Aggressive Goldendoodles??

[Dawn]

My Aunt is a dog trainer and when my mother told her we were getting a Goldendoodle, she told her to tell me not to! That every Goldendoodle that she has had in her puppy classes (I don't know how many that is) has been aggressive towards the other dogs. Has anyone else had issues with that or heard of that before? I'm sure you can understand that as someone who has already chosen my puppy and is going to pick her up on Saturday, this may be disturbing to hear!!

[Tegan]

I know how you feel. I aways wished I could tell Mocha that it was OK and she didn't have to be scared all the time. Have you been to a trainer that is also a vet? The one we were seeing was able to determine that it was a chemical problem in Mocha's brain. She said it was a lot like a person with Bi polar depression. Which it was really, Mocha would cycle... some days she'd be almost normal but other days she'd get scared just from me walking past her.

[Ali]

Keep up the good work! At least you are trying to do something about it, which is very responsible of you. My old roommate got a puppy as an impulse buy from the adoption day at petco, he was the cutest puppy ever, but we eventually realized he was part terrier and part another aggressive dog. He was so lovable to me, bit her a couple of times (she is not a good owner, didnt care, forgot to feed him, etc.) but other than that loved every single girl he could. Boys were a different story, and any dog he would start a fight with. She made up her mind not to take him anywhere ever again. It was so sad that she wouldnt even consider training, I felt so bad for him. I took him some places but kept him on a leash after an incident of him growling at a little boy and barking in front of lots of people.

My old roommate now lives in Houston with her family again, so the dog is being taken care of, thankfully. Their vet did recommend a few things to help with his aggression, shaving his incisors (or the large fang-like teeth) or anxiety medicine. They opted for the shaving down of the teeth (still instead of trying to train him), which is suppossed to get him to back down and not be so aggressive. I am not sure how this is going yet, I will see him soon, but try mentioning this to your vet. I mean it probably makes you happy to be able to take your dog out in public and see him having fun, not having to worry about if a fight is going to break loose.

I hope this helps. There are lots of options out there. Keep up the training and maybe talk to your vet about these options.

*oh and when I mean the shave his teeth down, it is just to the level of his other teeth, and not as sharp.

Good Luck! I feel your struggle.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

Just one more quick example...I take Connor to work with me one day a week. He looks like a build-a-bear dog. One morning a little toddler came into the store and just could not contain his excitement when he saw Connor. Connor automatically sits or lays down when a little kid approaches. Connor has fluffy hair between his eyes up into his head hair. This little toddler reached out and in a very small child way was trying to rub Connor, instead started opening and closing his fingers in the hair between Connor's eyes. Connor did not miss a beat. He just sat there, still as can be, gently wagging his tail. I cannot tell you how much I love this precious dog. You made a good choice...:-)

[Dawn]

Awww...how sweet! I really can't wait to get my little Molly. 3 more days!!

[Ali]

How did you get him to do this? Lola loves loves kids, but wants to play and jump on them and shower them with kisses. I don't have kids, so training for reactions to kids is hard. And, I don't know any kids.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Sienna and Samantha are kindred spirits (Samantha is 8 days shy of 10 months). She was absolutely the "bully" in her Puppy Kindergarten class for the same exact reason. I don't think the trainer liked her very much because of the way she played with the other puppies.
But I have also noticed that Doodles seem to play differently than other breeds. We were at the dog park last night after work and a 2 year Chocolate Labradoodle stopped by. Within seconds of meeting each other, they were jumping all over each other, standing on hind legs and "dueling" - never with a smidge of agressiveness. Her Dad was thrilled with their play and we discussed how different they were playing with each than when the other dogs tried to play with them. They were having such a wonderful time that they really didn't want to play with anyone else. I wonder if they "knew" the other was a Doodle. I really wonder sometimes just what goes on in their minds.
PS - I was amazed that when we left Samantha's head and neck were dry - normally she goes home wet from the other dog's mouths.

[Ali]

Your aunt must of meant that the goldendoodles are agressive with love and kisses. I just know that is what she meant!

[Rae]

Both our Goldendoodles are the sweetest and most gentle dogs we have ever seen. They love everything and everyone. Sorry, but I just don't understand this. Our trainer highly recommends doodles - goldendoodles mostly - to people with young children, as a second/third pet, for the elderly, etc. Not so sure your Auntie is right on this one.

[Dawn]

I'm so glad to hear this. I did take Molly to the vet this week and told her about what my Aunt said and she was surprised. She has never heard of such a thing either.

[Adele Marie]

I rescued a Labradoodle from a shelter. He is very aggressive towards other dogs he has bitten a few, especially large ones. But he is very good with my cats, for I have three. Otherwise, he is a very sweet, sensitive good natured intelligent dog.....and he also dislikes water.....he won't go near a pool, etc.. must have had something traumatic happen in his puppyhood!

[Janie]

She must have her dogs mixed up...Goldendoodles aggressive,never!

[melissa]

My daughter just got through with a obedience class with one of our doodles and this was def. not an issue, not even close.