{"id":3526,"date":"2021-09-14T00:54:34","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T05:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/?p=3526"},"modified":"2022-12-30T03:48:43","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T09:48:43","slug":"labradoodle-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/labradoodle-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Labradoodle Training"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is it a Labrador? Is it a Poodle? Could this article have started any other way? This and other such questions will vanish as you look into the adorable, heart-melting eyes of your new Labradoodle and their distinctive fluffy coat and sprightly body. If you\u2019re the new proud parent of a Labradoodle and want some pro training tips to ease its passage into your household and make them a stalwart \u2013 yet disciplined \u2013 friend for life, you\u2019ve come to the right place.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve got everything to help you train your Labradoodle. We\u2019ll answer the key questions, indicate what timelines you need to keep in mind as they grow, and what variations from the usual course of puppy training you might want to take with your Labradoodle. We\u2019ll finish the article with some tips on training methods.<\/p>\n

How Does a Labradoodle\u2019s Nature Affect Their Training?<\/h2>\n

Labradoodles are social, intelligent, and quite mischievous. The first two qualities make them a delight to train, as they\u2019ll pick up on their master\u2019s cues without too much problem if they are taught appropriately, but the last one can bring its own set of fluffy nightmares. A Labradoodle won\u2019t mind playfully pushing the boundaries if they think they can get away with it \u2013 and sometimes even when they know they can\u2019t.<\/p>\n

These temperaments come from their lineage breed of Labradors, Poodles and a dash of American and English Cocker Spaniels. If you picture those dogs – playful chaos merchants who are eager to please and quick to learn \u2013 then it\u2019s natural to assume the Labradoodle harnesses those traits to the full.<\/p>\n

As such, discipline is important with Labradoodles so that the mini-mischievous moments won\u2019t start ruling the prairie. Likewise it\u2019s rare for a Labradoodle to act out violently or be obviously disobedient in the face of their owner\u2019s commands. With good solid training, your Labradoodle will retain their zest for fun without ever crossing the line.<\/p>\n

Is It Easy to Train a Labradoodle?<\/h3>\n

Yes. In general, their intelligence and their warmth for human contact and engagement over outside stimuli mean that they are a generally receptive breed. Of course, every dog is different. We can\u2019t wield the brush of generalization with too much glee \u2013 a lot depends on the imprint the dog received in their formative years. Yet rest assured training a Labradoodle is a simple enough task with the right guidance.<\/p>\n

At What Age Should I Begin Labradoodle Training?<\/h2>\n

You should aim to begin training most dog breeds early \u2013 around 8 weeks \u2013 and the Labradoodle is no exception. If you wait too long after you get it from the breeder, it will be much, much harder for the dog to go to the toilet correctly, eat appropriately, and generally listen to you at all.<\/p>\n

This is because the fear imprint<\/a> begins at about this age. Despite that term sounding like a cheap Dean Koontz novel title, it\u2019s a crucial term in dog training as it refers to the period after they have left their mother and they are neurologically complete and ready to \u201cbegin school\u201d.<\/p>\n

So don\u2019t hesitate in implementing training for your new Labradoodle puppy as soon as possible, or you\u2019ll suffer for it later when your favorite shoes become the latest game of hide and seek \u2013 with a defecation trail leading you to the hiding spot.<\/p>\n

How Long Does Labradoodle Training take?<\/h2>\n

Labradoodles do not differ from most dogs when it comes to their training period. After the first 13 weeks, seniority classification will begin as your pup finds its place in the family. Around six months, the Labradoodle should be fully house trained. Don\u2019t despair if it takes a little, or sometimes a lot, longer \u2013 especially if you got the pup a few weeks or more past the optimal training period. Some bad habits and inconsistent messaging may have already crept in, but they can be overcome with perseverance.<\/p>\n

What Type of Training Is Best for Labradoodles?<\/h2>\n

Due to their particularly social nature, positive reinforcement <\/strong>during obedience training is particularly effective. Labradoodles want to learn, they want to be playful, so playing into that and using treats to reward good behavior with simple positive cues will go a long way.<\/p>\n

Aversion discipline training, although optional for some more stubborn and aggressive breeds, is best completely avoided with Labradoodles, as they\u2019re particularly sensitive to any overly aggressive discipline from their owners.<\/p>\n

Operant conditioning<\/a> is the standard process used. It\u2019s a four-quadrant process, including the aforementioned positive reinforcement, but also negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. You\u2019ll find as your Labradoodle grows the other three training methods open up and become more useful as your dog approaches maturity.<\/p>\n

When positively reinforcing your dog with treats and praise, remember that a Labradoodle has around two seconds between stimulus and reward for effective association to begin. The same is true for negative stimuli like discipline and timeouts. So ensure that you react quickly so the dog can learn effectively.<\/p>\n

With negative stimuli, you\u2019ll have to be extra gentle with Labradoodles, as they\u2019ll become skittish if your discipline is too severe. Try to keep manhandling to a minimum (though it\u2019s necessary at times). They do respond well to timeouts though. Bring your dog to heel and quietly let your displeasure be known. Labradoodles are intelligent enough to know when they\u2019ve crossed the line.<\/p>\n

Note that striking, screaming, or making random and inconsistent noise to scare or frighten your dog will never result in a positive effect \u2013 regardless of the breed. You can be forceful with some breeds, but you should never descend into violence or intimidation.<\/p>\n

How Do I Get My Labradoodle to Listen to Me?<\/h3>\n

The breeder and the dog\u2019s mother will have already done some extremely basic work to prime the dog for training, and if you\u2019re still looking for help, there are professional dog trainers<\/a> that can assist.<\/p>\n

Yet when you take the reins, you\u2019ll find it\u2019s easier than you think and a total joy. Remember to be consistent and confident<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Consistency<\/h3>\n

Remember when you didn\u2019t do your homework and the teacher let you off, then the next time came down on like a ton of almighty bricks? The time after that (you were a bad child) they just frowned. After a while you didn\u2019t know what to expect, so you often took the chance and did no homework at all.<\/p>\n

The same is true for dogs. If you praise a dog and stroke them when they come to the table for some of the chicken you cooked one time, then scold them when they come sniffing for the steak the next day \u2013 they\u2019ll be unsure of their boundaries.<\/p>\n

Decide what you think about the action \u2013 can they jump on the sofa? Yes or no, and be unwavering with your reactions in the first 8 weeks of puppy training. As the dog gets older, you can show more leniency, as the fear imprint will have diminished and your Labradoodle will have an idea of the general rules.<\/p>\n

Confident<\/h3>\n

Confidence is so important. Labradoodles still need to know that you are in charge. Although they are not as combative for the alpha role as other dogs, if they sense you are hesitant about controlling them they will run their wild Puckish ways and your new rose garden won\u2019t last long.<\/p>\n

Confidence doesn\u2019t mean shouting or striking, though. It means using the right cues and doing so with conviction. Talk loudly. Keep your voice deep and low and use simple words like \u201cGood!\u201d and \u201cBad\u201d. Keep it simple so you can react quickly within the 2-second stimulus window.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t be afraid to use your hands or a leash. Yes, a Labradoodle is more timid. You can\u2019t grab them by the scruff of the neck like you can some more belligerent dogs. Yet firm, direct force is good. Don\u2019t hesitate to scoop them up fast and immediately relocate them to their time-out zone or crate when they misbehave. When you decide to attach the leash, do it quickly and confidently (if it\u2019s in the act of discipline), and don\u2019t barter with the dog when giving it a time out or withholding a treat.<\/p>\n

The First Two Weeks of Labradoodle Training<\/h2>\n

In the first two weeks, this is the training you\u2019ll want to get started on straight away with your new Labradoodle.<\/p>\n

How Do You Potty Train a Labradoodle?<\/h3>\n

Potty training is the first Rubicon to cross with any dog. It\u2019s essential that this training begins immediately and is consistently and effectively carried out. Of course, the house smelling of dog faeces will naturally impel you to this end, but it\u2019s so important it\u2019s worth saying out loud.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve arranged a feeding timetable for them (it\u2019s good to feed them at the same time each day so you can get a handle on their structure), notice how long it takes them after eating to want to go potty. You can expect the first few times to occur within the house. Then take them out at that exact time. At first, you will have to pre-empt it, but eventually your Labradoodle will understand when it\u2019s time to go.<\/p>\n

Be very positive with your reinforcement once the dog has finished their business outside, and even more so when they start indicating they want to go outside to eliminate. It\u2019s a good time for the selective deployment of treats. In the first days, save these treats for effective potty time rather than smothering your dog with so much positivity it stops meaning much to them.<\/p>\n

How Do You Train a Labradoodle to Eat Properly?<\/h3>\n

Labradoodles are foodies. They love to eat. They can even suffer from pica<\/a> and start eating stones \u2013 that\u2019s how ravenous their appetites are.
\n\"a<\/p>\n

Therefore, training Labradoodles to eat only when they should is essential. When you pour them their first bowl of golden delicious meat chunks, don\u2019t let them tear straight into it. Rather:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Grab your puppy\u2019s collar and fill the bowl with food.<\/li>\n
  2. Restrain the Labradoodle (gently) and say \u201cWait!\u201d until they acknowledge the command.<\/li>\n
  3. Wait for calmness and obedience. Then, say \u201cEat!\u201d \u2013 and let them at it.<\/li>\n
  4. Repeat this at every meal time<\/em>. Don\u2019t forget to do it even once. They need to understand when it\u2019s okay to eat.<\/li>\n
  5. Eventually, try him \u201coff-collar\u201d and without restraint and see if they can follow the wait command. Eventually, Labradoodles will pick it up. Yet their sheer giddy joy at the sight of food can complicate this more than for other breeds.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    And that\u2019s it. When finding your Labradoodle eating outside of their allotted time, be firm with discipline. Time outs, strong \u201cBad dog,\u201d and maneuvering the Labradoodle away from the slippers is essential.<\/p>\n

    Crate Training<\/h3>\n

    Labradoodles are merchants of chaos. They\u2019ll happily wind you up too. More than most breeds, the Labradoodle reacts well to time-outs. Also, sometimes, it is good to pre-empt their delightful insanity and have them somewhere safe where they like to be. This is where a dog crate comes in.<\/p>\n

    Dog crate training gives your Labradoodle a safe space for them to retire when their heart rate beats too fast. It doubles as both a discipline tool but also as their safe space. As such, make the inside of the dog crate a nice place to be, with a comfortable bed and their favorite toys. Indicate your own excitement at the crate, so the Labradoodle can share your curiosity. As time goes on, if they start visiting the crate by their own volition, reward them and encourage them to go inside.<\/p>\n

    When he starts to feel comfortable, start closing the crate door but maintaining affectionate contact with them. Over time, increase the time of the closed door and, eventually, start leaving them there to rest and relax.<\/p>\n

    Once the space is effectively set up as \u201ctheir space\u201d it then<\/strong> becomes a good disciplining tool. Time outs can be used in the crate to great effectiveness. And \u201cgo to your room\u201d will work as well with your Labradoodle as your children.<\/p>\n

    An in-depth look at Labradoodle<\/a> crate training can be found in this article.<\/p>\n

    How Do You Train a Labradoodle With Small Children?<\/h3>\n

    Labradoodles are quintessential family dogs. They\u2019re loving, kind, and emotionally sensitive to a kid\u2019s needs. That said, it\u2019s important to establish the bond between them from the start and help them know where each other\u2019s boundaries are. Labradoodles won\u2019t be aggressive with your child, but they may be afraid of them and may bite in response. Here are some good tips:<\/p>\n