Getting my first Doodle in two weeks! Yikes!

[Debbie Frizzell]

I am so excited to be adding a goldendoodle to our family in two weeks! I told my close friend who has labs and she told me that doodles are high strung and crazy and kind of hard to control. This isn't what I've read online. I have always had small dogs.We are getting a standard. This is making me a bit nervous...help!!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Okay after writing this message, Luna promptly grabbed one of her big plastic bottles (disposable toys, they work great!) and started wrestling with it and chasing it around the room... we came back from a walk 20 minutes ago.

She is very calm, but does like to play ;)

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

It seems some people think that about doodles.  I'm sure you can find "high strung" dogs of ANY breed/mix.  Puppyhood is challenging, but I'm sure that is the case with almost every dog.  However, my two doodles are the best dogs I've ever owned or been around.  They get along well with EVERYBODY - dogs, kids, humans...My doods will romp and play together when outside and will play fetch and walk with you all you want.  But when we come inside, unless they are looking out the window for squirrels, etc., they will just sleep next to me all day and night if I want!  Perfect combination!  Good luck with your doodle and show us pictures when you get it!

[Kathryn digregorio]

Congratulations, I know how excited you must be. They are the perfect dog, energetic and a challenge as a puppy, but so smart and loving. Hang in during the biting and chewing stage, give lots of love and exercise and depend on DK for support. Wish I had DK during the hard times. Breezy is 9 months and better every day.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Don't know where your friend got her information but probably not from a doodle owner.  They are the greatest dogs.  They do go through puppy stages, although, just like any puppy. Relax, you will do fine and keep us informed here at DK.  BTW, any dog may seem hard to handle if you have labs.  They are so mellow and wonderful dogs.  That is why they started using labs mixed with poodles in Australia.  They wanted a non-allergic, non-shedding dog for service dogs.  Labs provided the personality and poodles provided the coats.  Nice experiment!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I once had a lab that was the hardest dog I ever had to train, he actually ate a big hole in my bed lol. My doodles on the other hand were the easiest though they are what I would call enthusiastic. They love all people and all dogs and do have quite a bit of energy. I would say that all puppies are a challenge but these ones are true love bugs and you will be so happy when you get your puppy home. If you read up lots here on DK you will be very well prepared too!

[Debbie Frizzell]

Thanks guys! Describing doodles as enthusiastic sounds so right based on what everyone says. I have 2 other dogs and consistent training I'm sure is a big part of it. I am excited with a little trepidation. I would rather not have holes in my furniture...  :) LOL!

[Sally S Miles]

The truth is that if you have a puppy and don't teach them anything, don't spend time with them, let them do as they please - then yes any puppy or breed of dog can become hard to handle.   

 

Our girl is enthusiastic - she is a totally different dog from what we had in the past - she's amazing!  We boarded her and the report we got back was that she gets along with all other dogs, loves all animals, loves all people, and had gobs of energy.  We knew all that.  However, when we picked her up - in seconds - lead connected to collar she was in heel position and ready to obey.  Comment was "wow - she really is a calm girl" and that I knew also.   

Some dogs literally absorb the energy around them - if it's low they can chill, if it's high they can get rambunctious.  Learn your dog and your dogs reactions to things.   Labs are wonderful dogs,  nothing like 'em - but if you only ate cheeseburgers you would not be a good judge of chicken.   The Great Pyrenees breeder who grooms poodles with anger - or the Yorkie breeder who thinks anything larger than ten pounds is a mountain - it's too easy to get locked into a singular thinking pattern.  

 

Any breed of dog can be hard to control if not trained, if not challenged, if not exercised - and anyone that thinks all of a certain breed is a certain way is in for disappointment.    Any dog has potential for greatness and it's up to the owner to find that and nurture it.