How to Train a Golden Doodle, Bernedoodle, and Irish Doodle: Tips for Smart, Energetic Dogs

Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, and Irish Doodles are some of the smartest and most energetic breeds around. These Doodle puppies are highly trainable, eager to please, and love to learn new tricks. However, their intelligence and energy levels mean that training them can be both fun and challenging. Here are some essential tips to help you train your Golden Doodle, Bernedoodle, and Irish Doodle puppies effectively.

1. Start Early: Early Training Is Key

Training should begin as early as possible. Puppies are most receptive to learning between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks, which is the ideal time to start introducing basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.” Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, and Irish Doodles are all highly intelligent breeds, so they will catch on quickly if you start early.

Using positive reinforcement techniques—like treats, praise, and play—will help these puppies associate good behavior with rewards. Start with simple commands and gradually increase the complexity as your puppy masters each one.

2. Consistency Is Essential

Consistency is crucial when training any puppy, especially energetic breeds like Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, and Irish Doodles. Use the same words for each command and ensure that everyone in your household is on the same page regarding the rules and training methods. If your dog is allowed on the couch sometimes but not others, or if they’re told to “sit” but not expected to follow the command every time, it can confuse them.

Consistency helps reinforce positive behaviors and reduces confusion, allowing your puppy to learn faster.

3. Socialization Is Crucial for Well-Behaved Dogs

Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, and Irish Doodles are known for their friendly and social nature. However, socialization is still essential to help them develop good manners and reduce anxiety around new people, animals, and environments. Start socializing your puppy early by introducing them to various situations, including meeting strangers, other dogs, and different environments.

Take your puppy to dog parks, invite friends over, or even take them for car rides to expose them to new experiences. The more positive experiences your puppy has early on, the better their behavior will be as they grow.

4. Mental Stimulation and Physical Exercise

Doodle puppies are highly energetic and need both mental and physical stimulation to stay balanced. Mental stimulation comes in the form of training, interactive toys, puzzle games, and scent work, while physical exercise includes walks, runs, hikes, or fetch.

Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, and Irish Doodles require at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily. If their physical and mental needs are not met, they may resort to unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

5. Positive Reinforcement Training

As mentioned earlier, these Doodles respond best to positive reinforcement. Be patient and consistent with training sessions, and always reward your puppy immediately after they complete a desired behavior. Positive reinforcement can include verbal praise, food rewards, or playing with their favorite toy.

Avoid using punishment-based methods, as they can lead to anxiety and fear in your puppy, which can hinder their learning. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior to encourage your puppy to repeat those actions.

6. Be Patient and Enjoy the Process

Training your Golden Doodle, Bernedoodle, or Irish Doodle is a journey, and like any other skill, it requires time, patience, and repetition. Some puppies will learn quickly, while others may need a little extra time and encouragement. Celebrate small wins along the way, and enjoy the bonding experience that training provides.

Conclusion

Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, and Irish Doodles are wonderful, intelligent puppies that make fantastic family companions. With early training, consistency, socialization, and plenty of exercise, you’ll have a well-behaved and happy puppy by your side. Training these energetic and loving dogs is an enjoyable experience that sets the foundation for a strong, lifelong bond.