DuckToller
Well-Known Member
We have an utterly adorable poodle x terrier pup, now 10 months. He goes either for a long walk with our older jr, where he runs miles, or he gets two shorter walks, depending on my schedule. I keep horses at home, so he comes down to the yard with me, and has become a determined rabbiter on walks and around the yard.
The last few dogs we have had have been older rescue dogs, around 18 months of age so we've not had a puppy for years and I feel a bit inadequate! We were turned down by a rescue centre (long story, I've moved on
) which is how we ended up with a puppy and when my daughter was home from uni he had a lot more stimulation and input. The last few dogs we've had have been very self-sufficient types, happy with a walk or two, a trip in the car to do the living out horses, and a snooze in the kitchen while I do some work etc. He has toys and I play tug with him, down the yard he chases rabbits and plays with ropes etc.
But sometimes he looks very bored and sad - is that a poodle thing, or is he missing my daughter? I think he needs more stimulation. A friend suggested dog agility, but I think we can't do that until he is a year? Could I start some more structured games at home? He is good with basic commands and used to play regularly with his litter brothers, but he grew twice as big as them and their owner didn't like seeing them get bowled over (he is very athletic, think poodle on stilts while they are more like mop-heads with casters), so they don't come round anymore which is a shame. We meet plenty of dogs on walks and sometimes the older jr will play with him, but he is 9 so not that playful anymore.
Just off for a walk, but any ideas gratefully received.
The last few dogs we have had have been older rescue dogs, around 18 months of age so we've not had a puppy for years and I feel a bit inadequate! We were turned down by a rescue centre (long story, I've moved on
) which is how we ended up with a puppy and when my daughter was home from uni he had a lot more stimulation and input. The last few dogs we've had have been very self-sufficient types, happy with a walk or two, a trip in the car to do the living out horses, and a snooze in the kitchen while I do some work etc. He has toys and I play tug with him, down the yard he chases rabbits and plays with ropes etc. But sometimes he looks very bored and sad - is that a poodle thing, or is he missing my daughter? I think he needs more stimulation. A friend suggested dog agility, but I think we can't do that until he is a year? Could I start some more structured games at home? He is good with basic commands and used to play regularly with his litter brothers, but he grew twice as big as them and their owner didn't like seeing them get bowled over (he is very athletic, think poodle on stilts while they are more like mop-heads with casters), so they don't come round anymore which is a shame. We meet plenty of dogs on walks and sometimes the older jr will play with him, but he is 9 so not that playful anymore.
Just off for a walk, but any ideas gratefully received.