The Keys To Successfully Training A Goldendoodle Puppy
by Sandra Butler
Goldendoodle puppies are their own unique kind of adorable. But as soon as you get your puppy home, you'll realize there's a bit more to do than cuddle. Your puppy also needs to be trained. Goldendoodles are not the easiest breed to train, but if you stick to the tips below, your little one will learn good manners for a happy, harmonious life.
Focus on positive reinforcement.
Most dogs learn better through positive reinforcement, but this is especially true of Goldendoodles. They do not react well to punishment, sometimes retaliating and acting out (perhaps by chewing your shoes or the carpet) if you do punish them. So you want to focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. Giving them a small treat is good positive reinforcement, but make sure you couple the treat with lots of pets and praise. Goldendoodles love being praised in an upbeat, cheerful voice, and this reward will work on its own when you don't have a treat handy.
Be consistent.
With Goldendoodles, especially, it is important to be very consistent with your training. You can't require that your dog sit and wait for his food one time, but let him get away with rushing at it the next. This is one reason why it's important to wait to get a Goldendoodle puppy until you have plenty of time in your day. You will need to be consistent with training, which takes time. Rushing the routine because you're busy one morning can put you back weeks in terms of progress.
Use word associations.
Goldendoodles, as mentioned above, are very aware of and reactive to voice. So an easy way to train them to do things like go potty is to use word associations. When your puppy is going potty, repeat the word "potty" over and over again. Before long, your dog will associate the word potty with going potty, and he'll go potty on command when you say the word. You can do the same with the word "out" as you go through the door, and "leash" as you harness your puppy up for a walk.
Socialize your puppy.
Socialization is important for most dogs, but especially for Goldendoodles. They can become overly excited by seeing new people and dogs and then seemingly forget everything they know, training-wise. If you expose them to different people and dogs from the get-go, they'll get used to this and learn to manage their excitement more readily.
Training your Goldendoodle puppy will take time and patience, but with the advice above, you'll get there. Enjoy your new little one!
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Nothing is quite like the bond you develop with a pet. You and your dog know each other to the core. You and your cat have your own way of communicating, even though you do not speak their language. These pets are, in a very real sense, your friends — but they are friends you have the responsibility of caring for completely. Determining what the best care for your pet really is can be a challenge. That's why we created this blog. The articles collected here will help you become a better owner and a better friend to your furry companion, whether they're a cat, dog, rabbit, or other species entirely.