How to Train a Goldendoodle

Getting Started with Training

If you came across this article, you must be a lucky Goldendoodle owner or a soon-to-be puppy parent. And if you haven't checked it out already, go over Our Goldendoodle Favorites to prepare your home and family for your furry new arrival. Now let's learn some important basics on training a Goldendoodle puppy so you can start having fun while training your new pup!

Every breed of dog has a special set of characteristics that make them sought-after by dog lovers around the world. A mini Goldendoodle is a truly one-of-a-kind dog breed that makes a wonderful companion and offers plenty of athleticism and energy in an adorable package. For active families that love outings, playing in the backyard, or just having fun around the house, you simply can't go wrong with a Goldendoodle.

As in the case with any dog, training a Goldendoodle puppy presents some exciting challenges that give owners pride and joy in their dog—and in themselves!—when they are overcome. If you've never owned a dog, you'll find that training a puppy is an experience quite unlike any other and is something you'll always look back on and cherish. The key to success is to start early, be patient, and be persistent. We've trained lots of pups, and trust us — sooner or later, they'll get it. Here's everything you need to know about training your Goldendoodle puppy some basic doggie manners.

Goldendoodle Puppy Stages

Training a puppy is always easier when you understand their developmental stages. Each stage of growth plays a role in your puppy's attention span, which directly impacts the training methods you'll use and how you should interact with your dog. Once you know a puppy's developmental stages, you'll find that training is both fun and rewarding.

Puppy Toddler Stage (3 - 8 Weeks)

During this stage, the puppy is able to learn basic manners through habit, body language, praise and rewards.

Socialization Stage (7 - 12 Weeks) and First Fear Imprint Stage (8 - 11 Weeks)

Your puppy's attention span will seem like it's all over the place during this time but their memory is actually running in high gear and they'll catch on fast. Much of what they learn during this stage may be difficult to reverse later so be sure to take the opportunity to teach them important basic manners.

Seniority Classification Stage (12 - 16 Weeks)

During this stage, your pup is getting bigger and may feel like their growing size is a license to misbehave and act dominant. It's important to stay firm with your pup and be affectionate without being a pushover during this stage.

Flight Instinct Stage (4 - 8 Months)

This is a time when your puppy starts to feel big and bold and might decide they're ready to go solo (spoiler alert: they're not ready yet).

Adolescence Stage (7 - 10 Months)

Your puppy's newfound drive for freedom and independence will give them plenty of energy and may give you a handful.

Second Fear Imprint Stage (6 - 14 Months)

As your Goldendoodle puppy grows and becomes more aware of the world around them, they'll become startled and afraid of new things.

Mature Adulthood Development Stage (1 - 3 Years)

Your Goldendoodle puppy is now becoming a fully-grown dog! During these years, your Goldendoodle will still have some puppy habits but may also be a little overprotective and bark at strangers or get in arguments with other dogs.

Now that you're learned about the puppy stages, let's go over some basics that will give you more influence over your pup as soon as you meet. We'll focus more on the training and care of your Goldendoodle puppy at its early stages from the moment it appears at your doorstep.

First Steps: How to House Train a Goldendoodle Puppy

My beautiful Goldendoodle puppy has arrived at its new home. Now what?

Before you get started on house training a puppy, let him/her get used to their new surroundings and family for a few days. Remember, your puppy is just as overwhelmed and excited as you are, so you probably don't want to confuse them with training until they've settled in (check out our article on preparing your home Before the Big Day to be ready for your new puppy). Once your pup starts to feel comfortable and at home, you can begin to slowly train them in the form of play. Experts suggest starting puppy training in the form of play as early as seven weeks. During this stage, your puppy will have an adorably-short attention span but will also have the ability to remember things permanently.

During the first several months, spend a couple of minutes a few times a day giving short puppy lessons. You won't have to worry about any sophisticated obedience training methods until your puppy has reached 4 - 6 months of age, which we will cover in a separate article.

Crate and Potty Training Your Goldendoodle Puppy

During their baby months, you'll want to invest your time and effort in potty and crate training to put a stop to their little messes. Below are some great tips on becoming a puppy potty training pro.

How to succeed in potty training a Goldendoodle puppy:

• Puppies are just little fur babies, so they'll need time to take control of their bodies — particularly their bladders. It's a general rule of thumb for puppy owners to take their pup outside every two hours for the first several weeks (unless you're ok with an incident in the house). This way your pup will develop a habitual desire for doing their business outside and look forward to it as they grow.
• Always congratulate and praise your puppy after a successful toilet trip outdoors. Dogs love adoration, and when they begin to associate your happiness with going potty outside, they'll learn to hold it in just to make you happy.
• Keep an eye on your puppy as much as possible when you're in the house to stop accidents before they happen. As you get to know your Goldendoodle puppy, you might start to pick up on little behaviors that give away their messy intentions before they occur.
• Of course, you're not expected to spend your whole day taking your puppy outside. That's the beauty of crate training, which is interconnected with potty training and gives you more flexibility in raising your pup. At first, your puppy may not want to relieve themselves in their crate because that is where they stay. But they'll quickly learn that you'll always clean their mess and that you're VERY happy when they go potty in their crate (as opposed to on the carpet).
• You should never punish your Goldendoodle puppy for pee or poop accidents because it will stress them and may cause them to do it in hiding to avoid getting in trouble. The best reinforcement for a puppy is praise, treats and lots of pets. Instead of getting upset, just be patient and show your puppy where you want it to go potty and reward them when they do.
• Once you've got a handle on your puppy's potty schedule, you can try to teach them how to let you know it's time with the help of a bell.
• Generally, dogs need to go to the toilet after they eat, sleep and exercise.
• When there's an accident in the house, make sure to clean it thoroughly and deodorize it to keep your puppy from coming back to the smell.

Crate training a Goldendoodle puppy:

• Buy a spacious crate for your puppy where they can feel safe, comfortable and be master of the castle.
• Keep some cozy bedding inside of the crate along with a water bowl and plenty of toys.
• Try feeding your puppy inside of their crate to associate that place with good things happening as opposed to a form of confinement or punishment.
• Let your puppy get comfortable with their crate and give them the freedom of going in and out before you start to gradually shut the door.
• Praise your puppy if it sits in the crate with the door shut and doesn't bark or whine.
• Begin with closing the door for only a few seconds and gradually increase the amount of time the door stays closed until your puppy feels comfortable whether the door is open or closed.
• Reward and praise good behavior only, and if your Goldendoodle puppy cries while in the crate, wait until they stop and then let them out.

You're Almost There!

Having a puppy presents its messes and challenges, but the amount of joy, love and fun your puppy will give you makes it more than worthwhile. When you approach puppy training with a positive mindset, not only is it easier, but it's more rewarding. Remember that your puppy won't be little forever, and one day they'll be a fully-grown and responsible member of the household. You might even miss training your puppy so much you'll wish you could do it all over again!

For an efficient training journey, start at the early stages and provide your puppy with lots of love, praises and plenty of activities. Once you've successfully managed to potty and crate train your pup, you're ready to move on to the next step — obedience training.

We hope you've found our Goldendoodle puppy training tips helpful and we wish you luck on training your new pup! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to Contact Us and let us know.