Training a Goldendoodle: what works and what to expect
How the Goldendoodle learns, common training challenges and what motivates it.
Most Goldendoodles pick things up quickly, combining the retriever's wish to please with the Poodle's sharp problem solving. Food and play are strong motivators, and short sessions of five to ten minutes, two or three times a day, suit them well. Enroll in a puppy class early: meeting other dogs and people in a structured setting helps channel their natural friendliness into polite behavior.
The usual trouble spots are jumping up to greet, mouthing hands and sleeves, and distress when left alone. Ask guests to ignore the dog until all four paws are on the floor, swap hands for a tug toy whenever teeth appear, and practice alone time from the first week, starting with a few minutes behind a baby gate and building up slowly. A dog that learns to settle with a chew while you are out is far happier as an adult.
Goldendoodle training in numbers
Easy to train
Barking
5 means very vocal
Copes with alone time
Open with strangers
Good with other dogs
Good with children