Crowd Control...the dutiful Goldendoodle

From backyard barbecues, birthday parties and public events, the dutiful Goldendoodle knows how to work a crowd. Whether your Goldendoodle is hanging out amongst family and friends or little league games, there are a multitude of events this gorgeous hybrid can make its appearance at to help bring people together.

Some Goldendoodles could get stressed out, however, in crowd gatherings. If you want your Goldendoodle to be a calm, summer-social butterfly, make sure that he or she is enrolled in obedience classes as soon as possible. Common sense and good management during events can also help ease the stress your Goldendoodle may feel if he or she is not use to a crowd of strangers.

These ten tips will help your Goldendoodle if you'd like to make him or her a part of your summer fun!

1. Teach your Goldendoodle how to politely greet strangers. Training your Goldendoodle to sit when meeting people is essential. While you may think it is cute that your rambunctious Goldendoodle puts his or her paw on your shoulders and give you tons of kisses, strangers may not find this type of greeting, wonderful. Perhaps there may be an elderly person wanting to greet your doodle. Jumping up on an elderly person could be harmful and the person will not be charmed.

2. Head off to school ! If you have not already enrolled your Goldendoodle in some type of obedience training, but would like to do so, look for a dog-friendly training class and do it today. Make sure the type of training offers positive methods since Goldendoodle dogs are sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement. Treats and tons of praise are the best training methods for a Goldendoodle rather than physical punishment and verbal scolding.

3. Learning in a group. Many Goldendoodle owners find that training in a group is easier than private sessions. Goldendoodles are group dogs and enjoy social interactions. You can easily make new friends who may also be able to give you further training advice or assistance. Training at dog parks is also a great place to learn! This gives your Goldendoodle plenty of space to practice and at the same time have fun. Training your Goldendoodle in a group gives added socialization opportunities for both you and your doodle.

4. Go public! Never stop practicing training, with your Goldendoodle. Taking your doodle with you every where you go, helps your Goldendoodle become more and more social around strangers. Letting your doodle go with you when you go shopping (weather permitting) or allowing him or her to go with you to public pet-friendly events is a wonderful way for you to meet new people and help our doodle hone in on his or her learned skills. Make sure your Goldendoodle is always on a leash. If a store, bank or other public area does not have a "no dogs" sign, allow your Goldendoodle to go inside with you. Never leave your Goldendoodle inside of a hot parked car! Temperatures rise very quickly and your Goldendoodle can die of heat stroke.

5. Introduce your Goldendoodle in unusual ways! Providing you and your Goldendoodle have been practicing lots of socialization, your Goldendoodle already loves a crowd. Perhaps there is a parade or fair you can take your Goldendoodle to or even join! Gradually taking your Goldendoodle to unusual places such as street fairs, parades, big band events, will help your Goldendoodle become less afraid of these experiences. Allowing your Goldendoodle to taste some delicious treats in crowded, noisy places will help him or her think that these experiences make chicken happen!

6. Do your homework! If your Goldendoodle is fearful or suspicious of strangers or maybe particular groups of people cause your Goldendoodle to behave in an unacceptable way, you will need to do remedial socialization before you can take your lovely hybrid, into public places. Forcing your Goldendoodle to be around crowds before he or she is ready, can make things worse. Dogs can bite someone simply out of fear even when they are not even aggressive. Socialization AFTER the fact can be challenging, but worthwhile. This involves pairing the scary things for your Goldendoodle, with delicious treats. Sometimes the process can take time and be slow and long. Patience my friend! If you are anxious, your anxiety will transfer to your Goldendoodle. Sometimes a professional trainer is necessary.

7. Start small! It is amazing how many people want to buy a dog ALREADY trained simply because they don't want to put any effort into training their Goldendoodle. Many people pass up a wonderful available adult Goldendoodle because they have no confidence in their training abilities. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent dogs regardless of their age. Regardless of the age of your Goldendoodle, always train in baby steps. If he or she does well at a neighbor's party, try a bigger event next time. Work your way up to parades and festivals...beaches and lakes or bigger party events. Pllunging your Goldendoodle into situations right away can overwhelm a dog of any age.

8. Stay in control! It is amazing how many people allow their dog to be in control of situations. Remember, YOU are the alpha! Be sure your Goldendoodle is always on leash and aways under your immediate supervision. Having your Goldendoodle off leash and without any socialization skills could get you into a lot of trouble. A doodle not in control could also become injured or killed. This is inappropriate and leaves your Goldendoodle vulnerable and at risk. Never leave your Goldendoodle alone, in public places.

9. Stand by your doodle! Always be prepared to move at a minute's notice, with your Goldendoodle, if someone intentionally or unintentionally threatens him or her while in public. Do not allow strangers to taunt or tease your Goldendoodle or try to feed him or her an inappropriate treat.

10. Prioritize staying calm! If your Goldendoodle appears to be getting stressed out or overwhelmed, remember that it is always best to remove him or her from the situation. Taking your Goldendoodle to a quiet safe place if you happen to be at a family gathering, is always the first priority to lessen stress. If you are at an event that makes your Goldendoodle feel uncomfortable, leaving the event altogether, may be the best route to take. Helping your Goldendoodle enjoy the summer and staying safe will reward both you and your doodle with many pleasant experiences and memories! Make sure to take LOTS of photos!