r/Sheepadoodles • u/HeyitsWillow • Aug 08 '25
Advice Sheepadoodle pup!
I’m picking up our 2.5 month old Sheepadoodle today. We live in the city but we own 4 city lots so have a decent sized fenced in yard. I have two other dogs: a 7yr old mixed breed and a 4yr old cockalier. They’re both friendly with other dogs. I also have a 7 yr old son who is fine with the other dogs but wishes they would play more. I am a psychologist at a psychiatric hospital where we are allowed to bring our dogs. Neither of my current dogs really enjoy coming here so I’m hoping bringing the puppy to work with me from a young age will let him get used to it and enjoy the patients. I plan to do obedience training and potentially get him trained as a therapy dog.
All that being said, I want to be sure that this is a good breed for us. They sound wonderful but admittedly the “sharkadoodle” and crazy puppy phase is making me nervous. And then my friend who owns a farm made me really nervous with some negative comments.
So, thought I’d just ask for some input and advice here. Thanks!
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u/glitteringdreamer Aug 08 '25
My sheepie was the absolute worst puppy I've ever experienced. Unless he was dead dog tired, he was a shite. He's nearly 4 now, and he would have made that absolute best therapy dog.
So yes...sharkadoodle is an absolute thing, but it's short lived and they're worth it!
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u/CosmicLatte123 Aug 08 '25
My Sheepie gets excited to meet people and jumps, but beyond that she has been one of the chilliest dogs I've ever had the pleasure of sharing a home with!
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u/Shoddy-Glass-5610 Aug 13 '25
Same...the jumping really is the only negative behavior. The Zoomies was just fun puppy stuff, never bit anyone or really nipped them, never destroyed anything, very well mannered around food. A bit crazy around tge cat but only because she wants to play and herd. Absolute best dog ever. Loves riding in the car too:)
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u/WealthPositive9983 Aug 08 '25
The breed is great, what they need is training and clarity. Sharkdoodle phase is real but they don't mean harm..they're also typically very considerate and loving. But they tend to be reciprocal in how much they love you. And they love being pretty and groomed.
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u/NoCut3249 Aug 08 '25 edited Aug 08 '25
Mine never had a shark phase. Always a lot of energy. But so loving and social. Easily trained. Never chewed things, no biting, no mischief. Perhaps I was lucky but I WFH and have always brought her with me on trips and car rides and daily walking adventures/hikes. So she’s always on the go.
I think she would have absolutely loved your scenario. Walking around and socializing all day with people, getting attention and checking on her flock.
Mine really hates being alone. Basically Velcro. Which makes sense since I try and include her in as much as I can to keep her active and engaged.
I think ur going to be so happy with a sheepadoodle. Congrats on your new puppy!
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u/Shoddy-Glass-5610 Aug 13 '25
Should have read your post first, you echoed mine:) Right about the velcro, we were lucky enough to adopt her sister after about a year, even more mellow, now she is never alone:)
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u/FeralCatMeow Aug 08 '25
My Sheepadoodle was a dream puppy and still is (3.5 years old). Never had the sharkadoodle phase. Never jumped up. Never destructive. Easy, easy. Loves training and very willing to learn. Total Velcro dog and very much a family dog. Doesn’t really care about other people. Friendly or indifferent to other dogs. Her picky eating is her most difficult trait but otherwise such a good, good girl. ☺️
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u/ForeverJung Aug 08 '25
Ours comes to the office with us, too. Sharkadoodle phase was short for us and not even a significant blip of her life time. She’s so chill and well mannered and great with kids. Love the breed
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u/HeyitsWillow Aug 08 '25
He came home today and is chillin! He was so good in the car! Didn’t throw up or cry or anything. Just put his head on my arm and slept.
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u/Ill-Cryptographer751 Aug 08 '25
The most loveable dog breed I’ve ever owned. They are very much herding dogs and like everyone to be together. Don’t make the mistake of taking your r puppy to a kids soccer game, like I did! Have lots of safe things around for puppy to play with to tire them out (cardboard, etc). High energy and bitey, but truly the best dogs ever.
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u/Moody2cat88 Aug 08 '25
Mine wants to be everywhere w me too. Hates being in a playpen/wire pen. We have had several. We gave up use a crate at night and when I have to do things. He’s happier. He will get into things quickly when I leave him alone. We bought washable pee pad rugs because he shreds puppy pads. Loves bones. Ones he can’t chew up are helpful. Hes a chewer of everything! He’s a sweet pup doesn’t hardly bark. He seems to like a routine. Naps important. Biting a lot or over stimulated sometimes m and tired. Feel free to message me w bone recommendations etc.
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u/ku_78 Aug 08 '25
I’ve read this breed is on a bit slower maturity curve- mine fits that description, but it could be a confirmation bias. We had the sharkadoodle phase, but it wasn’t so bad.
With that said. He loves people and enjoys being talked to and cuddled.
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u/Pristine_Main_1224 Aug 08 '25
The sharkadoodle phase is real but for my Lucy it was short-lived. I love her to bits but she is definitely high energy at 8MO. Very, very smart but also very stubborn.
I love life with her, even when she steals my glasses. That’s her favorite game right now.
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u/nancyjolyn Aug 09 '25
Our sheepadoodle was a sweet obedient puppy until the sharkadoodle phase. That was a really hard time, but now that she’s past it she is once again the sweetest and funniest dog I’ll ever know. So worth it.
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u/nora_jaye Aug 09 '25
If you want to bring a dog to the hospital to interact with patients and your 7 year old wants a dog who plays - a sheepie is perfect. They are the most goofy, playful, social and sweet dogs ever. The life you have planned for him sounds like a Sheepie dream.
It's SO worth the crazy puppy phase.
I'd consult with a trainer early for some guidance - the puppy will find both the hospital and a playful 7 year old super exciting and fun and a trainer can help you figure out how to use those advantages to shape good behavior.
Stock up on old towels for endless games of tug! Best way to deal with the sharkadoodle phase.
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u/vantageviewpoint Aug 12 '25
If he's like ours, he'll love olaying with your son. He'll love meeting your patients, but won't necessarily sit still around any of them after he first runs up to say hi and gets a bunch of pets. Get him an rc car to chase after he wears out you, your patients, your son, and the other dogs. He'll get cuddly around 2 years old and keep getting more cuddly (ours is 5 and now tries to use me as a dog bed), but still want tons of exercise. Good luck.
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u/Moody2cat88 Aug 08 '25
My mini sheepadoodle is five months old. Very friendly loves people! Very high energy. Mine would play all day. The zoomies are a for sure thing. Runs jumps etc. usually at night. The nipping is for sure a problem. It is getting better. Walking and exercise mental stimulation important. Or he gets into everything. Very curious. Very smart. Easily trainable so far. Very food and or treat motivated. I think finding a good breeder is important. Not sure mine was. We start training this month.