Labradoodles, which is a mixed breed between Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles, are highly intelligent, obedient, loyal, caring, and thus make a good household companion. However, as cute and cuddly as these four-legged critters can be, they aren’t born with the natural instinct to be a good boy/girl. Left untrained, he/she can wreak havoc around the household as well as at dog parks, tearing up your clothes and carpets and bullying other dogs. Fortunately, training Labradoodles are fairly easy to train, given enough time, patience, and consistency. To guide first-time dog owners, here are six tips to train your Labradoodle.
Know Who You’re Dealing With
The breed of dog you are training will dictate what techniques and methods for training you utilize. Some breeds, such as Shiba Inus and Siberian Huskies, are highly intelligent but are also notoriously stubborn thus a different approach may be needed. As for Labradoodles, count yourself lucky as this breed is highly sensitive to training.
Start Early
Starting early is key to cementing the habits and behavior that you want your dog to exhibit as they grow older. As soon as you take home the new addition to your household, start to house-break them by designating a corner of the house or apartment and placing pee pads, so your dog knows where to do his/her number ones and twos. Give them an assertive “no” or “bad dog” when they soil anywhere else that isn’t the designated pee and poo corner. Get a crate for your Labradoodle to establish boundaries. The crate is usually designated as a place for them to eat and sleep, and also serves as a safe place for them while they are getting used to the new environment and the noises, smells, and lighting that comes with it.
Indeed, it’s crucial to start training your Labradoodle early in life. Puppies are like sponges and soak up everything they are taught, so it’s important to start teaching them good behavior and habits as soon as possible. Consistency is also key to successful training. Make sure that everyone in your household is on the same page and is consistent with the training methods and rules. This will help your Labradoodle understand what is expected of them and will make their training more effective.
Socialize
Regardless if it’s a Labradoodle or a German Shepherd, dogs need to socialize. It’s an important part of their physical and mental growth, and it’s best to start socializing them as puppies. It’s no secret that, as dogs mature, it becomes more difficult for them to have healthy social relationships with humans and other dogs. They either display an aggressive behavior when approached by another dog or suffer from anxiety when put in a group or taken outside. Socialize your Labradoodle as soon as they get the necessary vaccines. Take them to the dog park or schedule play dates with another puppy at your home. Expose them to different people and noises as well including kids, skateboarders, and the elderly.
Establish a Routine
Like most people, dogs are a creature of habit. A stable routine provides your puppy with a more positive environment and outlook in life by giving them a structure that helps shape their emotions and viewpoint. Dogs who live inconsistent lifestyles can, over time, feel stressed out, anxious, and sometimes even depressed as they try to deal with changing environments and situations. A healthy daily routine for your Labradoodle should include morning and evening walks, followed by well-balanced meals, and if necessary a lunchtime relief walk.
Train Their Recall
Recall is perhaps the hardest trick you’ll be teaching your dog. While your puppy might come when you call him/her the first few times, they are likely to ignore you once a squirrel or another playful dog gets their full attention. You don’t want to be taking your dog off leash at the park without perfecting his/her recall otherwise they could end up running away from you and getting hurt. Purchase a long leash and start training their recall at a local park. Leave the leash on even if you’re in an enclosed area. Instruct your dog to sit, then walk a few feet from him/her. Call him/her from a distance and if they come to you, give them a treat. Repeat this process until they come to you without needing treats.
Don’t Coddle Them
People have a tendency to coddle their puppies, especially if it’s their first one. As much as you’d like to give your Labradoodle some treats and shower them with hugs and kisses even after they’ve torn apart your apartment, avoid coddling them and practice self-control. This also includes not giving them treats when they haven’t earned it. Be firm and assertive when you are training and disciplining them; at the same time, give them praise when they’ve done something good.
Abby Drexler is a contributing writer and media specialist for Spring Creek Labradoodles. She regularly produces content for a variety of pet blogs.
Conclusion
While these six tips can help you train your Labradoodle effectively, there are other factors to consider as well. For instance, it’s important to take into account your dog’s personality and behavior when training them. Some dogs respond better to different training methods, and it’s up to you to find the approach that works best for your Labradoodle.
Indeed, training your Labradoodle can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Start early, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement to make training an enjoyable experience. Socialize your Labradoodle and keep training sessions short and fun, incorporating clicker training as needed. Above all, be patient and understanding with your furry friend, and you’ll have a well-trained and happy Labradoodle in no time.
