How to Train a Labradoodle Puppy
Labradoodles are a newer dog breed that combines the best of Labrador retrievers and standard poodles. A labradoodle puppy is a cute bundle of energy. This breed tends to be easy to housetrain, and quick to learn tricks and commands, as they are very willing, high-energy and intelligent. Adapt your training program to the labradoodle puppy's specific needs if you want a well-trained dog.
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Instructions
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Socialize your puppy. Although labradoodles are generally very outgoing and friendly, an unsocialized dog is always a liability. Take your puppy as many places as you can, and encourage all kinds of people to pet her. The puppy should become accustomed to loud noises, traffic, cats and other small animals, running children, skateboards, handicapped people and equipment and anything that will be a part of life for the puppy as she grows.
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Take your puppy to puppy kindergarten, which will provide socialization with all kinds of dogs in a supervised, safe environment. Labradoodles tend to enjoy the company of other dogs and animals, but still need positive experiences with other dogs at a young age. Puppy parks can also be a good social setting. A well-run and safe dog park is clean and has separate areas for young puppies and adults, as well as a strictly enforced policy against aggressive dogs. An adult dog may discipline a young pup with a growl or by putting its mouth on the puppy's muzzle or scruff (the back of the pup's neck); however, the adult should never attack or nip the pup. Older puppies cannot play with very young or small pups because they don't yet understand to be gentle, in just the same way that a human toddler cannot play with an infant.
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Enroll your puppy in obedience classes as soon as it is old enough, possibly after completion of kindergarten, but each trainer sets the age limits. A trainer who uses proper, modern training methods should not have to limit the class to dogs over 6 months of age, so if you see that limitation, carefully discuss the methods used with the trainer. There should be no yanking, choking, slinging or other rough handling, regardless of the pup's age. Practice the training at home daily, even after the puppy has completed the class. Training should be a lifelong activity for all owners and dogs, but it is especially important with a labradoodle, because of their high energy level and intelligence. If you aren't the leader, your labradoodle will be.
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Provide mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Teach your puppy to play with puzzle toys for a mental workout-- he has to work the puzzle to get treats to fall out. Teach the puppy to run an agility course or devise other little games, such as hide and seek, to keep your puppy mentally alert and ease boredom. These dogs are capable of almost any task; don't let your labradoodle languish with nothing to do.
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Teach your puppy to sit when asking for attention. This will help prevent the habit of jumping up on people, which can be a big problem with this breed, because of their exuberant nature. Give treats or petting only when your puppy sits. Ignore the pup when he jumps.
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Keep training sessions positive and interesting. Find ways to challenge your puppy and keep her interested. Let sessions be frequent but rather short, since these pups are easily bored.
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Teach your puppy the name of every toy, food, treat, dish and person in the family. The more you teach, the happier this puppy will be. After you teach your labradoodle the names, then show the pup how to find that person or item.
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Tips & Warnings
Be consistent and fair about all rules.
Socialization is important, but you must protect the pup from contracting diseases before he completes the entire series of shots; keep your puppy's vaccinations up to date.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Labradoodle Face image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
