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!

F1 Minature Goldendoodle Sitting in Living Room

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 - 10 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.

Precedence 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.

F1 Minature Goldendoodle Blocked from Pool Steps

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've 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.

F1 Minature and Micro Goldendoodles Pausing for A Photo While Inside their Crate

How to succeed in potty training a Goldendoodle puppy:

Crate training a Goldendoodle puppy:

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.

Micro Goldendoodle in Harness Training