Goldendoodle

There are many types of Goldendoodles, as well as a lot of variation in this crossbreed, but Goldendoodles are almost universally considered low-maintenance dogs in many important ways. Some of the ways in which Goldendoodles have low-maintenance qualities include the following: 

• Plays well with others The Goldendoodle temperament is one of this crossbreed’s claims to fame. Goldendoodles tend to be easygoing, curious, loyal and affectionate. This is good news for pet parents, but Goldendoodles aren’t even-tempered only with their favorite humans. They’re usually gentle with kids and happy to share a home with other pets, too. 
• Sheds very little Does a Goldendoodle shed? Yes, but not enough to be noticeable in some dogs. Thanks to their Poodle parent’s genetics, many Goldendoodles are considered a low-shedding dog. If you routinely brush your Goldendoodle, you’ll likely avoid excess hair all over your home. 
• Barks only when necessary If yapping and howling at the slightest provocation are traits that cause you to stress, you’ll be happy to know that Goldendoodles typically bark only when necessary. However, if unwanted barking occurs often, you can partner with a professional trainer for help.
• Painless Goldendoodle training Goldendoodles’ intelligence, responsiveness and desire to please their pet parents make them remarkably easy to train. If you make an effort to give cues patiently and deliberately and reward your Goldendoodle’s efforts with plenty of praise, attention and treats, you’ll find that they are happy to perform the tasks you set for them. 
• Self-sufficient No dog should be left alone for too long, but Goldendoodles—especially well-socialized and well-trained ones—tend to be fairly self-sufficient. It’s always important to set them up for success and ensure that the home is safe and that you have provided them with enriching toys to keep them occupied.

What is a Goldendoodle like around other dogs, other animals and kids? Most pet parents find that the Goldendoodle temperament is spectacularly suited to family life. While Goldendoodles’ good traits are hard to count and catalog, some of the factors that contribute to their easy fit within families include: 

• Gentle with kids Goldendoodles, though energetic, tend to have relaxed and easygoing attitudes—including around children. However, there should always be boundaries and parental supervision with all dog and children interactions.
• Good at sharing space Goldendoodles aren’t aggressive by nature. In fact, Goldendoodles who have been well socialized with proper Goldendoodle training may enjoy and often prefer the presence of others. However, it’s important to remember to respect their space and observe their body language to ensure they’re comfortable in all situations.
• Affectionate It’s no surprise that affectionate, people-loving dogs like Goldendoodles are happy to cuddle.
• Loyal If you have a Goldendoodle, you have a lifelong friend. The loyal Goldendoodle temperament makes these dogs eager to bond with their pet parents and follow them devotedly.
• Energetic and playful Goldendoodles love to romp and play. They’re athletic, energetic dogs who require vigorous exercise every day. If you have kids—or even if you just have other dogs—then your Goldendoodle has built-in playmates who can help wear each other out. Your kids can keep themselves occupied and get ample exercise by participating in the interactive activities that Goldendoodles love, such as fetch with a tennis ball or flying disc.
• Longevity The typical Goldendoodle life span is longer than that of their Golden Retriever parent. Since Goldendoodles can live up to 15 years, a Goldendoodle is a dog your kids can grow up with and enjoy playtime with for a large part of their childhood.

Different types of Goldendoodles have different types of fur—from loose waves to tight curls. But unlike their Golden Retriever parent, Goldendoodles do not tend to shed as much. This does not mean that Goldendoodles never lose hair. In fact, they “shed” similarly to how humans shed hair—a few infrequent strands at a time. It’s unrealistic to expect that your dog’s hair will never make an appearance on clothes, in the car or on furniture. Some Goldendoodles do have a double coat like their Golden Retriever parent, and there will be seasonal times that you may see a bit more loose hair. However, the type of rampant shedding that accompanies German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers is not as prominent with Goldendoodles. In fact, they are sometimes referred to as non-shedding dogs.  

Regular grooming will help keep those loose hairs at bay, and shorter trims may be ideal for those pet parents who don’t want to maintain a longer coat. If you want to give your Goldendoodle a signature style, remember that Petco offers a wide range of grooming services. A Petco grooming professional will be happy to bring out the best in your Goldendoodle’s lovely coat.  

Every dog of this crossbreed is different, but a good guideline is to brush your Goldendoodle several times a week—more often if your pup has curly fur or a longer coat that tends to mat easier. Bathe your Goldendoodle every 6–8 weeks to help maintain skin & coat health. You may need to bathe your Goldendoodle more frequently if they have special needs or if recommended by your vet—or if they just get dirty often.  

If you can, brush their teeth daily—or at least several times a week. Clip their nails and clean the inside of their ears at least once a month.

As for a haircut by a Petco certified groomer or by grooming a Goldendoodle at home, look to do that every 6–8 weeks. You may be able to wait longer between Goldendoodle cuts if you keep their fur short.  

There are many ways to groom a Goldendoodle. Your Doodle’s cut can depend on your preference, or you may want to give them a hairstyle that saves you grooming time or helps them stay comfortable in cold or warm weather. 

Does grooming your Goldendoodle seem like a lot of work? Consider stopping by your local Petco Pet Care Center, going to petco.com or using the Petco app to make an appointment with a certified groomer. While you’re there, shop for cute dog apparel so your pet can show off their new cut and personal style. 

Goldendoodle health issues are generally considered less common than congenital disorders experienced by other breeds. As a hybrid breed, they tend to have a lower risk of certain health issues than their purebred Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. Adopting from an experienced and responsible breeder or shelter can help you understand any specific health risks that your pup’s ancestors may have experienced. You can also ask if a Goldendoodle rescue organization or shelter knows the breeding history of a dog you wish to adopt.  

After adopting your Goldendoodle, make sure to schedule regular veterinary service appointments and provide your dog complete and balanced nutrition to help them enjoy the full life expectancy of a Goldendoodle.  

Although neurological disorders aren’t exactly common in canines, epilepsy is the most common type dogs experience. It is a risk factor in Poodles, which means Goldendoodles can also be prone to this health issue. If your dog is showing signs that lead you to believe they’re having a seizure, seek medical treatment immediately.  

In many ways, Goldendoodles can be considered low-maintenance dogs. Yet they require—and deserve—as much consideration and attention as any other dog breed. Some of the best things for Goldendoodles include the following: 

• Grooming and oral care Though they’re low-shedding dogs, plan on brushing your Goldendoodle at least once a week to help keep tangles out of their curly fur. Remember to schedule grooming appointments to avoid any matting issues with their long coat. You should also ensure your pup has a daily dental routine. Plan to brush your dog’s teeth once a day—or at least a few times a week—for optimal dental health. On days you don’t have time to brush their teeth, you can utilize dental treats, wipes or water additives.
• Training Getting started on their schooling around eight weeks of age is one of the best things for Goldendoodles—it helps them understand which behaviors are desirable and provides an opportunity for bonding and trust-building. Just remember that training should be age-appropriate and that complex cues shouldn’t be introduced until your puppy has mastered the basics.
• Flea & tick treatments No new Goldendoodle puppy checklist is complete without a flea & tick prevention plan. In general, it is easier and more effective to protect your Goldendoodle from fleas & ticks through preventive measures than to battle an active infestation or treat your pup after they’ve contracted a disease from these parasites.  
• Veterinary care When it comes to your dog’s wellbeing, even the best Goldendoodle solutions can’t make up for routine veterinary care. Even when they appear to be in great condition, your Goldendoodle should have at minimum one annual veterinary checkup. Dogs don’t often complain about minor pain from serious health issues, so this is highly recommended.
• Exercise Goldendoodles thrive on movement and playtime. Adult Goldendoodles need a minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity a day. They also typically love activities that require some element of skill—swimming and fetch are both likely to be favorite pastimes. Exercising with your dog can also be a great way to bond with your pet. 

As you establish a comfortable home and a proper care routine for your Goldendoodle, there is some Goldendoodle stuff you’ll find especially helpful to have on hand. Some of the best Goldendoodle products you can buy for your dog include things like the following: 

• Food and supplements Delicious dog food that provides high-quality nutrients your dog needs for optimal growth and development is one of the best things for Goldendoodles’ overall wellbeing. Supportive supplements for joints, skin and digestion can be great options when you’re looking to take your dog’s diet beyond the basics. 
• Crate Since Goldendoodles come in a range of sizes, there is no standard Goldendoodle crate size. However, you can determine the correct size for your dog by selecting an enclosure about 4 inches taller, longer and wider than your Goldendoodle. Measure dogs from the floor to the top of their head, from the tip of their snout to the end of their tail and side to side across their body’s widest point—typically their shoulders. Then add 4 inches to these measurements to determine which Goldendoodle kennel size is appropriate for your dog. 
• Bedding Your Goldendoodle deserves a place to sleep that feels secure and cozy. Whether or not your dog sleeps in a crate, choose a bed that’s the correct size and lets your dog curl up comfortably. 
• Collars and leashes Whether you choose a collar or a harness for your dog, it’s important to pick one that fits correctly. A Goldendoodle harness or collar should fit snugly enough that your dog can’t wriggle out of it, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it’s uncomfortable or restrictive. Your Goldendoodle leash should be sturdy enough to withstand some pulling but long enough to let your Goldendoodle sniff around and explore while on walks.  
• Potty solutions When your dog is young, absorbent potty pads are among the most useful Goldendoodle puppy supplies to have on hand. Even after your dog has completed potty training, accidents can happen—a stain and odor remover spray can help restore your floors, rugs and furniture to a tidy condition.   
• Grooming supplies A slicker brush and metal comb should be kept close at hand to help keep your Goldendoodle free from tangles and loose hairs . Nail trimmers and an ear cleaner should round out the grooming arsenal.

Yes. Goldendoodles are great for training, as they are generally eager to please and fast learners. In fact, they are often used as service animals. Of course, all dogs are different—just like people, they have varying personality traits and attitudes. But in general, Goldendoodles are very smart and their adoration for humans drives them to seek praise from their pet parents. 

At around eight weeks of age, most puppies have the capacity to begin learning the simplest of cues. You may be wondering how to train a Goldendoodle puppy and where to begin.  

Show them their designated bathroom area in the backyard and say “potty” or “outside” or whatever word you’ve chosen as your set cue. Whenever you take them out, make sure you use only that word when setting them down to do their business to help them learn consistent behavior. Always remember to reward your pup for going in the right spot as soon as they go.

You can also begin Goldendoodle crate training around this time. Open the door and throw a few fun toys inside—this encourages your puppy to explore and get comfortable. Go at their pace and never force them into the crate.

Before bringing your new friend home, you will want to puppy-proof your house. Install gates before they arrive so they can explore freely without getting themselves into too much trouble. You may also want to install latches on cupboards and put your shoes in a closet or on a shelf they can’t reach.  

All puppies have their own timeline when it comes to learning. However, the more consistent you are as a pet parent, the more consistent and successful your pup will be.

Are Goldendoodles easy to potty train? According to their genes, yes. You can help encourage potty training by taking them outside every half hour. You should always give them a chance to go in the morning, after eating their dog food and at night before bedtime. Your puppy should always have water available, but only feeding them at their designated mealtime will also help them stay on schedule.  

Nibbling, mouthing and biting is a pretty common behavior for puppies, but it is important to address it early on—those baby teeth can be sharp, and puppies often don’t know their jaw strength.  

Redirection can be a great tactic. When training your Goldendoodle puppy not to bite, you can grab a chew toy and distract them with it long enough to get your hands out of their mouth. You can also teach them verbal cues like “release” or “drop it.” These can be great words to teach because you can also use them if they’re chewing something they shouldn’t.  

Whichever method you choose, just remember to remain calm. Your puppy is going to match your energy—if you get loud and excited, they will too. Puppy training takes patience, perseverance and quite possibly the sacrifice of a few pairs of shoes or personal items.  

With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming to try and find the best kibble or the best wet dog food for Goldendoodles. There is no best adult dog food for every Goldendoodle, which means you’ll need to do your research and experiment a little at home. It also means you have a lot of great choices—like WholeHearted dog foods—when it comes to choosing the right food for your treasured pet. 

First, look for age- and weight-appropriate food for your dog, as Goldendoodles come in various sizes. Seniors and puppies typically do well with food formulated for their life stages. Next, look for food labeled as complete and balanced—which means it meets the nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.  

Finally, it’s time for some experimentation. Like any dog, your Goldendoodle will have their own preferences. Maybe they prefer canned food to dry dog food, or perhaps they love food with beef but turn their noses up at chicken. You’ll also want to consider your own preferences. Some pet parents may find kibble easier when it comes to storage and cleanup than food that comes in a gravy.  

With patience and a little trial and error, you can find the best dog food for your unique Goldendoodle.  

Your Goldendoodle puppy may begin weaning from their mother’s milk at about four weeks old. By eight weeks, they should be able to switch entirely to puppy food. But what is the best puppy food for this unique breed? 

It is typically recommended to feed your Goldendoodle food intended for puppies or food formulated for all life stages. Puppies can grow very quickly, and they need food designed to give them lots of energy. This is why puppy food typically includes more calories, protein and fat per serving than adult dog food. 

There really isn’t a universal best dog food for Goldendoodle puppies. If you know your pup’s parentage, make sure to purchase puppy food formulated for your dog’s size. Miniature, medium and standard size puppies will require different diet formulations and serving sizes.  

Finally, take your puppy’s taste preferences and lifestyle—along with your budget—into consideration. This may mean bringing home a range of puppy foods to find the ones your puppy loves most and that fits your budget. After you and your pup experiment a bit, you’ll be sure to discover some of the best food for your Goldendoodle puppy.  

Most of the time, young dogs need more calories than adult dogs to help them grow big and strong, but they also have smaller stomachs. As a result, it’s generally a good idea to feed your Goldendoodle puppy two to four times a day. The amount of food you provide your pup will depend on their size, age and activity level. For example, a mini Goldendoodle puppy will need less food than a standard Goldendoodle puppy. You’ll also want to feed your puppy more as they grow older and larger.  

Check the packaging of your puppy food. Most packaging will include recommended serving sizes based on your puppy’s weight. You can also consult your veterinarian for a more personalized recommendation. 

Keep the puppy food coming until your Goldendoodle reaches maturity—roughly around their first birthday. Note that every puppy is different. Smaller breeds tend to experience a more rapid physical development than larger ones, meaning a miniature Goldendoodle may reach adulthood earlier than one year. In contrast, a standard Goldendoodle may need an extra few months to mature to their full size. Your vet can help you figure out when exactly your pet is no longer truly a puppy.  

Even when they hit adulthood, your Goldendoodle may continue to fill out over the following months—don’t be surprised if they continue to gain a little weight. When it’s time to transition your pet to some of the best dog food for Goldendoodle adults, make the switch gradually—especially if your pup has a sensitive stomach. Add a little adult food into their mix of puppy food. After a while, switch one full meal from puppy food to adult food. Complete the transition if your canine seems to be handling the new food well. Gradually changing your canine’s food can help avoid digestive troubles.