your dog, this would be the crate in another room). Dog gets let out for Play Time and bathroom break. Dog gets put back in the crate. Repeat.
I also would suggest a Kong, but the problem with a Kong is that it's pretty rare that they're going to last for more than an hour, and then they'll be bugging you again.
posted by muddgirl at 2:28 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
In the spirit of "treat your home office like an office," if I worked from home I would develop a "going to work" ritual. Dog gets a nice brisk walk. Dog gets fed. Dog goes to his Work Zone for 4 hours (or however long you need to work uninterrupted) (for your dog, this would be the crate in another room). Dog gets let out for Play Time and bathroom break. Dog gets put back in the crate. Repeat.
I also would suggest a Kong, but the problem with a Kong is that it's pretty rare that they're going to last for more than an hour, and then they'll be bugging you again.
posted by muddgirl at 2:28 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Put the dog in a side room and close the door. Go into the rest of the house and hide small treats. Under chairs, behind furniture, etc. Places where the dog can find and access them, but can't see them easily.
Release the dog. He will spend time searching high and low for the treats he can smell but can't see.
Do this a few times, and then mix it up. Different kinds of treats.
Then, start throwing curveballs. Go through the routine (in room, close door, etc), but don't hide any treats. Or hide one treat. Or hide treats in completely new locations.
The idea is to make him work at things.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:36 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Release the dog. He will spend time searching high and low for the treats he can smell but can't see.
Do this a few times, and then mix it up. Different kinds of treats.
Then, start throwing curveballs. Go through the routine (in room, close door, etc), but don't hide any treats. Or hide one treat. Or hide treats in completely new locations.
The idea is to make him work at things.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:36 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I forgot to mention walking: Yes, we walk him every day, but almost never until afternoon. Sometimes I'll take him out at lunch, but 90% of the time it's closer to 4 or 4:30. What I'm hearing is that maybe we need to move that walk to the morning.
Which brings up another pressing issue that is a subtopic to the one that I already posted: Winter is coming and walking will become very difficult for him and us in the next couple of months. All of our problems might get even worse!
However, I like the toy suggestions. I like the idea of wearing him out a little more in the morning. And I like the idea of just having a "going to work" ritual where he gets to chill out for a good chunk of the day while we work. We have friends who do that and their dogs seem fine.
posted by crapples at 2:37 PM on October 28, 2011
Which brings up another pressing issue that is a subtopic to the one that I already posted: Winter is coming and walking will become very difficult for him and us in the next couple of months. All of our problems might get even worse!
However, I like the toy suggestions. I like the idea of wearing him out a little more in the morning. And I like the idea of just having a "going to work" ritual where he gets to chill out for a good chunk of the day while we work. We have friends who do that and their dogs seem fine.
posted by crapples at 2:37 PM on October 28, 2011
he's still a puppy. puppies get bored much quicker than adult dogs.
he isn't "crate-trained" at all if you let him out after a couple of hours... it sounds like he's got you guys trained. (to keep the peace, I'm not even gonna go into my feeling about crates...)
what a dog needs is consistency of rules & boundaries, and plenty of exercise. a dog is not a cat - so take a break from work every couple of hours, and take him out for a walk. then - if you must - lock him in the cage with his toys, food & water, and don't let him out. get into a routine that suits yourselves, and don't be tempted to break it.
you definitely should not get another dog at this time, or you'll just compound these issues.
on preview: you're *not* taking him for a walk first thing in the morning...?!?
three times a day. minimum.
posted by alan2001 at 2:51 PM on October 28, 2011
he isn't "crate-trained" at all if you let him out after a couple of hours... it sounds like he's got you guys trained. (to keep the peace, I'm not even gonna go into my feeling about crates...)
what a dog needs is consistency of rules & boundaries, and plenty of exercise. a dog is not a cat - so take a break from work every couple of hours, and take him out for a walk. then - if you must - lock him in the cage with his toys, food & water, and don't let him out. get into a routine that suits yourselves, and don't be tempted to break it.
you definitely should not get another dog at this time, or you'll just compound these issues.
on preview: you're *not* taking him for a walk first thing in the morning...?!?
three times a day. minimum.
posted by alan2001 at 2:51 PM on October 28, 2011
I am a big proponent of the morning walk - all dogs but especially toy dogs and puppies have a lot of energy and they need to burn it off. If you need to dress your puppy in a coat and booties to get him out of the house and walking in the winter, then make it so.
posted by muddgirl at 2:55 PM on October 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by muddgirl at 2:55 PM on October 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
There are three possible solutions. Exercise, exercise and exercise.
posted by NorthCoastCafe at 2:58 PM on October 28, 2011
posted by NorthCoastCafe at 2:58 PM on October 28, 2011
I have to agree with the people recommending you increase the amount of exercise the dog is getting. At least two long walks every day, preferably in an open space where the dog can have freedom to run around.
But one thing I would emphasise is the importance of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. It isn't enough to simply take your dog to a field and stand there while you expect it to exercise itself. And while toys such as Kongs can be a great way to keep your dog occupied and entertained for a while, it is completely unreasonable to expect a puppy to conform to your work hours and entertain himself for hours every day. You have to actively engage with your dog and play with him. The mental stimulation is important to really tiring him out and making him more content. Another thing I would suggest in addition to games and exercise is training. Not just obedience training but tricks and tasks. This sort of activity is brilliant for forming a bond with your dog and it can really tire them out. 10 minutes of training can have the effect of a half hour walk in tiring a dog out because of the focus and engagement required.
As for winter coming and walking being difficult, I'm afraid that's just something you're going to have to work through. No matter what the weather is like (unless it's genuinely dangerous for you to be outside of course) you should be walking your dog at least twice a day, in the mornings and in the evenings. Even if it is bitterly cold and raining. If the mornings are inconvenient, I can only suggest making time by getting up earlier.
I know all these things can be a real pain to make time for when you have work to do, but it's part of the responsibility of owning a dog. It's especially difficult now because he's so young and playful, but I think you could solve the problems your having by making some focussed efforts on exercise, playing and training to keep your dog contented. Obviously I don't know what your schedule is like, but do you think it's possible to find a bit more time to dedicate to your dog with regards to physical exercise and playtime? There isn't really an easy quick fix, having a dog is a huge responsibility, and if you want an animal that is happy and well adjusted, you really have to find ways to make time for it. The same way I'm sure you did for your children.
Of this doesn't mean you should play with the dog any time it comes up to you with a toy. The dog has to learn that playtime happens on your terms, and you decide when to engage in high energy activity. This is a behaviour which can be established over time by establishing clear, consistent boundaries and letting your dog know that he can play when you say so. The use of the crate as a quiet and relaxing space can be good for this, as you've been using it. But you can't rely on the crate as an off switch for your dog. You will have to make the time to engage with your dog regularly, or these problems won't go away.
Furthermore, I think perhaps you are expecting a little much from your puppy. Ideally of course you'd like him to wait patiently and entertain himself while you work, and then be ready to walk or play when it suits you. But that's like asking a baby to only cry when you're ready to help them. Having a puppy can be very much like having a child in terms of the dedication and commitment it requires. It's hugely difficult but if you put the time in now you will allow your puppy to grow into a calm well-adjusted adult dog, who will conform to your lifestyle more easily than he does now.
"And I like the idea of just having a "going to work" ritual where he gets to chill out for a good chunk of the day while we work. We have friends who do that and their dogs seem fine."
I'd like to quickly address that statement. This ties in to expecting a bit much from a puppy. Your dog is very young and the establishment of this "going to work" ritual isn't something which can simply be taught to the dog overnight. You have to realise you have a high energy puppy and it's unfair to expect him to simply "chill out" when it suits you.
Bust most importantly I'd like to address this statement:
"Neither of us want a second dog, but we will get one as a last resort."
Do not do this. I repeat, do not do this. For two reasons:
1. A dog should be a member of your family requiring love and dedication. You cannot get a dog you don't even want because you think it's a quick fix for your problems. You wouldn't have another child just to give your current children someone to play with. Dogs should not be treated with this flippancy. A dog is a part of your family, not "a last resort".
2. This would not solve your problem, in my opinion. People often get two dogs under the mistaken belief that they "will exercise each other" and make life easier for the owner. This is most often not the case. You're much more likely to simply compound the problem and make the situation worse. If you struggle to find time to dedicate to your current dog, you do not have time for two. Many behavioural issues occur when two dogs are simply left alone to look after each other, and this should not be considered an option for you.
So, I guess in conclusion, I would say that the solution is much more difficult than more toys or more exercise. You need to find more time to devote to training and mental engagement. You need to walk your dog AT LEAST twice a day. Good proper walks. You need to establish clear boundaries about when your dog can play with you. You need lower your expectations. This is not a wild animal, it is a domesticated pack animal and it needs your dedication and support and attention to thrive.
If you do those things, then I think your dog's boredom issues will be reduced, and he will be happier. And then so will you be. Sorry this is so long, hope you found at least a couple of pieces of information helpful. Good luck with your dog :)
posted by Spamfactor at 3:10 PM on October 28, 2011 [5 favorites]
But one thing I would emphasise is the importance of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. It isn't enough to simply take your dog to a field and stand there while you expect it to exercise itself. And while toys such as Kongs can be a great way to keep your dog occupied and entertained for a while, it is completely unreasonable to expect a puppy to conform to your work hours and entertain himself for hours every day. You have to actively engage with your dog and play with him. The mental stimulation is important to really tiring him out and making him more content. Another thing I would suggest in addition to games and exercise is training. Not just obedience training but tricks and tasks. This sort of activity is brilliant for forming a bond with your dog and it can really tire them out. 10 minutes of training can have the effect of a half hour walk in tiring a dog out because of the focus and engagement required.
As for winter coming and walking being difficult, I'm afraid that's just something you're going to have to work through. No matter what the weather is like (unless it's genuinely dangerous for you to be outside of course) you should be walking your dog at least twice a day, in the mornings and in the evenings. Even if it is bitterly cold and raining. If the mornings are inconvenient, I can only suggest making time by getting up earlier.
I know all these things can be a real pain to make time for when you have work to do, but it's part of the responsibility of owning a dog. It's especially difficult now because he's so young and playful, but I think you could solve the problems your having by making some focussed efforts on exercise, playing and training to keep your dog contented. Obviously I don't know what your schedule is like, but do you think it's possible to find a bit more time to dedicate to your dog with regards to physical exercise and playtime? There isn't really an easy quick fix, having a dog is a huge responsibility, and if you want an animal that is happy and well adjusted, you really have to find ways to make time for it. The same way I'm sure you did for your children.
Of this doesn't mean you should play with the dog any time it comes up to you with a toy. The dog has to learn that playtime happens on your terms, and you decide when to engage in high energy activity. This is a behaviour which can be established over time by establishing clear, consistent boundaries and letting your dog know that he can play when you say so. The use of the crate as a quiet and relaxing space can be good for this, as you've been using it. But you can't rely on the crate as an off switch for your dog. You will have to make the time to engage with your dog regularly, or these problems won't go away.
Furthermore, I think perhaps you are expecting a little much from your puppy. Ideally of course you'd like him to wait patiently and entertain himself while you work, and then be ready to walk or play when it suits you. But that's like asking a baby to only cry when you're ready to help them. Having a puppy can be very much like having a child in terms of the dedication and commitment it requires. It's hugely difficult but if you put the time in now you will allow your puppy to grow into a calm well-adjusted adult dog, who will conform to your lifestyle more easily than he does now.
"And I like the idea of just having a "going to work" ritual where he gets to chill out for a good chunk of the day while we work. We have friends who do that and their dogs seem fine."
I'd like to quickly address that statement. This ties in to expecting a bit much from a puppy. Your dog is very young and the establishment of this "going to work" ritual isn't something which can simply be taught to the dog overnight. You have to realise you have a high energy puppy and it's unfair to expect him to simply "chill out" when it suits you.
Bust most importantly I'd like to address this statement:
"Neither of us want a second dog, but we will get one as a last resort."
Do not do this. I repeat, do not do this. For two reasons:
1. A dog should be a member of your family requiring love and dedication. You cannot get a dog you don't even want because you think it's a quick fix for your problems. You wouldn't have another child just to give your current children someone to play with. Dogs should not be treated with this flippancy. A dog is a part of your family, not "a last resort".
2. This would not solve your problem, in my opinion. People often get two dogs under the mistaken belief that they "will exercise each other" and make life easier for the owner. This is most often not the case. You're much more likely to simply compound the problem and make the situation worse. If you struggle to find time to dedicate to your current dog, you do not have time for two. Many behavioural issues occur when two dogs are simply left alone to look after each other, and this should not be considered an option for you.
So, I guess in conclusion, I would say that the solution is much more difficult than more toys or more exercise. You need to find more time to devote to training and mental engagement. You need to walk your dog AT LEAST twice a day. Good proper walks. You need to establish clear boundaries about when your dog can play with you. You need lower your expectations. This is not a wild animal, it is a domesticated pack animal and it needs your dedication and support and attention to thrive.
If you do those things, then I think your dog's boredom issues will be reduced, and he will be happier. And then so will you be. Sorry this is so long, hope you found at least a couple of pieces of information helpful. Good luck with your dog :)
posted by Spamfactor at 3:10 PM on October 28, 2011 [5 favorites]
Depending on how old your kids are, trick training (and even 'plain' obedience training) can be really great fun for them as well.
posted by muddgirl at 3:15 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by muddgirl at 3:15 PM on October 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
I work at home, with a terrier. I do live in a big loft, where he has room to run, so when ever he gets antsy, I get out the laser pointer and he chases it. Smaller dogs can need a lot of exercise, and it's not reasonable for me to expect him to curl up in his basket for hours on end. Besides, I need to get up and stretch, etc. I also roll a tennis ball on the floor, but following the pointer light really wears him out.
posted by Ideefixe at 3:36 PM on October 28, 2011
posted by Ideefixe at 3:36 PM on October 28, 2011
Do you have a treadmill? If you can teach your dog to walk on a treadmill you will have a much easier time, especially in the winter. YMMV on this one though. I could get the idiot pug on the machine with just the hint of a treat and I still can't get the German Shepherd to do it at all.
posted by TooFewShoes at 3:53 PM on October 28, 2011
posted by TooFewShoes at 3:53 PM on October 28, 2011
I'll add my voice suggesting taking him for a walk in the morning. If he is not even a year old, the good news is as he gets older a lot of the intense puppy "play with me, play with me" energy will fade a little.
We have a similar problem in winter with not being able to walk our dogs very well, and as they are terriers they have a lot of energy, we've found games like playing chasing with them around the house and up and down the stairs or even taking them on play dates to visit other dogs where they can run around the house together works. The best thing we found was taking them to obedience classes, even if your dog is well trained and doesn't need to learn anything classes are a great way for the dog to burn of extra mental energy and if you were to do agility classes they can physically tire your dog too. Poodles kick ass at that sort of thing as well so don't think the classes are only for big dogs. My Rat and Silky Terriers sleep for 8 hours straight after a one hour class so it is excellent exercise.
BTW We managed to walk our dogs outside every day all through last winter as at the time they were apartment dwellers and needed to walk. It took a lot of bundling up for us and them but they got at least a 15 minute walk every day at least unless there were blizzards. If I had to do it again I'd invest in some of those slip on crampons/cleats you can get for extra grip for me.
For a going to work ritual have you tried finding a treat that will take a while to eat, say a kong or a cow toe or rawhide or similar and he only gets that when you want to work. It's enough to keep him distracted for a while so you can get things done, then say every 2 hours get up and play with him for 10-15 minutes some high intensity running around games to get him a bit tired, take him for a potty break and then distract him with his chew toy and you go back to work.
To train him to do this whatever you do when he comes up to you while you are at your desk you have to ignore him, Poodles are super smart and right now your guy has learned if I bug Mum & Dad while they are sitting at the desk enough they will give me attention which is what dogs want more than anything from their owners. Ignore him when he's bugging you while you are trying to work, the first day or so this will drive you nuts and be a pain, then was he is off and doing what you want for a little while (sitting quietly chewing a toy or something), start with a few minutes but slowly make it be for longer times you go up and praise him and interact with him for a bit. Once he gets the idea you will not be disturbed and to get to play he has to be quiet, he will realize, I get a chew toy and then they go to the desk so it's "work time" then I get to play. At the moment you are reinforcing his bothering you with intermittent rewards so he is going to get worse and worse at bothering you at your desk on the off chance it will work this time and you will play with him.
Hope that makes sense. Any questions memail me.
posted by wwax at 4:29 PM on October 28, 2011
We have a similar problem in winter with not being able to walk our dogs very well, and as they are terriers they have a lot of energy, we've found games like playing chasing with them around the house and up and down the stairs or even taking them on play dates to visit other dogs where they can run around the house together works. The best thing we found was taking them to obedience classes, even if your dog is well trained and doesn't need to learn anything classes are a great way for the dog to burn of extra mental energy and if you were to do agility classes they can physically tire your dog too. Poodles kick ass at that sort of thing as well so don't think the classes are only for big dogs. My Rat and Silky Terriers sleep for 8 hours straight after a one hour class so it is excellent exercise.
BTW We managed to walk our dogs outside every day all through last winter as at the time they were apartment dwellers and needed to walk. It took a lot of bundling up for us and them but they got at least a 15 minute walk every day at least unless there were blizzards. If I had to do it again I'd invest in some of those slip on crampons/cleats you can get for extra grip for me.
For a going to work ritual have you tried finding a treat that will take a while to eat, say a kong or a cow toe or rawhide or similar and he only gets that when you want to work. It's enough to keep him distracted for a while so you can get things done, then say every 2 hours get up and play with him for 10-15 minutes some high intensity running around games to get him a bit tired, take him for a potty break and then distract him with his chew toy and you go back to work.
To train him to do this whatever you do when he comes up to you while you are at your desk you have to ignore him, Poodles are super smart and right now your guy has learned if I bug Mum & Dad while they are sitting at the desk enough they will give me attention which is what dogs want more than anything from their owners. Ignore him when he's bugging you while you are trying to work, the first day or so this will drive you nuts and be a pain, then was he is off and doing what you want for a little while (sitting quietly chewing a toy or something), start with a few minutes but slowly make it be for longer times you go up and praise him and interact with him for a bit. Once he gets the idea you will not be disturbed and to get to play he has to be quiet, he will realize, I get a chew toy and then they go to the desk so it's "work time" then I get to play. At the moment you are reinforcing his bothering you with intermittent rewards so he is going to get worse and worse at bothering you at your desk on the off chance it will work this time and you will play with him.
Hope that makes sense. Any questions memail me.
posted by wwax at 4:29 PM on October 28, 2011
My dog is fascinated for long periods of time by his Buster Food Cube. That and, yeah, a morning walk/ball throwing session may be necessary.
posted by Foam Pants at 5:29 PM on October 28, 2011
posted by Foam Pants at 5:29 PM on October 28, 2011
Doggie Daycare! It's perfect for hyper puppies, and most places offer discount packages for multiple days. Look for a place with indoor playrooms. Most places just require your dog to be neutered and up to date on shots, which is a good thing to do anyways, and maybe an evaluation to make sure he isn't dog aggressive. The energy thing is something he will grow out of with time, but in the mean time your best bet is just to wear him out, and the best way to do that is to pay someone else to do it for you.
posted by internet!Hannah at 5:42 PM on October 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by internet!Hannah at 5:42 PM on October 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
Yeah, more exercise and more mental stimulation. You are expecting a very young, very intelligent dog of a breed bred to want to be with people to be basically a stuffed animal. You don't need another dog, you need to get more involved with THIS dog. Enroll in a tricks class or agility or something else, this will give the dog an hour every week which is his alone, and set aside at least 10-15 minutes twice a day to work with him at home on tricks and skills training. He is bothering you because your expectations for him are unreasonable. And while daycare is a great idea for some dogs (and possibly for this dog), playing with other dogs will still not solve the problem that this dog is desperately trying to engage with you.
posted by biscotti at 6:19 PM on October 28, 2011
posted by biscotti at 6:19 PM on October 28, 2011
A young dog like that needs exercise ... he should be walked for at least 45 minutes twice a day.
posted by Ostara at 7:05 PM on October 28, 2011
posted by Ostara at 7:05 PM on October 28, 2011
Poodles are really smart and like figuring stuff out. I agree that engaging with yours more and possible teaching skills or agility training would really stimulate it. My cockapoo is very happy to nap and be lazy for a long time after I've taken him for a half hour walk and thrown a ball to him for a while.
I have to bundle him up in the winter but haven't bothered with shoes yet, just wash the salt off his paws when we get back. Yeah, it stinks to walk out in the morning before your coffee in the rain or snow but that's part of owning a dog.
posted by Bunglegirl at 7:15 AM on October 29, 2011
I have to bundle him up in the winter but haven't bothered with shoes yet, just wash the salt off his paws when we get back. Yeah, it stinks to walk out in the morning before your coffee in the rain or snow but that's part of owning a dog.
posted by Bunglegirl at 7:15 AM on October 29, 2011
My parents have a cockapoo who is more poodle then cockerspaniel and he was the same way. He is now 2 and grew out of that.
he will grow out of it. Yes he is still very playfull but now he knows when not to be like that.
Its weird he kinda sense when you want to play with him even when you tell him no . lol
posted by majortom1981 at 7:23 AM on October 29, 2011
he will grow out of it. Yes he is still very playfull but now he knows when not to be like that.
Its weird he kinda sense when you want to play with him even when you tell him no . lol
posted by majortom1981 at 7:23 AM on October 29, 2011
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posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:49 PM on October 28, 2011