A new Goldendoodle puppy is a wonderful addition to any family. However, dog ownership comes with a few responsibilities and requires careful preparation and training.

For instance, puppies need a daily schedule to help them get acclimated and learn expectations for things like crate training, meals and potty breaks.

Health

Goldendoodles are intelligent dogs that thrive on attention and activity. They enjoy games like fetch, tug-of-war, and chase-the-stick, but are also happy to just hang out and relax with their people.

These pups require a diet with a healthy balance of protein and carbohydrates. A good quality dog food will include meat proteins from animal sources, as well as essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, which promote skin and coat health.

As with all breeds, Goldendoodles can develop a variety of health conditions. Some of these are hereditary, while others can be exacerbated by factors like obesity or long-term vigorous exercise. Hip dysplasia and joint disease are common in goldendoodles, and pet parents should watch for symptoms like lameness, difficulty getting up and down, weight loss, a change in gait, or swelling of the joints. They are also prone to ear infections, so be sure to monitor for ear sensitivity, itchy ears, odor, and moisture in the ears.

Training

Goldendoodles are intelligent and eager to please. They respond well to training, especially when started at a young age and reinforced consistently. A solid daily puppy schedule with consistent feeding times, potty breaks, crate playtime and nap times is an excellent foundation to start with.

Guided socialization helps your pup become comfortable around unfamiliar people, pets and situations. This socialization is crucial for your Goldendoodle to have a balanced personality and not get rattled by unexpected circumstances or guests.

A good way to help your puppy socialize is to bring them on walks or play dates with other docile dogs. It is also important to bring them out into public places like the mall or park to get used to all of the sights, sounds and smells that are out there. This will help them become a more confident dog in the future. Also consider taking them to a training class or agility course, which is an excellent way to work on obedience skills with distractions and longer durations.

Care

Getting a puppy into a daily routine sets the tone for the rest of its life. The timing of meals, potty breaks, how much sleep it gets, and the quality of time you spend with it all influence its behavior as an adult dog.

Goldendoodles are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement. They also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy, healthy, and engaged. If left alone for too long, they may develop separation anxiety or engage in undesirable behaviors such as digging or barking.

If you are interested in adopting a Goldendoodle, consider a breeder who follows ethical breeding practices and prioritizes the health of their puppies. Reputable breeders conduct extensive research, health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for their puppies. Rescues can also offer a wonderful companion for your family. However, they often have older dogs or mixes with special needs, so be sure to ask what kind of training the pup has received.

Socialization

A well-socialized Goldendoodle is less likely to develop anxiety or fearful reactions, making it a happier and healthier companion. The window for optimal socialization begins at around three weeks of age and continues through the prime puppy training period, which typically lasts until the dog is fully vaccinated at 16 weeks.

During these critical weeks, it’s important to expose your pup to as many different people and places as possible to ensure they’re familiar with various sights, sounds, and smells. For example, they should become accustomed to walking on carpet, hardwood, and tile floors; meeting men, women, and children of all ages; and encountering a variety of noises from honking horns to fireworks.

Regular visits to the local dog park are also a great way to expose your puppy to a variety of people and other dogs. Just be sure to play only with fully vaccinated puppies until they’re mature enough to act appropriately and avoid overstimulated or aggressive behaviors.