Goldendoodles, a beloved hybrid of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, are known for their friendly demeanor, intelligence, and eagerness to please. These qualities make them excellent candidates for training, but it’s essential to start with the basics. Teaching your Goldendoodle basic commands not only ensures they are well-behaved but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.

Goldendoodles should master key commands for a well-behaved companion: "Sit" for calmness, "Stay" for safety, "Come" for recall, "Down" for control, "Leave It" to avoid unwanted items, and "Heel" for walking nicely. Consistent practice with positive reinforcement ensures they excel in these basics.

 

Goldendoodle Commands: Sit

The "sit" command is one of the most fundamental commands and serves as the foundation for many other commands. It helps manage your dog's behavior in various situations, from greeting guests to staying calm while waiting for food.

How to Train:

1. Get the Right Treats: Use small, tasty treats to motivate your Goldendoodle.
2. Positioning: Stand in front of your dog and hold a treat close to their nose.
3. Lure and Command: Slowly move the treat upwards and over your dog's head. As their head follows the treat, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground. Once they are sitting, say "Sit" and give them the treat immediately.
4. Reinforce and Repeat: Practice this several times a day, gradually reducing the use of treats as your dog becomes more reliable.

Tips:

• Be patient and consistent.
• Practice in different locations and with various distractions to ensure reliability.

Goldendoodle Commands: Stay

The "stay" command is crucial for ensuring your Goldendoodle remains in place when asked. This command is essential for safety, particularly in situations where your dog might be tempted to run off, such as near traffic or in crowded areas.

How to Train:

1. Start with "Sit": Begin with your dog in the "sit" position.
2. Introduce the Command: Hold your hand up, palm facing your dog, and say "Stay" while taking a small step back.
3. Reinforce: If your dog stays in position, immediately return and reward them with a treat.
4. Increase Distance: Gradually increase the distance and duration of the "stay" command as your dog becomes more reliable.

Tips:

• Start with short durations and gradually increase as your dog learns.
• Always reward your dog for staying in place, even if only for a short time initially.

Goldendoodle Commands: Come

The "come" command is essential for recall and ensuring your Goldendoodle returns to you when called. This command can prevent dangerous situations and is key for off-leash activities.

How to Train:

1. Start Indoors: Begin in a controlled environment with minimal distractions.
2. Use a Leash: Attach a leash to your dog and say "Come" while gently tugging the leash towards you.
3. Encourage and Reward: When your dog comes to you, offer praise and treats.
4. Increase Challenge: Gradually practice in different environments and with longer distances.

Tips:

• Use a cheerful and enthusiastic tone to make the command more appealing.
• Avoid calling your dog only when you’re about to do something they don’t like (e.g., bath time) to prevent them from associating "come" with negative experiences.

Goldendoodle Commands: Down

The "down" command teaches your Goldendoodle to lie down, which can help with calming them and maintaining control in various situations.

How to Train:

1. Start with "Sit": Have your dog in a "sit" position.
2. Lure into Position: Hold a treat close to the ground and move it away from your dog, encouraging them to follow it and lie down.
3. Command and Reward: As soon as they are in the "down" position, say "Down" and reward them.
4. Practice Regularly: Repeat the process until your dog responds reliably.

Tips:

• Keep training sessions short and positive to maintain your dog’s interest.
• Avoid using the command in a way that could be perceived as punishment.

Goldendoodle Commands: Leave It

The "leave it" command helps prevent your Goldendoodle from picking up or chewing on things they shouldn’t, such as food, trash, or dangerous objects.

How to Train:

1. Start with a Treat: Place a treat in your hand and let your dog sniff it.
2. Command and Reward: Close your hand around the treat and say "Leave it." Wait until your dog stops trying to get the treat, then reward them with a different treat from the other hand.
3. Practice with Objects: Gradually practice with different objects on the ground, using the same command and rewarding them for ignoring the object.

Tips:

• Be patient and practice in various situations to generalize the command.
• Use high-value treats to keep your dog motivated.

Goldendoodle Commands: Heel

The "heel" command teaches your Goldendoodle to walk calmly beside you on a leash, making walks more enjoyable and manageable.

How to Train:

1. Use a Leash: Attach a leash to your dog and hold it in the hand closest to your dog.
2. Start Walking: Begin walking and say "Heel," encouraging your dog to stay by your side.
3. Reward and Correct: Reward your dog with treats and praise when they stay in position. If they pull ahead, gently correct them by guiding them back to your side.

Tips:

• Practice in various environments to ensure your dog can walk well on a leash in different situations.
• Use treats and praise to keep your dog motivated.

Goldendoodle Commands: Wait

The "wait" command is similar to "stay" but usually used for shorter periods or specific situations, such as waiting before crossing the street or getting out of the car.

How to Train:

1. Begin with a Command: Use a similar technique to "stay" but for shorter durations.
2. Introduce the Command: Use "Wait" instead of "Stay" and reward your dog for holding the position.
3. Practice with Different Situations: Use "wait" in various contexts, such as at doorways or before feeding.

Tips:

• Keep training sessions short and focused on positive reinforcement.
• Gradually increase the duration and complexity of the "wait" command.

Goldendoodle Commands: Drop It

The "drop it" command is crucial for ensuring your Goldendoodle releases objects they may have picked up, which can be essential for safety and preventing unwanted chewing.

How to Train:

1. Use a Toy: Offer a toy or object to your dog and allow them to pick it up.
2. Command and Reward: Say "Drop it" and offer a treat to encourage them to release the toy. Reward them when they drop the item.
3. Practice with Various Objects: Gradually practice with different items and environments to reinforce the command.

Tips:

• Ensure your dog understands the "leave it" command first, as it lays the groundwork for "drop it."
• Be consistent with rewards and praise.

Goldendoodle Commands: Go to Your Spot

The "go to your spot" command helps your Goldendoodle learn to settle in a designated area, such as a bed or crate, which can be useful for managing their behavior and providing a safe space.

How to Train:

1. Choose a Spot: Designate a specific area or bed for your dog.
2. Use a Command: Say "Go to your spot" while pointing to the designated area.
3. Reward and Reinforce: Once your dog goes to the spot, reward them with treats and praise. Use the command regularly to reinforce the behavior.

Tips:

• Make the spot a positive and comfortable place for your dog.
• Practice regularly to reinforce the command and ensure your dog understands where to go.

Goldendoodle Commands: Leave It Alone

Similar to "leave it," the "leave it alone" command is used to instruct your Goldendoodle to avoid specific objects or areas. It’s particularly useful for preventing unwanted behavior or access to restricted items.

How to Train:

1. Identify the Object: Choose an object or area you want your dog to avoid.
2. Use the Command: Say "Leave it alone" firmly but calmly.
3. Reward Good Behavior: Praise and reward your dog for avoiding the object or area.

Tips:

• Ensure consistency with the command and rewards.
• Practice in different situations to strengthen the command’s effectiveness.

Training your Goldendoodle in these basic commands provides a strong foundation for their overall behavior and well-being. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training. By investing time in teaching these commands, you ensure that your Goldendoodle is well-behaved, happy, and safe in various situations. Remember, training is an ongoing process, and regular practice will help maintain and reinforce the commands your Goldendoodle has learned.