Goldendoodles are sweet and sociable family dogs. A cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, they first hit the scene in the 1990s and quickly became popular house pets.

However, like all dogs, they have certain health issues that pet parents should keep an eye out for. This puppy guide will give you a deeper dive into the popular breed from a trainer’s perspective.

Training

Like their parent breeds, Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and eager to learn. They also love to work, which can make them perfect candidates for advanced obedience training and even therapy dog training.

As with all dogs, it is important to get your pup into a consistent routine. This will help them feel safe and secure. Try to stick to the same meal times, crate time, walk and playtime schedule so that your puppy can start to expect these things every day.

Use positive reinforcement when training your Goldendoodle. They live for belly rubs and sloppy kisses, but they will not respond well to harsh or aggressive training. It is always best to avoid punishment because it can cause them fear and anxiety. Instead, use a clicker and rewards for behavior you want to reinforce and ignore the behaviors that you don’t want. Amy can help you set up your home, get the family on board and teaches you exactly what to do the second your puppy arrives for optimal training success.

Health

Goldendoodles love to play, so they need a wholesome diet that includes nutrient-rich ingredients like fish oil and flaxseed. These ingredients support healthy skin and coat, as well as help reduce food allergies in the future.

Like perpetual toddlers, Goldendoodles will probably ingest items from around the house—like dirty laundry and socks—that could be dangerous if they get lodged in their GI tract. The best thing pup parents can do is childproof their homes and keep these harmful objects out of reach to avoid costly trips to the ER.

Regular exercise and controlled calorie intake are also critical for the health of Goldendoodles. These little dogs are prone to obesity, which can lead to joint problems and diabetes. Ensure you feed your dog a commercial food that meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition, and consult with a veterinarian if you are unsure about the proper portion sizes for their age and life stage.

Socialization

Goldendoodles have high energy levels and love to romp around in a yard. These dogs need daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Walking, running, playing fetch and swimming are ideal activities for these pups. They also enjoy training classes, agility and obstacle courses.

It's crucial for puppies to be exposed to different sights, sounds and smells to develop into confident and well-mannered adults. Exposing puppies to people of different ages, races and professions helps them avoid developing fears later in life.

Establishing a puppy daily schedule is important to help them learn what's expected of them throughout the day. Waking them up at the same time, feeding them at regular times and taking them for walks or training sessions at the same times helps them feel secure and calm. This will also help them to become accustomed to a routine that will be consistent for the rest of their lives. This will make it easier to train them, especially as they grow older.

Care

Goldendoodles are intelligent and eager to please, so they make quick learners. They respond well to training using positive reinforcement and treats. This makes them good candidates for agility classes and obedience training.

Like all dogs, Goldendoodles need daily physical activity. They should be given 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, as well as lots of attention from their humans. They enjoy walks, playing fetch, and going on adventures.

They also need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This can be done through training, playtime, and puzzle toys.

If they are not mentally stimulated, Goldendoodles may become bored and start chewing or barking. This can lead to health issues like Addison’s disease and hip dysplasia. This is why it’s important to train a puppy from an early age. It will also help them get used to being around humans and other pets. A well-trained dog is happy and a joy to be around for family members, guests, and other dogs.