Training Your Doodle
Goldendoodles are among the smartest, most eager-to-please dogs on the planet. Start early, stay consistent, and use positive reinforcement — they will amaze you.
Our Training Philosophy
We are positive-reinforcement only. No shock collars, no prong collars, no "alpha rolls." Modern dog training science is clear: dogs learn faster, retain more, and bond more deeply when training is reward-based.
Train in short, frequent sessions — 5 minutes, 3–5 times a day is far better than one long session. End every session on a win, even if you have to back up to an easier cue.
Use high-value treats early on (tiny pieces of cooked chicken or freeze-dried liver). Once a behavior is solid, transition to praise, play, and life rewards.
Training Timeline
8–10 weeks
Name recognition, sit, hand-feeding, gentle handling
10–14 weeks
Down, come (recall), loose-leash walking, place
4–6 months
Stay (duration), leave it, drop it, polite greetings
6–12 months
Off-leash recall, public manners, impulse control
Housebreaking Done Right
The single biggest predictor of fast potty training is supervision plus schedule. If your puppy is loose in the house unsupervised, they will have accidents.
Take them outside the moment they wake up, after every meal, after every play session, and every 1–2 hours otherwise. Praise lavishly the second they finish going outside.
Pair potty training with crate training — a properly sized crate becomes a den your puppy won't want to soil.
The Potty Routine
- 1Take them to the same outdoor spot every time — the scent reinforces the habit.
- 2Use a consistent cue word ("go potty") as they begin to go.
- 3Reward within 3 seconds of finishing — treats and verbal praise.
- 4If they don't go within 5 minutes, return to the crate and try again in 15.
- 5Never punish accidents — interrupt with a clap, take them outside, and reward success.
Recommended Programs
You don't have to do this alone. These are the training resources we recommend most often to our families.
Baxter & Bella Online Puppy School
Excellent positive-reinforcement curriculum with lifetime access — our top recommendation for new families.
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
Find an AKC-certified instructor in your area. Great for socialization plus structured training.
Pupford Academy
Short daily lessons that fit any schedule. Strong fundamentals and trick training.
Local AKC CGC Trainers
Work toward Canine Good Citizen certification — a great long-term goal that opens doors to therapy work.
Socialization
Aim for 100 new people, places, and surfaces by 16 weeks. Always keep experiences positive and pressure-free.
Mental Work
Snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, and trick training tire a doodle faster than a long walk. Use this to your advantage.
Patience
Adolescence (6–18 months) is tough. Behaviors regress, listening fades. Stay consistent — it passes, and a wonderful adult emerges.
Smart Dogs, Happy Families
Training is the gift that keeps giving — a well-trained doodle is welcome everywhere. We're always here to answer questions as your puppy grows.