Goldendoodles really are awesome dogs, but there are some things you need to know before you set your heart on this particular hybrid. Take a look at the questions below....
1) You fell in love with the beautiful coat of the Goldendoodle. Most often it is soft and luxurious. You love the "scruffy" look. But, are you ready for the grooming involved?
There is nothing like a doodle coat. It IS soft and luxurious. Most of our dogs feel exactly like a sheepskin rug. People can't walk by them without touching them. Even in a short coat they are beautiful dogs, striking in the way the move, adorable in the looks they give you, and far better to cuddle with than any stuffed animal you can find
While there are some doodles who’s coats only rarely mat, most of the time those beautiful coats you see do take some work. If you don't have the time to groom, are you willing to have your doodle shaved to a shorter cut? There is nothing wrong with a doodle in short coat. In fact, many people prefer it!
Bear 8 months old
Dudley, fresh from the groomer
Some prefer a clipped doodle
2) You've seen an extremely low key doodle around town, and loved his disposition and the fact he was so well behaved! He was an awesome dog, and you want one just like him! Guess what...HE DIDN'T COME THAT WAY! Are you ready to do obedience training?
All dogs, no matter what breed or mix they happen to be, need training. Dogs are like kids, in that you don't have to teach them to be naughty, you have to teach them to be good! You don't have to yell at your dog for him to be well behaved, you have to TRAIN HIM! (please see our contract, and the incentive we offer for obedience training!) Don't let their "muppet" look fool you! Doodles are highly intelligent dogs. Smart dogs who get bored will think of things to do or get into in order to spice things up a bit. If you're not willing to put time into obedience training, then a doodle is not for you.
If you haven't had a dog before, you are in for an incredible ride with a doodle! Smart dogs learn tricks quickly, and are easy to obedience train. Obedience training is THE BEST THING you can do to build a strong, trusting relationship between you and your dog. When you have a well-trained, well-mannered dog, you can honestly say you know your dog better than most of your neighbors know theirs. You will have a dog you can take anywhere without people being annoyed that you brought him along. Instead of cringing when they see your dog coming, people will BEG you to bring your well-mannered doodle to visit. Should you need to go out of town, it's much easier to find someone willing to sit for your well-mannered doodle! There are lots of obedience related sports that are not only fun, they will keep your doodle alert and challenged. Keeping his mind sharp and busy will make him AND YOU very happy. Kids LOVE to get involved with training as well, and many training facilities have "Jr. Handler" classes available.
Dudley and Rubee take a break
Dudley attends Jr. handler class with Angela. In June 2006, at 10 months old, Dudley completed his CGC (Canine Good Citizen testing) through the AKC
Some doodles get dirty
3) You have a very neat and tidy house, and like the thought of a doodle because of the "no shedding" factor.
Most doodles don't shed, however this is not 100% predictable. We can usually tell by hair coat which ones won't shed as adults, but we cannot guarantee your doodle won't shed. Doodles are not "neat and tidy" dogs. When they get a drink, their beard might drip water on the floor. When they eat, they may stop to look around, dropping food on the floor. The standards are big, with a tail that is perfect coffee table height, and can clear one with one sweep. But it is these very qualities that makes you love your doodle in a way you never thought you could love an animal. His clown-like personality will cause you to spend more time watching him than you do T.V. His beard not only "makes" the dog, but will be something that you look forward to waking you each morning. A doodle face with his "old soul" eyes is something your friends will wish they had. With a standard, even with his size he is graceful (ok, well, puppies don’t count. LOL) and amazing to watch stroll around the yard. People will stop you to ask about this beautiful animal on the end of the leash.
Some doodles get wet!
Some doodles...are just doodles!
4)You have people in your house with allergies and have heard that doodles are "hypo-allergenic".
While many people who have dog allergies can tolerate doodles without a problem, again this is not something that can be guaranteed. When you visit our puppies for the first time, keep in mind they have been together with their littermates, one of whom you may be allergic too, and others not. Their dander spreads from one to another so it is very difficult to tell if you're reacting to a particular puppy, or to his brother that layed on top of him 10 minutes ago. They're also with their mother, a Golden Retriever, who you will most likely react to. If you have dog allergies and want to visit the puppies to see if you react, please contact us so we can arrange to have a puppy bathed and separated for your visit.
