KEY BEHAVIORAL BASIC TRAINING COMMANDS
TO DO DURING ACTIVITY TIME
Training is an on-going process that is rewarding for owners and dogs. Doing even a little bit of training at some point every day is very helpful, satisfies a need Goldendoodles have for stimulation, and gives positive feedback to dogs and owners. Goldendoodles need stimulation, activity and exercise every day so they don't become bored and give themselves their own jobs to do, which are often things we see as destructive and we don't want them to do. But imagine if we never got to read or learn or watch anything interesting, or get any neurological stimulation for an entire day. It's not a good feeling, and some of us would be so bored out of our minds we would go crazy and find something to do, even if it's destructive. Training is like treats for the puppy's mind, it gives them something positive to do and it helps satisfy that need they have. It's important while training to use one word at a time, so puppy associates the word with the command. Be commanding in tone and use a strong voice. Puppies will do better if they respect the authority of the trainer. Be slowly, just a little bit at a time pays off. Be patient, consistent and repetitive. Teens and kids can help, it's exciting to see the dog obey them. Below are some solid basic commands to be aware of to add to the training regimen as puppy grows. Be consistent with these training goals. Use treats like positive attention and food rewards to reinforce when your dog does what you want. Use negative feedback sounds (like uh-huh or even a hissing sound) when they do the opposite of what you want.
"Watch"- This command helps puppy to really focus and pay attention to you. Hold a treat between your eyes so puppy focuses on you. Give them the treat as they pay attention. This command is a starter and can be used before teaching or working on other commands.
"Down" Staying on Four Feet- Goldendoodles are energetic people dogs. They love to see their owners! They want to greet you with their whole body, at your eye level, so training them to stay on four feet is an on-going process to counter that friendly, instinctual tendency. Giving puppy attention and praise when they stay on four feet when they greet you and refrain from jumping up is key. When they whine or jump up, don't praise or become animated. Help them to stay "Down", sometimes you need to gently hold them down, and then give positive praise when they stay there as you release them. Staying on all four feet encourages them not to take things from the counter, jump up on you or visitors, and a host of other behavior problems.
"Sit" - This important basic is so helpful when puppy needs to calm down or reset, and is a foundation for many other commands. Help the puppy sit, then give them a reward and positive praise when they do it. Keep repeating, and soon they will be doing it without your help.
"Come"- When puppy learns to sit, gradually back away and tell them to "Come" to you. Use their name. Increase the distance before you call them.
Leash Training- It can take puppy some time to learn how to walk on a leash. Some trainers like to wait until 9-10 weeks to really start on leash training, and do it very gradually. Introduce the leash inside. Let the leash drag behind the puppy inside the house at times to help with training. Usually owners walk slower than puppy wants to walk. Don't let puppy pull on the leash. Do not start by walking outside. Start by walking short distances inside the house. If puppy tries to walk in front of your heel, pull up on the slip leash until they stop and sit. Say "Sit" to them. Wait a few beats and then start again until puppy is walking for a few minutes at a time without pulling and stays behind your heel. This can take some time, doing it inside with less distractions helps. Gradually build up leash time.
"Place"- Puppy needs a playpen when they are young to confine them inside the house and help with house training. As puppy gets bigger, becomes housebroken, and their playpen is gradually removed, they should have a designated "place" that they go to during activity time when they aren't resting in their crate. They can be trained to go here when things get exciting, like the doorbell rings, or you are busy, so they have a job to do instead of giving themselves a job like barking or charging the visitor. A dogbed can work well for their Place. Having toys to chew on for oral stimulation while they are in their place is important so they don't chew things they shouldn't. Goldendoodles need chew time as they are oral dogs, taught to "retrieve" hunting items. Using their mouth is an important part of their positive stimulation. Use a leash to bring them to their place. Give them treats when they go to their Place. Teach them to "Stay" there. Give them good chew toys, even an old towel or blanket is great for chewing, and chew treats when they stay. Then "Release" and tell them to come to you. The Stay time can gradually increase before "Release" happens.
"Touch"- Sometimes it's helpful to hang bells on the doorknob so puppy can signal when they need to go outside. When puppies have a consistent schedule for going outside to go potty, and if they learn to "touch" the bells hanging at the door with their nose to make an audible signal when they need to go outside they are well house trained dog. Touching with their nose can prevent scratching on your door.
"Leave It"- This is a great command to teach your dog when you don't want it to touch or get into something. Draw their attention away from something you don't want them to do with this command, and reward them when they obey.