Goldendoodles are great dogs for active individuals and families with children, but it is wise to consider if your household can provide the level of care your prospective pet needs to stay happy and healthy.
Goldendoodles are high-maintenance pets due to their high energy levels, need for exercise, and common separation anxiety issues. Their coats require regular care and trimming. On the other hand, these dogs are easy to train, friendly, and happy to join any activity.
There are several aspects of care to consider. Some of them may not be a big deal to some households but significant for others.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES WITH GOLDENDOODLES
Separation Anxiety
Goldendoodles are vulnerable to developing separation anxiety due to their high intelligence, need for mental stimulation and exercise, and their owner-oriented, sociable personalities. In fairness, a dog of any breed could develop anxiety related to being separated from the owner.
Goldendoodles are quick to pick up on the cues leading to your leaving the house. The dog knows that getting the keys and putting on the coat means you are about to step out.
If you notice that your pup’s behavior changes when you are about to leave and the dog starts pacing, shaking, or vocalizing, your pet might be suffering from separation anxiety. If your dog greets you extremely emotionally and follows you around all the time, those are also tell-tale signs.
If you notice that your Goldendoodle has some behavioral problems when you are away, such as soiling or damaging items in the house, those behaviors are likely related to separation anxiety.
Solutions include desensitizing your dog over time, taking your pet on a long walk right before you leave, and providing things to do at home, such as dog toys and puzzles for smart dogs. Dog walkers and doggy daycare are fabulous solutions, but they are expensive.
High Need For Exercise And Mental Stimulation
As energetic and smart dogs, Goldendoodles need daily walks or other forms of outdoor exercise. They also need plenty of mental stimulation, which includes interaction, socialization with other dogs, games, and toys for when they are at home.
You should expect caring for your pup to be time-consuming but very rewarding, too.
Grooming Needs
The quality and texture of Goldendoodles’ coats vary significantly because it could resemble either the Golden Retriever’s fur more or the poodle’s coat.
- Their beautiful coats need regular brushing, ideally every day, and an occasional bath
- Most owners take their Goldendoodle to a groomer for a trim every couple of months
- Like most dogs, Goldendoodles need their nails trimmed every month or every other month
TRAITS THAT MAKE GOLDENDOODLES RELATIVELY EASY PETS
Little Shedding
Although the amount of shedding varies from dog to dog, depending on if the fur looks more like the poodle’s side or the Golden Retriever’s, in general, Goldendoodles are low-shedding dogs. If your pup has curly fur, like a poodle, then the shedding will likely be very minimal.
Please note that low shedding does mean hypoallergenic. People are sensitive to different allergenic proteins and dogs secrete allergens through saliva and other body fluids. Even the breeds referred to as hypoallergenic could trigger allergies in some people. If you have allergies, spend at least 30 minutes with the dog to find out if the animal can trigger a reaction.
Friendly To Everyone
A typical Goldendoodle is courteous and friendly to people, including strangers. These dogs are also very civil around friendly dogs they have never met before, as well as other pets in your household.
This aspect of their personalities makes it easier to take your pet to new places and visit crowded events and parks that might have a multitude of other dogs and people.
Easy To Train
The Goldendoodle’s parent breeds are among the smartest canines. Regardless of which parent the puppy takes after, your dog is likely to be very bright and responsive to training.
These pups are also very social and people-oriented, which aids the process of training. Like with any dog, avoid punishing your pet and use positive reinforcement when training.
Suitable For Apartment Living
Goldendoodles are very well suited for living in apartments or compact homes with proximity to other people.
These dogs are highly responsive to training and, as discussed above, very friendly to most people. As long as your dog gets a good amount of daily exercise and has your affection, your Goldendoodle will be happy in an apartment.
Any potential challenges, including soiling or tearing things apart in your absence, are likely due to separation anxiety but that problem should be addressed individually.
Healthy
Despite their designer breed profile, Goldendoodles are fairly healthy animals.
They are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, but those issues are very common in dogs, regardless of the breed. Some Goldendoodles develop cancer and eye problems. Certain bleeding disorders are passed on genetically.
Goldendoodles tolerate hot weather relatively well but are sensitive to cold temperatures.
To Conclude
Prospective dog owners often think about grooming needs when it comes to the maintenance of a pet. While grooming can be time-consuming, other aspects of care, such as training and addressing behavioral problems, require the most attention and time.
If a dog has behavioral problems and also does not respond well to training, that could become a major concern. Luckily, such situations are very rare for Goldendoodles. They are friendly, well-behaved, and trainable.
For the most part, as long as you realize that a new pet, especially a puppy, is a time-consuming addition to the family, welcoming and maintaining a Goldendoodle should be a pleasant experience, not particularly overwhelming.
