Bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is an exciting adventure. These adorable pups are known for their intelligence, friendliness, and eagerness to please, which makes them one of the easiest breeds to train. But like any dog, they need guidance, consistency, and patience to grow into well-behaved companions. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or just new to the breed, here’s a helpful guide to training your Goldendoodle puppy the right way from the start.
Training should begin as soon as your puppy comes home—usually around 8 weeks old. The earlier you start, the easier it is to shape good habits and avoid bad ones. • Focus on basics: Sit, stay, come, and leave it are great first commands. • Keep sessions short: Puppies have short attention spans, so aim for 5–10 minute training sessions a few times a day. ________________________________________
Goldendoodles respond incredibly well to positive reinforcement. Reward-based training builds trust and keeps your puppy motivated. • Use treats, praise, and play to reward good behavior. • Be consistent with your commands and rewards so your puppy understands what’s expected. ________________________________________
Socialization is key to raising a confident, well-adjusted Goldendoodle. Expose your puppy to different sights, sounds, people, and other animals during their first few months. • Take short car rides, walks in the neighborhood, and visit puppy-safe parks. • Enroll in puppy classes to combine socialization with basic obedience training. ________________________________________
Crate training is one of the best tools for housebreaking and giving your puppy a safe space to relax. • Make the crate a positive place with comfy bedding and special toys. • Use it for short periods at first, and never use the crate as punishment. ________________________________________
Consistency is the secret to successful potty training. • Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed. • Praise and reward them immediately after they go outside. • Stick to a routine and watch for signs (sniffing, circling) that they need to go. ________________________________________
Teething puppies love to chew, but it’s important to teach bite control. • Redirect biting to chew toys. • Use a firm "no" or "ouch" and stop play if biting continues. • Reward gentle play and calm behavior. ________________________________________
Goldendoodles are quick learners, but they’re still puppies. Accidents and mistakes will happen—that's part of the process. • Stick to a consistent routine. • Use the same words and cues for each command. • Stay calm, even when your puppy tests boundaries. ________________________________________
Goldendoodles are smart and need mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise. • Try puzzle toys, training games, and new tricks. • Teaching fun behaviors like “high five” or “spin” keeps training enjoyable. ________________________________________
Training a Goldendoodle puppy can be a fun and rewarding experience. With their intelligence, playfulness, and desire to please, they have all the makings of a well-behaved family member. By starting early, staying consistent, and keeping things positive, you’ll be setting the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and companionship.