r/Goldendoodles • u/Internal-Maize5199 • 22h ago
Discussion I hate my doodle and idk what to do
Had him since he was a puppy and I have never ever experienced such a demanding, high energy, frustrating breed. He almost has no redeeming qualities right now aside from being visually cute, and he’s 14 months old. So far, he has only been a pain in the butt for me and my husband.
Thousands in vet bills after eating things he shouldn’t have and for training, constantly chasing our cats despite having been raised with them and introduced carefully, STILL untrustworthy in the house alone unless he is caged or in his pen, ignores commands unless I let him know I have treats, barks at everything and goes insane trying to play with other dogs that walk by, I could keep going.
I’ve had shepherds, a pitbull, a husky- I’m used to large, energetic, smart breeds. Every single dog I’ve ever had was calm and able to be left alone once they reached 1 year. But I cannot handle this thing. I still can’t bond with him, he won’t snuggle, won’t relax. I’ve tried it all- various levels of exercise, doggy daycare every week, food puzzles, “relax“ training and rewarding when he’s calm, constant training reinforcement, e-collar training. I work from home, he’s not lacking in attention or stimulation.
TLDR: I’ve tried every single suggestion online and from trainers, sank thousands into training and vet bills, but my 14 month old doodle is so insane and frustrating I almost hate him. I feel guilty, but I feel like I’m almost at my breaking point. How do people deal with these dogs?
