Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be...

texasheathers · 05-20-2010, 12:42 PM

The squirt gun post made me think of this.... if you missed my earlier posts - we don't have a dog yet - but we are looking - planning to get our doodle this fall... and I have three young children - 7, 5 and 2 - well they will be 7, 6 and 3 when we get our dog...

My boys are really rambunctious - my oldest has ADHD - and while it's well controlled on medication - sometimes it can get a little crazy at my house. I don't have meek and mild children - I have outgoing children that play, play, play constantly - it's NEVER quiet at my house unless the kids are GONE or sleeping. There is always action going on. Yes, it can be exhuasting!!

I know we will tell our breeder all about our family and they will help us choose a puppy - but would you guys give me some insight on what kind of puppy characteristics I should be looking for?

Speaking of all this - anyone ever heard of service dogs for ADHD kids?? I've been trying to do a little research on it but can't find much.

Heather

**lindamarie** · 05-20-2010, 12:59 PM

Heather!!
Bogart works with children with ADHD, Downe Syndrome and Autism.
Now........did we KNOW that he would have this ability when we got him? NO!

As you may or may not know.......I have some physical problems due to PTSD. I am extremely active and exercis my buns off and Bogart is with me all the time as a Service dog. He is also now a TDI (Therapy Dogs Incorporated).
In choosing Bogart, we did several things. Actually, maybe someone could help here........there is a name for a list of things TO DO when choosing a pup.
I will, to the best of my ability, try to recall all the things we did and watched for when picking Bogart from the litter. It wasn't easy.........my husband was going toward the chocolate pup and I was hell bent on Bogart and his cute, black, square body!

Here are some things we did:
We observed the pups playing together and interacting with each other and the adult dogs.
We watched for shyness vs more outgoing. Bogart wasn't shy at all.
We dropped sets of keys and other objects to see which had fear, if any, of loud noises. Bogart went up to the keys rather than back away.
We held each pup to experience shyness, wigglyness (if there is such a word) or wanting to get away from us rather than be held. You kinda want to see that the pup alllows you to hold him/her for at least 10 seconds.
We then played with their toes and feet. I believe this is very important! The pup MUST allow this to some degree!

I opted to go for Bogart as he was a little more fiesty and inquisitive than the others. He showed a certain intelligence and boldness at 9 weeks.

I hope this helps to some degree.

Also..........once you get your puppy........I may be able to help you as far as getting your doodle to be an SD for your son!

texasheathers · 05-20-2010, 01:32 PM

Oh Linda you just made my day with that last sentence!!! What kinds of things could a dog do to help?? I have tried and tried to read about this and have found SO little info about service dogs for kids with ADHD....

THanks for the puppy choosing tips... my mom just got a yorkie puppy and she brings it over - I think it's a bit overwhelmed by the goings on at my house ... lol! I really don't want to bring a puppy home that is going to be intimidated by all the action...

**lindamarie** · 05-20-2010, 02:25 PM

Bogart was working at a local hospital annex. There were several children that either had ADHD or some that were autistic and very hyper.
One boy had a speech problem and screamed most of his words or stuttered.
With Bogart, they all calmed down.
In fact, the boy with the speech problem was able to speak clearly in Bogart's presence! AWESOME!!!!! ..........and so JOYFUL to see!

Unfortunately, there is a new CEO of the hospital and even though Bogart is certified nationally, the hospital has it's own policies.
They must evaluate each dog. So, even though Bogart was going there for almost a year, we had to stop until he's evaluated AND the 2 evaluators have either broken legs, knees or BRAINS!

It is soooooooooo sad! We want to take him and have to wait! grrrrrrrrrrr

LucyWhitePaw · 05-20-2010, 11:40 PM

My house sounds A LOT like yours!!! I have 3 kids ~ 11, 9 & 4. Let's just say all of the neighbors know who we are and that we are a wild bunch! I try my best to keep everything under control at all times, but with 2 boys who are constantly going (and fighting with each other, etc), it is near impossible to do so (and now my 4 year old daughter isn't as innocent as she once was!). My oldest has adhd, and although it is mainly the attention type, he doesn't always listen to me and it can get really frustrating, especially when I am telling him NOT to do something with the dog and he just continues to do so. I think it's just more stress for me! I honestly feel like I have another kid. I am the consistent one with the puppy (she is 12 weeks old) and if I need to go anywhere or do anything, I have to ask someone to watch her. Otherwise, it is just assumed I am taking care of her, lol!

That being said, she can already sit, lay down, give both paws, sit-up, stay, let go, etc. All of that with my kids doing everything to counteract my efforts!

We obviously needed a well rounded puppy , as well. A shy, timid one would not work in our family, but a crazy one would not be good either! So, I went with the puppy who would play well with her siblings, but also liked to sit with the breeders (in her lap) and watch the action. She was very loving to people, outgoing and confident! Nothing phases her in our house. She is not skittish and loves to play, but also loves to be loved. Believe me, she is still crazy at times since she is still a puppy, but with consistency and training, she is really getting it. I honestly think that is the key. Subject the puppy to new situations and experiences in a positive way and it will help tremendously.

Honestly, the hardest part is the puppy and kids interacting. The puppy thinks they are littermates and just wants to rough house with them, and the kids end up wanting to do the same. Nipping that in the beginning is a huge deal. I am still trying to work on my 4 year old to not flail her arms around like chew toys, so the puppy doesn't want to attack her. She is slowly starting to get it!

Her arms and legs look like she is a chew toy. Poor kid.

I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to hear all of your stories and to find out what pup you end up getting!

texasheathers · 05-21-2010, 02:25 AM

Linda - the idea that our puppy could possibly one day help my oldest son with his ADHD - that is really exciting to me. If you have ANY info - articles for me to read - ANYTHING - please send them my way - I want to understand as much as I can on the topic.

Lucy - that's us EXACTLY - even the age spread is about the same - lol - and yes - all the neighbors know who we are! It's so good to hear I'm not the only one?!!? And, I'm THRILLED to hear you are still doing well with your dog - lol. I was afraid that the kids would not be much help with the training - and what you said about the puppy thinking the kids were littermates - that is exactly what I anticipate happening....I know training will be challenging - but I'm totally up for it - that's my next topic to research - lol.

**lindamarie** · 05-21-2010, 11:12 AM

Heather.......I am the article!

My husband and I should start a book on this.
I'm sure there are articles out there. In fact, it just dawned on me that one of our trainers has a blog going for a Labradoodle she is training for a special needs person.........now I just have to find it!

I have so many papers of various kinds as I work out of my house..........it's buried somewhere, and I'll try to locate it.

LucyWhitePaw · 05-21-2010, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindamarie

Heather.......I am the article!

That is awesome!

**lindamarie** · 05-23-2010, 11:36 AM

Actually, that sounded kind of pompous on my part

........but I truly do speak from experience with this.

texasheathers · 05-24-2010, 02:03 AM

lol! Linda!! No, I didn't take it as pompous at all - really - I am trying to understand what a dog could DO to help Hayden?? And, should I be looking for a trainer in my area that can help us with this???

Heather

**lindamarie** · 05-24-2010, 11:14 AM

Heather, I am waiting for a response from my trainer so she can give me the blog about the Labradoodle and Service.........I'll share it then.

I can't believe that I lost her letter that had the site on it!

So, yes...for now.........I AM the article!

05-20-2010, 12:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
texasheathers Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Crosby, TX Posts: 42	Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... The squirt gun post made me think of this.... if you missed my earlier posts - we don't have a dog yet - but we are looking - planning to get our doodle this fall... and I have three young children - 7, 5 and 2 - well they will be 7, 6 and 3 when we get our dog... My boys are really rambunctious - my oldest has ADHD - and while it's well controlled on medication - sometimes it can get a little crazy at my house. I don't have meek and mild children - I have outgoing children that play, play, play constantly - it's NEVER quiet at my house unless the kids are GONE or sleeping. There is always action going on. Yes, it can be exhuasting!! I know we will tell our breeder all about our family and they will help us choose a puppy - but would you guys give me some insight on what kind of puppy characteristics I should be looking for? Speaking of all this - anyone ever heard of service dogs for ADHD kids?? I've been trying to do a little research on it but can't find much. Heather

05-20-2010, 12:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,100	Re: Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... Heather!! Bogart works with children with ADHD, Downe Syndrome and Autism. Now........did we KNOW that he would have this ability when we got him? NO! As you may or may not know.......I have some physical problems due to PTSD. I am extremely active and exercis my buns off and Bogart is with me all the time as a Service dog. He is also now a TDI (Therapy Dogs Incorporated). In choosing Bogart, we did several things. Actually, maybe someone could help here........there is a name for a list of things TO DO when choosing a pup. I will, to the best of my ability, try to recall all the things we did and watched for when picking Bogart from the litter. It wasn't easy.........my husband was going toward the chocolate pup and I was hell bent on Bogart and his cute, black, square body! Here are some things we did: We observed the pups playing together and interacting with each other and the adult dogs. We watched for shyness vs more outgoing. Bogart wasn't shy at all. We dropped sets of keys and other objects to see which had fear, if any, of loud noises. Bogart went up to the keys rather than back away. We held each pup to experience shyness, wigglyness (if there is such a word) or wanting to get away from us rather than be held. You kinda want to see that the pup alllows you to hold him/her for at least 10 seconds. We then played with their toes and feet. I believe this is very important! The pup MUST allow this to some degree! I opted to go for Bogart as he was a little more fiesty and inquisitive than the others. He showed a certain intelligence and boldness at 9 weeks. I hope this helps to some degree. Also..........once you get your puppy........I may be able to help you as far as getting your doodle to be an SD for your son! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

05-20-2010, 01:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
texasheathers Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Crosby, TX Posts: 42	Re: Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... Oh Linda you just made my day with that last sentence!!! What kinds of things could a dog do to help?? I have tried and tried to read about this and have found SO little info about service dogs for kids with ADHD.... THanks for the puppy choosing tips... my mom just got a yorkie puppy and she brings it over - I think it's a bit overwhelmed by the goings on at my house ... lol! I really don't want to bring a puppy home that is going to be intimidated by all the action...

05-20-2010, 02:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,100	Re: Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... Bogart was working at a local hospital annex. There were several children that either had ADHD or some that were autistic and very hyper. One boy had a speech problem and screamed most of his words or stuttered. With Bogart, they all calmed down. In fact, the boy with the speech problem was able to speak clearly in Bogart's presence! AWESOME!!!!! ..........and so JOYFUL to see! Unfortunately, there is a new CEO of the hospital and even though Bogart is certified nationally, the hospital has it's own policies. They must evaluate each dog. So, even though Bogart was going there for almost a year, we had to stop until he's evaluated AND the 2 evaluators have either broken legs, knees or BRAINS! It is soooooooooo sad! We want to take him and have to wait! grrrrrrrrrrr __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

05-20-2010, 11:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
LucyWhitePaw Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 108	Re: Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... My house sounds A LOT like yours!!! I have 3 kids ~ 11, 9 & 4. Let's just say all of the neighbors know who we are and that we are a wild bunch! I try my best to keep everything under control at all times, but with 2 boys who are constantly going (and fighting with each other, etc), it is near impossible to do so (and now my 4 year old daughter isn't as innocent as she once was!). My oldest has adhd, and although it is mainly the attention type, he doesn't always listen to me and it can get really frustrating, especially when I am telling him NOT to do something with the dog and he just continues to do so. I think it's just more stress for me! I honestly feel like I have another kid. I am the consistent one with the puppy (she is 12 weeks old) and if I need to go anywhere or do anything, I have to ask someone to watch her. Otherwise, it is just assumed I am taking care of her, lol! That being said, she can already sit, lay down, give both paws, sit-up, stay, let go, etc. All of that with my kids doing everything to counteract my efforts! We obviously needed a well rounded puppy , as well. A shy, timid one would not work in our family, but a crazy one would not be good either! So, I went with the puppy who would play well with her siblings, but also liked to sit with the breeders (in her lap) and watch the action. She was very loving to people, outgoing and confident! Nothing phases her in our house. She is not skittish and loves to play, but also loves to be loved. Believe me, she is still crazy at times since she is still a puppy, but with consistency and training, she is really getting it. I honestly think that is the key. Subject the puppy to new situations and experiences in a positive way and it will help tremendously. Honestly, the hardest part is the puppy and kids interacting. The puppy thinks they are littermates and just wants to rough house with them, and the kids end up wanting to do the same. Nipping that in the beginning is a huge deal. I am still trying to work on my 4 year old to not flail her arms around like chew toys, so the puppy doesn't want to attack her. She is slowly starting to get it! Her arms and legs look like she is a chew toy. Poor kid. I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to hear all of your stories and to find out what pup you end up getting!

05-21-2010, 02:25 AM	#6 (permalink)
texasheathers Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Crosby, TX Posts: 42	Re: Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... Linda - the idea that our puppy could possibly one day help my oldest son with his ADHD - that is really exciting to me. If you have ANY info - articles for me to read - ANYTHING - please send them my way - I want to understand as much as I can on the topic. Lucy - that's us EXACTLY - even the age spread is about the same - lol - and yes - all the neighbors know who we are! It's so good to hear I'm not the only one?!!? And, I'm THRILLED to hear you are still doing well with your dog - lol. I was afraid that the kids would not be much help with the training - and what you said about the puppy thinking the kids were littermates - that is exactly what I anticipate happening....I know training will be challenging - but I'm totally up for it - that's my next topic to research - lol.

05-21-2010, 11:12 AM	#7 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,100	Re: Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... Heather.......I am the article! My husband and I should start a book on this. I'm sure there are articles out there. In fact, it just dawned on me that one of our trainers has a blog going for a Labradoodle she is training for a special needs person.........now I just have to find it! I have so many papers of various kinds as I work out of my house..........it's buried somewhere, and I'll try to locate it. __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

05-23-2010, 11:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,100	Re: Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... Actually, that sounded kind of pompous on my part ........but I truly do speak from experience with this. __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

05-24-2010, 02:03 AM	#10 (permalink)
texasheathers Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Crosby, TX Posts: 42	Re: Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... lol! Linda!! No, I didn't take it as pompous at all - really - I am trying to understand what a dog could DO to help Hayden?? And, should I be looking for a trainer in my area that can help us with this??? Heather

05-24-2010, 11:14 AM	#11 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,100	Re: Rambunctious Kids and our doodle to be... Heather, I am waiting for a response from my trainer so she can give me the blog about the Labradoodle and Service.........I'll share it then. I can't believe that I lost her letter that had the site on it! So, yes...for now.........I AM the article! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

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