Hello everyone, my standard poodle who is nearly 2 years old and not neutered (but who has had a vasectomy) really struggles to settle at night, regardless of how busy we are during the day with both mental and physical enrichment along with designated relaxing times.
We wake up, he has his breakfast and about 15-20 minutes of training before we go for a 25 minute walk for him to poop. He is great all day and wants to nap in his crate from about 1pm to 4pm. When he’s out at 4pm, we play and do training and for a 45-60 minute walk. On weekends we go to the trail where he can sniff and chase squirrels.
No matter how many calming exercises we try, no matter how much I reward him and provide him with a stuffed Kong, he cannot relax at night. I tether him to his raised bed with a Kong or chew that he enjoys which he will then finish and stand up, struggle to settle, and whine/grumble and it will go on for hours. If I reward him for being quiet and calm, he will stand up and start crying. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong or if this is potentially pain related. I have talked to other’s who have dogs from the same litter and they are not experiencing these issues.
For reference, he came from a breeder with exceptionally high-titled dogs, above-recommended OFA testing for the breed, and this dog was matched to me based off interviews.
submitted by /u/Turbulent-Put-8143
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