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/

Goldendoodles---A sensitive Soul

In addition to the Goldendoodle's soft, low shedding coat, the Goldendoodle has expressive eyes that exemplifies its sensitive nature. This lovely hybrid with a low dander coat, will make a beeline toward the first person they see just to get an appreciative pat on the head and a smile on a face.

Goldendoodles can make a wonderful therapy dog, given the opportunity for proper training. They have a wonderful sense of smell and seem to be able to sense others' pain. They are very generous with their love and can offer solace to strangers. The Goldendoodle dog is often great with other pets since they are a social dog. They seem to be happier when another Goldendoodle is in the home, rather than being the only dog.

Being very affectionate, the Goldendoodle makes a perfect roommate. The Golden Retriever is often used for therapy work because of their sensitivity to people. Plus, their soft coat is appealing to those who pet them. Goldendoodles have an even softer coat than the purebred Golden Retriever. They are very good with children and could make a wonderful companion to those physically challenged. The Goldendoodle tends to know when to back off but don't forget that they do have Retriever in them. Some Goldendoodles can be a bit rambunctious and they do love to run. I would never characterize them as being "hyper".

The Goldendoodle is so charming that it can win over even the toughest crowd. Becoming first known in the United States around 1997, their popularity growth ever since, has been phenomenal. Even back when no one had heard of the mix, this lovely hybrid's roots date back well before the early 1930s. The Poodle is one of the longest lived dogs in the world. The Golden Retriever as well as the Poodle are both highly intelligent dogs. Although dog fanciers have mixed and paired dogs of various breeds together for centuries, the Goldendoodle didn't really begin to gain recognition in the United States until a little known breeder named Dee Gerrish began to write about them in 1999. Her articles about the Goldendoodle dog found their way on many websites across the internet.

Owners of Goldendoodles can't really be neat freaks. The Goldendoodle loves to frolic outdoors and will jump in the first mud puddle it finds! Although they are low shedding dogs, the Goldendoodle will shed strands of hairs off and on through out the year. It is simply a myth that these beautiful dogs are non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Very large Goldendoodles can sometimes overwhelm a small child, but because of their gentle nature, they soon win over everyone with their charming ways. The Goldendoodle loves everyone...sometimes a bit too much. Teaching your Goldendoodle manners with early training is key.

The Goldendoodle has an unusual knack for being able to focus, which makes training easier. Keeping training simple and easy as well as fun, makes for a very happy dog.

Who is right for a Goldendoodle ?

The Goldendoodle dog is not an independent dog, so if you are seeking a dog who enjoys being alone quite often, the doodle dog would not be for you. This gentle soul loves companionship and enjoys being underfoot. Goldendoodles can work out for virtually anyone who is aware that this type of dog does have coat care requirements and does not enjoy being left alone for hours on end.


If you aren't sure that a Goldendoodle is the right dog for you and your family, it is better to allow the breeder to make an assessment based on what your particular desires and needs are. All dogs will need eventual veterinarian care; dental visits; coat care costs and proper nutrition. If your on a tight budget, finding a Goldendoodle at a shelter may prove to be difficult and that's a good thing. Not for the person seeking a shelter dog, but for the Goldendoodle itself. Fees will vary per area and per breeder, but whatever their fee, it's just a small price to pay for friendship that will last for many, many years.

*About the breeder: Dee Gerrish, of Goldendoodle World, has been writing about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999. She is one of the original founders for the Goldendoodle for the entire southern region of the United States. More about Goldendoodle World can be found by visiting http://www.goldendoodleworld.com

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!

Lindy Lu....One lovely Goldendoodle

Lindy Lu is an apricot, shaggy coat Goldendoodle from Goldendoodle World. Stephanie Brittain is one of our customers who is connected with us on facebook. What fun our Goldendoodles are! Lindy Lu was born in April 2010. She and her other siblings have all been adopted by wonderful, loving families. We thought it would be fun to share Lindy Lu's photos here in this article and some comments made by Stephanie's connections:

L. B. : what a ridiculously cute furball--I'd love to meet her some time!
June 13 at 12:03pm ·

J. L. C. : Awww I can't wait to see her!!
June 13 at 12:27pm

C. C. : Lindy Lu looks so cute! I just told my kids about her and we all can't wait to meet her.
June 13 at 12:54pm

K. R. : sooo cute!
June 13 at 2:35pm

G. P. : Funny! I just got a puppy yesterday!
June 13 at 4:01pm

F. B. : Glad you are home. Can't wait to see her...
June 13 at 4:52pm

A. R. F. : One of my previous co-workers has one and she is training her to be a "service dog".... She is sooooo good! Lindy Lu looks perfect!
June 13 at 6:27pm

E. L. S. : Congrats on the new addition!!!
June 17 at 3:43pm

Stephanie Brittain: Thanks Emily! Your pictures are great. Looks like you are having a wonderful time!!! May need some "puppy pointers" from you!!
June 17 at 3:46pm

E. L. S. : Haha I love puppies! I'm having a wonderful time and I still have two weeks to go! Tomorrow we are touring a salt mine! I can't wait to meet Lindy Lu when I get home! I hope the kids are enjoying her!
June 17 at 3:55pm

Dee Gerrish : It was really nice meeting you Stephanie. I'm glad the kids are enjoying her. Send your friends to our site if they would like one too! http://www.goldendoodleworld.com/

M. F. E. : What kind of dog is she? She is kind of a big puppy isn't she? How big is she going to get? Saturday at 9:16am

Stephanie Brittain: She is a goldendoodle! She will get about 45 lbs. She weighs around 10 now.
Saturday at 9:18am

M. F. E. : OH, that is precious!!! That will be a great size!!! Maybe that will be what we get next. What is her personality like? Saturday at 9:24am

Stephanie Brittain : Probably more like a retriever...that's the way she is acting so far! Hopefully not much poodle personality will come out! They are low to no shedding too....one of the primary reasons I got this kind! Saturday at 9:32am

K. C.: Hey Steph, the dog is beautiful! Ken and I looked into getting a goldendoodle too but having more dogs than kids would really pute me over the edge:). Kids, animals, adopted neighbors'kids...I thought when the kids turned 13 it would get easiser. Haha. Anyway, I love every momment they are all with me and like that the kids would rather be at my house instead of thier friends!!! Hope all is well and love to see pictures of the kids. Wish you lived closer!!
Saturday at 11:06am

B. F. : You may not want her to chew on shoes, that is how how I lost many of my best shoes, Keely does not know if they are old or new. I started him with a bedroom shoe because I was told when I was not home this would offer him comfort, well after many destroyed shoes, the heck with comfort. Yesterday at 8:19am

Dee Gerrish : Lindy Lu is just precious! Thanks for sharing her photos with us, Stephanie. Can you add them on our Goldendoodle World fan page?
26 minutes ago

Stephanie Brittain: Dee, I will be glad to if I can figure it out. lol!
23 minutes ago

Dee Gerrish Just go to our fan page and on the wall, you can post a comment and then upload her photos. They are adorable! I am sharing them on my blog...hope you don't mind. We love to brag! hahah

C. C. : it was so glad to meet you Lindy, you are adorable!!!
June 17 at 6:20pm

T. K. R. : what kind of doggie is he/she
June 17 at 2:59pm

J. H. P. : Yes, you are cute !
June 17 at 2:59pm

Stephanie Brittain : She is a Goldendoodle. We just got her Sunday.
June 17 at 3:02pm

J. H. P. : Never heard of a Goldendoodle. I bet she is the queen of your house.
June 17 at 3:07pm

A. R. F. : What a sweetie!!!!!
June 13 at 7:30pm

A. W. K. : Soooo sweet! How did it go?
June 14 at 7:54am

Stephanie Brittain: Great!! Kids were in shock!! Keep saying "I just can't believe we have a puppy!"
June 14 at 8:08am

A. W. K.: AWwWWW! So Happy for you guys!
June 14 at 9:55am

R. L. : you are definitely going to get "mom of the universe award" this year! lol she is perfect for you guys June 14 at 9:59am

C. W. W.: Sweet puppy...looks like you made the right choice.
June 14 at 11:03am

There are entirely more photos and loads of comments! Follow us on facebook and get YOUR next "Lindy Lu" from us!!!

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