Bringing your doodle puppy home is a very exciting time, knowing that they will provide you and your family with years of love and affection. However, there is one pivotal part of this process that is frequently forgotten.
What would you say is the most important (yet often overlooked) part of bringing home a new puppy? If you said “training”, then you’re correct. These cute and cuddly companions can easily overshadow the importance of puppy obedience training.
So whether you’re planning to add a doodle puppy to your family or you’ve already brought one home, you’ll want to be prepared. This article will provide you with the resources and tips you’ll want to focus on that will set you (and your new puppy) up for success.
Tips on Training Resources
Perhaps you’re wondering how to train a Goldendoodle…or any other doodle breed. When it’s time to train your new puppy, you may get overwhelmed at just the idea of doing so. Thankfully, you don’t have to feel that way when you have the right resources!
Let’s discuss some of the most valuable options available to assist you in training your doodle puppy:
- Deb’s Camp Doodle – To set your puppy up for success as soon as possible, this is the program for you! At Deb’s Camp Doodle, your doodle puppy will get a head start on basic training, as well as training designed specifically for doodle breeds.
In this 3-week board and train experience, your doodle puppy will learn basic commands, leash training, crate familiarization, and socialization with other dogs. The best part…you don’t have to worry about missing your puppy too much because you’ll receive both text and video updates during the program!
This training is designed to meet the individual needs of doodle breeds by speaking to their intelligent and fun nature!
See why your doodle needs Deb’s Camp Doodle!
- BAXTER & Bella: Online Puppy School – With this doodle training resource, you’ll receive unlimited lifetime access to the BAXTER & Bella Online Puppy School.
This resource will provide you with a step-by-step guide to all the information you’ll need to train your new doodle puppy (as well as yourself). They have classes and courses, games and activities, tips and tricks…you name it, they’ve got it! You can even print checklists for your convenience!
Click HERE to get our DISCOUNT CODE and to learn more!
- YouTube Channels – You can find just about everything on YouTube these days, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that you can also find training tips and tricks, right?
Check out the channels of BAXTER & Bella, Zak George, and Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS. So if you respond best to video material, these resources are for you!
- Books – If you’re a book lover, then you need to read these popular books based on training tips for dog owners:
- Perfect Puppy In 7 Days by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS
- The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell
- In Defence of Dogs by John Bradshaw
With these books, you’ll learn about:
- a step-by-step plan on building a foundation for obedience in the first few weeks of your puppy’s life
- an information-packed look through the eyes of a canine in terms of how they view your behavior and body language
- a deep dive into the history of canines and what drives their behaviors
- The Pet Professional Guild – With a message like “Informed by Science, Guided by Empathy, Governed by Ethics” you’ll find some much-needed tips and evidence-based information from this resource. They offer live events, workshops, and webinars too.
Through this resource, you can even search for a positive, no-force dog trainer in your local area, for your convenience.
- Positively – This resource from Victoria Stilwell provides you with basic puppy training tips. It even offers you everything from life skills your puppy should know to behavioral issues you should be aware of.
Pet owners and dog trainers alike can find multiple courses available to take that will teach them things like leash skills, understanding your dog, and holding the attention of your dog when it really matters. This is also another resource that lets you search for a positive-based dog trainer in your area!
- IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) – With both in-person and virtual live-streamed events, this proves to be a resource full of helpful training tips. You can even take courses on things like canine aggression and anxiety, canine body language, and behavioral genetics.
LEARN MORE about these Training Resources!
Tips on Training Aids
Now that you’ve gotten the best training resources, let’s look at some training aids you’ll want to invest in for doodle training success.
- TREATS – When it comes to training your doodle puppy, you’ll want to remember to stay stocked up on small, easy-to-eat treats. This is to ensure that you’re encouraging a high rate of reinforcement for your puppy.
The idea is to reward them quickly after they correctly perform a trick or action. Think positive reinforcement for positive actions! Here are some examples:
- Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Training Treats
- Pet Botanics Mini Training Reward Treats
- Dingo Soft & Chewy Treats
- Full Moon Organic Training Treats
- Crumps’ Naturals Mini Trainers
- TOYS – All puppies naturally love to play, but do you know how to find out which toys your puppy will like the best?
Try out a variety of toys with your puppy and encourage interactive play with them. Monitor their behavior and see which types of toys they seem to enjoy playing with the most! Here are some toys you should try out during your doodle training:
- A Long Tug Toy (you can buy one or make one from old fabric)
- A Rubber Ball Toy (small enough to fit in their mouth)
- A Soft & Fluffy Toy (something they’ll cuddle and play with)
- A Noise-Making Toy (all dogs LOVE squeaky toys)
- An Interactive/Enrichment Toy (puzzle toys, hide-a-treat toys, etc)
- COMFORT WEAR – Just like you prefer wearing comfortable clothes, your dog prefers to be comfortable as well. You’ll also need to remember that your new puppy will grow quickly, so ensuring you find the best fit for every size is a must.
You’ll want to keep this in mind when shopping for your doodle’s accessories. Cute and comfy can coincide! Here’s what you’ll want to look for:
- Soft, Adjustable Harness (to grow with your puppy)
- Collar w/ Name Tag (NO CRUEL collars like choke or shock)
- Easy-to-Control Leash (to keep your puppy close to you)
Finding the right comfort wear for your puppy is one of the most overlooked aspects of the training process. It is one of the most vital training tips to keep in mind, though, as you’ll want to make sure your puppy learns to be acclimated to these accessories. (Just imagine how difficult it would be to go out anywhere with your dog if they never learned to get used to wearing these important items).
Additional Tips / FAQ
- When is the best time/age to train a doodle puppy?
Generally, it is best to start your doodle training between 2 – 6 months of age.
- How do I stop my doodle puppy from chewing everything?
One of the best ways to keep your new doodle puppy from destroying things you don’t want to be destroyed is by giving it toys that are okay to chew on. Puppies chew so it’s best to give them what they’re allowed to chew on!
- What are the best puppy training treats to use?
When it comes to training treats, you’ll want to encourage your doodle through a high rate of reinforcement. It’s best to do this by giving them small, easy-to-eat treats such as Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Tender Beef Recipe Soft Moist Training Treats (OR) Pet Botanics Mini Training Reward Bacon Flavor Dog Treats.
For a special occasion treat for your puppy, look for our Homemade Dog Treats Recipe!
- What training aids should I invest in?
Grannick’s Bitter Apple for Dogs Spray because the bitter taste will discourage your dog from biting on unwanted objects. It’s also great for keeping them from biting or licking their wounds. It’s NON-TOXIC too!
Poochie Bells Housetraining Doggie Doorbell so your doodle can ring the bell whenever it needs to be let outside to potty.
KONG brand dog chew toys because they’re very durable and safe for your dog, while adding hours of entertainment and enrichment for your doodle.
An Exercise Pen Enclosure so your puppy can play while getting plenty of exercise. Both of these things are equally important!
Conclusion
Remember, training your new puppy does not have to be stressful. When you keep these training tips in mind, you’ll set yourself and your doodle puppy up for success.
Now you can relax and cuddle with your new canine companion!
