It’s on Chewy! Sorry I was using the wrong name here is a link https://www.chewy.com/kong-wobbler-dog-toy/dp/44195?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18884203152&utm_content=KONG&utm_term=&gbraid=0AAAAACeIKiDPBtXiimvT2VaHX1SlKFvh5&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkMGcBhCSARIsAIW6d0Di0k...
I have a mini/medium sheepadoodle who is currently 1 year old and a little shy of 40 pounds. His parents are 55 pounds and 25 pounds, for reference. I got a size small collar from petsmart for him before he came home, and it was way too big even when tightened all the way. The breeder sent him home with a collar, and that’s actually what I’ve been using all this time (even though the petsmart collar does in fact fit him now). I borrowed a harness (similar to this) that belongs to my parents’s mini schnauzer for my boy when he was younger. I think it is also a small. It was too big until he was about 4 months old, and then he out grew it around 6 months or so.
In the beginning I would go back and forth between brushing and snuggling. (Like, actual one brush stroke, one pet and "good boy.") Now, he just gets snuggles at the end. He'll actually climb into my arms when I'm done--very cute. I also swear by The Stuff conditioner. Even if my boy isn't up for brushing, I can at least spritz a little of that in his hair. I try to have scissors on hand to cut out any mats. I used to get them untangled, but it took forever and wasn't fun for either of us. Oh! Also, when I was having issues brushing him as a puppy, a guy from the park recommended a slicker with balls on the end of the bristles--it's much less painful for him and for me (when I accidentally hit my skin). This is the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IDZAEC2/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sounds to me like she is bored/not using up enough energy during the day. When you play with her, how long do you play? What you are describing is what my Border Collie does when we haven't been outside much. I spend at least 30 minutes with my two dogs in the morning throwing a ball in the lake, another 30 minutes in the afternoon, and take them on a long walk each evening. Both are usually exhausted after each event and immediately go get some water and take a nap. If I do not do that, they start getting real antsy and tend to get themselves in trouble.
If your dog likes fetch, something like this will help tire them out quickly - https://www.chewy.com/nerf-dog-blaster-tennis-balls-dog-toy/dp/213982
Walks outside are also good for mental stimulation
Kongs will keep them busy, but doesn't address the too much energy part
Chris Christensen White on White Dog Shampoo, Groom Like a Professional, Brightens White & Other Colors, Safely Removes Yellow & Other Stains, No Bleach or Harsh Chemicals, All Coat Types, Made in USA https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000NV87FG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_Y44Y7MPPCHZPM47S3F12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I just watched a Youtube video on this- for the white in the dogs coat. I haven't used it yet but I'm going to!
Undercoat Rake Flea Comb - Long Haired Dog Rake Brush Large Pet Grooming Deshedding Tool Set for Long Hair Dogs German Shepherd Golden Retriever Husky Greyhound Poodle Long-haired Cats Large Animals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PBBHM4B/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_2ZGBZF7JGFJSY495AKBJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I always liked these in the salon.
I also use a "dematting tool" which you can type into amazon and several options come up. These aee basically a curved razor blade comb which you can use to dig out a matt painlessly without shaving a noticeable chunk of hair. They do however need to be used with great caution as they are a bladed tool, not a brush
Youll want to pick up overall: slicker brush, metal comb, demat tool, undercoat rake which will give you a better angle down to the skin. Also pick up some leave in conditioner. I use one called "the stuff".
If you have the money, I also have my own grooming table off amazon, cost about $100. I also invested in a high speed dryer and a soap mixer sprayer that i installed behind my shower head.
My grooming equipment probably cost about $400 total when I got him but I have not yet had to take him to a groomer or bather so it works for me.
When your dog is well groomed you should be able to take your metal comb down to the skin and pull it all the way out thru his hair with little resistance
This one except in orange.
We had a trainer show us how to use it, but I’m certain you could find some solid YouTube instruction for beginners.
The gist is: if they already know the command (sit, for example), give it to them, and if they don’t listen, stimulate at 2 while giving the command again. Still not listening? Increase by 2-4 and repeat.
For teaching new tricks, use a long leash, help them out, and don’t stimulate until you’re sure they understand the command. Once they do, see above.
Eventually, they’ll listen the first time, and a vibration will be plenty to get them back on track.
We got a soft cone to at least minimize the bonking around the house and he didn't seem to mind it as much as the standard plastic kind!
Got it from petco, but it was something like this :)
We are getting our guy neutered in a couple weeks and ordered one of the surgical suits. Getting him groomed pretty short the week before to try to cut down on the matting. He’s a total noodle and silly flexible so we figured our best bet is to keep the whole area covered up.
This stuff works great, humane way to teach them "no go" places. I find that once they get surprised by it a couple times they just avoid that area.
our 10 month old pup has an issue with things going over his head so we recently discovered THIS ONE which buckles instead of slips over and he seems to be much more keen on it. The 2 Hounds Freedom harness is great too although he chewed through them in like a day :(
I bought this harness in 2019. Works really well through all the stages of his hair growth. That harness has grown through so much but still is strong and efficient. Would recommend trying it.
I bought him a bone at our local pet store that looks like this.
Pet 'n Shape Beef Bone Treat - Made & Sourced in The USA - Natural Dog Chewz, Large, 4 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GV8KPICref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3ST168MMCFQ6ATBNMJQF
It was a trail an error tho. I would recommend get a couple types of bones and seeing which your dog gravitates to
Our girl went into heat at eight months.
Can you give some examples of what she is doing?
If you suspect her first heat is on the horizon, I highly recommend purchasing diapers ahead of time and this recovery suit on Amazon.
We didn’t have the suit to begin with and it was a nightmare. Our girl would bite and rip the diaper off within a minute of it being put on. She didn’t mind the suit one bit and it immediately resolved the issue!
The metal comb is also just as important
Cafhelp 2 Pack Dog Combs with Rounded Ends Stainless Steel Teeth, Cat Comb for Removing Tangles and Knots, Professional Grooming Tool for Long and Short Haired Dog, Cat and other pets, 6.3IN/7.4IN https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V5M8LBT/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_SZ12CAWHJ05WPGR12YCX
As a rule, if you cannot run the metal comb against his skin and pull smoothly out, he is still tangled. If it is consistently an issue, try out some leave in conditioner/spray detangler. Ive heard good things about this product
The Stuff Dog Conditioner.Ready to use,16oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002H3RLU/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4F306KE1EENP9SPADRRX
If you dont have one, get a grooming table. Also, the red beard hair is likely stained and will need to be cut off. No promises however that it wont just keep staining. I recommend purchasing a dematting tool and a metal comb. If you cant take the metal comb down to the skin, go through a few times with the dematting tool and then try again. Be very careful with this tool as it is using blades to cut through small tangles in the hair rather than shaving them out. Example demat tool: BOSHEL Dog Dematting Comb - Double Sided Dog Grooming Brush With Safe Rounded Stainless Steel Blades - Undercoat Rake For Dogs With Sturdy Anti-Slip Silicone Handle - De-matting Comb For Dogs & Cats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WV9J733/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_H5JR6Z8BQMZYMVP097D9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Also, i bathe my pup almost once a week at this point. I mix concentrated grooming quality shampoo and water and it applies easier and seems to work better. Look into face shampoos for dogs that are specifically good for staining.
I co-sign the recommendations below! But my most trusted tool is an undercoat rake. I use a slicker brush first (it smooths the top layer mostly) then follow up with the undercoat rake. Finish with the steel comb to make sure you didn’t miss anything. Some people like to do sections of the body at a time. I use a squeeze packet of almond butter, a few prayers, and try to do as much as I can.
If you find a tangle, hold the hair near the root and brush the end to reduce pain or pulling (like you would on your own hair).
If you find a mat that is beyond detangling, you’ll need to cut it out. I slide the comb between the mat and the skin and use it as kind of a shield while I cut the mat with round tipped scissors.
I do a lot of desensitizing, pretending to wipe her ears, fake snipping with scissors, etc. to prepare her for anything that might come up.
Hope this helps! 💜
Not OP, and don't even have our sheepie dood yet (getting ours in the spring!), but I've been down research rabbit holes and found a few musts for grooming.
Andis Pet Steel Comb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UTDHP2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4RJRT1CVZ6H0FGV2TRV1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This comb (or something very similar) is apparently key for the curly doodle hair. Supposed to help tremendously with mats and tangles.
Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush, Groom Like a Professional, Fluff Detangle Style, Saves Time Energy, Coral, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KAJQJ74/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_8FMM233SWYTAAVY4DMVG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I've also read to absolutely NOT get your doodle wet if they have mats. So working mats out first before a bath is key. Otherwise the mats get a million times worse because the water makes them tighten up.
Our puppy loved these when he was teething and they were great for redirecting him to chew on appropriate things and not us or the furniture N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring Chicken Flavor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X6THK82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TTM6RT0YH9WD0JBFCVDY
Try Himalayan dog chews. You can get them on Amazon and I’ve seen them at petsmart. They come in soft - hard so you can choose what works best for your dog.
Hi. Have you tried getting her a crate buddy? My puppy really liked this and it helped me get back to my own bed. Here is the link on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NDQLB2Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The other thing I did was to slowly move my bed away from the crate. Eventually I moved into the next room. When she would cry and I knew she didn't have to go out I would talk to her until she stopped crying without letting her see me. Eventually I was able to sleep in bed with her in her crate in the kitchen. I hope this helps.
We were right away too. After the long trip home and a few accidents there wasn't any option. We just use an old hair dryer that has a warm setting instead of the typical hot. But this shower head has been a life saver (hopefully links are allowed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NDQSPC it has an extra long hose and an on of switch on the shower head. Saves so much water!
We bought a gentle leader. Used the harness when she was a puppy but this helps control her better on walks. https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Gentle-Leader-Collar-Training/dp/B00074L4W2
Try something similar to this. We got one and Bella likes to drink from the fountain stream, so her beard doesn't get as wet. It helps a lot, but not a 100% solution. Good luck!