Crazy poodle puppy

We have a four month old cocker spaniel. We were advised to put him in a crate to sleep. Apart from crying a little the first night, he sleeps there very happily. Puppies need somewhere safe that they can call their own, we put his feed bowl in there which has certainly helped him establish the crate as his space. We are taking him to the Dogs Trust Puppy Training classes, had three lessons so far, five in all. We were lucky in that they have just started back after lockdown. I can't praise them enough, they have concentrated so far on recall, walking on the lead, and biting. It is treat based training, lots of advise given. They also run lessons for adolescent and adult dogs. We take him on two sometimes three walks a day, socialises with other dogs and their owners. Lots of very good tips and advise on this thread.

Lins1066 - my spaniel was crate trained happily. When she was spayed later, she hadn't used the crate in almost a year. I put it up the week before her op and she went straight in to sleep. After her op, I was able to leave her in there safely if I had to leave the house briefly.
I mentioned earlier up thread how helpful the crate was for one of my sick dogs.
I appreciate not everyone wants to use them, its personal choice. Used properly they're a safe space not a prison.

Thank you all for your excellent comments. I will of course persevere with lots of praise and affection based training ( and treats). I probably didnt research reputable breeders enough before we got her and didnt realise about the puppies being kept with mum til 12 weeks. Every advert we saw for puppies were 8 weeks old, so we thought this was the norm! The breeder seemed very nice and we saw mum and dad- but who knows! I guess its like your own children- they are all different with their own personalities. I will do my absolute best for my crazy girl . Will keep you posted! ?

I’ve always had puppies at 8 weeks and the breeder I got my latest dog from is as reputable as they come. Maybe it’s different with other breeds though.

Once we’d started training classes we found that putting on a collar and lead when she was in a stroppy mood had an instant effect on her. Still do it now if she’s being a bit bolshy. And I’ve always used crates: covered up and with lots of bedding it’s just a cosy den. She’s on the sofa most of the time but when I’m pottering about in the kitchen where the crate is she’ll just take herself of to it: same when I’m in the garden. I also use Adaptil plug ins as well. In face I need to get a new one with firework season coming up.

Lyndawads

Thank you all for your excellent comments. I will of course persevere with lots of praise and affection based training ( and treats). I probably didnt research reputable breeders enough before we got her and didnt realise about the puppies being kept with mum til 12 weeks. Every advert we saw for puppies were 8 weeks old, so we thought this was the norm! The breeder seemed very nice and we saw mum and dad- but who knows! I guess its like your own children- they are all different with their own personalities. I will do my absolute best for my crazy girl . Will keep you posted! ?

All of my Poodles have come to me at 8-weeks. If they have had the right start with their breeder, that’s fine. 12-weeks is for cats, though pedigree cats are the only ones who get that privilege. Good luck with your little one.

I've had a full poodle, a Cavachon (poodle cross Bichon Frise) and now have a 4 months old Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles cross Poodle). They have all been challenging, very head strong and the new puppy is no exception. I am looking for someone to come and do some one to one training as I don't want a repeat of the previous two "Poos' " behaviour - they were very good at escaping, getting out and not coming to call. Poodles can be very biddable but you have to train them early - as I know to my cost! Good luck.

Thanks Annizee! I am realising how headstrong she can be!!! Goodluck with your newest addition.

If it’s any consolation for the first few months of my latest whippets life if I could have wished her away I would have. Lost count of how many times she reduced me to tears. She’s turned out to be the best dog I’ve ever had. Still bolshy at times though!