At a glance
- Goldendoodles don't reach full behavioural maturity until around two years old, requiring patience and ongoing training
- Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable but prone to boredom without mental stimulation
- Most common issues include demand barking, leash pulling, jumping on people, and reactivity toward other dogs
- Positive reinforcement training combined with early socialisation addresses most behavioural problems effectively
Understanding your Goldendoodle's unique behavioural challenges
You might notice your Goldendoodle displaying behaviours that seem puzzling, especially if you're comparing them to other breeds you've owned. These dogs inherit a fascinating combination of traits from both Golden Retrievers and Poodles, creating a personality that's simultaneously eager to please and incredibly energetic. This combination can lead to specific behavioural challenges that catch many owners off guard.
The most important thing to understand about your dog is that they mature physically much faster than mentally. While they may look like full-grown adults at 12 months, their brain is still developing until around two years old. This explains why some behaviours that seemed resolved can resurface during adolescence, and why patience becomes your most valuable training tool.
Their high intelligence works both for and against you. These dogs learn quickly, which makes training rewarding, but they also become bored easily when not mentally challenged. A bored Goldendoodle often becomes a destructive or attention-seeking one.
Common problem behaviours and what triggers them
Many Goldendoodle owners worry when their friendly, social dog suddenly starts barking demandingly for attention or toys. This behaviour typically stems from their naturally playful and social nature, but it can quickly become problematic if reinforced accidentally. When your dog barks and you respond by giving attention, even negative attention, you're teaching them that barking works.
Leash pulling presents another common challenge. Their enthusiasm and high energy levels make every walk feel like an adventure to them, leading to that familiar tug-of-war scenario. Similarly, jumping on people reflects their exuberant, friendly personality, but guests don't always appreciate a 30-kilogram dog launching themselves in greeting.
Some dogs develop reactivity or aggression toward other dogs, which often surprises owners given the breed's typically social nature. This behaviour usually stems from excitement that escalates beyond their control, fear from inadequate early socialisation, or frustration when they can't reach other dogs while on leash.
The foundation: positive reinforcement training
Research consistently shows that positive reinforcement works exceptionally well with these intelligent, people-pleasing dogs. Rather than focusing on what your dog shouldn't do, this approach rewards what they should do, encouraging them to repeat good behaviour naturally.
Start with high-value treats that your dog finds irresistible. Small pieces of cooked egg work wonderfully, as do commercial training treats like Zuke's Mini Naturals. The key is using something your dog considers worth working for, not just their regular kibble.
Timing matters enormously in positive reinforcement. The reward must come immediately after the desired behaviour, within seconds, for your dog to make the connection. A training clicker can help mark the exact moment your dog does something right, making your communication clearer.
Consistency across all family members is crucial. If one person allows jumping while another discourages it, your dog receives mixed messages that slow progress significantly.
Teaching the focus command for better control
One of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog is the "focus" command, where they look directly at your face on cue. This simple behaviour becomes your foundation for managing almost every other problem, from demand barking to reactivity around other dogs.
Begin training this indoors with minimal distractions. Hold a treat near your face and say "focus" or "look." The moment your dog makes eye contact, mark it with "yes" or a click, then reward immediately. Practice this several times daily in short sessions.
Once your dog reliably focuses indoors, gradually add distractions. Practice in the garden, then on quiet streets, building up to more challenging environments. When your dog starts barking for attention, ignore the barking completely but ask for focus instead. The moment they sit quietly and look at you, reward generously.
This technique works because it gives your dog an alternative behaviour that earns them what they want, your attention, without the problematic barking.
Addressing leash pulling and reactivity
Leash training requires changing the leader-follower dynamic between you and your dog. Many dogs pull because they've learned that pulling gets them where they want to go faster. Breaking this pattern takes consistency and the right equipment.
A front-clip harness or head halter gives you better control without causing discomfort. These tools redirect your dog's forward momentum rather than fighting against it. Start with short training walks where you can focus entirely on rewarding loose leash walking rather than trying to reach a destination.
For dogs showing reactivity toward other dogs, Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT) offers an effective approach. This method involves controlled exposure to other dogs at a distance where your dog remains calm. You gradually decrease the distance as your dog learns to stay relaxed, building positive associations rather than using punishment or corrections.
The key is working below your dog's reaction threshold. If they start barking or lunging, you're too close and need to increase distance until they can see other dogs calmly.
Managing jumping and attention-seeking behaviours
Jumping on people often gets inadvertently reinforced because it's initially cute or because people give attention while trying to push the dog down. The solution requires everyone who interacts with your dog to respond consistently.
Teach an alternative greeting behaviour like sitting for attention. When guests arrive, ask your dog to sit before they receive any greeting. If they jump, the person should turn away and ignore them completely. The moment all four paws hit the ground, attention and petting can resume.
For persistent attention-seeking behaviours, structured routines work well. If your dog typically barks at mealtime, interrupt this pattern by directing them to a down-stay position instead. Reward the calm behaviour frequently at first, then gradually reduce the frequency of rewards as the new pattern becomes established.
The importance of mental and physical exercise
A tired dog is typically a well-behaved dog, but these intelligent animals need both physical and mental exhaustion. Daily walks alone won't satisfy a breed developed from two highly active working dogs.
Puzzle toys from brands like Kong or Nina Ottosson provide mental challenges that can tire your dog as effectively as physical exercise. Rotate different toys weekly to maintain novelty and interest. Scent games, where you hide treats around the house or garden, tap into their natural foraging instincts.
Obedience training itself serves as mental exercise. Short, five-minute training sessions twice daily often prove more effective than longer sessions, as these dogs can become overwhelmed or lose focus with extended training periods.
Without adequate mental stimulation, even well-exercised dogs may develop destructive behaviours, excessive barking, or hyperactivity that makes other training more difficult.
When to seek professional help
Sometimes the reasons behind behavioural problems are complex, involving medical issues, deep-seated fears, or patterns that have become too entrenched for home training alone. If your dog shows persistent aggression, severe anxiety, or behaviours that don't improve with consistent training over several weeks, professional help becomes necessary.
Look for certified professional dog trainers or veterinary behaviourists with experience working with similar breeds. The investment in professional training typically ranges from moderate to high cost depending on your location, but it's often more economical than dealing with ongoing behavioural problems.
Don't wait until problems become severe. Early intervention with professional guidance can prevent minor issues from developing into major behavioural challenges that are much harder to resolve.
