Goldendoodle Energy Level: At What Age Do ... - FiveBarks

Goldendoodles typically start to show a calmer demeanor around 2 to 3 years of age. Known for their hybrid vigor from Golden Retriever and Poodle lineage, these energetic canines are beloved family pets that thrive in active environments.

In this article, you’ll learn about the different developmental stages of a Goldendoodle’s life, what influences their lively nature, and how to gently guide them into a more relaxed adult phase.

If you’re questioning when your playful puppy will transition into a tranquil adult, you’re in the right place. Join us as we delve into the factors that contribute to a Goldendoodle’s energy levels and how to navigate the path to peaceful coexistence with your pet.

Table of Contents

• When Do Goldendoodles Calm Down?
• What Factors Impact a Goldendoodle’s Energy Levels?
• What’s the Best Approach to Handling a Goldendoodle Puppy’s Energy?
• How Can I Deal With My Hyper Goldendoodle Puppy?
• What Exercises Can Help Calm an Energetic Goldendoodle?
• Barking
• How to Address and Discourage Biting and Mouthing in Goldendoodles?
• In Conclusion

When Do Goldendoodles Calm Down?

Goldendoodles typically begin to calm down when they reach the end of their puppy stage and start to mature, usually around 12 to 18 months old.

You might notice a decrease in hyperactivity as your Goldendoodle grows out of the puppy phase and approaches adulthood. Some owners even observe a change in energy levels as their pet loses baby teeth, which happens at about six to eight months, though the most significant shift often occurs when they transition into adult dogs.

Additionally, this period of calming down may align with changes in their coat, from the soft puppy fur to their thicker, coarser adult coats. Rest assured, your lively Goldendoodle will mellow with age while retaining its playful spirit.

Understanding the Three Stages of Goldendoodle Energy Levels

Goldendoodles typically go through three distinct energy stages as they grow:

1. Puppyhood (0-12 months): This stage is characterized by bursts of high energy, with Goldendoodle puppies displaying playful and sometimes boisterous behavior as they explore their world and learn boundaries.
2. Adolescence (1-3 years): During this stage, Goldendoodles are still quite energetic but start to show signs of settling as they progress toward maturity.
3. Adulthood (3+ years): Adult Goldendoodles generally exhibit a more relaxed and steady energy level, with their enthusiastic spurts balanced by longer periods of contentment and calm.

Understanding these stages can help owners provide appropriate training, exercise, and mental stimulation to match their Goldendoodle’s evolving needs.

What Factors Impact a Goldendoodle’s Energy Levels?

Every dog is different, and some are more lively than others. However, age is a primary factor affecting the energy levels of your Goldendoodle.In their puppy years, expect a whirlwind of activity with frequent bursts of playfulness interspersed with naps and meal times. As they grow, their energy levels peak even as their need for sleep diminishes, mirroring the development you’d see in a young child.

Moving into adolescence, which generally spans from six months to about 18 months, your Goldendoodle’s energy reserves seem nearly boundless. Adequate and varied physical exercise becomes crucial during this stage to channel their vigor constructively. Engaging your dog in lengthy walks, playful interaction, and focused training sessions can all serve to effectively expend their abundant energy.

What’s the Best Approach to Handling a Goldendoodle Puppy’s Energy?

The best approach to handling a Goldendoodle puppy’s energy is to engage them in consistent socialization and training from a young age.

The boundless energy that Goldendoodle puppies exhibit is a trait passed down from their Poodle and Golden Retriever ancestors, both of which are breeds with considerable stamina for working all day in the field. As a result, Goldendoodle puppies often display behaviors like hyperactivity, sudden bursts of speed (known as ‘the zoomies‘), and enthusiastic barking.

To harness this natural vigor, early socialization and training are key. Enroll your puppy in local training classes, which are frequently offered by veterinary clinics, or participate in programs like the American Kennel Club’s STAR Puppy Program, which provides incentives for responsible pet training. This foundation will help channel your Goldendoodle’s energy into positive behaviors and strengthen your bond with your lively companion.

How Can I Deal With My Hyper Goldendoodle Puppy?

Goldendoodles love life and are generally happy-go-lucky characters. That can lead to crazy, undesirable behavior that’s primarily caused by overexcitement. Don’t be concerned! Goldendoodle puppies are extremely excitable by nature.

If you find your lively Goldendoodle’s energy to be overwhelming, rest assured there are effective ways to channel that vigor beyond just physical exercise. Let’s explore how you can turn your puppy’s boundless enthusiasm into positive, manageable behaviors.

Don’t Punish Your Puppy!

Goldendoodles don’t respond well to punishment or negative behavior on your part.

If you shout at your puppy when he gets overexcited, you’ll risk making your puppy afraid of you, and that will destroy his happy outlook and playful temperament.

Never hit your puppy, even if he chews your favorite shoes or trashes something in your home! Using physical punishment to chastise your puppy is never acceptable.

How to Utilize Positive Reinforcement, Distraction, and Proactive Measures

To effectively manage your Goldendoodle’s behavior, incorporate positive reinforcement by rewarding desired actions with treats, praise, or playtime, which encourages repetition of those good behaviors.Utilize distraction techniques to redirect energy and focus when they become overexcited or start to engage in unwanted activities.Additionally, proactively set up an environment that prevents bad habits from forming, such as removing temptations and providing plenty of engaging toys, to keep your furry friend occupied in a constructive way.

Don’t Reward Overexcitement

To maintain a balanced and well-behaved Goldendoodle, it’s crucial not to reward overexcitement. Instead, reinforce calm behavior with attention and treats, which teaches them that self-control is both positive and rewarding.

This approach will help your Goldendoodle learn to manage its exuberance and develop into a composed content companion.

The Significance of Daily Exercise for Your Goldendoodle

Ensuring your Goldendoodle gets the right amount of daily exercise is key to their health and happiness. Adult Goldendoodles thrive with at least 60 minutes of physical activity, which can be a combination of walks, dog park visits, play sessions, or training exercises.

Puppies, on the other hand, have different needs; they require shorter periods of activity and gentle play to prevent overexertion and potential harm to their developing joints. Tailoring exercise to the age and energy level of your Goldendoodle is important for their physical well-being and promotes a calm, well-balanced demeanor.

The Importance of Mental Stimulation for Goldendoodles

Mental stimulation is essential for the intelligent and active Goldendoodle breed to ensure their happiness and prevent unruly behavior. Without adequate engagement, a Goldendoodle may resort to destructive habits like chewing and excessive barking, or may even show signs of depression.

It’s important to prevent boredom and overexcitement by providing a variety of interactive toys and dedicating time to regular training, which, alongside sufficient physical exercise, will keep your Goldendoodle entertained and at ease.

What Exercises Can Help Calm an Energetic Goldendoodle?

Discover a variety of engaging activities that you can enjoy with your Goldendoodle right in the comfort of your home, beyond the daily walks and dog park adventures.

These enjoyable and calming exercises not only deepen your bond but also help maintain your pup’s composure by improving concentration and preventing overexcitement.

Scent Training

Scent training or nose work is a very easy indoor activity that you can do with your Goldendoodle, which will tire him out both physically and mentally. This is a great indoor dog game for times when the weather is inclement, or you can’t take your dog out for a walk for some other reason.

Scent games are basically the equivalent of playing hide and seek but using food, ideally your Doodle’s favorite calming treat.

• Take a couple of empty cardboard boxes and put a treat inside one of them.
• Give your dog a treat and praise him.
• Now, allow your dog to sniff the boxes. Your Doodle should very quickly sniff out the treat! Reward your pet with lots of praise and extra treats.
• Make the game more difficult. Begin by hiding treats in different locations around your house, starting in just one room and gradually making the game more challenging by using multiple locations.
• Once the treats are safely hidden, you can send your dog on a snack hunt. Every time your Goldendoodle finds a tasty treat, he’s rewarded for his efforts.

The act of searching for the treats is both mentally and physically exhausting for your dog. So, a session of scent training every day or two is an excellent way of keeping your hyperactive pet calm.

Barking

Excessive barking in Goldendoodles often stems from under-exercise, anxiety, or inadequate mental stimulation, despite their reputation for not being overly vocal. It’s important to distinguish between beneficial alert barking and disruptive barking which can become a challenge for both you and your neighbors.

Addressing the core reasons for barking and gently discouraging the behavior through training and enrichment can help maintain a serene environment.

What Is Good Barking?

Good barking is a form of communication from your Goldendoodle that indicates something specific, such as alerting you to someone at the door, a stranger on your property, or a need to go outside for a bathroom break.

It might also be a reminder for meals or simply an expression of joy, like barking excitedly when greeting you after a long day or in anticipation of a walk. This type of barking is generally considered to be positive, as it is your Goldendoodle’s way of signaling a need or sharing their happiness and enthusiasm for life with you.

What Is Bad Barking?

Bad barking in Goldendoodles is often a sign that they’re experiencing some form of distress, discomfort, or unmet need. Here are the key reasons that can lead to such behavior:

• Separation Anxiety: Barking as a result of distress when left home alone, hoping for the owner’s return.
• Fear: Loud noises or strangers can trigger barking as a protective or nervous response.
• Attention Seeking: Goldendoodles may bark to gain attention if they feel ignored or excluded from social interaction.
• Health Issues: A Goldendoodle in pain, such as if your pet has arthritic joints that hurt him when he gets up, he might bark.

How Can You Prevent Problem Barking in Goldendoodles?

To prevent problem barking in Goldendoodles, it’s crucial to identify why they are barking excessively. For instance, if your dog doesn’t like being alone, consider doggy daycare, hiring a dog walker, or even bringing your pet to work if possible.

If external stimuli such as passersby or squirrels trigger barking, you may need to close shades, draw drapes, or reorganize the furniture to limit your Goldendoodle’s view. By addressing these specific triggers, you can help reduce unwanted barking behaviors.

How to Address and Discourage Biting and Mouthing in Goldendoodles?

Biting and mouthing are common behaviors in Goldendoodles, especially in puppies who are exploring their world. To discourage this, provide appropriate chew toys, engage in positive reinforcement training, and establish clear boundaries.

If a puppy bites, a firm “no” or ceasing play can teach them that biting leads to negative consequences. Consistent training and patient reinforcement of these techniques can help your Goldendoodle learn proper behavior.

What Toys Are Best For Calming Goldendoodles?

As well as taking your Goldendoodle for a walk and doing some basic obedience training can help to calm your furry friend, you might also want to invest in a few dog toys to keep your pet entertained.

One of the most popular toys that work extremely effectively with hyperactive Goldendoodles is the traditional Kong rubber dog toy. The Kong doesn’t look like much, but this puzzle toy works in multiple ways to amuse your dog and solve behavioral problems.

Basically, the Kong is a hollow, rubber chew toy that you can fill with treats and then freeze. Once the contents are frozen, you can give the Kong to your puppy or adult Doodle. The dog will be kept amused for hours, first working out that there’s food inside the toy and then trying to get the frozen goodies out.

Other plus points of a Kong toy include:

• Chewing on a Kong toy can prevent teething puppies from chewing and damaging items around your home.
• When a puppy is teething, its gums are often sore and inflamed. A frozen Kong can be very soothing for your puppy, cooling his mouth.
• Freezing treats inside the toy can save you quite a lot of cash, as the treats last much longer than they would if you simply gave them to your pet right out of the packet.

Other fun toys for Goldendoodles can be made at home. For example, try upcycling some of your old T-shirts and turning them into tug-of-war toys.

Keep Calm And Carry On!

Dogs are very sensitive creatures, and if you’re stressed, your dog might pick up on that and become anxious too. That can trigger your puppy’s hyper behavior, further stressing you out and exacerbating the situation further.

Try keeping calm. Make yourself relaxed when you’re around your dog so that your pet doesn’t immediately pick up on your stressed vibe and react to it. Praise your dog for remaining calm and chilled out and reward him with a treat or two.

Sit!

You can use a basic command, such as “sit,” to calm your Goldendoodle. By asking your dog to sit down quietly beside you, you’re encouraging him to relax rather than dashing around and becoming overexcited. That strategy also works well when you’re out and about with your dog. In a situation that could become difficult, simply ask your dog to sit down and take a breath.

Similarly, when visitors come to your home, make sure that your dog sits calmly to greet them rather than jumping up or charging around the room.

Remember to use positive reinforcement when teaching your dog anything. Reward your pet with praise and treats when he does what you ask.

When Will My Goldendoodle Calm Down Completely?

Goldendoodles, known for their relative longevity and potential lifespan of up to 15 years, often display varying levels of energy throughout their lives. Smaller varieties may live longer than their larger counterparts.

While a Goldendoodle may never become “completely calm,” especially given their active nature, they typically show signs of settling down around the age of two to three years.

As they enter their senior years, you’ll likely observe a more noticeable shift towards a calmer demeanor, although the rate at which they mellow can differ greatly among individual dogs, with some maintaining high levels of energy well into their later years.

In Conclusion

We hope our exploration into the energetic world of Goldendoodles has provided you with valuable insights. Understanding that these affectionate dogs are a dynamic mix of poodle intelligence and retriever vigor, it’s clear that they are ideally suited for energetic families who revel in outdoor adventures. If you’re considering a Goldendoodle as your new furry companion, be ready to embrace a year or more of high-spirited puppyhood, complete with their adorable zoomies, playful barking, and enthusiastic chewing.

Patience and persistence are key, as you can expect your Goldendoodle to start showing signs of calming down around the age of two to three years, with their energy levels balancing out given the right mix of physical activity and cognitive challenges.

For those who’ve already opened their homes to a Goldendoodle, we’d love to hear how you harness their exuberant energy. Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—and don’t forget to pass this guide along to fellow Goldendoodle lovers!