Topical Flea Treatment Toxicity

Dog owners beware!! Using topical flea treatments on your canine can be deadly and/or cause multiple health issues. Regardless of brand, the chemicals inside of these topical flea treatments can cause toxicity in your dog, no matter what breed he or she may be.

My story today is relatively LIGHT compared to the stories I read regarding Sergeant's topical flea treatment. Visit THIS LINK to read more.

This morning I decided to use "Sergeant's topical flea treatment" on my Boxer/Pitbull mix. I have, for years, always told my Goldendoodle customers to NEVER use topical flea treatments on their Goldendoodle because this type of treatment has been known to cause seizures, kidney or liver damage in the doodle dog due to toxicity from the chemicals. But I didn't think this over the counter medication would cause a problem with my Boxer mix. We should be able to trust that large companies who sell these dog products are following regulations and that they are putting out safe products for our dogs!

Within an hour of putting the flea treatment on his shoulder blade area, he began vomiting profusely. Because I had written an article awhile back regarding topical flea treatment toxicity in Goldendoodles, I knew to immediately get him into the tub and shampoo the heck out of him to remove the chemical. For five minutes I scrubbed him. For another five minutes, I rinsed him. Then I spent quite awhile rubbing him down with a large towel.

Although he did stop vomiting, he began drooling so my husband and I made sure he drank water. The symptoms began to subside not long after his bath, so I decided against rushing him to my vet to be treated for toxicity.

When I posted this problem on my facebook wall, a long time customer of mine sent me this link: http://www.hartzvictims.org/2008/07/14/sergeants-gold-flea-treatment-should-be-boycotted/

When I read the stories on there, I did not realize so many other people had experienced the same exact problems right after using the product.

I felt really bad especially since we had always used a once a month tablet called "Comfortis" and had much success with it. However, I was short on funds and could not afford the $88 that our vet charges for six tablets. In my case, I use FIVE tablets from one box between FIVE dogs. So I am really only getting 1 tablet per dog for $88. It is difficult to find this flea treatment for less without a prescription and our vet hesitates to give us a written prescription since of course, they are in business to make money.

I thought it would be economically better for me, for now, to just purchase the over the counter flea treatment by Hartz...Sergeant's topical flea treatment. Big mistake! My trying to save some money instead of waiting until I could afford the usual once a month Comfortis tablets, could have cost the life of my dog! Fortunately for my dog, I was home to immediately spot the problem and recognize the fact he may be having a toxic reaction to the treatment.

My quick action prevented him from having further complications.

But what if I had to leave for work ? What if I had to leave right away for an appointment or to run an errand and my dog had been home alone ? His symptoms would have worsened and he might have died before I could have come home to see he had a problem from this flea treatment.

I feel horrible for using this on my dog. But I am very glad I was home; recognized the problem right away and was able to take immediate action. YOUR dog may not be so fortunate.
Please DO NOT use topical flea treatments on your dog ESPECIALLY over the counter ones.

Once a month tablets are the best and you can use either "program" or "comfortis". We've had great success with both, for a very long time and with no symptoms whatsoever.

About canine ear yeast infections

What you should know about canine ear yeast infections. Ear yeast infections are the most common ear problems for dogs. Some veterinarians believe ear yeast infections are caused by allergies or even possibly underlying health diseases. There is no clear answer as to why, really, dogs get ear yeast infections. Dogs can get ear yeast infections just as they can get urinary yeast infections for any number of reasons.

With the Goldendoodle hybrid, the most common reason can be growing hairs down in the ear canal. Hairs growing deep in the ear canal is very common in Poodles, which is why it can happen for the Goldendoodle as well. Dogs with long, floppy ears or heavy long hanging ears are the most susceptible to ear problems. Moisture becomes trapped inside the ear canal which provides the perfect area for bacteria and yeast to grow.

It is believe that ear mites can also cause ear yeast infections or the dog being possibly allergic to a specific type of food that he or she is eating. There are just so many reasons why ear yeast infections occur that it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF EAR YEAST INFECTIONS

Symptoms that your Goldendoodle or other canine may be getting an ear yeast infection can be a build up of wax inside the ear and/or other secretions. Ear wax may be a pinkish brown and have a foul smell coming from within the ear itself. This condition can not be seen without magnification, so ear yeast infections are not easy to spot or recognize. Upon examination, your vet may notice a spongy, thick mucus type of ear tissue inside the ear canal. Perhaps your Goldendoodle has been pawing at his or her ear/s or may have "itchy" ears. Sometimes a Goldendoodle with long, low hanging, heavy ears with alot of hair coverate may have recurring ear infections. Many Goldendoodles get an ear infection around summer time. For some Goldendoodles, they may not have any ear issues except for one specific time of the year.

Diagnosis of an ear infection does not tell your vet why the infection has occurred or what may have caused the problem. In order for your vet to know for sure that your Goldendoodle has an ear yeast infection, he or she will have to perform an ear culture. This means taking a swab and collecting evidence from the ear canal and then sending the swab to a laboratory for diagnosis. Your veterinarian can not determine ear yeast infections based on appearance or basic physical evidence alone. Your vet may ask you if your Goldendoodle has been shaking its head, pawing at its head or having what is known as an "itchy" ear. Clinical signs may help your vet determine if there is an ear problem going on, but without a laboratory culture, your vet can not determine exactly what is causing your canine the ear problem.


TREATING EAR YEAST INFECTIONS


If mites are the cause of your Goldendoodle's ear yeast infection, your veterinarian will recommend that your canine's ears be cleaned thoroughly and then ointment such as "mitex" be placed inside your dog's ears a few drops each day until the problem clears up. Many breeders and canine owners use Mitex to remove ear mites from their canine's ears. Many breeders and canine owners also use drops of Ivermectin. Most of the time, treatment is recommended for up to 14 days. If you are going to use Ivermectin, it is important to be careful with this drug. In large doses, Ivermectin can be fatal. Ivermectin 1% can be used in small droplets for between 10-14 days as treatment for ear mites. Do not use on dogs known to have sensitivities to Ivermectin.

If you are going to use Mitex, this is the most common over the counter drug that is used for ear mites. Use for 14 days in doses labeled upon the bottle. Both Mitex and Ivermectin can be purchased at most pet stores such as Tractor Supply. Both medications can also be ordered over the internet.

There are topical flea preventatives that can be used to help kill ear mites or prevent ear mites but it is not recommended for usage on Goldendoodles. Topical flea preventatives such as Revolution, Frontline and Preventic can cause early organ failure with Goldendoodles after a period of time. They can also cause seizures. Goldendoodles seem to be sensitive to topical flea treatments and these toxins can build up in the liver as well as kidneys. Over time, this can cause early death, liver or kidney failure with your Goldendoodle. Medications to prevent fleas
such as Comfortis or Program...a once a month flea tablet... is best to use on Goldendoodles.

For puppies or Goldendoodles six months to one year, I highly recommend staying away from all flea preventatives that have high pyrithrin levels. Many Goldendoodles can become sick or even die from pyrithrin toxicity. For many years, I have recommended to our customers to visit their local walmart store and purchase what is called "EQUATE" lice shampoo. This shampoo has low levels of pyrithrins and is safe for humans. Furthermore, this shampoo has been regulated by the FDA. Many dog products are not properly regulated and can be toxic for your dog. Equate lice shampoo will kill fleas, ticks, bird lice as well as ear mites. Follow the same directions on the bottle for usage. I also recommend not blow drying your Goldendoodle after using this medicated shampoo. Let your dog's coat dry naturally as the medication will bind to your dog's hairs.

Permethrins is a synthetic insecticide that can cause a toxic build up in the organs of your Goldendoodle. Many people do not give it a second thought when their veterinarian sells them topical flea treatments and other high level permethrin medication to kill fleas, mites and ticks. Months and years of this type of treatment can build up in the organs of your canine.

Symptoms of toxicity:

Drooling, vomiting, seizures, lethargy and muscle tremors.

Even if you have been using topical flea treatments for a long period of time on your Goldendoodle, it is especially important that you take him or her immediately to your vet if your Goldendoodle experiences the above symptoms. Toxicity can occur from once a month flea preventatives as well. Try to select a flea treatment with the lowest level of permethrin.

Skin and hair tests can confirm toxicity, but it may take several days for a laboratory to confirm this. Your vet will have to go by blood testing as well as clinical history and symptoms for a quick diagnosis. Toxic levels of permethrins can cause death in your canine.

If you suspect your Goldendoodle is having a toxic reaction to a topical flea treatment, immediately give your Goldendoodle a warm soap bath PRIOR to taking your Goldendoodle to your vet, to help immediately remove the chemicals from your doodle's hairs and skin. Take your doodle to your vet right after your dog's bath. He or she may administer what is called "diazepam" to help reduce the chances of a seizure. Your vet may also administer "methocarbamol" to treat possible muscle spasms or tremors. Both medications may be given through out the entire hospital stay. Permethrin toxicity will cause your Goldendoodle a hospital visit and the cost can be staggering. It is better to be safe than sorry and NOT use flea, tick or ear mite medications with high levels of permethrins that can cost you and your Goldendoodle, in the long run. You may want to try holistic preventatives as well as "EQUATE" lice shampoo.

If your Goldendoodle's ear yeast infection is caused from other issues, your veterinarian will prescribe medication such as an ear ointment (Otomax is a common drug used for most ear infections) and will tell you how long to apply the drops inside your canine's ears. For mild, ear yeast infections, your vet may also prescribe another type of medication such as Zymox otic enzymatic solution with hydrocortisone. This medication is also available without hydrocortisone. Please note that the above medication can be purchased over the counter and WITHOUT a prescription from your vet.

If your Goldendoodle has a bacterial infection inside of his or her ears, your vet may prescribe an oral medication to help treat this problem. Baytril is a common oral medication given to canine with bacterial ear infections. It is important to watch for allergic reactions if your vet prescribes your Goldendoodle Baytril. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling anywhere on the face or itchy bumps that appear to be hives are just some of the allergic reactions that can occur. There are many other type of medications your vet may provide to you as a means of treating your Goldendoodle's ear yeast infection.

Ear ointments or ear drops can be used to help clear up a yeast infection within your Goldendoodle's ear canal. Panalog, Tresaderm and Otomax are some of the most common ointments used. After applying any type of ointment or drops inside of your Goldendoodle's ears, he or she will shake their head. This is common, so do not be alarmed. Your Goldendoodle shaking his or her head does not mean the medication isn't working.


EAR YEAST INFECTION CAUSES

While any type of ear infection that your Goldendoodle may experience is painful and causes great discomfort, having an ear yeast infection does not mean your Goldendoodle has some underlying disease. Ear yeast infections can be caused from many things. Ear mites is just one of the most common reasons. Believe it or not, canine ear yeast infections are very common in dogs that have long, heavy or floppy ears. Goldendoodle dogs are very susceptible to ear infections because their long hair that covers their ears provides the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. Your doodle's body also provides a great place for parasites and pesky mites to survive and cause problems for him or her.

While it may be true that endocrin diseases such as hypothyroidism may predisposition your Goldendoodle to more frequent ear infections, your Goldendoodle must present a long history of health problems before this can be determined by your vet. A weakened immune system caused by chronic respiratory health problems and other long term health issues with your Goldendoodle may make him or her more susceptible to ear infections. Goldendoodles who have allergies seem to also be more prone to these common ear problems. Certain characteristics of the canine's ear is just one of the reasons why some dogs get more ear infections than others. Keeping your Goldendoodle's hair trimmed short around the ears will help reduce the possibility of an ear infection. The long hairs that hang close to your doodle's ears helps trap moisture which then allows bacteria and yeast to grow.

Your vet can not determine the exact reason as to why your Goldendoodle has an ear infection or has yeast or bacteria inside of his or her ear without knowing a full history of other possible health problems that may be going on. If your Goldendoodle has presented other long term health issues and is having frequent ear infections, clinical signs may help your vet determine whether or not your Goldendoodle has a weakened immune system. Blood tests can rule out other problems such as hypothyroidism. If your Goldendoodle has an ear infection or yeast ear infection, do not panic. This is a common ear problem for many dogs that can easily be treated.


**About the author: Dee Gerrish, of Goldendoodle World, has been a private breeder since 1996. Dee has been writing about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999. She was the first breeder to register the Goldendoodle hybrid with a kennel club in the United States. Dee is also one of the original founders for the Goldendoodle dog, for the entire southern region of the United States.

Goldendoodles- Taking care of your beach bum

Your Goldendoodle loves going to the beach as much as you. Perhaps even more. But sand can be a problem, especially when it gets in the eyes. As you perform your grooming routine for your Goldendoodle dog, he or she should be accustomed with being bathed and handled around the face. Beginning this process when your doodle is a young puppy is best.

A gentle cloth without any soap is recommended for cleaning around the eyes, mouth and facial area. When bathing your Goldendoodle, make sure to use shampoo from the back of the head and beyond. I wouldn't even recommend tearless shampoo for the face because even that can have irritants that could cause your doodle distress if it gets in his or her eyes.

Like living rays of sunshine, your Goldendoodle brings you warmth, comfort, joy and beauty into your life. All Goldendoodles require coat maintenance; even more so when he or she goes with you to the lake or the beach. There are some things you are going to want to bring with you when you take your Goldendoodle to the beach or the lake. Essentials in case sand gets into the eyes.

1. bottle of water or two
2. Some paper towels
3. trash bag
4. bottle of saline solution
5. bag of fresh fruit (preferably sliced apples)
6. doggie bowl
7. first aide kit
8. Slicker brush
9. Toys for playing


A slicker brush is great to use on your Goldendoodle's coat because it helps remove dead hairs. Be sure to brush out your Goldendoodle's coat before he or she gets wet. This help prevent matting which can tighten and multiply. If matting tends to be a problem for your Goldendoodle, purchasing a matting comb will help. Usually these type of combs have removable teeth. They slice right through matted hairs which allows you to brush your doodle much easier. Be careful to use short strokes in the direction of which the hairs grow. Never twist matted hair and pull since this can cause injury to your doodle's skin.


If sand gets into your Goldendoodle's eyes while at the beach, immediately flush the eyes with a bottle of saline solution. Water works okay in a pinch, but saline solution is best. Flush the eyes as best as possible and with a few paper towels, you can wipe the sand away from the hair along with using a bottle of water. As a treat that won't spoil, take along some sliced apples. A first aide kit is always best to have on hand in case your doodle steps on something sharp.

You can encourage your Goldendoodle to have a "soft mouth" by using training bumpers rather than a ball. The lake or the beach is the perfect play for playing "fetch" and your Goldendoodle will enjoy this outdoor experience. If you find yourself contemplating spending the entire day at the beach or lake with your Goldendoodle, make sure you bring along plenty of sunscreen for yourself and keep an eye on your doodle's skin. Believe it or not, even dogs can sunburn.

Some Goldendoodle owners shy away from the beach or lake experience only because they know their doodle's coat behaves like a magnet for all things sand...leaves...twigs. But you will find that your Goldendoodle will enjoy a beach or lake excursion because they have such a wide open area for running and playing. Many people think that a Goldendoodle is a natural in the water, but all dogs must be taught how to swim. If you start with a kiddie pool when your doodle is a young puppy, you can graduate to bigger and better things as your doodle becomes more confident in the water. Taking a frisbee along with you can be quite an experience.

When your Goldendoodle asks for something such as food, play or whatever, ask your doodle to do something for you, first. Then reward him or her by granting his or her request. "Rewards" should be tasty and wholesome. Many dogs enjoy chomping on fresh sliced apples...even dried bananas. You can even supercharge your doodle's dry food by placing some of it in a bag along with highly flavored treats. Place it in a jar over night. The resulting "trail mix" will generate more interest than his or her own plain, every day doggie food. When at the beach or lake, your Goldendoodle can be the star providing you've taught him or her some basic obedience.
The main thing is to have SAFE fun and make sure your Goldendoodle isn't out in the sun for too long. The sun is very bright at the beach and too much sunlight exposure can cause early cater acts in your doodle's eyes. Keep your doodle in a long, retractable leash if you are not sure he or she will respond quickly to your commands.

Bring an umbrella and a nice big blanket and have tons of fun!


**About the author: Dee Gerrish, of Goldendoodle World, has been writing about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999. More information about the Goldendoodle can be found at http://www.goldendoodelworld.com

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.