Do you have a Labradoodle, or are you about to bring one into your home? If so, congratulations! A Labradoodle is often a wonderful addition to the family. That is, as long as they’re properly trained.
A Labradoodle is a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Both of these breeds are highly energetic and athletic, traits which your Labradoodle is also likely to share. This can be both a positive and a negative, however.
The Problem with an Untrained Labradoodle
Labradoodles have a lot of energy they need to burn off on a daily basis. You’ll need to walk your dog at least twice a day for 20 minutes each time. Other activities you and your dog might enjoy include hiking, swimming, playing with toys and even completing obstacles courses.
A dog who doesn’t get enough exercise will likely act out in destructive ways. This includes chewing on shoes, barking excessively and otherwise engaging in unwanted behavior. With proper exercise, however, your dog will exhibit calm, relaxed behavior at home.
Training is a big part of proper exercise. If your dog understands basic commands and behavior standards, your activities together will typically be smooth and pleasant. Training helps your dog:
- Remain calm around unfamiliar settings
- Remain safe in unfamiliar settings
- Come to you and stay during any emergency situation
- Safely interact with unfamiliar dogs and other animals
Training Tip #1: Be the Alpha
You want to start training on day one. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should expect your puppy to understand anything complicated right away. But even simple lessons such as toilet training help establish that you’re the “leader of the pack.”
Dogs innately live and hunt in a pack. When you bring a dog into your household, you and your family become the pack. This pack structure is important to training.Your dog will instinctively think of one member of the family as the pack leader or “alpha.” This person should be you or another adult. This person will take the lead in training.
You don’t need to intimidate the dog in order to show your “alphaness.” Don’t shout at your dog, roll him onto his back or bite him on his muzzle. This can needlessly frighten your dog and promote anxiety.