Goldendoodles are intelligent, affectionate, and playful, but understanding their behavior can sometimes be challenging. Learn why they act the way they do and how you can better support their needs.
Goldendoodles are a delightful mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, blending the best traits of both breeds. Known for their intelligence, sociability, and energy, these dogs make wonderful family pets, but they also come with unique quirks and behavioral patterns. This guide will help you understand the reasons behind some common Goldendoodle behaviors, so you can build a stronger bond with your furry friend.
The Friendly and Social Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are famously social and often crave companionship. This trait stems from their Retriever side, known for loyalty and people-oriented behavior. A Goldendoodle might follow you from room to room, eager to stay close to you.
Why They Act This Way: Goldendoodles are highly social and often don’t do well being left alone for long periods. This can sometimes lead to separation anxiety if not properly managed.
How to Support This Behavior:
- Keep them mentally engaged with toys like the KONG Classic Dog Toy, which can be stuffed with treats, giving them something to focus on while you’re out.
KONG Classic Dog Toy provides durable chewing entertainment, perfect for teething and mental stimulation. Fill with treats to keep your Goldendoodle engaged and happy.
- Consider a pet camera like the Kasa Dog Camera to check in and even talk to your Goldendoodle remotely. We love this and use it daily.
The Kasa Smart Home Security Camera offers high-definition video, night vision, and motion detection, perfect for monitoring pets and home security. With two-way audio, you can check in and communicate remotely for peace of mind.
The High Energy Levels
Goldendoodles are active and need a lot of exercise. Their Poodle lineage contributes to their high energy and agility, while Retrievers are known for their stamina. Without sufficient exercise, Goldendoodles can become bored and develop behaviors like chewing or digging.
Why They Act This Way: Bred from active working breeds, Goldendoodles have natural energy levels that require outlets.
How to Support This Behavior: Aim for at least an hour of activity daily, including walks, fetch, or playtime. Set up an agility course with items like the Outward Hound Agility Kit to challenge their bodies and minds.
The Outward Hound Zip & Zoom Agility Training Kit offers fun, interactive agility training for dogs. With weave poles, a tunnel, and a jump, it helps build coordination, exercise, and bonding with your pet.
Intelligent and Quick Learners
Goldendoodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, thanks to their Poodle ancestry. This intelligence means they pick up commands quickly and are easy to train but also means they can become bored if under-stimulated.
Why They Act This Way: Intelligence is a core trait of both parent breeds, and Goldendoodles thrive in environments where they can learn and be challenged.
How to Support This Behavior:
- Use high-value treats like Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats to reinforce training commands.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats are perfect for rewarding dogs during training sessions. Made with real chicken, they’re low-calorie, soft, and easy to chew, supporting positive reinforcement without overfeeding.
- Try a puzzle toy like the Outward Hound Puzzle Feeder to engage their problem-solving skills.
The Outward Hound Lickin' Layers Puzzle Feeder offers interactive fun and mental stimulation for dogs. With multiple layers to explore, it helps slow down eating and keeps pets engaged, promoting healthy feeding habits.
Goldendoodles and Separation Anxiety
Goldendoodles often bond strongly with their families and may struggle with being alone. This can manifest as barking, destructive behavior, or even attempts to escape.
Why They Act This Way: Goldendoodles’ friendly nature makes them prone to attachment and, subsequently, separation anxiety.
How to Support This Behavior:
- If crate-trained, use a cozy crate with a soft bed like the Bedsure Memory Foam Dog Bed to create a safe, comforting space.
Bedsure Memory Foam Dog Bed provides orthopedic support with waterproof memory foam, a removable washable cover, and nonskid bottom—perfect for large dogs' comfort.
- Calming aids like the Adaptil Calming Diffuser can help soothe anxiety and make alone time easier for them.
The ThunderEase Calming Pheromone Diffuser helps reduce anxiety in dogs by mimicking natural calming pheromones. Ideal for easing stress from thunderstorms, travel, or separation, it promotes a relaxed, comforting environment.
Why Goldendoodles Bark and How to Curb It
Goldendoodles are typically not excessive barkers, but they might bark to communicate, out of boredom, or when they sense strangers. Barking is natural, but it’s helpful to set boundaries.
Why They Act This Way: Barking can be a result of boredom, anxiety, or a way to alert owners.
How to Support This Behavior:
- Consistently reward calm behavior with treats like Blue Buffalo Training Treats to reinforce positive habits.
Why? Blue Buffalo makes natural and healthy treats, and the 19-oz bag is larger (and often cheaper) than comparable products on Amazon.
- Keep them entertained with long-lasting chew toys like the Nylabone Dura Chew to reduce boredom-related barking.
The Nylabone Dura Chew toy offers durable, long-lasting chew toys designed to satisfy dogs' natural chewing instincts. With different textures and shapes, it helps reduce boredom and supports dental health.
Understanding Goldendoodle’s Love for Water
Goldendoodles often enjoy water play, thanks to their Retriever roots. Whether it’s splashing in puddles or swimming in a pool, many Goldendoodles are naturally drawn to water.
Why They Act This Way: Retrievers were historically bred for water activities, and many Goldendoodles inherit this trait.
How to Support This Behavior:
- Provide safe water play with something like the Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pool, perfect for summer days.
The Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pool is a durable, portable pool perfect for pets' summer playtime. Easy to set up and collapse, it’s ideal for cooling off or bath time, indoors or outdoors.
- Consider a waterproof collar like the Educator Quick Sname Bungee Collar that can withstand water play.
The Educator Waterproof Dog Collar is durable, odor-proof, and fully adjustable, ideal for active dogs. Designed to withstand all weather conditions, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures and easy to clean.
Chewing and Exploring
Goldendoodles, especially as puppies, may chew on items around the house. This can be a result of teething, boredom, or a desire to explore.
Why They Act This Way: Chewing is natural for puppies, but it can continue if they’re not given proper outlets.
How to Support This Behavior:
- Offer durable chew toys like the Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone to satisfy their natural chewing instincts. Dog-proof your home by keeping valuables out of reach and providing plenty of appropriate chew options.
The Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone is a durable chew toy designed for aggressive chewers. Made with real flavors, it satisfies your dog’s chewing instincts while promoting dental health and lasting engagement.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your Goldendoodle’s behavior is key to creating a happy, balanced life for them. By addressing their social needs, energy levels, and natural instincts, you’ll be able to nurture a well-behaved, joyful companion. Investing in a few tools and toys can make all the difference in supporting their unique behaviors and ensuring they feel fulfilled.
Looking for more tips? Check out our other guides on Goldendoodle care and product recommendations to keep your furry friend healthy and happy!
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