New Home Needed Labradoodle needs a new home

[Mishmish]

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Unfortunately our 3 year old labradoodle who is absolutely gorgeous and loving to us was a timid dog from the moment we bought him. We have tried everything and it basically comes down to him needing an owner who is his leader - a strong man with a strong voice - he feels he has to be the leader so is wary of every visitor and people walking in the street. It is not fair to muzzle him at all times. He is well trained and has no medical issues. Is fed raw food and is wonderful off the lead and with other dogs. It is a heartbreaking decision but we are putting his welfare first. We live in Hertfordshire.

 

[Mad Murphy]

Have you tried a rescue .. Putting an ad online is not the way to do this.

 

[Mayblossom]

Have you had him since he was a puppy? Is it not worth persevering as he sounds perfect in all other aspects re training ,loving, good with other dogs etc ...just wish mine was good with other dogs but we accept all her foibles

 

[JoanneF]

If he is timid and wary, he needs reassurance rather than strong man, strong voice firm handling. However you could try the Doodle Trust Home

I hope he finds an understanding home.

 

[Mishmish]

i have had numerous trainers and recently saw a dog whisperer who is amazing. She can see exactly what the problem is and said I was to be commended for parting with him as a lot of love and care has gone into looking after Sydney. We met his siblings last year and they had the same issues. She assured me that our dog feels responsible for us and feels he is the leader. This is not a foible, he went to bite someone as he was scared last week. I am doing this so that he won't do anything and then be put down. I will try the doodle trust home.

 

[PWDmum]

I am afraid I don’t agree with the trainer who told you he feels he needs to be in charge, obviously this is based on your post as I have not see the dog in action, you say he is nervous, a nervous dog is unlikely to be an alpha dog, I would guess your boy if his temperament if flawed ( insecure / nervous) things have escalated to the point he feels he needs to defend himself. Please don’t advertise him on special media, as suggested go to a reputable charity, either the doodle trust or one of the big rescue charities, thenproblem you may come across is the fact he has tried to bite someone, it will be a mark against him, and you must disclose this to whoever you hand him over to. Ideally you should be getting in contact with his breeder Nd give them the opportunity to take him back or work with rehoming him from you, but that will all depend on the type of breeder they are.

 

[Mayblossom]

i have had numerous trainers and recently saw a dog whisperer who is amazing. She can see exactly what the problem is and said I was to be commended for parting with him as a lot of love and care has gone into looking after Sydney. We met his siblings last year and they had the same issues. She assured me that our dog feels responsible for us and feels he is the leader. This is not a foible, he went to bite someone as he was scared last week. I am doing this so that he won't do anything and then be put down. I will try the doodle trust home.

I wasn’t referring to your dog regarding foibles but mine...both my dogs have their issues and I don’t know many dogs that don’t, I’ve had dogs for 40 years and never yet had the perfect dog...my terrier has aggressive tendencies ( although looks so angelic in her photo ) my Springer is scared of other dogs and barks at them as she thinks they’ll leave her alone ( oddly enough they do ) had another Springer that would try and attack other male dogs....the list goes on....but we love them anyway

 

[JudyN]

I'm afraid I also disagree with the trainer's advice - you don't need to be a big male with a strong voice to make your dog recognise them as leader and to feel safe. This article will explain why much better than I can: Do You Really Need to Be a Pack Leader?

What I would say your dog needs to learn isn't that you will protect him from scary things, but that these things aren't scary. This would be achieved gradually, through desensitising and counterconditioning. The main requirement is that he never is put outside his comfort zone - so if he can cope with delivery people coming to the door and no further, you'd start off there, treating him when they come, and then moving on to them stepping one foot into the house and then going.

Dogs can wear muzzles on all walks and be happy - mine does, and accepts it as normal, just as we accept putting shoes on (you need one that the dog can drink and pant in though). Though muzzles should be like a seat belt in a car - you still should avoid any situation where the muzzle might be needed.

Having said all that, it's easy to be an armchair behaviourist, I'm not an expert, and you are the person dealing with the dog. And they do say that the only thing two trainers will agree on is that the third is doing it wrong!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do

 

[Nanny71]

This is my point about Labradoodles, Cockerpoos etc. Because a dog has a fancy name and you pay a lot of money it is not necessarily a good dog.
This dog's siblings have the same problems. The parents may also have problems.
I do wonder if this particular dog is second generation. Not a first time cross

 

[PWDmum]

This is my point about Labradoodles, Cockerpoos etc. Because a dog has a fancy name and you pay a lot of money it is not necessarily a good dog.
This dog's siblings have the same problems. The parents may also have problems.
I do wonder if this particular dog is second generation. Not a first time cross

Would be interested to know tour thinking why a second generation over a first could be the reason for its temperament.

Surely regardless of what “F” it is. It will be down the genetics that are in the dog.

My experience of F1” is usually the breeder who just throws 2 dogs together no consideration for health or temperaments and the pups can come out in all shapes and sizes.

 

[Violet Turner]

Have you spoken to the breeder they may want the dog back if you are wanting to sell it. Please speak to a rescue and they can help.