Upsetting comment

I won't repeat what everyone else has said (well not too much anyhow) and will try and give you some practical advice.

Puppies need to learn from older dog what play is acceptable and what is not. Older dogs should give a warning growl or something to tell the pup 'too much'. Puppies don't always know when to stop.

If the play is getting too much then as Janet (Flounder_1) said you need to break them up with a big clap and a loud 'Enough' to break their concentration. Put a lead on both of the dogs and let them have some chill out time (20 mins).

What is deemed too much play? Where one of the dogs is trying to stop playing and other just keeps going. Or as in your case, your cousin feels its too much. You could put a lead on Buddy and leave her dog free. It would be interesting to see if her dog returns to Buddy wanting to play some more.

One other thing that I've just remembered. 20 mins full on play is equal to 1hr exercise, so bear that in mind for Buddy's sake as he's only a puppy.

You may want to limit the amount of time they spend together so they don't become over familiar with each other.

Check that Buddy is not over tired, they get quite bitey when they are and don't realise they need a rest/sleep.

Buddy's play sounds very normal, but keep an eye on it and make sure it remains equal.

Hi Donna
Well, ditto to all the advice you have already recieved however, your cousins comments are at best completely wrong and insensitive.
You have a gorgeous Cockapoo who is a large boisterous adolescent who needs to learn some airs and graces He is still very much in the educational phase of his life and if anything like Alfie & Milo (yes Milo) he's a real handful
I can assure you Buddy is not a basket case or mental, he is a highly intelligent 5 month old Cockapoo. Think back to your early visits to JD's did Ziggy appear to be a nut job? absolutely not! was Lucy going mental in the paddock with her contemporaries? absolutely not! are they highly intelligent and calm with great personalities? absolutely!

Donna, Buddy is a 5 month old puppy who is full of life and vitality and he has an unquenchable thirst for life

My advice is very simple correct me if I'm wrong this is your first puppy/dog? So along with most other's you are on a daily learning curve and some days we get things a little wrong but we resolve to try and put it right the next. I watched you and Buddy at puppy training classes and you both did extremely well.....however, this was under instruction and I believe this is where you will find some answers 'help, guidance and instruction'

I think your best step would be to get some help from a personal trainer and some 'one to one' training for you both. I think if you do this you will get many of your questions answered, Buddy will respond to the correct training input and you will learn the best ways to achieve your aim. It is my feeling if you do this you will see almost instant improvement in Buddy's behaviour Your confidence will grow as your training knowledge improves and you start to see results......and then you will start to enjoy your walks with your gorgeous Buddy Mick

PS Unfortunately you will not always find the solutions to your problems on this site albeit, great help and guidance. Sometimes you need that personal touch.

Donna, I have two Cockapoos with very different personalities. Rufus, my two year old has always been confident and assertive. I have had to work quite hard with him but it has been so worth it. I have an exciting dog who adores using his brain and body in agility and he is now a very relaxed and reliable dog at home. He has always enjoyed a good rough and tumble with other dogs and has been a complete adrenalin junkie at times - goading a pack of three German Shepherds to chase him through the woods! I still need to keep on top of his training - but he and I understand each other. You may find that something like agility or flyball will be ideal for Buddy once he is old enough. Both sports are fantastic for developing a bond between you and your dog and also general obedience. Buddy sounds like a very similar dog to Rufus. You've got a cracking dog there!

I walk with a group of friends who have larger dogs - Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. One of the Goldendoodles is about 6 weeks older than Basil and is huge! He plays really quite roughly with Basil who is constantly on his back or being bowled over. I know that Basil is fine. If he wasn't :
1. He would be squealing.
2. He would be hiding round my legs wanting me to protect him.
3. His tail would be down or between his legs.

As soon as Ernie trots away, Basil is up and jumping at his ears. The play looks horrific but Basil (who I think is an amazing dog) just behaves appropriately and kind of enjoys the whole experience .......and I know the mud will dry off and fall off eventually!

Enjoy Buddy Donna. It will seem like hard work at times but what a dog you have there. I would still attend training classes if you are able. Most trainers offer follow on classes. I went to training classes with Rufus for about a year and then switched to agility.

Karen xx

Thanks guys i thinking looking back it was always Buddy pestering Dudley to play but Dudley would always willingly join in,Buddy was always getting the better of him (when he could catch him,Dudley is very fast)IT is as if he knows he will play with him because we were also with my firend and her two lab's and Buddy didnt go near them he just stuck to Dudley like glue on the walk!
I think because Dudley is so gentle he would never growl or snap at Buddy to say thats enough and this is why Buddy just wouldnt leave him alone.

Thanks for all the tips ,and thanjs Mick i think i will investigate a trainer even if its more for me then Buddy at least i will know what im doing is correct etc.

I must say when we all met up at colwick i thought Buddy played with all the other poo's really well,hubbie thinks its more a case that my cousin is being overprotective.