Goldendoodles can bring a ton of joy to a home. However, they come with a lot of responsibilities as well.

They require regular exercise such as walks, runs, swims and even agility. They also need to be brushed regularly, either at home or by a professional groomer.

Socialize your pup early to prevent nipping and help them stay mentally stimulated with activities like puzzle toys. This will keep them from being bored and destructive.

Pre-Puppy Preparation

A Goldendoodle puppy is a big commitment for any family and is best raised in a home with consistency. Your new pup will be a bundle of joy for everyone in the household, and the right steps can ensure that they have a happy life.

When your puppy arrives, they may be a little overwhelmed by the smells, people and noise of their new environment. To help them settle in, remove any items that they can chew on like shoes, pens or purses. This will prevent choking or injury and is very important for their well-being.

You should also plan to keep your puppy busy, as Goldendoodles are a very energetic breed. This can be done by training them, taking them to different places and helping them to meet other dogs and people. This can help to reduce their separation anxiety as they grow up. You can also give them puzzle toys, sniffing games or even teach them tricks to keep their minds active.

Grooming

The grooming process can be intimidating for new pet owners, but with the right techniques and tools, it can become a bonding experience that leaves your pup looking and feeling their best. Regular grooming also helps keep your Goldendoodle healthy and happy.

Grooming for a Goldendoodle begins with gentle brushing using a slicker brush to ease out surface tangles and fluff the coat, ensuring that every inch of fur is reached, from the top down. This initial step is vital to preventing matting that could necessitate a full shave, which would be both painful for the dog and harmful to their coat health.

Next, the puppy is bathed using dog shampoo to ensure that all dirt and grime are removed and that any existing mats are loosened. Lastly, the nails are trimmed using a nail clipper that has a guard to avoid cutting the quick and causing pain to the puppy. Depending on the thickness of your doodle’s coat, you may need to trim their nails every 6-12 weeks.

Training

Goldendoodle puppies are intelligent and eager to please, so they learn quickly. They also have a tendency to play hard and can be over-stimulated. This is why it's important to provide them with plenty of exercise and time to burn off energy. Regular walks, training sessions at a dog park, and playing with them in the yard will help them stay calm.

Establishing your pup's daily puppy schedule and routine will help them understand expectations. It's best to train a new puppy using positive reinforcement rather than intimidation techniques. They respond well to belly rubs and treats.

Early socialization is essential for all puppies. This is when they begin to learn about the world around them and develop their personality. However, they must be introduced to new people and other dogs in a safe environment where the interactions are controlled. This will help prevent over-excitement, rough playing and dominance behaviors. Puppy kindergarten classes and controlled puppy socialization sessions are great ways to accomplish this.

Health Care

Responsible pup parents should enroll their Goldendoodle into a pet health insurance plan as soon as possible to protect their fur-babies from expensive veterinary costs. Lemonade offers a variety of pet health care plans, including preventative care, annual wellness exams, blood tests, several vaccinations and more.

Goldendoodles are prone to the same common health conditions as their parent breeds, including hip and elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, ear infections, hypothyroidism, and gastric dilation volvulus (bloat). Because some of these conditions are hereditary, it's important that responsible breeders screen their puppies for them.

Puppies are full of life and energy, and they need plenty of walks, playtime and other fun activities to keep them happy and healthy. As they grow up, they’ll start to calm down a bit but still need lots of exercise and attention. Responsible owners will keep up with grooming, nail clipping and coat combing at home or a professional salon. This will help them maintain a sanitary appearance and prevent matting.