Goldendoodles are a playful breed that enjoys spending time with the family. They are high energy dogs that require exercise daily. Without enough exercise, they may develop arthritis and other joint problems.

To keep them active, schedule daily routines and puppy training sessions that include potty breaks, crate time, and playtimes! This will help prevent nipping and other undesirable behaviors.

How to Care

As a family dog, the Goldendoodle is devoted to its human and typically gets along well with everyone in the household. Early socialization is important for this breed to prevent fearfulness around strangers and other dogs.

Goldendoodles have a high energy level and require daily physical activity, so having a yard or plenty of outdoor space to explore is a plus. Regular obedience training can help them learn to focus their attention on tasks and not people or other dogs.

These pups are food motivated, so use treats and positive praise to reinforce good behaviors. However, it’s also essential to be consistent with your daily routine and training sessions to help your dog understand what is expected of them. Reward-based training is usually the most successful, especially when used in conjunction with calm and firm discipline for unwanted behaviors. Regular vet visits are also a must. These appointments are an opportunity to ensure that your dog is on a proper health regimen, and to set up annual screenings to catch any potential issues before they become a problem.

Training

Goldendoodles are eager to please and respond well to reward-based obedience training. However, their playful energy creates short attention spans so it’s important to train them in small sessions and keep them active between trainings. Avoid punishing or yelling at your dog as this can trigger aggression or fear-based behaviors. Socializing your puppy early and often is also critical, as it will help them to be less reactive and a good family member.

Take your dog on car rides and expose them to new people, other dogs and places. Also, try to introduce your dog to different body handling (touching their ears, paws, tails) as well as sounds to reduce any fearfulness they may develop. Finally, check their eyes regularly for signs of glaucoma and cataracts. These conditions require ongoing treatment and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Consult a veterinarian if you notice any changes in your Goldendoodle’s vision. They can usually be treated with medication.

Health

Goldendoodles are a naturally social breed, and they love to please their pet parents. They're eager to learn and fast learners, making them easy dogs for first-time pet owners to train. These pups love people and are able to form a strong bond with kids, other pets and even grumpiest relatives in record time. They're also active but not hyperactive, making them a good choice for active families. They require regular exercise and daily playtime with their family.

Like many other breeds, Goldendoodles are prone to hereditary health conditions like hip dysplasia and joint disease. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as stiffness, limping, a change in your dog's gait or ear infections. You should also make sure your doodle gets a balanced diet and enough exercise to help him stay at a healthy weight and avoid obesity-related issues. Pet owners should also regularly schedule veterinary visits to ensure their Goldendoodle stays healthy and happy.

Grooming

The Goldendoodle is a beautiful mix of the loyal Golden Retriever and intelligent Poodle. They come in three different coat types: straight, wavy, and curly. Grooming is important for these puppies because their hair constantly grows.

Regular brushing using a slicker brush helps to keep the coat tangle-free and stimulates skin oils that keep the fur healthy. This is a good time to also check for any areas that may need trimming. For example, the hair around ears needs to be trimmed so that moisture is not retained and ear infections occur.

Similarly, the nails should be trimmed on a regular basis to prevent them from getting too long and needing clipping. Keeping on top of grooming will prevent you from having to take your Goldendoodle to the groomer as often, saving both time and money. If you do need to bring your dog in for grooming, we suggest introducing them to the process early on so that they are comfortable with the routine and are accustomed to having their coats handled by strangers.