5 Goldendoodle Puppy Training Tips

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Is​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ a Goldendoodle puppy the newest member of your family? Great job! They are absolutely lovable, full of fluff and liveliness.

However, let’s face it, underneath all that lovability, there is a huge pile of “OMG, what have I done?” mixed with “how do I even teach this little land shark anything?”

I understand. I was in the same boat and also with numerous friends. Goldendoodles are nice dogs, they are intelligent and willing to please, but they still have some quirks for their own.

They can become extremely energetic, may be a little bit awkward, and those clever minds need to be given a task. In case you are feeling a little overwhelmed, or perhaps you just want to make sure that you get off to the right paw, then you have come to the right place.

We will be discussing some tangible, everyday things that you can start doing to create a happy life ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌together.

Understanding Your Goldendoodle Puppy

First things first, let’s chat about what makes Goldendoodles tick. They’re a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle, and you get a little bit of both.

That means you’ve got a dog that’s generally intelligent, social, and wants to be with you. But it also means they can be high-energy, sensitive, and sometimes a bit dramatic.

Every dog is an individual, of course, but knowing the general traits helps. They learn fast, which is awesome, but it also means they can learn the wrong things just as quickly if you’re not consistent.

And yes, they’re cute, but don’t let that fluffy face fool you into letting them get away with too much. Consistency is key, even when they’re tiny.

1. Start Potty Training Day One

This is probably the first thing on everyone’s mind, right? And it’s for a good reason. Accidents indoors are frustrating for everyone.

Here’s the thing: puppies don’t come knowing where to go. It’s our job to teach them.

The “Go Outside” Routine

So, the moment your puppy wakes up, after they eat, after they play, and before bed – take them out. Seriously, even if it feels like just ten minutes ago.

Take them to the same spot every time if you can. Stay with them on a leash, don’t just open the door and let them wander.

When they do their business outside, praise them like they just won an Olympic medal. Give them a super tasty treat immediately.

Like, the second they finish, “YES! Good potty!” and treat. This makes them connect going outside with awesome rewards.

Crate Training Helps

A crate can be your best friend for potty training. Dogs generally don’t want to soil their sleeping area.

Make the crate a positive place with comfy bedding and toys. Don’t use it for punishment.

A good rule of thumb for how long a puppy can hold it is their age in months plus one hour (up to a reasonable limit, of course).

So, a 3-month-old puppy can hold it for about 4 hours during the day. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it’s a guide.

2. Tackle Nipping and Biting Gently

Goldendoodle puppies, like most puppies, are total land sharks. Those needle teeth hurt!

It’s natural puppy behavior, but we need to teach them quickly that human skin isn’t a chew toy.

The “Yelp and Walk Away” Method

When your puppy nips you too hard, give a high-pitched “ouch!” or “yip!” – something that sounds like another puppy getting hurt.

Then, immediately withdraw all attention. Stand up, turn your back, or even leave the room for 10-20 seconds.

This teaches them that biting too hard makes the fun stop. When you come back, offer them an appropriate chew toy instead.

Reward them for chewing on the toy, not your hands.

Redirect, Redirect, Redirect

Always have a variety of chew toys handy. When you see your puppy coming at your hand, preemptively stick a toy in their mouth.

You want to teach them what they CAN chew, not just what they can’t. Goldendoodles love to chew, so give them good outlets.

Things like bully sticks, kongs filled with peanut butter, or durable chew toys are great.

3. Start Socialization Early and Safely

This is so, so important, especially for a Goldendoodle. Their parents are typically social breeds, but early experiences still shape them.

The critical socialization window for puppies is roughly from 3 to 16 weeks.

During this time, positive experiences can help prevent fear or aggression later on.

Safe Encounters are Key

You want to expose your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, smells, people, and other dogs. But it needs to be positive and safe.

Before they’re fully vaccinated, avoid dog parks or areas with unknown dogs. Puppy classes are great because all the puppies are typically vaccinated and supervised.

Introduce them to different types of people: kids, adults, people with hats, people with glasses, people in wheelchairs.

Let them hear different sounds like vacuums, doorbells, traffic. Do it calmly and pair it with treats.

The goal isn’t to force interaction, but to create positive associations. Let them observe and get treats for being calm and happy.

4. Teach Basic Cues with Positive Reinforcement

Goldendoodles are smart, and they love to learn, especially when there’s a tasty reward involved. This is where positive reinforcement shines.

We’re talking about using treats, praise, and toys to reward behaviors you like.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Puppies have short attention spans. Keep training sessions super short, like 2-5 minutes, a few times a day.

End on a positive note, even if it’s just for something simple they did right.

Start with basic cues like “sit,” “stay” (for short periods), “come,” and “down.”

How to Teach “Sit”

Hold a treat near your puppy’s nose. Slowly move the treat up and back over their head, towards their tail.

As their nose follows the treat, their rear end will naturally lower into a sit.

The moment their bum touches the ground, say “YES!” or “Good sit!” and give them the treat.

Repeat this a few times. Once they start getting it, add the word “sit” just as their bum is going down.

Practice in different places and with different distractions as they get older.

5. Manage Their Energy Levels

Goldendoodles are active dogs. They need an outlet for that energy, or they’ll find their own, and you probably won’t like their choices (hello, chewed furniture!).

Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise.

Balance Physical and Mental Stimulation

Daily walks are great, but don’t overdo it with a young puppy’s joints. Ask your vet about appropriate exercise levels.

Short play sessions with toys, fetch, or tug-of-war (with rules, like “drop it” on cue) are good.

For mental stimulation, use puzzle toys where they have to figure out how to get treats.

Scatter their kibble in the grass and let them sniff it out. This “nose work” is surprisingly tiring for dogs.

Working on training cues also provides mental exercise. A tired Goldendoodle is a well-behaved Goldendoodle.

Consistency, Patience, and Empathy

Look, I know this can be incredibly frustrating. There will be days when you feel like you’ve made zero progress, or maybe even gone backward.

You might feel guilty, or just plain exhausted. That’s totally normal, and you’re not alone.

Just remember, your puppy isn’t trying to be bad. They’re just doing what dogs do, and it’s our job to guide them.

Be consistent with your rules and rewards. Everyone in the household needs to be on the same page.

And be patient. Learning takes time. Celebrate the small wins, even if it’s just one accident-free hour.

Your Goldendoodle wants to please you, and with gentle guidance, you’ll build an amazing bond.

FAQ

What if my Goldendoodle puppy keeps jumping on me?

When your puppy jumps, turn your back and ignore them. Don’t say anything, don’t push them off. Once all four paws are on the floor, even for a second, then calmly give attention and a treat. You’re teaching them that jumping gets them nothing, but calm behavior gets rewarded.

How do I stop my Goldendoodle puppy from barking excessively?

First, figure out why they’re barking. Are they bored, seeking attention, scared, or reacting to something outside? If it’s for attention, ignore the barking and reward quiet. If it’s boredom, increase exercise and mental stimulation. If it’s reactivity, try to manage their environment and work on desensitization with a trainer.

Is it okay to use a harness for a Goldendoodle puppy that pulls on walks?

Yes, a front-clip harness can be very helpful for puppies that pull. It redirects their pulling power to their chest, making it harder and less comfortable for them to pull you forward. It’s a great tool to use while you’re also teaching loose-leash walking skills with positive reinforcement.

When should I enroll my Goldendoodle puppy in obedience classes?

As soon as your vet gives the okay after their first round of shots, usually around 8-12 weeks. Puppy kindergarten classes are fantastic for early socialization in a safe environment and for learning basic cues. Plus, it’s a great way for you to learn from a professional and connect with other puppy owners.

My Goldendoodle puppy seems to chew on everything. What can I do?

Puppies explore with their mouths, and Goldendoodles are big chewers. Make sure you’ve puppy-proofed your home by removing anything dangerous or valuable. Provide a variety of appropriate chew toys, rotate them to keep things interesting, and redirect their chewing onto a toy whenever you catch them chewing something they shouldn’t.