Energetic or mellow Labradoodle

maximo · 10-01-2011, 10:30 PM

I just bought a labradoodle but I cannot get him until October 9th. There were 2 females and 4 males. I stayed for an hour and brought my 3 1/2 year old. My daughter is very rough, energetic and I am more laid back. There were 3 males that were very playful and sociable. The one in particular loved my daughter but he also was biting on her pants, shoes when she walked, chewing on her hair and biting on jacket zipper. He did keep rolling over and making her laugh. They also consistently bit my fingers. I chose the mellow guy. He was still part of group and was hanging out but was not real playful. But he also started falling asleep after awhile. He loved to snuggle and would let me rub his belly. I wonder if I should have picked the energetic one. I just think with my daughter's high energy and energetic dog could be bad. Can anyone give me some insight?

Jasper'sMomma · 10-02-2011, 12:15 AM

Hi Maximo,

They tend to mimic their owners...in my experience.

But, how old are they? Maybe the biters are developing a lil faster than the sleepy guy. My doodle was the chill one of the group and a week after we got him home, the biting and nipping began. It's a phase and a behavior that needs to be unlearned. So, I think that the biting is a trait of all puppies and the temperament is more important in considering which pup from the litter to go with.

I bet you chose the right one...you have to go with your gut. Your puppy will probably be energetic with your daughter and more calm with you. With tons of 'puppy crazies' in between. lol (you will know what that is when you see it

Congrats on getting the best dog ever...and don't forget to post some pics as soon as you get him!!!

Has a name already been picked??

M&Tdoodles · 10-02-2011, 08:09 AM

Hopefully the breeder could give you good insight on whom is the mellow guy..One hour isnt a long time to see, the sleepy guy could have been up all morning , like the first to rise therefore the first to fall asleep ..Ide say visit again and see if that one is still the mellower of the group...Good luck with your new puppy...
When you do get the puppy home with you , leash the puppy to your waiste and keep control firmly and lovingly giving constant correction around your 3 yr old, so it can leanr what is good behavior and what is not acceptable..Be consistent with your instructions every day...they do get rambunctious with small children sometimes and need to learn...

RodneyPierce · 10-02-2011, 08:27 AM

I can tell you from experience with our labradoodle. There temperament is amazing!!! We have a new little baby, and our doodle is still a baby herself (4 months old) so I have been really really working her hard to see how far I can go before she gives me a warning nip. And have yet to have one. Some are going to say this is mean, but imho needs to be done when around small children. I can pull her tail, even pull her across our hardwood floor backwards by her tail, and she doesnt care a lick. Just turns around and wags her tail. Same with her ears. pull, tug. Feet and legs are the same. just wags her tail faster and harder. Its simply amazing! Out last dog was an awesome dog, but had some random aggression at times, and horrible food aggression, and doing these things to him would get your finger taken off. I was in tears after we got Bailey at how great her temperament is. knowing we had a child on the way, I couldnt be happier.

Also, on the energy, I have found that Bailey has TONS of energy, when I want her too. Like when we are playing fetch, or going on a walk. Running around the back yard, etc. I try and tire her out outside, so when she comes in, she is a sleepy puppy. Works out pretty well.

**lindamarie** · 10-02-2011, 08:31 AM

You and your daughter sound like my husband and myself!
I am more energetic and he is more laid back.
So, I chose Bogart........feisty puppy Bogart....

.....and my husband chose his brother that was more laid back.

Bogart was a little pistol a few days after we got him home. But, I don't think he was any more goofy then most puppies who needed training and domestication. And Bogart is an EXCELLENT dog! Smart! Funny! Lovable.....but not always really cuddly. I blame that on the trainer who insists dogs shouldn't be in a bed and like many trainers, said that dogs really don't like to be cuddled all the time.

What we did do, however, is parts of the following test.
We didn't have a score sheet with us, but my brother chose his poodle this way.

If you still have a chance, you may want to try the test or parts of it. What you don't want is a fearful and totally aloof dog.......and this test will help.

Temperament Test

Let us know.....Congrats! and Good Luck!

maximo · 10-02-2011, 09:25 AM

Thank you all. Yes I wonder if 1 hour wasn't long enough. He did seem sleepy. He didn't run away or hide so that is a good thing. I had to go with my gut so I hope when he is home, his personality will come out and that is not so aloof it interferes with bonding. He will be 8 weeks old when I pick him up. I will definitely post pics of Max!

maximo · 10-02-2011, 09:30 AM

The breeder did say he was the more laidback and just calmer than the other 3 males. She brought out his brother and said he was already spoken for but wanted me to see how mellow he was as well. She also said if I am not sure then she would give me my deposit back. She wants me to be sure. I think I am just putting a lot on myself to make sure I pick the right dog. I just hear how people pick the wrong dog based on how playful the pups were, how they licked their face etc and said the dog was too much energy for them after all. I figured all pups will be energetic and I welcome that. I do want a dog that will be goofy and playful not a pure coach potato! If not that is why I have fenced 3 1/2 acres!

maximo · 10-02-2011, 11:33 AM

Now my husband says I should have picked the more playful puppy because he picked my daughter. Rolling off her legs to make her laugh....sigh. THis is very frustrating! The only thing I did notice is that Max would not come to me while the other pups did. He just sat there and stared at me. But would come with tail up to the breeder. Maybe that is good he is a little hesitant? Please any help would be great. I may go back again today.

RodneyPierce · 10-02-2011, 08:02 PM

I honestly think you are looking a little too far into it. I bet ANY one of those pups will make you an excellent family companion. This breed really is known for there companionship, and family type values. With the correct up bringing, I dont think you will have an issue with any of them. Try parts of the test that Linda posted above. perhaps that will aid you in your decision making.

maximo · 10-02-2011, 08:44 PM

You are most likely right. I am staying with my first choice. Thanks!

Daisy'sMom · 10-02-2011, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maximo

You are most likely right. I am staying with my first choice. Thanks!

I'm all about following your initial gut instinct. I think you are making a wise decision and I have faith for you that all will be great!! Wishing you all the best!!!

M&Tdoodles · 10-06-2011, 07:18 AM

Talk to the breeder...have her send you some videos of the one you chose being energetic...Im sure he has moments of it..they all do...its just that sometimes during visits one or 2 willhave been up longer than the others and is just sleepy at the moment you visit..she does sound wonderful offering your deposit back because she wants YOU to be absolutely comfortable with your choice...good sign you have a good breeder working closely with you...you will have to fill us in when you bring your bundle home..

subguy812 · 10-13-2011, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodneyPierce

I honestly think you are looking a little too far into it. I bet ANY one of those pups will make you an excellent family companion. This breed really is known for there companionship, and family type values. With the correct up bringing, I dont think you will have an issue with any of them. Try parts of the test that Linda posted above. perhaps that will aid you in your decision making.

I agree! Stop wracking your brain, pick one and enjoy.

**lindamarie** · 10-13-2011, 11:49 AM

Don't you have him by now? It's the 13th and I need a puppy fix!

maximo · 10-13-2011, 02:40 PM

I do have him and I made the best choice! He is a great dog. He bonded to us very quickly. These dogs are truly unique!

10-01-2011, 10:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
maximo Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 31	Energetic or mellow Labradoodle I just bought a labradoodle but I cannot get him until October 9th. There were 2 females and 4 males. I stayed for an hour and brought my 3 1/2 year old. My daughter is very rough, energetic and I am more laid back. There were 3 males that were very playful and sociable. The one in particular loved my daughter but he also was biting on her pants, shoes when she walked, chewing on her hair and biting on jacket zipper. He did keep rolling over and making her laugh. They also consistently bit my fingers. I chose the mellow guy. He was still part of group and was hanging out but was not real playful. But he also started falling asleep after awhile. He loved to snuggle and would let me rub his belly. I wonder if I should have picked the energetic one. I just think with my daughter's high energy and energetic dog could be bad. Can anyone give me some insight?

10-02-2011, 08:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
M&Tdoodles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 548	Get assistance from Breeder Hopefully the breeder could give you good insight on whom is the mellow guy..One hour isnt a long time to see, the sleepy guy could have been up all morning , like the first to rise therefore the first to fall asleep ..Ide say visit again and see if that one is still the mellower of the group...Good luck with your new puppy... When you do get the puppy home with you , leash the puppy to your waiste and keep control firmly and lovingly giving constant correction around your 3 yr old, so it can leanr what is good behavior and what is not acceptable..Be consistent with your instructions every day...they do get rambunctious with small children sometimes and need to learn... __________________ Martha & Tom

10-02-2011, 08:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,171	You and your daughter sound like my husband and myself! I am more energetic and he is more laid back. So, I chose Bogart........feisty puppy Bogart.........and my husband chose his brother that was more laid back. Bogart was a little pistol a few days after we got him home. But, I don't think he was any more goofy then most puppies who needed training and domestication. And Bogart is an EXCELLENT dog! Smart! Funny! Lovable.....but not always really cuddly. I blame that on the trainer who insists dogs shouldn't be in a bed and like many trainers, said that dogs really don't like to be cuddled all the time. What we did do, however, is parts of the following test. We didn't have a score sheet with us, but my brother chose his poodle this way. If you still have a chance, you may want to try the test or parts of it. What you don't want is a fearful and totally aloof dog.......and this test will help. Temperament Test Let us know.....Congrats! and Good Luck! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

10-06-2011, 07:18 AM	#12 (permalink)
M&Tdoodles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 548	Talk to the breeder...have her send you some videos of the one you chose being energetic...Im sure he has moments of it..they all do...its just that sometimes during visits one or 2 willhave been up longer than the others and is just sleepy at the moment you visit..she does sound wonderful offering your deposit back because she wants YOU to be absolutely comfortable with your choice...good sign you have a good breeder working closely with you...you will have to fill us in when you bring your bundle home.. __________________ Martha & Tom

10-13-2011, 11:49 AM	#14 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,171	Don't you have him by now? It's the 13th and I need a puppy fix! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

10-02-2011, 12:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jasper'sMomma Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Frisco, TX (in the DFW metroplex) Posts: 138	Hi Maximo, They tend to mimic their owners...in my experience. But, how old are they? Maybe the biters are developing a lil faster than the sleepy guy. My doodle was the chill one of the group and a week after we got him home, the biting and nipping began. It's a phase and a behavior that needs to be unlearned. So, I think that the biting is a trait of all puppies and the temperament is more important in considering which pup from the litter to go with. I bet you chose the right one...you have to go with your gut. Your puppy will probably be energetic with your daughter and more calm with you. With tons of 'puppy crazies' in between. lol (you will know what that is when you see it Congrats on getting the best dog ever...and don't forget to post some pics as soon as you get him!!! Has a name already been picked??

10-02-2011, 08:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
RodneyPierce Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 49	I can tell you from experience with our labradoodle. There temperament is amazing!!! We have a new little baby, and our doodle is still a baby herself (4 months old) so I have been really really working her hard to see how far I can go before she gives me a warning nip. And have yet to have one. Some are going to say this is mean, but imho needs to be done when around small children. I can pull her tail, even pull her across our hardwood floor backwards by her tail, and she doesnt care a lick. Just turns around and wags her tail. Same with her ears. pull, tug. Feet and legs are the same. just wags her tail faster and harder. Its simply amazing! Out last dog was an awesome dog, but had some random aggression at times, and horrible food aggression, and doing these things to him would get your finger taken off. I was in tears after we got Bailey at how great her temperament is. knowing we had a child on the way, I couldnt be happier. Also, on the energy, I have found that Bailey has TONS of energy, when I want her too. Like when we are playing fetch, or going on a walk. Running around the back yard, etc. I try and tire her out outside, so when she comes in, she is a sleepy puppy. Works out pretty well.

10-02-2011, 09:25 AM	#6 (permalink)
maximo Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 31	Thank you all. Yes I wonder if 1 hour wasn't long enough. He did seem sleepy. He didn't run away or hide so that is a good thing. I had to go with my gut so I hope when he is home, his personality will come out and that is not so aloof it interferes with bonding. He will be 8 weeks old when I pick him up. I will definitely post pics of Max!

10-02-2011, 09:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
maximo Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 31	The breeder did say he was the more laidback and just calmer than the other 3 males. She brought out his brother and said he was already spoken for but wanted me to see how mellow he was as well. She also said if I am not sure then she would give me my deposit back. She wants me to be sure. I think I am just putting a lot on myself to make sure I pick the right dog. I just hear how people pick the wrong dog based on how playful the pups were, how they licked their face etc and said the dog was too much energy for them after all. I figured all pups will be energetic and I welcome that. I do want a dog that will be goofy and playful not a pure coach potato! If not that is why I have fenced 3 1/2 acres!

10-02-2011, 11:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
maximo Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 31	Now my husband says I should have picked the more playful puppy because he picked my daughter. Rolling off her legs to make her laugh....sigh. THis is very frustrating! The only thing I did notice is that Max would not come to me while the other pups did. He just sat there and stared at me. But would come with tail up to the breeder. Maybe that is good he is a little hesitant? Please any help would be great. I may go back again today.

10-02-2011, 08:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
RodneyPierce Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 49	I honestly think you are looking a little too far into it. I bet ANY one of those pups will make you an excellent family companion. This breed really is known for there companionship, and family type values. With the correct up bringing, I dont think you will have an issue with any of them. Try parts of the test that Linda posted above. perhaps that will aid you in your decision making.

10-02-2011, 08:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
maximo Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 31	You are most likely right. I am staying with my first choice. Thanks!

10-13-2011, 02:40 PM	#15 (permalink)
maximo Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 31	I do have him and I made the best choice! He is a great dog. He bonded to us very quickly. These dogs are truly unique!

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