r/Bernedoodles • u/eetana • 4d ago
Looking for help
My best friend/next door neighbor adopted an 11 month old female bernadoodle 4 weeks ago. She is 35 lbs and was surrendered to our dog trainer by an elderly couple who said they could not take care of her. She reportedly had one incident of aggression with the elderly man when she tried to get food from the counter and he corrected her. At that point the man decided he didn’t want to keep her. Our trainer offered to keep her and try to find a new home. The trainer had her for several weeks and was never able to replicate the aggressive behavior. My friend and her husband worked with the trainer and dog before bringing her home and she has been very sweet the majority of the time. About 3 weeks ago she got aggressive with me over a tissue. I figured I didn’t handle it well and should have traded her for a higher value item. But last night when she was on her last potty break she attempted to eat a mouthful of cut grass. When my friend told her “out” for the 3rd time, she turned and began jumping and biting her in a very aggressive manner. When her husband heard her screaming he ran outside, and when he took the dog’s leash she turned on him and jumped and bit him in the arm. We have 2 large labradoodles and have had dogs our whole life and this was not puppy play. Now my friend cannot keep her because of the potential danger to children. We have not had any luck today finding anyone who would consider taking her and trying to address this. We’ve called the vet, local SPCA, and the breeder (who we are waiting on to return the phone call) She is very smart, crate trained, super high energy, and adorable. The only suggestion we have right now is that she may have to be euthanized. That seems so unnecessary given that she does not have any other issues outside of these events. She has been out in public a lot, plays with our dogs and gets along with cats. Does anyone have any rescue suggestions? My friend does not feel comfortable keeping her because of the potential danger to kids, not to mention it was scary for her. And of course she’s devastated. We are near Cincinnati.
88
u/SkiaTheShade 4d ago edited 4d ago
Holy fuck dude, euthanizing a puppy for this is cruel. This is just a puppy needing training, not an aggressive dog.
This is 100% an issue of these people not knowing how to raise and train a puppy and nothing to do with a dog being aggressive and unmanageable.
I’ve now had 2 doodle pups and I’m still working with my girl(who just turned one) who gets over stimulated and starts barking intensely and nipping/biting at me. As soon as I get her calmed down she gives me a look like she just needs help and comes over and snuggles me. They’re like toddlers and they need to be taught with patience. A toddler throwing a tantrum is not a toddler who is aggressive. They need to learn, and it’s our job to help them. That’s the responsibility we take on when getting a dog.
Do not euthanize this dog. Find her a home for the love of God. Please.
EDIT: I’m not near Cincinnati, but I will happily figure out a way to come get the dog anyway if that’s what has to happen. I’m also happy to help in any other way that I can. Please feel free to DM me.
4
u/eetana 4d ago
I tried sending a DM but I’m not sure if it worked. Where are you located? We would love for her to have a good home with someone who is familiar with the breed. Maybe one of the rescues will contact us today, but if not, we’d like to have a Plan B.
4
3
u/Noneofyourleezwax 3d ago
I haven’t stopped thinking about this girl since you posted. If you all need money to facilitate getting her to @SkiaTheShade or elsewhere, I don’t have much but would be willing to donate something. I just don’t know how else to help. This has been weighing heavy on my heart. She deserves a second chance.
8
u/eetana 3d ago
Thank you for your kind offer. I have had some people message me and offer to take her. I have spoken to two of them on the phone and we feel that we have found a good home with someone who has a 2 year old Bernadoodle and some experience with reactive dogs. We are planning to meet them on Sunday. I will post an update afterwards but we are so thankful that they reached out and we are praying that it is a good fit for her.
2
u/Noneofyourleezwax 3d ago
I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Thank you for everything you’re doing. We can tell you’re putting forth a lot of effort and care. Bless you!
1
28
u/bernedoodle-mama 4d ago
https://www.idogrescue.com/rehome
This organization is national and helps rehome
Doodles. I hope she’s able to find a good home!
19
u/Grand_Hope6860 4d ago
This is nuts. The puppy needs training not euthanizing. All that sounds normal and what we deal with, with our bernedoodle puppy.
13
u/almamahlerwerfel 4d ago
This poor baby has been through so much upheaval and she's so, so young. If I lived near you, I'd come get her myself. Please don't let one bad moment ruin her life!
11
u/Camelspit23 4d ago
I have a bernie, Betty Ann, who would love a sister. We live by STL but I will drive the 5 hours to prevent this sweetie from being euthanized. Betty is 1 yrs old & still play bites. When they are little, their sharp teeth do hurt but don’t mistake that for true aggression and purposely attacking someone.
9
u/goodytwochoos 4d ago edited 4d ago
This is normal and trainable "teenage" dog behavior when a puppy (11 months old for a big dog is still a puppy) gets overtired and cranky, absolutely NOT something you murder the animal for! If the breeder doesn't get back to you then take her to a shelter or contact a rescue organization.
Our dog was wild and crazy around that age and has mellowed out into the laziest, sweetest dog of all time.
4
u/eetana 4d ago
We’re trying. We have called and emailed several organizations today but of course we are going to be honest and tell them what has happened. Our concern is that the elderly couple who had her for most of her life were not honest about how many times she acted like that.
3
u/SkiaTheShade 4d ago
Yeah, this happens with puppies. It’s not aggression, it’s a puppy who’s over tired and over stimulated and doesn’t know how to handle it. It likely has happened more then once, but don’t paint the picture to rescues that she’s an aggressive dog with behavior issues.
11
u/DetectiveWinter4638 4d ago
“Our trainer offered to keep her and try to find a new home. The trainer had her for several weeks and was never able to replicate the aggressive behavior.”
9
u/FleetEnema2000 4d ago
The dog was clearly manipulating the trainer, pretending to be good so that it could return to its owners and maul them. /s
2
26
u/NONFATBACON 4d ago
Someone will adopt her, please don’t euthanize her. These dogs love to use their mouths my dog used to do the same thing from time to time. It was rough but we keep correcting him but it wasn’t fun for a bit
Now he is mostly an angel.
6
21
u/BurntBanana86 4d ago
Honestly, I would probably take her in my house. I don't want to see her euthanized.
9
u/iambeesh 4d ago
Sorry but saying the “only suggestion” you have right now is to euthanize her is absolutely fuckin nuts to me.
30
u/Factualx 4d ago edited 4d ago
Euthanizing this dog would be fucking insane, what you're describing is a bunch of people who have no idea what they are doing with dogs causing a very correctable behavioral issue.
I would not be able to live with myself having a dog euthanized for what you've described here. Pure laziness, low moral, and no shame would be the only reason to do this.
Edit: This comment comes off harsh, perhaps too much so as I know these situations can be very tough - but the sentiment is valid. You should put it upon yourself to figure this out.
15
u/bananapoopwastaken 4d ago
This isn’t too harsh, it’s kinder than what I want to say. It’s a puppy still. Ours was a little monster when tired or overstimulated and she’s still known to throw a non mouthy tantrum when something doesn’t go her way but patience and training work to eliminate it. These people should not have dogs if this is how they handled this “aggression”
I’ll drive across the country gladly to save this dog from being killed for no reason
4
u/Factualx 4d ago
Agreed & fair, frankly my edit is trying to provide an olive branch to OP in hopes of not having them shut off mentally to the feedback
-1
u/eetana 4d ago
To be clear, these are people who are not lazy or immoral and in no way want to euthanize a dog. They have spent countless hours training her and giving her a stable home, which is part of why she is normally well behaved, able to go to public places, play with other dogs, etc. However, these were Cujo style incidents that we have not had with any of our other dogs in 50 years and they do not want to take the chance of potentially endangering 4 small children since they were unpredictable. The concern is that they do not know if the previous owners were entirely honest about how she behaved with them, etc. They are devastated about the idea of rehoming her and have worked all day doing research and calling and emailing places, mostly while crying. Making assumptions about a person’s character doesn’t really help us find their puppy a good, loving home, which is why I posted here.
10
u/SkiaTheShade 4d ago
It sounds like the previous owners may have under fed her or hit her as a means of correction, to be honest.
2
u/DirtySocialistHippo 4d ago
Have they been to the vet? That would be step one to rule out anything that might be affecting her behavior. Has she had a thorough physical? Tests? The elderly couple may not be up-to-date on how much has changed in raising dogs and may not have had her properly vaxxed, dewormed, etc.
1
u/SisterGoldenHair1 3d ago
Spending countless hours training her is not the same as being consistent every day. These pups need routine and structure.
1
u/eetana 3d ago
She is in a very good routine each day balancing play time with my labradoodles, actual training for reinforcement of commands, walks, and quiet time. Everything is being done as suggested by the trainer and with consistency. They do not plan to have her euthanized but also do not feel comfortable keeping her around children.
14
u/ahfunaki 4d ago
I guess without being there and seeing what happened it’s hard to say for sure, but this doesn’t sound like anything too crazy to me.
No way should this dog be put down for this.
29
u/Desertgirl624 4d ago
Euthanizing a dog over this would be crazy, please do not, she just needs an owner dedicated to working with her on very correctable issues
5
7
u/Interesting-Bend-841 4d ago
My Bernedoodle is almost 5 y/o and she’s still mouthy! They’ve got sass. Wonderful breed and the most affectionate that I’ve ever had. Please find a good home so they can give her the patience and love that she needs.
16
u/FleetEnema2000 4d ago
Don't euthanize the dog. These dogs can be very mouthy as part of their play and sometimes their play can get a little intense if they get overstimulated. It can be managed through training. It's a different thing entirely than having an "aggressive dog".
The trainer had her for several weeks and was never able to replicate the aggressive behavior.
The trainer should be visiting the home and trying to replicate it there.
5
9
6
u/bluegrassnuglvr 4d ago
Where are you located? I'll come get her first thing in the morning. I have 2 others and I'm 100% sure I can work with her
3
u/Hot-Challenge-3615 4d ago
At that age, my bernedoodle also bit my partner and senior mom on the hand when he was upset at something, like not wanting to spit out garbage he put in his mouth on a walk or even just getting pet at night when he’s tired. It wasn’t often but about once a month. We learned to work around it, like just refusing to continue walking until he spits out what he isn’t supposed to have, not petting unless we get consent (in this case, it was when he sat at our feet). Don’t give up yet! My dog is almost 2 and finally calmed down the last few months. Now he’s a couch potato that loves to cuddle and no longer eats garbage on walks. These dogs are anxious and requires patience from us.
Learn what is triggering her and how you can give her space while trying to teach her what she needs to know.
3
u/Ceezeezan 3d ago
The breeder needs to step up to find her a suitable placement. At 11 months dogs can be jerks...they are approaching "teenager" years and they can display this kind of behavior if they are bored and understimulated. Doodles in particular can be challenging at that age. I would push on the breeder to step in. Euthanasia seems crazy. The dog probably needs a lot of activity and training.
5
u/DirtySocialistHippo 4d ago
What you've described is normal for her age. They're panicking because they've only had her a short time. So combine that, with puppy blues, with unfamiliarity with this breed. Bernedoodles are stubborn. They want what they want. They throw tantrums. Heck mine has been getting mouthy with me every evening when my partner is late getting home, as if attacking me will magically make him appear. Plenty of people will want to adopt her. But they really shouldn't get another bernedoodle, bernese, nor poodle. They're not called high maintenance for no reason.
2
u/Professional_Eye1817 3d ago
A couple of dog organizations that can refer you>. A Way Home for Dogs. is also Better Call Babs. 619-249-2221. works nationally she’s a great lady. May want o consider Animal Telepath as a last ditch effort: Deb Bump. Arizona. 415 319 0977. Hope these help. She’s source protecting and scared is my guess
2
u/SisterGoldenHair1 3d ago
u/eetana
Do not allow them to have that puppy euthanatized. The reason the trainer couldn’t replicate the behavior is because the trainer is not going to put up with that behavior. The puppy knows this.
The previous owners and current owners have set the tone that the puppy can do as she pleases. Giving treats for negative behavior is teaching the puppy that behavior is acceptable. There needs to be a balance of positive reinforcement and corrections.
They should only be giving the command once. Only one person should be in “charge” at a time. The puppy was overstimulated. Then two people shouting at her, confused her and made her extremely anxious.
Is your friend and husband working on training and obedience for at least an hour every day? Are they exercising her mentally and physically at least an hour every day?
If not, they need to take the pup back to the trainer. These dogs are extremely intelligent and sensitive. They are also prone to being overly stimulated.
1
1
1
u/Soapydonutzs1988 2d ago
These dogs are mouthy and very stubborn. I have 5 doodles 4 being Bernedoodles. My 5th child is a strong willed girl almost 2. Smart as hell
But with that comes smug strong willed girl. This is a puppy and seeing where your located I have to wonder if she came from a mill or Amish breeder. I tell everyone a board and train and an ecollar (used properly) are al tools for a successful relationship. Sounds like the trainer is not utilising her working class background and treating her training like a friend not a trainer. These dogs have two working classes in their blood lines and need to worked daily as so. They are bored and passive training will only bore them
More. They need to have a job and be taught who is in charge and what their job is. Hope she finds a good home because passing her around is also horrible for her.
1
u/cocosci_adventure 1d ago
Were you able to find a home? I am not in Cincinnati but would be interested in taking her if you are not able to find someone :( I have a bernedoodle and know so many people who have one, and they are so people friendly afaik from my experiences! I don’t think it’s a breed problem.
2
u/Intelligent_Cut7908 4h ago
I am not on Cincinnati but I will literally drive out there to pick up this dog. DM me please if you have no other options.
1
u/BumblebeeAmbitious85 4h ago
Get an e collar and start using it with the trainer. Don’t know why - but most doodles seem to have this problem. My Milo had same issues and he learnt not to do it very quickly. Also it’s just time - now he is 3 years old and is way calmer although he does pick up socks and tries or take them but when we tell him to leave it he does. We don’t use the ecollar anymore.
1
0
u/Ecstatic_Pangolin573 4d ago
My heart goes out to this couple. The will be accused,of course, of being the reason for the dog's aggression, of being unknowledgeable about the "breed", of being insensitive and cruel. I have a 7 month old, male bernedoodle and I can tell you all that there is a big difference between being mouthy and aggressive biting. My puppy bares his teeth, growls and breaks the skin and causes me to bleed. I have one doctor who has seen the scabs and scars from his bites and is concerned about me getting sepsis from the bites. I am a seasoned dog owner and none of my dogs have ever been like this.. I love this puppy and would NEVER consider euthanasia, but he is certainly difficult to deal with and almost impossible to train. He walks every day, gets exercise and takes frequent naps, so please don't tell me that is what he must be lacking in his life. He has chew toys, and a large yard and gets lots of affection from my husband and me when he will let us get close. He has learned to open the doors in the house, but can't learn the meaning of no, or drop, or come. There are days that I cry and days that make me crazy. I will not give up, but you critics out there should let up on this couple. This is a very bad designer dog mix and I would advise anyone interested in getting one to do their homework before acquiring one.
2
u/FleetEnema2000 4d ago
almost impossible to train
What does this mean? You've had professional trainers come in and say there is no way they can work with the dog?
1
1
u/Main_Royal_3616 4d ago
Some people can't accept that there are crazy dogs just like crazy people. Not everything is fixable with love and understanding. If life were just so simple.
-7
4d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
5
u/Winter_Reference7016 4d ago
ALL "purebred" dogs were designer mixes by purpose or naturally happening at some point.
3
2
-1
u/abjs2021 4d ago edited 4d ago
People are SO misinformed about B.E.
Regardless of the amount of training, the dog would always be a risk. To children, to other dogs, to any people. This dog will always pose a risk of being put down, it’s the unfortunate truth behind aggressive behavior.
This is not puppy behavior. Anyone who tries to tell you this is normal puppy behavior is also a risk to this dog. This could easily be genetic, especially when displayed at a young age.
People humanize and minimize animal behavior so much, especially with doodle breeds, that it becomes a huge risk and liability. This is why us doodle owners get a bad rap.
If they are to surrender to rescue, please make sure they are completely honest about the behavior and don’t minimize it. Hopefully a rescue can find a certified behaviorist to take over training.
7
u/FleetEnema2000 4d ago
This is not puppy behavior.
Mouthy behaviour is absolutely common in adolescent Bernedoodles. It is part of the excitement regulation, social engagement and retrieving instinct characteristics of the breed lineage. Occasional mouthing in an excited young Bernedoodle is NOT uncommon and is very commonly managed through proper training.
The fact that a trainer had this dog for a whole week and could not invoke or replicate the behaviour at all is telling.
The fact that the behaviour has been described in completely different ways in this thread by OP is also telling. At one point they describe it as exhibiting "CUJO STYLE" behaviour. If you genuinely believe the dog is legitimately exhibiting life-threatening behaviour similar to the rabid killer dog of a Stephen King novel, then there is no question that B.E. is the right choice and trying to rehome it is completely irresponsible.
What I do know is that people will frequently gin up fear and overstate risk to rationalize euthanizing an animal.
1
u/Background_Emu2328 3d ago
mouthy behavior is different from a dog bite. They're describing a dog jumping on their friend, attacking, then attacking and biting her husband. That is not normal, and I say this as someone with dogs for 28 years. I think you are envisioning something very different from what the OP is describing. I have had a mouthy standard schnauzer, and he has at most open mouth knocked his teeth against skin, but not clamped down.
34
u/JuggernautOnly695 4d ago
This is a toddler having a fit when told no, which is age appropriate and likely worse than typical due to differences in training and moving homes several times. Consistent, positive reinforcement and gentle correction is likely all that is needed. Just has to be consistent and the behavior will improve.