Labradoodles & Dogs

Answering the question, “Is a Goldendoodle right dog for me?” isn’t as simple as answering the same question with a purebred dog. Under any circumstances, I am not talking down crossbred dogs or Goldendoodles in particular when I say you are taking a chance of rolling the dice by adopting a hybrid mix.

First, you will need to understand that all Goldendoodles are not the same. Under the very best circumstances, the dog will exhibit all the true qualities of good disposition, intelligence, and gentleness.

However, suppose you get a dog that is the product of a casual backyard pairing or a puppy mill. In that case, you might be getting a dog that is a genetic mess with little or no socialization and countless potential health problems. Picking a good breeder is as crucial with a hybrid dog as with a purebred.

Before adopting a Goldendoodle, you will need to ask yourself some serious questions and make educated guesses about what life with a Goldendoodle will be like.

• Are you in a place in your personal and professional life where you can devote time and attention to a dog that needs at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and bonds very profoundly with his human?
• Will you commit to grooming your Goldendoodle’s coat weekly as both an aspect of appearance and good health? And will you make the financial commitment to have the dog professionally groomed 3-4 times a year?
• Can you handle the fact that although you may have a picture of what you think a Goldendoodle looks like in your mind. But when the puppy grows up, it may not fit that preconception? Can you accept the fact that not all Goldendoodles are the same?

Are you Ready?

Having a new puppy in the house can mean dealing with the aftermath of a little dog’s big ideas. The puppies are so cute, though, it’s hard to stay mad at them long. Amid all the fun, however, there are some significant responsibilities to face. Puppies take a lot of work!

The first few weeks in a new home can shape a dog’s adult temperament and behavior. As a dog owner, you hope to have a happy companion that is obedient and well mannered. Goldendoodles can be overly joyous, and they respond superbly to training, which is to your advantage.

You have a long “to-do” list of goals with your new friend:

• Puppy-proofing the house
• Crate and house training
• Establishing a healthy diet
• Setting a grooming routine
• Begin a program of socialization

Do you have the Time?

This is the time you get ahead of undesirable behaviors like jumping, whining, and barking. It is essential to ask yourself if you have the time to spend with your Goldendoodle. That’s not just for a day, but as much as 15 or 16 years down the road.

If you have busy work, school, and social schedules, your dog will be alone most of the time. If this is the case, don’t adopt a dog of any kind!

Goldendoodles love their human family and want to be with them all the time. Do be selfish and think about the long-term welfare of the Goldendoodle!

Do you have other Pets?

Goldendoodles get along well with other pets. The only “person” most likely to object is the family cat. Don’t try to play the negotiator role in this relationship and exercise a supervisory presence and reinforce good behavior with praise and treats. You will be surprised that the puppy will need protection, not the cat.

Over time, they will eventually get along better as the two animals come to know one another. You will need to be patient as this whole process may take several weeks.

As for other types of pets, you may need to use reasonable caution. It would not be a great idea to let any dog play with a rabbit. As for creatures like birds or fish, dogs tend to ignore them.

Do you have Children?

Goldendoodles are terrific dogs for kids. This breed can get pretty loud, however, and may easily knock smaller children down. Since excited jumping is a habit that you will want to curb in your dog, focus on training your puppy to have all four feet on the ground while greeting your family and friends.

The point is not to let your child develop a fear of dogs. Explain to your child the dog is just excited and happy. By nature, Goldendoodles are very gentle, loving, and loyal. They only require a bit of training to get a good start on their life as a family pet.

Never leave a young kid alone with a dog, no matter how good-natured you believe is the animal. If a child hurts the dog, perhaps by pulling its tail or ears, it may react instinctually. Don’t put either in that position.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Goldendoodle

I find it hard to discuss the pros and cons of a breed as if it’s a cut-and-dried matter. What one person likes in a dog, another might not be able to tolerate. I have a friend who raises Jack Russell Terriers. They are incredibly smart dogs, and I wouldn’t have one for anything in the world. Talk about alpha! Jack Russells might as well be four-legged drill sergeants, but they are the perfect companions to my friend. I like laid-back breeds. Goldendoodles fit that bill nicely. 

Reasons to adopt a Goldendoodle

• Good with allergy sufferers
• Excellent dogs for active families
• Respond well to training
• Known to have a pleasant disposition
• Long lifespan and overall good health

Reasons NOT to adopt a Goldendoodle

• Not a recognized and standardized breed
• No guarantees of low allergy reaction
• Many puppies can tend to get overly excited
• Heavily targeted for “puppy mill” breeding

Goldendoodles in a Nutshell

Goldendoodles are an excellent “first-time” dog and respond well to training, which is a must and so “high” on life.

They are easy to care for and delightfully people-oriented. Goldendoodles crave the company of their owners and excel as therapy and service dogs. This hybrid has an unusual capacity for intuition and can read human emotion with uncanny accuracy.

Goldendoodles do not like to be left alone for a long time. They might manifest their separation anxiety, boredom, and unhappiness with destructive digging and chewing.

A Goldendoodle will need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise and makes excellent jogging or swimming partner. They love water and diving in a pool or chase the sprinkler in the garden.

These dogs are playful by nature and love to hear their owners laugh. They will invent games to make your laugh and get you involved.

Goldendoodles are happy dogs! They will play fetch until they drop and natural at agility sports. They enjoy intellectual and challenging tasks.

As a hybrid, Goldendoodles are typically healthy but can be subject to any disease or condition present in their Golden Retrievers or Poodles parents.