Training and Socialization for Goldendoodles

Training your new Goldendoodle at a young age is key. This will instill in them good habits and the ability to know right from wrong when it comes to household and public behavior.

At Lakeshore Doodles we train our puppies in basic skills before they go home with their new families. This may include, Litterbox Training, Sit, and Stay commands. We do have additional paid dog training service companies that we recommend that we will go over later in this subchapter that is part of “Goldendoodle Care and Ownership“, our six part blog.

Table Of Contents

• Introduction
• Understanding the Goldendoodle Breed
• Effective Training Techniques and Methods
• Tips for Socializing Your Goldendoodle
• Training and Socialization Conclusion
• Here’s A Story Of A Doodle Named, Otis-Additional Training
• Lakeshore Doodles Will Sell You Pre-Trained Goldendoodles
• Information On Certified K9 Services
• Read Our 6-Part Blog

Understanding the Goldendoodle Breed

Before we dive into training and socialization, it’s essential to recognize that Goldendoodles inherit traits from both their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. These dogs are known for their intelligence, friendliness, and eagerness to please. They are also typically energetic and highly sociable, making them excellent family pets.

However, with these traits come responsibilities. Goldendoodles require proper guidance and exposure from a young age to prevent behavioral issues and ensure they grow into well-mannered adults. Here’s why early training and socialization are crucial:

1. Building Confidence:

Early training helps your Goldendoodle puppy build confidence. Through positive reinforcement and consistent teaching, they learn to trust you as their pack leader and develop the self-assuredness needed to navigate various situations.

2. Preventing Behavioral Problems:

Proper training and socialization can prevent common behavioral problems such as excessive barking, aggression, and separation anxiety. Addressing these issues early on is easier and more effective than trying to correct them later.

3. Strengthening the Bond:

Training sessions provide an excellent opportunity to bond with your Goldendoodle. It fosters trust and respect between you and your pup, strengthening your relationship.

Effective Training Techniques and Methods

Now that you understand why early training is vital, let’s explore some effective techniques and methods to mold your Goldendoodle into a well-behaved companion:

1. Positive Reinforcement:

Goldendoodles respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, and affection to reward good behavior, making it more likely to be repeated. Avoid punishment-based methods, as they can harm the trust and confidence you’re trying to build.

2. Consistency:

Consistency is key in training. Establish clear rules and boundaries from day one, and ensure that all family members follow them. Mixed messages can confuse your pup.

3. Basic Commands:

Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” These commands provide a foundation for more advanced training and help keep your Goldendoodle safe in various situations.

4. Crate Training:

Crate training is useful for housebreaking and providing a secure space for your pup. Ensure the crate is a positive and comfortable place, and never use it as a punishment.

5. Socialization:

Socialization is equally important as training. Expose your Goldendoodle to various environments, people, and other dogs from an early age. Gradually increase the level of difficulty to prevent overwhelming them.

Tips for Socializing Your Goldendoodle

Socialization is the process of exposing your Goldendoodle puppy to different people, animals, environments, and experiences to help them become well-adjusted adults. Here are some tips to ensure successful socialization:

1. Early Start:

Begin socialization as early as possible, ideally when your Goldendoodle is between 3 to 14 weeks old. This is the critical period for them to form positive associations with new experiences.

2. Puppy Classes:

Enroll in puppy socialization classes or obedience classes. These structured environments provide controlled interactions with other dogs and expert guidance for you.

3. Controlled Experiences:

Expose your Goldendoodle to various situations gradually. Start with calm, friendly dogs and people and progress to more challenging scenarios as your pup becomes more confident.

4. Positive Associations:

Always ensure that your Goldendoodle associates socialization experiences with positivity. Offer treats, praise, and reassurance during these encounters.

5. Patience and Gradual Exposure:

Each dog is unique, and some may be more cautious than others. Be patient and go at your pup’s pace. Don’t force interactions, and always prioritize their comfort and safety.

6. Consistency:

Continue socializing your Goldendoodle throughout their life. Regular exposure to new experiences and environments helps maintain their social skills and prevents regression.

Training and Socialization Conclusion

early training and socialization are essential for Goldendoodle puppies to develop into well-adjusted, confident, and obedient companions. Utilizing positive reinforcement techniques, establishing clear boundaries, and prioritizing socialization experiences will set the foundation for a happy and harmonious relationship with your furry friend.

Remember, the effort you put into their training and socialization will be rewarded with a lifetime of love, companionship, and joy with your Goldendoodle.

Here’s A Story Of A Doodle Named, Otis

Additional Training

There may be some cases where you will need or want extensive training for your Goldendoodle.
Lets take a look at one case that involved a very lovable Mini Multigen Doubledoodle named, Otis.

The Otis Evaluation

We had Otis evaluated by Neil and Rachel Matthews, expert dog trainers and owners of Certified K9. They felt strongly that if we put Otis into their 3 Week Obedience Camp, not only would the resource guarding behaviors be rectified, but Otis would also learn the following:

• Heel
• Sit & down in motion
• Place
• Automatic Sit
• Sit & Down in Front
• Sit and Down at the Side
• Come

We put Otis in the program because it is uniquely tailored to correcting his resource-guarding issues while teaching him all his basic manners so that he can be successfully paired with his forever family. Best of all, this obedience camp includes an unlimited lifetime of private lessons and phone support for Otis’ new family.

Otis was adopted by a family just before he completed his training. He is doing very well and is very much loved.

Lakeshore Doodles Will Sell You Pre-Trained Goldendoodles