"My Goldendoodle is Out of Control" | Pro Dog Trainer Tips
Updated: Aug 20
Your Goldendoodle - a beloved member of your family known for its intelligence, affection, and hypoallergenic coat. But what happens when your furry friend starts exhibiting behaviors that seem out of control?
Let’s explore common signs of an unruly Goldendoodle and provide practical strategies to help you regain harmony in your home.
Coping Strategies for an Out-of-Control Goldendoodle
When your Goldendoodle is acting out, general advice like “give them more exercise” only goes so far.
The best strategy depends on what your dog is actually doing and what is triggering the behavior. Here are a few common situations and practical ways to get them under control.
If Your Goldendoodle Won't Stop Jumping on People
For a Goldendoodle that jumps on family members or visitors, avoid rewarding the jumping with attention. Turn away and wait until all four paws are on the floor before offering attention, praise, or a treat.
Before opening the door for visitors, put your dog on a leash and ask for a sit or send them to a designated mat. Reward calm behavior while the visitor enters. With repetition, your dog can learn that staying calm gets them attention while jumping does not.
If Your Goldendoodle Gets the Zoomies and Won't Settle Down
An occasional case of the zoomies is completely normal. But if your Doodle regularly races around the house, grabs objects, jumps on furniture, or struggles to settle, they may need a better outlet for their energy—or they may actually be overtired.
Try a short walk, game of fetch, sniffing activity, or five-minute training session before expecting your dog to relax. For puppies, don't overlook naps.
An exhausted puppy can sometimes behave like an energetic puppy, so a quiet crate or playpen break may work better than another round of exercise.
If Your Goldendoodle Is Biting or Mouthing
For puppy mouthing, immediately redirect your pup toward an appropriate chew or toy. If biting becomes harder or more persistent during play, briefly end the interaction rather than continuing to wrestle or push the puppy away.
Keep chew toys readily available in the rooms where your puppy spends the most time. If biting consistently gets worse at a certain time of day, look at the bigger picture: your puppy may need a potty break, meal, nap, or a more appropriate way to burn off energy.
If Your Goldendoodle Is Destructive When Left Alone
Chewed furniture, stolen shoes, and shredded household items are easier to prevent than correct after the fact.
Limit your dog's access to trouble while you're working on the underlying behavior.
Baby gates, playpens, crates, and closed doors can create a safe area where inappropriate chewing isn't an option.
Provide appropriate chews or food puzzles before leaving, and gradually practice short periods of independence. (Learn what household items to remove before bringing home a puppy here.)
If destruction occurs primarily when your dog is alone and is accompanied by intense barking, drooling, escape attempts, or panic, talk with your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional about possible separation-related anxiety.
If Your Goldendoodle Pulls or Goes Crazy on Walks
If your Goldendoodle becomes overly excited around another dog, person, squirrel, or other trigger, distance can be your best friend. Move farther away until your dog is able to focus on you again, then reward that attention.
Practice loose-leash walking in quiet areas before expecting perfect behavior on a busy sidewalk. You can also teach a simple cue such as “this way” so you can turn around and create distance before excitement turns into lunging or uncontrollable pulling.
If Your Doodle Ignores Everything You Say
Start by lowering the difficulty. A dog that reliably comes when called in your living room may not be ready to do the same thing at a crowded park.
Practice sit, stay, come, leave it, and place in progressively more distracting environments, rewarding successful responses along the way. Short five-minute sessions a few times throughout the day are often more productive than one long training session.
Above all, be consistent & use positive reinforcement when they correct their behavior.
“Based on current scientific evidence, AVSAB recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training." - American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB).
Everyone in the household should follow the same rules and respond to unwanted behaviors in roughly the same way.
Clear boundaries, appropriate exercise, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement make it much easier for an energetic Goldendoodle to understand exactly what you expect from them.
Signs Your Goldendoodle is Out of Control
Behavioral Indicators
Goldendoodles, like all dogs, communicate through their behavior. Certain behavioral indicators may suggest that your Goldendoodle is struggling to maintain control.
Excessive barking, while a natural form of communication, can signal underlying issues such as anxiety, boredom, or territorial behavior.
If your Goldendoodle is constantly barking without apparent cause, it could indicate feelings of stress or being overwhelmed.
Aggressive behavior is another concerning indicator. Whether directed toward humans or other animals, aggression may manifest as growling, snarling, snapping, or biting. Various factors, including fear, dominance issues, or lack of socialization, can contribute to aggression.
Promptly addressing aggression and seeking professional guidance if necessary are crucial to prevent potential harm.
Additionally, Goldendoodles are naturally energetic dogs, but excessive hyperactivity beyond what is typical for the breed may indicate underlying issues. Hyperactivity can lead to destructive behaviors and may signal that your Goldendoodle is not receiving adequate mental or physical stimulation.
Addressing the root cause of hyperactivity and providing appropriate outlets for energy can help promote balanced behavior in your Goldendoodle.
Interested in adding a new puppy to your family?
Destructive Habits
Destructive behaviors often stem from boredom, anxiety, or excess energy in Goldendoodles. Common destructive habits exhibited by out-of-control Goldendoodles include chewing, digging, and house-soiling.
Chewing is a natural behavior, especially in puppies who have a strong urge to chew to explore their environment and relieve teething discomfort. However, excessive chewing of furniture, shoes, or other household items can indicate listlessness or distress.
Providing appropriate chew toys and sufficient mental stimulation can redirect this behavior and prevent damage to belongings.
Some Goldendoodles may develop a habit of digging, whether in the yard or indoors. This behavior can be destructive to landscaping and furniture and potentially dangerous if the dog digs under fences or gates.
Identifying the underlying cause, such as a lack of engagement or a desire to escape, is the key to addressing this habit effectively.
Accidents indoors, such as urinating or defecating in the house, may occur if your Goldendoodle is not properly house-trained or if they are experiencing agitation or medical issues. Consistent house training and addressing any underlying issues are crucial for resolving this behavior and maintaining a clean living environment.
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Lack of Obedience
Basic obedience is about more than simply getting your Goldendoodle to follow commands. “The goal of training should be to establish good communication, build life skills (obeying basic cues, loose leash walking, etc), and reinforce good choices,” explains the Merck Veterinary Manual.
A lack of obedience in your Goldendoodle can present challenges in daily life and may indicate difficulty understanding or following commands. Signs of disobedience include ignoring commands, pulling on the leash, and reactive behavior.
If your Goldendoodle constantly ignores verbal cues or commands like "sit" or "stay," it may suggest a lack of training or motivation to obey. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are crucial for effective obedience training to address this behavior.
Goldendoodles are strong dogs, therefore habitual pulling on the leash during walks can make outings unpleasant and potentially hazardous. Teaching loose-leash walking and using appropriate training tools such as harnesses or head halters can help curb this behavior and make walks more manageable.
Reactive behavior, such as lunging, barking, or growling at other dogs, people, or stimuli, may indicate a lack of impulse control or socialization.
Training techniques focused on desensitization and counter-conditioning can assist your Goldendoodle in learning to remain calm and composed in challenging situations, improving obedience and overall behavior.
Understanding the Causes of Goldendoodle Misbehavior
Several factors can contribute to underlying health issues and problematic behavior, including lack of training, insufficient exercise, boredom, or loneliness.
Lack of training is a common cause of behavioral problems in dogs, including Goldendoodles. Without proper guidance and boundaries, dogs may not be able to understand what is expected of them, leading to disobedience and frustration for both the dog and the owner.
Consistent and positive reinforcement-based training is crucial for teaching your Goldendoodle basic obedience commands and appropriate behaviors.
Insufficient exercise may also be a contributing factor to behavioral concerns in Goldendoodles. These energetic dogs require regular physical activity to expend energy and stay mentally stimulated.
Providing daily opportunities for exercise, such as walks, runs, or playtime in the yard, can help promote overall well-being, thus preventing potential problems.
Boredom or loneliness in Goldendoodles is another common cause of conduct issues. These social and affectionate dogs thrive on companionship and interaction with their human family members.
When left alone for extended periods, Goldendoodles may exhibit signs of distress, such as excessive barking, pacing, or destructive behavior. This can even occur when not mentally stimulated.
Enriching your Goldendoodle's environment with toys, puzzles, and interactive games can help alleviate boredom and loneliness, keeping them mentally engaged and content.
Unrealized health issues can also contribute to behavioral problems in Goldendoodles. Physical discomfort or pain caused by conditions such as joint irregularities, dental problems, or allergies can lead to changes in behavior, including irritability, aggression, or reluctance to engage in physical activities.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for identifying and addressing any health concerns that may be impacting your Goldendoodle's behavior.
By addressing these factors proactively and providing appropriate training, exercise, mental stimulation, and veterinary care, you can help your Goldendoodle become a well-behaved and happy companion.
Puppy Training & Parenting Tips:
Resource Recommendations for Goldendoodle Owners
Online Resources: Explore reputable websites like The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) for articles, breed-specific information, and training tips. Of course, you can keep coming back here. We’re the Doodle experts!
Professional Training Services: Enroll your Goldendoodle in obedience classes or hire a professional trainer using positive reinforcement techniques to address behavioral issues.
Grooming Supplies: Invest in quality grooming tools and schedule regular grooming appointments with a professional to maintain your Goldendoodle's coat.
Veterinary Care: Establish a relationship with a trusted veterinarian for preventive care, nutrition advice, vaccinations, and treatment options.
Nutritional Guidance: Consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to develop a balanced diet plan tailored to your Goldendoodle's needs, including recommendations for high-quality dog food brands and dietary supplements.
More about the Goldendoodle Breed
Goldendoodles, a crossbreed of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, have risen in popularity due to their intelligence, affection, and hypoallergenic coat. Bred to blend the friendly nature of Golden Retrievers with the low-shedding qualities of Poodles, they have become cherished pets worldwide.
These dogs inherit a diverse range of characteristics and temperaments from their parent breeds. Known for their friendly and sociable nature, Goldendoodles get along well with people of all ages, making them ideal family pets.
Their intelligence, inherited from both parent breeds, facilitates quick learning and responsiveness to training, enabling them to excel in various roles such as therapy or service dogs.
Affectionate by nature, Goldendoodles thrive on human companionship, forming strong bonds with their owners. They enjoy engaging in activities with their families, whether it's cuddling on the couch or participating in outdoor adventures.
Their energetic disposition necessitates regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors, with some favorite activities like running, hiking, and fetching.
The hypoallergenic coat of Goldendoodles, derived from their Poodle lineage, makes them suitable for individuals with allergies to pet dander. While no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, Goldendoodles shed less than many other breeds.
Their adaptability to various living environments, from spacious homes to compact apartments, makes them versatile companions for individuals and families alike.
Goldendoodles are generally good with other pets, including dogs and cats, when properly socialized from an early age. However, each Goldendoodle is unique, and their personalities and behaviors may vary.
Proper training, socialization, and care are crucial for nurturing a happy and well-adjusted Goldendoodle companion.
By understanding the root causes of your dog's behavior and implementing the proper strategies, you can transform your Goldendoodle from out of control to a well-behaved and cherished companion.
Consistency is key; establish routines that provide structure and boundaries, reinforcing positive behaviors while gently correcting unwanted ones. With time and dedication, your Goldendoodle will learn to respond to your commands and cues, strengthening the bond between you.
Above all, remember to celebrate the progress your Goldendoodle makes, no matter how small. Each milestone achieved is a testament to your dedication and the deep connection you share with your furry friend.
Authors: The JLDD Team provides expert guidance on Doodles, puppy care, training, and responsible breeding based on years of real-world experience.
