Goldendoodles-- Fit to be shown

When I began my Goldendoodle breeding program back in 1999, I never imagined that this hybrid would be as popular as they are today. Indeed, back in 2003, many canine writers

and authors boasted that the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle was nothing more than a "designer mutt" and a "designer dog fad". Too bad for them. They were wrong.

It was I who had written an article, some years ago, that it would not be long before the American Kennel Club would allow both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle into their kennel club. Why ? Because AKC is all about the money. When a breed becomes popular, AKC sits up and takes notice. The American Kennel Club laughs itself all the way to the bank. But, there are some fun benefits for those who own a Goldendoodle and desire to register their doodle with a kennel club. If the breeder you purchase your Goldendoodle from participates with a kennel club, you can have some fun by participating in field or fun dog show events. I don't think, at this time, the American Kennel Club allows the Goldendoodle or Labradoodle to participate in show events. However, my hunch is... it won't be long before they do.

The Goldendoodle dog can be presented in the show ring because like the Golden Retriever, they are a natural. The road to the show ring starts at puppyhood, so it is very important that your Goldendoodle learns basic obedience if presenting your doodle in the show ring is something of interest. You will want to teach your Goldendoodle how to "stand free". This allows a show judge to assess your Goldendoodle's potential as a champion show dog. Your Goldendoodle puppy should be taught from an early age how to "stand free" for a few minutes every day. Using a table covered with a rubber mat will help your doodle stand comfortably.

Your Goldendoodle puppy's legs should be fairly close together, elbows tucked in. Your doodle baby's back legs should be slightly farther apart with his or her hocks perpendicular to the ground. This is not a natural stance for your Goldendoodle, so don't expect him or her to take to this immediately. You will want to support your doodle's head in its natural position while at the same time, hold his or her tail at the end, level with your doodle's back.

For fun, ask a friend or spouse or even family member to take photos so that you can see where you can improve upon this exercise. Once your doodle has learned to accept this position and will stand alone, stand in front of him or her from a slight distance from your doodle's head. Some judges do not permit a canine to be "stacked", so it is advisable to teach your Goldendoodle when training, to stand properly on his or her own.

If you are serious about showing your Goldendoodle, you are going to want to purchase what is called a "show lead". Most leads are light nylon, but they also are made in leather as well. Your Goldendoodle must learn how to move on a loose lead, on your left side. The pattern in which you walk your Goldendoodle MUST be precise. If you are serious about showing your Goldendoodle, you should enroll your Goldendoodle in a handling class so that you both can master the techniques used in the show ring.

As of this article, there are no specific breed standards for the Goldendoodle. I have a feeling, sometime down the road, a kennel club will pick up a standard for the doodle dog but for now, breeders and kennel clubs alike can't seem to get on one sheet of music. The Goldendoodle has only been around in the United States since 1997 and it seems that there are too many "fly by night" breeders who piggy back off of inexperienced breeders who post inaccurate information about the Goldendoodle coat, sizes and other important doodle information. Hence, why it will be some time before the doodle becomes a fixture in the show ring. For now, showing your Goldendoodle isn't serious business but it's a fun event for both the dog and yourself.

There is no "one size fits all" formula for grooming your Goldendoodle whether for personal reasons or for the show ring. The Goldendoodle only comes in three coat types.

1. Shaggy.

2. Curly.

3. Smooth.

The owner must groom their Goldendoodle as an individual and they should work on grooming their Goldendoodle as per the doodles' own conformation and coat type. If you have entered your Goldendoodle in fun dog show competitions, you will want to bathe your doodle a day or so ahead of time. If your Goldendoodle is a smooth coat, his or her coat will not lay flat like the purebred Golden Retriever. A smooth coat Goldendoodle will have fluff about its neck, body and head. If your doodle's coat needs more "body" , you may want to wet the coat and then fluff out the coat with a slicker brush and a blow dryer just prior to entering the show ring.

A curly coat Goldendoodle will have a similar coat as a purebred Poodle. Brushing and fluffing will be necessary prior to entering your doodle into the show ring and perhaps a blow dryer will help fluff out the coat. Make sure, regardless of coat type, that you remove all hairs from around the pads of your doodle's feet until they are level with the pads. You may need to use thinning shears if your Goldendoodle is a curly or shaggy coat. Trimming should be subtle and your doodle's nails should not be exposed. The ideal trim around the Goldendoodle's feet, regardless of coat type is similar to a cat foot. The feet hairs should appear as if they had just grown in a neat and tight way. Clipping your doodle's nails as short as possible will help achieve this appearance.

Your Goldendoodle will have a beautiful plume tail that rides high up over its back, if he or she is a smooth or shaggy coat. The curly coat Goldendoodle does not have a plume tail...rather... their tail is curly like the purebred Poodle, only he or she should have a long tail that also rides high up over the back. The curled tail is a natural position for a Goldendoodle. Believe it or not, this position comes from the Standard Poodle. I never would have known this had I not purchased a purebred Poodle many years ago, with an unaltered tail. My vet did dock the tail as well as dewclaws, but this was strictly for appearance. If your doodle has dewclaws, you may want to ask your vet to remove them during the spaying or neutering procedure. Those who show their dogs in the show ring usually present dogs without dew claws. Again, it is only for appearance sake. Most Goldendoodles have very short dewclaws that don't present a problem and that is why most breeders don't remove them.

Make sure to pay attention to stray hairs hanging from your doodle's tail. A plume tail looks beautiful when the hairs are blunted. You can do this by bundling the hair together at the end in order to trim either with thinning shears or straight scissors. To trim away stray hairs that stick out away from the ears, use thinning shears. Always trim upward or downwar as horizontal cuts leave obvious scissor marks. Make sure to trim the hairs underneath the ears in the same manner.

I would definitely recommend that you attend several dog shows if this is something you are interested in doing with your Goldendoodle. You will see how the handlers are inside the ring and you will be able to observe judges. You will also be able to see how much fun everyone seems to have. Showing your doodle can be serious business but the main thing is to have fun.

A Goldendoodle's beauty and willingness to please will make them a natural in the show ring and my guess is that in time, the Goldendoodle in the show ring, will become very popular!

When more people become interested in showing their Goldendoodle, the kennel clubs who participate in show events will begin to sit up and take notice. More Goldendoodle advocates should send letters to participating kennel clubs as a means of capturing their attention. Send some photos of your Goldendoodle to these kennel clubs and let them know what makes your doodle special. Many owners take great pride in their Goldendoodle and win or lose, they may feel their Goldendoodle is a great prospect for the show ring. Competition is intense but it is also fun. Goldendoodle dogs are easy to train; They are beautiful dogs and they are eager to strut their stuff. With a positive attitude, the owner and the Goldendoodle can prove that the Goldendoodle hybrid is going to remain a breed specific fixture for many years to come.

**About the author: Dee Gerrish of Goldendoodle World has been writing about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999. Dee is one of the original founders for the Goldendoodle dog for the entire southern region of the United States. Dee Gerrish was the first breeder to register the Goldendoodle dog with a legitimate kennel club in the United States... Universal Kennel Club.

More about Goldendoodle World can be found at http://www.goldendoodleworld.com/

Goldendoodles---- Beyond a great canine citizen

A few Goldendoodles may lag behind or be a bit stubborn and willing, but most of them are very trainable and enthusiastic about learning. Compared to many breeds, the Goldendoodle is probably one of the easiest dogs to train and they are highly intelligent canine.

When interested in obedience classes, it is always recommended that the doodle owner begin with kindergarten classes. Remember, it is baby steps first. Many trainers will agree that when looking at the different breeds in their classes, the Goldendoodle tends to outshine the others. They catch on faster; they seem to be more focused; They aren't that difficult to work with.

Some breeds just aren't that in to what you are doing, but since 1999, I have found some usual characteristics with my own Goldendoodles. I am not sure if other breeders notice this with their dogs, but my Goldendoodles actually seem to pay attention to what is going on around them. When children are running around and playing, my Goldendoodles tend to observe first what is happening and then they interact with their human pals. They don't have a tendency to bark if they are a smooth or shaggy coat doodle and usually only become vocal when they are playing and having a good time. They are content at just being around their human companions regardless of what they may be doing.

I have noticed a stable temperament with our Goldendoodles and that is a huge plus for families with children. Our Goldendoodles have many master hunters as well as utility dogs down through their pedigree, so many of them have a very strong drive for water sports. Their new owners should take that drive and twist it and turn it to teach their Goldendoodle all of the difficult obedience routines. This makes for a highly devoted Goldendoodle who will be the perfect citizen. Because our Goldendoodles do have a strong drive and a stable temperament, they are able to retain what they learn and training is not as difficult with them as it may be with any other breed.

The main thing is to not become an overbearing doodle owner. Goldendoodles are sensitive dogs and they learn best with positive reinforcement. They are little softer than a lot of other type of dogs. Find a trainer who uses corrections and motivation in their training techniques as well as positive reinforcement. Goldendoodles do not need to be corrected to the extent that many other different breeds require. The Goldendoodles seems to be more in tune with, "oh, gee, I have a little snap on collar so I better pay attention or try a little harder next time".

Like any other breed, the owner has to be consistent. They have to learn to relax during the training phase and they need to stay positive. Sometimes a Goldendoodle can be almost too smart. Depending upon whom you ask, will determine how smart the doodle is. Some will agree that they have never met a dog as smart as the Goldendoodle; then others will say that their dog of a different breed seems to be smarter. Either way, you can't help but fall in love with them. Some breeds of dogs are very smart but you don't get to really visualize because of their independent nature. Goldendoodles are very dependent dogs. They become lonely if they do not have human companionship. They are the happiest when around their human companions.

The Goldendoodle dog seems to be very adaptable to training and this causes their intelligence to show up more often.

They don't become as bored as easily as some dogs; During training classes, some dogs will begin to falter because they bore quickly of repeating the same drill over and over. The Goldendoodle does not care how many times it takes. They find fun in training and they are happy to continue through the multiple routines so long as you remain enthusiastic. Remember that your positive energy will flow from your hand down through the leash and to your Goldendoodle's collar.

There are some very creative Goldendoodles out there, however it has always been my concern that some people assume that just because they have heard the Goldendoodle is a great dog, that the Goldendoodle is the perfect dog for them. Indeed, the Goldendoodle has gained popularity over the years and there has been a lot of publicity about them since 1999. But some people assume they will get a puppy or an adult Goldendoodle and the dog is completely trained or will be trained in just a few short days. They assume the dog will never do anything wrong.

While Goldendoodles don't always chew on things, some can chew on more than just their toys. Especially during the teething phase in puppyhood. Signing your Goldendoodle up within days of purchase is the only way you are going to own the perfect doodle citizen. Obedience classes helps you form a stronger bond with your doodle; it sets up rules and boundaries and it definitely makes your lives of living together much easier. All Goldendoodle owners need to set up goals and when the two of you meet those goals, it is really exciting.

TEN TOP REASONS TO SIGN YOUR DOODLE UP FOR OBEDIENCE CLASSES:

10. Daily walks with your Goldendoodle who has been properly trained will make you the envy of the neighborhood.

9. A well trained Goldendoodle will actually allow you to go to the bathroom in private (or not).

8. You will actually be able to control your sixty five pound Goldendoodle instead of being dragged by him or her.

7. When you say playtime is over, it is really over. The moment you say stop, your Goldendoodle will actually stop.

6. Everyone that has contact with your Goldendoodle will want one just like yours.

5. You will actually get a chance to read your newspaper instead of finding it full of teeth marks or spread all over the livingroom in shreds.

4. An obedient Goldendoodle is a hit with a groomer. Although some dogs feel grooming is a necessary evil, your Goldendoodle will enjoy it more if he or she knows how to sit and stay.

3. Neighborhood kids will knock on your door asking if your Goldendoodle can come out and play. You won't ever have to worry about finding a dog sitter.

2. The love that is shared between you and your Goldendoodle will grow and trust will be established. Obedience training helps bonding and teaches both the owner and doodle consistency.

1. That typical "I love you" Goldendoodle look will transform into absolute hero worship.

**About the author: Dee Gerrish has been writing about the Goldendoodle since 1999. For more doodle details, visit http://www.goldendoodleworld.com/

**Dee Gerrish, of Goldendoodle World, is one of the original founders for the Goldendoodle hybrid for the entire southern region of the United States. She was the first breeder to register the Goldendoodle dog with a kennel club, Universal Kennel International.

Oh Goldendoodle! Please be quiet!

While some Goldendoodles seem to have tons of things to say, others are quiet and prefer not to mince barks and howls. Each and every day, my Goldendoodles will launch into a barrage of barks, anticipating their morning breakfast and round of clean water. Five Goldendoodles can sound like 20 of any other breed! In the beginning, I use to find it irritating and thought there should be something I can do about this nonsense.

But after years of owning and creating Goldendoodles, I've come to realize that this is their way of communicating and letting me know they are happy we are getting our day started together. I've also come to know that some Goldendoodles bark alot and some hardly ever bark!

Why do dogs bark, any how ?

Dogs bark to communicate with each other. It's a part of their heritage. Some bark to alert you. Some bark because they are bored. Others may bark if they become stressed. Then some bark to communicate with neighborhood dogs in the distance . In many cases, humans have a tendency to unintentionally reward this barking behavior.

The moment I open my back door, the cacophony begins. Dancing and twirling and barking, they all seem to know what's coming....FOOD! The closer I get to the bucket of dog food, the louder the barking becomes. Walking to the spicket to turn the water on, the dancing becomes merrier and then the routine begins. Over the years of doing the same exact thing each and every day, the dogs have become conditioned to our cleaning, feeding and watering routine. The moment the first gate is opened, everyone settles down and waits their turn.

Problem or just plain inappropriate ?

The relationship I have with my Goldendoodles exists on many different levels. What some people regard as a problem, I regard as a natural behavior. I am sure my neighbors can not stand the barking each and every morning, but they moved in around me....not the other way around. It has been years that we have co-existed with our dogs, so the neighbors should be conditioned to our routine by now as well. Each day starts off the same.

According to Patrick Melese, MA, DVM, American College of Veterinary Behavior Consultants in San Diego, dogs are carnivore canids and they have behaviors that are perfectly normal for their species. However, what the canine finds normal, we can find problematic especially if we live in small areas such as apartments or condos and small communities.

Every owner is also different. I do not find it inappropriate to say the least that my Goldendoodles greet me each and every morning with loud, expressive barking because I know they are happy to be getting their breakfast and fresh water. They are happy that their area is going to be cleaned. It may be the day one of them gets shaved down and a bath. So the merry sing song vocalization no longer bothers me. To someone who is not use to it, they better gather a pair of ear plugs or turn around and go home. The barking can be bothersome to unconditioned ears.

Many dogs, in general, have been bred for centuries to bark or to behave in certain ways. If you suppress the Goldendoodle's nature by putting them in an environment where he or she can not express their happiness and glee, you are going to have a real problem. Dogs become conditioned over time to respond or behave a certain way because they observe the behaviors of their human companions, over time. While some Goldendoodles certainly can have barking issues that are associated with anxiety, most problems seem to stem simply from Goldendoodles just being dogs. Nobody wants to live with an excessive barker or a Goldendoodle who has destructive chewing behaviors. Definitely nobody wants to live with a houdini! An escape artist of whom you have to chase down each and every day.

What's a human to do ?

Every Goldendoodle owner must start with the assumption that your dog is barking for a good reason. At least in the beginning. Over the years of living with your Goldendoodle, you will learn that your doodle has a different way of barking depending upon his or her needs, fears, anxieties or issues. You will learn how your Goldendoodle barks if a stranger is nearby and you will learn how your Goldendoodle barks when he or she greets someone they already know.

A Goldendoodle can have challenging, underlying behaviors that you may want to work on, especially if your Goldendoodle becomes an excessive barker. While some Goldendoodles will bark excessively at strangers as they pass by, this may or may not be an acceptable behavior. In my case, I want my dogs to alert me when someone is around that isn't suppose to be there. Others may not want their Goldendoodle to bark at a stranger. One of the best methods of changing this behavior is to toss some dry dog food on the ground in the opposite direction of an approaching stranger. Keeping a baggy full of dry dog food always comes in handy for correcting inappropriate behavior. Soon your Goldendoodle will learn that eating is more fun than barking at a stranger.

Understanding why your Goldendoodle barks can help you respond appropriately and have a planned management strategy. To your Goldendoodle, barking is simply a natural thing to do. it is a natural response. Your Goldendoodle may be trying to protect you, alert you, signal a warning, greet you, protect its territory or may be expressing distress and upset.

What's really strange is the fact undomesticated dogs do not bark nearly as much as domesticated dogs. This leads me to believe we humans condition our dogs to bark and we may unknowingly be encouraging them to bark. Wild dogs don't have the need to alert others in their pack, so often. Even when you stop reinforcing barking, barking is self-reinforcing. When an intruder approaches, a dog barks. The intruder runs away. So the dog now has been given the signal that his or her barking has made the intruder leave. This reinforces your dog's belief that barking worked and barking is good. But you can stop excessive barking.

You can stop excessive barking by rewarding silence.

Teach your Goldendoodle to give you a period of silence and then reward your doodle for the silence.

*Don't reinforce barking by yelling (barking) back at your Goldendoodle.

*Figure out what caused your Goldendoodle to bark. What was the trigger? As an example, if your Goldendoodle barks at a window he or she can see through, block the view.

* Don't leave your Goldendoodle outside when you are not home, if at all possible.

* Redirect your barking Goldendoodle to something more rewarding. If your Goldendoodle is barking and you want the barking to stop, use a favorite toy while giving a simple command. I like to use their squeeky toys. It gets their attention.

* If your Goldendoodle is barking simply to get your attention, ignore him or her.


Condition your Goldendoodle with silence. After all, they do say, Silence is Golden.


**About the author:

Dee Gerrish has been writing about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999. Dee has been a breeder of the Goldendoodle dog since 1999; a breeder for the Golden Retriever since 1996. More about the Goldendoodle can be found at http://www.goldendoodleworld.com/