Puppies bring limitless joy to the home, but they also come with major responsibilities. Getting your home, family and dog into a consistent routine early on will help you manage your new pet’s needs throughout life.

Before welcoming a Goldendoodle into your home, make sure to research the breed and visit responsible breeders. Doing so will help you avoid puppies with genetic conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.

Understand the Breed

Goldendoodles are intelligent, eager-to-please dogs that take well to positive reinforcement training. They also have a lot of energy, so they need daily exercise and play to keep them from becoming bored or engaged in destructive behaviors like digging or excessive barking.

Golden doodles do well in homes with children and other pets, but it’s best to socialize them early on to prevent any potential aggression toward smaller animals like rabbits, hamsters, or guinea pigs, which they view as prey. These puppies love playing fetch and other interactive games and are not excessively noisy or possessive, so they’re a good choice for people who live in apartments or who don’t have a yard.

The poodle gene in these crossbreeds makes them hypoallergenic, so they can be a great choice for people with allergies or who cannot tolerate shed hair. However, they still require regular grooming with a brush or professional trim to avoid matting or tangling. They can also be prone to conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, which can lead to blindness if not treated.

Find a Good Breeder

A reputable breeder will put the health of their puppies and the parents first. They will also prioritize temperament and socialization. You can find a breeder through recommendations from friends and family or through online communities dedicated to dogs. You should try to visit the breeding facility if possible, as this will allow you to see their facilities and assess the living conditions.

A responsible breeder will want to know a lot about you before they place one of their puppies in your care. They will ask questions about your lifestyle, whether or not you live with other pets, and your experience raising dogs.

They will also provide a contract and guarantee, showing their dedication to the puppies and their future owners. A good breeder will also offer aftercare, ensuring that they are available to answer any questions you may have. They will not sell their puppies to puppy mills, which prioritize profit over the wellbeing of the dogs.

Plan Your Puppy’s Schedule

Puppies like to eat, sleep and relieve themselves on a consistent schedule. Keeping your puppy on this routine helps them feel safe and secure and provides consistency in their day. Start with their morning potty break, followed by play and training or just hanging out in their crate or playpen (it’s a good idea to avoid vigorous exercise right before nap time). After dinner, take them out for another toilet break, and then game, training, or chew/lick snack time in the crate again.

This activity allows them to process all the new information they’ve taken in and prepare for their next nap. As they get older you can increase this activity. If they begin restlessly sniffing around or circling, it’s time to go outside again. Avoid scolding your puppy for accidents, as this only makes them more stressed and prone to future mistakes. Keep in mind, that Goldendoodles can be very mellow dogs when they’re tired.

Prepare for Training

Goldendoodles are highly trainable, eager to learn, and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. This type of training is especially effective when done consistently from a young age. This makes them great candidates for obedience, agility, and service dog training.

They’re also social dogs and love playing with kids, other pets, and even the grumpiest grandpas. They’re active but not hyperactive, and their playful nature means they can strike up friendships with just about everyone in the household in no time at all.

It’s a good idea to have a daily puppy schedule mapped out before you welcome your new furry friend home so you know what to expect. This includes waking them up at the same time each morning, taking them outside for potty breaks and walks, playtime, and training sessions.

Avoid letting your puppy jump on people in greeting, and teach them to sit instead. This helps prevent them from becoming overly excited and can keep them calmer when meeting new people or other dogs in public.